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
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
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