US Rep. Chris Pappas: Congress to Block Turkey’s F-35 Ambitions

As global tensions rise in the Middle East, Greek-American Congressman Chris Pappas, a New Hampshire Democrat now running for U.S. Senate, shares insights with TA NEA Weekend on U.S. policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece’s strategic role in a potential second Trump presidency.

Pappas, a key member of the Hellenic Caucus advocating for Greek interests in Washington, emphasizes the growing influence of Greece and its diaspora in U.S. politics. He highlights his efforts, alongside Greek-American Republican colleagues, to prevent Turkey’s access to American defense programs, particularly the F-35 fighter jet, due to ongoing concerns over Ankara’s actions, including its purchase of Russian S-400 systems.

He reaffirms the enduring U.S.–Greece partnership, which he expects to persist regardless of political shifts, and underscores Greece’s pivotal role alongside Cyprus and Israel as reliable allies in projects like the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC) and the Greece–Cyprus–Israel electricity interconnection (GSI). Pappas also supports revitalizing the “3+1” cooperation framework (Greece-Cyprus-Israel-USA) and hopes Senator Marco Rubio will respond to a recent joint letter from the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to strengthen U.S. commitment to the region.

How influential is Greece in Congress, and should it worry about Turkey’s F-35 aspirations?
Greece and the Greek-American community wield unprecedented influence in Washington. The U.S.–Greece relationship has deepened over the past decade, with robust cooperation in defense, security, renewable energy, and natural gas, reflecting Greece’s role as a critical partner in global security.

Congress has consistently supported this partnership, imposing CAATSA sanctions on Turkey for acquiring Russian S-400s and removing it from the F-35 program. I expect Congress to continue blocking Turkey’s re-entry until Ankara resolves these issues.

What role could Greece play in a second Trump administration?
Greece will remain a steadfast democratic ally at the nexus of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, as it was under both Trump and Biden. Shared values—democracy, stability, sovereignty, and energy diversification—ensure the U.S.–Greece alliance transcends political changes. Progress in Eastern Mediterranean security, economic ties, and countering authoritarianism will likely continue.

Will a new U.S. administration back energy projects like GSI and IMEC? What about speculation on pushing China out of Piraeus port?
While I can’t predict the administration’s decisions, I strongly support energy cooperation with allies to reduce reliance on adversarial or unreliable energy sources. IMEC and GSI, involving Greece, Cyprus, and Israel—key U.S. partners—are vital for energy security and regional stability from the Balkans to the Middle East.

Regarding Piraeus, I’m unaware of specific administration plans. I favor increased U.S. investment in Greece but believe Greece should independently manage its internal affairs.

Can the “3+1” framework be revitalized, and will Marco Rubio respond to the recent letter from Greece, Cyprus, and Israel?
The “3+1” initiative, launched under Secretary Mike Pompeo, has grown stronger, with deeper U.S. engagement in the region. I’ve long supported its expansion and hope Senator Rubio will act on the joint letter, using it to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the Eastern Mediterranean’s future and signal resolve to allies and adversaries alike.

Source: tovima.com
Author: Maria Mourelatou