Murkowski Introduces Resolution Affirming U.S. Partnership with Denmark and Greenland
Washington, DC — Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a concurrent resolution affirming the United States’ enduring partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland. The Senate Concurrent Resolution follows President Trump and his administration’s recent comments about acquiring Greenland, including through the potential use of military force.
“Whether through defense cooperation, such as our shared military assets at Pituffik Space Base, or the development of critical minerals that will strengthen our national security, every one of our strategic goals can be accomplished with Greenland as a partner. At a time when we really can’t agree on much of anything, this is a resolution that all members of Congress should be willing to put their names behind,” said Senator Murkowski. “Safeguarding our relationships with our NATO allies should be paramount, with Greenland treated as our partner, not a possession.”
The text of the resolution can also be found below.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Affirming the partnership between the United States and Denmark and Greenland.
Whereas the United States, the Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland maintain a close partnership based on shared democratic values, collective security, and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Whereas the United States maintains a long-standing defense presence in Greenland in cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of Greenland, contributing to collective security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region;
Whereas Denmark and Greenland are important partners under the North Atlantic Treaty, which was ratified by Congress in 1949;
Whereas Article 1 of the North Atlantic Treaty requires NATO members to settle any international dispute in which they are involved by peaceful means and to refrain from the threat or use of force;
Whereas recent public statements by senior executive branch officials have suggested that the United States may seek to acquire Greenland, including through the potential use of miliary force;
Whereas such statements have prompted public concern and objections from the Governments of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland, and other NATO allies who have reaffirmed that Greenland is not for sale and that its future must be determined by its people;
Whereas leaders in Denmark and Greenland have emphasized that threats, pressures, or coercive rhetoric have no place between allies and undermine trust essential to collective security; and
Whereas the Constitution of the United States vests in Congress the exclusive authority to declare war, authorize the use of military force, and regulate the expenditure of funds for national defense: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the United States Government affirms its respect for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, consistent with longstanding treaty commitments, including the North Atlantic Treaty;
(2) any change in the status of Greenland, or any use of United States military force involving Greenland, must comply with treaty obligations and is subject to authorization by Congress;
(3) the United States should continue to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation with Denmark and Greenland through partnership, consent, and alliance-based engagement; and
(4) the Arctic remains the most secure when the United States leads through cooperation with allies rather than coercion.
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