A bipartisan bill aimed at reinforcing U.S. ties with Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean region advanced through the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday by a 45-2 vote.
H.R. 3307, titled the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, seeks to elevate the region as a strategic priority in U.S. foreign policy by strengthening support for initiatives such as the U.S.-led 3+1 dialogue with Greece, Israel and Cyprus, as well as the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, which covers issues like energy security, regional integration and economic cooperation.
“The Eastern Mediterranean is emerging as a central hub for energy and infrastructure connecting Europe, the Middle East and India,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), lead sponsor of the bill, stated. “This bipartisan bill ensures U.S. diplomacy keeps pace with that transformation.”
Another initiative highlighted in the legislation is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a proposed route from India to Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece. The project has been delayed amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), a leading co-sponsor of the bill, called the IMEC a “strategic initiative that will diversify energy routes, strengthen global supply chains, and promote efficient trade and investment. IMEC also provides a transparent and sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing U.S. partnerships and regional stability.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called IMEC a “blessing” during his 2024 address to the U.N. General Assembly.
The bill also calls for a study on expanding U.S.-Israel innovation programs to include other countries in the region.
