Malliotakis’ 3+1 Security Framework Advances in State Department Reauthorization
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) applauds the inclusion of her bipartisan legislation, H.R. 2510, The American-Hellenic-Israeli Eastern Mediterranean Counterterrorism and Maritime Security Partnership Act of 2025, in the State Department Reauthorization bill advanced by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The measure, introduced with Congressman Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10), establishes a security-focused “3+1” framework among the United States, Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus to enhance counterterrorism and maritime security.
The provisions strengthen this partnership by creating new parliamentary and executive-level cooperation groups; launching two security training programs, CERBERUS, focused on counterterrorism at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS), and TRIREME, a maritime security program at the Greek Souda Bay Naval Base; and modernizing the decades-old U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus.
“I thank Chairman Brian Mast and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for including our bipartisan legislation to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and maritime security between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus as part of the State Department’s reauthorization," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "Strengthening this partnership is vital, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on this momentum to pass this important bill.”
“The Eastern Mediterranean is crucial to America’s national security and economic future, and this bipartisan legislation strengthens our partnership with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus to confront mutual threats,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “With the passage of the Department of State Policy Provisions Act out of committee, we are one step closer to improving cooperation between these countries and promoting stability in a critical region. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this legislation passed on the House floor and signed into law.”
“The growing strategic partnership between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus has been a tremendous boon to our shared interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening our ability to combat terrorism,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean or elsewhere, there is simply no substitute for robust U.S. leadership and strong cooperation with our allies. I’m proud that key provisions of my bipartisan legislation advanced out of committee this week. I remain committed to strengthening our ties with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus and holding Turkey accountable for its continued aggression.”
"The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) commends the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee for passing these provisions from the American-Hellenic-Israeli Security Act. Extending the expiration of the 3+1 Interparliamentary Group is essential to maintaining interconnectivity among U.S. partners in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Additionally, the establishment of an interparliamentary security subgroup and an interexecutive security group are great steps towards bolstering security cooperation between Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Israel, and the U.S. We thank Representatives Mallliotakis, Goldman, Gotthiemer, and Kean Jr. for their leadership on this important step to strengthen the 3+1 structure, as well as the nearly two dozen Members of Congress who co-led this initiative," said AHI Legislative Director, Alexander Christofor.
This bill removes restrictions on defense articles and security assistance to the Republic of Cyprus and mandates the development of comprehensive strategies for counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation. It authorizes funds for facilities and equipment at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas, and Port Security, the Greek Souda Naval Base, and all training programs. Additionally, this bill increases IMET funding for all three partner nations.