End Cyprus Embargo Act – Congressional Bill HR8212

Cosponsor Bipartisan H.R.8212, the End the Cyprus Embargo Act

To cosponsor, please fill out this form

Cosponsors (8): Bilirakis, Burchett, Goldman, Malliotakis, Pallone, Pappas, Sarbanes, Titus

Supporting Organizations: American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, American Jewish Committee (AJC), Daughters of Penelope, FDD Action, Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), The Coordinated Effort of Hellenes

Dear Colleague,

We invite you to cosponsor the bipartisan End the Cyprus Embargo Act (H.R.8212), which will extend the waiver period on the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) restrictions the Republic of Cyprus is subject to from one year to five years. This change will bolster the historic growth in U.S.-Cypriot relations, enhance bilateral cooperation, and advance

U.S. security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Over the past two decades, U.S.-Cyprus relations have strengthened substantially, with Cyprus emerging as a pivotal ally for U.S. interests and regional stability. Our nations collaborate closely on security and defense, including joint military exercises, Cyprus’s participation in the National Guard State Partnership Program, and through the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS). This U.S-funded initiative serves as a regional training hub, enhancing capabilities in border security, customs and export controls, maritime security, and cybersecurity for allies in the region. The Republic of Cyprus has also given the U.S. military unprecedented access to its bases and ports.

The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 authorized the President to waive the arms embargo but only on an annual basis. While this was a positive development, the annual renewal requirement restricts Cyprus’s ability to plan and procure U.S. defense articles effectively, compromises U.S.-Cypriot military interoperability, impedes joint research on cybersecurity and maritime security, and diminishes the effectiveness of the National Guard State Partnership Program in Cyprus. Moreover, Cyprus has successfully – and repeatedly – complied with the conditions laid out in the Act.

The End the Cyprus Embargo Act will solidify U.S.-Cypriot relations, foster long-term planning and cooperation, and ensure interoperability with regional allies. Specifically, this legislation will:

• Extend the waiver renewal period for the arms embargo from one year to five
• Permit the President to reconsider the arms embargo waiver only every five years following its enactment.
• Prohibit the President from terminating the waiver unless Congress receives certification that the Republic of Cyprus is no longer:
  • Cooperating with S. efforts to implement anti-money laundering regulations and financial oversight reforms; and
  • Denying Russian military vessels access to ports for refueling and

As authoritarian regimes and terrorist organizations continue to pose significant threats to U.S. interests both regionally and globally, it is essential that we support the Republic of Cyprus. As a steadfast, democratic ally in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is a critical instrument in our collective security architecture in the region.

If you’d like to cosponsor this bill, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please contact Jake Friedman at Jake.Friedman@mail.house.gov with Rep. Chris Pappas’s office.

Sincerely,

Chris Pappas                           Gus M. Bilirakis                                 Dina Titus

Member of Congress             Member of Congress                         Member of Congress

Nicole Malliotakis

Member of Congress