WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, and Carolyn Maloney’s bipartisan request for $1.8 million for International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece and funding for the Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and United States 3+1 Cooperation Interparliamentary Group was included in the FY23 government funding package that passed the U.S. Senate on December 22 and would be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives later that day.

Congressman Chris Pappas released the following statement:

“The United States’ relationship with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel has only grown more important in recent years. Delivering these IMET assistance funds for Greece and supporting the 3+1 cooperation interparliamentary group will ensure our countries can continue to work together on critical issues including maritime security, defense cooperation, energy initiatives, and to counter the malign influence efforts of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. I’m pleased to see our bipartisan effort has secured these funds to promote regional cooperation between the United States and three like-minded democracies of the Eastern Mediterranean, a strategically crucial area at the crossroads between three continents. In Congress, I am committed to advocating for policies that will continue to support our allies and benefit the security and stability of the region.”