To eliminate certain limitations and exclusions regarding defense articles and requirements regarding security assistance and sales with respect to the Republic of Cyprus.
In Committee
Introduced:Jan 9, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Ed Case
Representative
Democratic
HI-1
Cosponsors
5
Quick Stats
Policy Area
International Affairs
Summary
This bill removes statutory restrictions on U.S. security assistance to Cyprus, eliminating requirements that the President certify Cyprus is addressing money laundering, financial oversight, and denial of services to Russian military vessels before transferring defense articles. It also removes certification requirements for aid to Greece and Turkey.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill removes statutory restrictions on U.S. security assistance to Cyprus, eliminating requirements that the President certify Cyprus is addressing money laundering, financial oversight, and denial of services to Russian military vessels before transferring defense articles. It also removes certification requirements for aid to Greece and Turkey.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p>This bill eliminates certain statutory restrictions on U.S. security assistance to Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. </p><p>For example, the bill eliminates requirements that the President</p><ul><li>as a condition of transferring defense articles to Cyprus, annually certify to Congress that Cyprus is taking certain actions with regards to money laundering, financial regulatory oversight, and denying refueling and servicing to Russian military vessels; and</li><li>when requesting certain security assistance funds from Congress for Greece and Turkey, certify that providing such assistance is compatible with specified principles that support U.S. policy in the region (e.g., that such security assistance is intended solely for defensive purposes and preserves the balance of military strength among countries of the region).</li></ul>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Removes security assistance restrictions for Cyprus
Eliminates certification requirements for defense transfers
Ends requirements about Russian military vessel services
Removes Greece and Turkey aid certification requirements
Modernizes regional security assistance policy
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Cyprus would have easier access to U.S. defense equipment and security assistance. Greece and Turkey aid processes would be streamlined. Critics worry about removing accountability measures, while supporters argue restrictions are outdated given current regional security needs.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
International Affairs
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
298, 119th Congress (2025). "To eliminate certain limitations and exclusions regarding defense articles and requirements regarding security assistance and sales with respect to the Republic of Cyprus.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-298
