Members of the new Congressional Austria Caucus meet on Capitol Hill in May, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Austria.

In a move to reinforce diplomatic and economic relations between the United States and Austria, Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) announced the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Austria Caucus.

The initiative aims to deepen transatlantic cooperation through policy dialogue, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration. The co-chairs emphasized the strategic importance of Austria as a democratic ally and economic partner in Central Europe.

“The United States and Austria share many cultural traditions and enjoy a mutually beneficial friendship,” Murphy and Larsen said in a joint statement. “This caucus will ensure that our cooperation continues to strengthen both our economies and our shared national security interests.”

Austrian Ambassador to the United States Petra Schneebauer welcomed the initiative as a significant milestone in U.S.-Austria relations.

“This is a historic moment in our bilateral relationship,” Schneebauer said. “It creates new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation at a time when transatlantic unity is more important than ever.”

Austria maintains a strong commercial footprint in the U.S., with over 650 Austrian companies operating across the country and supporting more than 40,000 American jobs. The new caucus will serve as a formal mechanism to support and expand these ties across government, business, and cultural sectors.

  Cultural items from Austria were on display at the launch of the caucus. Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Austria.

Molly McCluskey is an award-winning investigative journalist, foreign correspondent, and media entrepreneur. She is the founder of Diplomatica Global Media and the creator of Great Reads from Around the...