US Lawmakers Propose Bill to Bolster Defense Ties with Greece

A bipartisan coalition of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Greece. The “United States-Greece Security Cooperation Reporting Act” was presented on Monday by Congressional Hellenic Caucus co-chairs Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY).
The proposed bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the extent of US-Greece security ties. This includes an assessment of basing rights under the 2021 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, which significantly expanded US access to crucial military sites across Greece, notably on strategic islands and at bases like Souda Bay and Alexandroupoli. These locations have gained increasing importance in US and NATO operations supporting Ukraine and promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Representative Meng emphasized the strong bond between the nations and the role of Greece as a key NATO ally, stating, “This legislation will help strengthen the bond between our nations and support our defense and diplomatic priorities.” Bilirakis echoed these sentiments, calling Greece a “cornerstone of stability” and highlighting the bill’s role in enhancing transparency and shared security interests. Congresswoman Titus added that bolstering cooperation with Greece “bolsters US security, deters aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean, and promotes regional stability.” Malliotakis reaffirmed the US commitment to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder with Greece to defend our shared democratic values and secure the Eastern Mediterranean for generations to come.”
The legislation enjoys strong support from leading Greek-American advocacy organizations, including the Hellenic American Leadership Council, AHEPA, and the American Hellenic Institute. These groups believe the bill will optimize the bilateral relationship, potentially increasing US utilization of Greece’s geostrategic locations and cementing Greece’s pivotal role in US foreign policy across the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Lawmakers are hopeful that the act will solidify Greece’s expanding role in US defense strategy and reaffirm a shared commitment to democracy, regional stability, and NATO collaboration.