A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between the United States and Greece. The legislation, titled the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Reporting Act, seeks to explore opportunities for expanding the American military presence in Greece — including its islands.

The initiative comes from the leadership of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and reflects a broader strategic interest in enhancing the U.S.-Greece security partnership amid rising global tensions. The bill was submitted by Representatives Grace Meng, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus, and Nicole Malliotakis.

Under the proposed legislation, the U.S. Secretary of Defense would be required to submit a report to Congress identifying new opportunities to bolster defense collaboration with Greece. This would include an assessment of current base rights under the existing Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which grants U.S. forces access to four additional Greek military sites.

Supporters of the bill say it comes at a critical moment, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East prompting the Pentagon to ramp up its military activity in the region.

“Bases such as Alexandroupoli and Souda Bay, Crete, have become key strategic hubs for U.S. and NATO power projection across the Eastern Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, Ukraine, and the Middle East,” the lawmakers stated. “They play an essential role in logistics, especially in the continued resupply of Ukraine.”

The proposed legislation underscores the deepening strategic alliance between Washington and Athens, positioning Greece as a vital partner in maintaining regional stability and countering growing security challenges in Europe and beyond.