Affirming the partnership between the United States and Denmark and Greenland.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 70
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-05T09:06:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 70) expresses the sense of Congress in affirming the strong partnership between the United States, the Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland. It emphasizes respect for sovereignty, shared democratic values, and cooperative security, particularly in response to recent statements suggesting U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland, possibly through force. As a concurrent resolution, it is a non-binding statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable law.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses outlining background and then four main points in the "Resolved" section:
- Affirmation of sovereignty: The U.S. respects the sovereignty of Denmark, including Greenland, in line with treaty commitments like the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO's founding treaty).
- Compliance requirements: Any change in Greenland's status or use of U.S. military force involving Greenland must follow treaty obligations and requires congressional authorization.
- Promotion of cooperation: The U.S. should enhance diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Denmark and Greenland through mutual consent and alliance-based efforts.
- Arctic security approach: The Arctic region is most secure when the U.S. leads via cooperation with allies, not through coercion or threats.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. It is a declarative statement that reinforces current treaty obligations (e.g., NATO) and constitutional principles without creating new legal requirements or amending statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It may guide the executive branch (e.g., Department of State and Department of Defense) toward prioritizing cooperative diplomacy in Arctic and North Atlantic affairs, potentially influencing policy on military presence in Greenland (e.g., Thule Air Base).
- On citizens: Limited direct impact, but it could reassure U.S. citizens and those in allied nations about stable alliances, while signaling against aggressive foreign policy rhetoric.
- On international relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies by addressing concerns over sovereignty threats, potentially reducing tensions and promoting joint security efforts in the Arctic amid growing geopolitical interest in the region.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Congress and executive branch: Reminds of Congress's role in military and treaty matters.
- Governments of Denmark and Greenland: Affirms their sovereignty and partnership, addressing their objections to acquisition suggestions.
- NATO allies: Reinforces collective security principles under the North Atlantic Treaty.
- Arctic region interests: Includes indigenous communities in Greenland and broader stakeholders in environmental, economic, and defense activities in the North Atlantic and Arctic.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Highlights adherence to international treaties like the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty, which commits members to peaceful dispute resolution and prohibits force among allies.
- Constitutional: Reiterates Congress's exclusive powers under the U.S. Constitution (Article I) to declare war, authorize military force, and control defense funding, serving as a check on executive actions.
- Political: Acts as a bipartisan signal (introduced by Representatives Khanna and Bacon from different parties) against coercive diplomacy, potentially shaping public discourse and future policy on territorial issues in a strategically vital region like the Arctic, where resources and climate change are increasing global attention.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in House
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Affirming the partnership between the United States and Denmark and Greenland. — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (3 pages)