Hellenic Caucus/Greek Issues

In 1996, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and former Representative Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), who retired from Congress in 2006, founded the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. In 2007, Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R-FL) became a co-chair of the Caucus. The purpose of this bi-partisan caucus is to foster and improve relations between the United States and Greece. The Caucus serves to bring a renewed congressional focus on key diplomatic, military, and human rights issues in a critical part of the world. The members of the Caucus introduce legislation, arrange briefings on current events, and disseminate information to interested parties. The topics on which the Caucus focuses include U.S. aid to Greece and Cyprus, the conflict on Cyprus, U.S. relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and developments in the Aegean.

For a complete summary of the activities of the Hellenic Caucus, read the Report on Hellenic Issues (pdf).

Legislation

05/10/2012 – H. Res. 650, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should work within the framework of the United Nations process with Greece to achieve longstanding United States and United Nations policy goals of finding a mutually acceptable name, for all uses, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

03/17/2011 – H. Res. 179, Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commending the PanCretan Association of America.   

03/17/2011 – H. Res. 180, Urging Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

03/11/09 – H. Res. 236, Urging Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

03/09/09 – H. Res. 227, To recognize and appreciate the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commend the PanCretan Association of America

03/4/09 – H. Res. 209, Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope, a preeminent international women's association and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).  [111th Congress]

05/24/07 - H.R. 2526, which deems Greece to be designated as a visa waiver country under the Immigration and Nationality Act. [110th Congress]

05/15/07 - H. Res. 407 - Expressing the strong support of the House of Representatives for the positive actions by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus aimed at opening additional crossing points along the cease-fire line, thereby contributing to efforts for the reunification of the island. [110th Congress]

Documents/Reports

10/3/12 - 112th Congress Report on Hellenic Issues

10/3/12 - 112th Congress Hellenic Caucus Member List

10/29/09 - Letter Congratulating New Greek Prime Minister

10/05/09 - Letter to President Obama on Reunification of Cyprus

05/04/09 - Letter to Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano Urging Them to Them to Advance Greece’s Application to Join the VWP

03/16/09 – Letter to President Obama Urging Him to Visit Ecumenical Patriarch During His Visit to Turkey

02/24/09 – Letter to President Obama urging him to host a White House celebration in honor of Greek Independence Day

Press Releases