Lawmakers have introduced a series of amendments to the annual defense policy bill that would place Turkey’s behavior in the Eastern Mediterranean under heightened scrutiny, citing U.S. national security interests.
The three amendments, filed with the House Armed Services Committee during deliberations on the National Defense Authorization Act, would bar U.S. arms sales to Turkey until the administration certifies that it has taken steps to deter Ankara from violating the sovereignty of Greece, Cyprus and other allies; require an assessment of the security risks from Turkey’s occupation of northern Cyprus; and scrutinize its ties to Hamas and other militant groups.
Focus on Cyprus and Arms Sales
Representative Dan Goldman, Democrat of New York introduced an amendment requiring the Pentagon to produce a comprehensive report on the security risks stemming from Turkey’s continued military presence in Cyprus.
The report, to be submitted within 180 days, would be prepared in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Among its mandates: an assessment of how the occupation affects the security of U.S. allies and partners—including Israel, Britain, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus—as well as a review of terrorist activity in or linked to the occupied territories. It would also require an accounting of any use of American weapons by Turkey in connection with the occupation.
Mr. Goldman’s proposal comes as Israel has intensified lobbying efforts in Washington over Turkey’s ties to militant groups, and as Congress shows growing interest in Cyprus as a strategic hub for energy transit and regional security.
Representative Josh Gottheimer, Democrat of New Jersey, introduced a separate amendment seeking to halt U.S. arms transfers to Turkey unless the administration certifies that it has taken steps to prevent Ankara from violating the sovereignty of Greece, Cyprus and other American allies.
The measure would also require assurances that U.S. weapons are not being used in Cyprus to support the occupation, and that Turkey refrains from future purchases of Russian defense systems like the S-400 missile platform.
Under the proposal, the Secretary of State would have to brief Congress before any new arms sales to Turkey are approved. The restrictions would remain in place for five years unless the president certifies that Turkey has ended its sovereignty violations.
Political Backing from the Greek-American Community
Both lawmakers have increasingly taken an interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and are seeking to shape U.S. policy in a region whose strategic weight has grown amid energy competition and security tensions. They worked with Greek-American advocacy groups, including the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), in drafting the amendments, which those groups have strongly backed.
