H.R. 1385: Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act

This bill, known as the "Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act," seeks to enhance the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA), which was established in September 2023. The main goals of the bill are to expand the membership of this agreement and to ensure better collaboration among the United States and other countries in the Middle East on various fronts, including military readiness and economic interests.

Report on Membership Expansion

The bill requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to create and submit a report within 180 days of its enactment. This report will detail a strategy aimed at increasing the number of countries participating in the CSIPA. Key elements of the report will include:

• An analysis of the strategic benefits provided by CSIPA, such as:
• Improving joint military readiness in the region.
• Enhancing shared economic interests among member nations.
• Collaborating on advanced technology and scientific projects.
• Building stronger alliances to enhance regional stability and counter threats.
• Evaluating how CSIPA has supported responses to recent attacks on merchant vessels.
• Assessing the potential role of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in strengthening regional security.
• Identifying long-term advantages of having more countries join CSIPA.
• Proposing necessary resources and capabilities required for expanding membership.
• Discussing barriers to membership among U.S. allies in the region.
• Offering recommendations for additional collaboration opportunities.

Strategy Development

Following the report, the Secretary of State is tasked with developing a detailed strategy within another 180 days. This strategy will outline how to effectively engage both Middle Eastern and non-Middle Eastern allied countries to encourage them to join CSIPA. The strategy will also include actionable steps the U.S. Administration can take to boost membership.

Implementation Briefing

Once the strategy is formulated, the Secretary of State must provide a briefing on the implementation plan within 60 days to the relevant congressional committees.

Report Format

The report and strategy are to be submitted in unclassified form but may have a classified annex to contain sensitive information.

Relevant Congressional Committees

The bill specifies that the reports must be submitted to the following congressional committees:

• House of Representatives:
  • Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Committee on Armed Services
• Senate:
  • Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Committee on Armed Services

Relevant Companies

None found