Reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security.

Bill Number

H.Res. 152

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-05-06T15:09:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 152) aims to reaffirm and strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and Canada, emphasizing their shared economic, energy, national, and global security interests. It highlights the strategic importance of this alliance amid global challenges, positioning it as essential for promoting peace, economic growth, and resilience against threats.

Key Provisions

The resolution consists of extensive "Whereas" clauses outlining the historical, economic, and security ties between the two nations, followed by a "Resolved" section where the House of Representatives commits to specific recognitions and actions. Key elements include:

• Economic Ties: Recognizes the robust bilateral trade (nearly $1 trillion in goods and services in 2023, supporting 8 million U.S. jobs), with Canada as the top export market for 36 states. It praises integrated supply chains (e.g., 70% of Canadian exports to the U.S. used in manufacturing), the USMCA trade agreement, and sectors like agriculture ($72.5 billion in trade), automotive parts ($22 billion), vehicles ($33.6 billion), and lumber for housing affordability.

• Energy and Critical Minerals Security: Notes Canada's role as the U.S.'s largest foreign energy supplier (oil, natural gas, uranium, electricity) and a top producer of 21 critical minerals. It supports joint efforts to diversify supply chains away from adversaries like China and enhance cross-border energy infrastructure (e.g., 35+ electricity connections for grid reliability).

• National Security and Border Management: Emphasizes the shared 5,525-mile border (the world's longest, undefended), daily cross-border movement of 400,000 people and $2.5 billion in goods, and cooperative mechanisms to combat threats like illegal migration, fentanyl trafficking, terrorism, and crime. Highlights initiatives such as the Cross Border Crime Forum, Integrated Border Enforcement Teams, NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program, and Canada's recent investments (e.g., Fentanyl Czar, surveillance tech, joint strike forces).

• Global and Defense Cooperation: Affirms joint leadership in international forums (e.g., NATO, G7, UN, Arctic Council) and defense structures like NORAD (binational command), NATO brigade leadership in Latvia and Poland, and the Tri-Command Framework. It also covers Arctic security, Indo-Pacific engagement, space collaboration (e.g., NASA-CSA Artemis II mission), environmental protection (e.g., Boundary Waters Treaty, Great Lakes Agreement), and emerging tech like AI and quantum.

• House Commitments (Resolved Section): The House recognizes the partnership as a "strategic asset," reaffirms commitments to grow it, welcomes deeper collaboration on defense, cyber, technology, and Arctic security; supports secure borders for trade, resilient supply chains against economic aggression, expanded energy infrastructure, and job creation through trade.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a simple resolution of the House of Representatives, which is non-binding and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a formal expression of congressional sentiment rather than enacting enforceable changes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Encourages enhanced coordination between U.S. agencies (e.g., Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, Energy) and Canadian counterparts, potentially leading to more joint programs in border security, energy transmission, and defense modernization without new funding mandates.

• On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit U.S. workers and consumers through sustained job support (e.g., in manufacturing, agriculture, energy), affordable housing (via Canadian lumber), and reliable energy supplies. It also promotes safer borders by addressing shared threats like fentanyl, improving public health and security.

• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S.-Canada bilateral ties, signaling bipartisan U.S. support to allies and adversaries. It may foster deeper North American integration under USMCA, counter influence from nations like China, and enhance collective responses to global issues (e.g., Arctic stability, Indo-Pacific security), potentially influencing multilateral forums like NATO and the G7.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Governments and Officials: U.S. Congress (bipartisan ACES Caucus), executive agencies (e.g., DHS for borders, DOE for energy), and Canadian government (e.g., on border investments, mineral production).

• Businesses and Industries: U.S. exporters (especially in 330+ congressional districts trading >$250 million with Canada), manufacturers, energy firms, agricultural producers, and tech innovators benefiting from integrated supply chains and critical minerals.

• Citizens and Communities: American workers (8 million jobs tied to trade), border communities, Indigenous/Tribal groups (via environmental collaborations), and residents in energy-dependent states (e.g., natural gas suppliers).

• International Partners: Canadian citizens and businesses; broader allies in NATO, G7, and Indo-Pacific regions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: As a House resolution, it aligns with Congress's constitutional role in foreign affairs (Article I) by expressing policy preferences without binding force, respecting separation of powers. It reinforces existing treaties (e.g., Boundary Waters Treaty, USMCA) but introduces no new legal obligations.

• Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan (and bicameral via ACES Caucus) unity on foreign policy, introduced by a diverse group of representatives. It serves as a diplomatic tool to affirm alliance stability amid global tensions (e.g., with China, Russia), potentially influencing future appropriations or negotiations, though its non-binding nature limits direct enforcement.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-02-24: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security. — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (9 pages)