Senate Arctic Affairs Committee advances resolution honoring ties with Greenland
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Summary
The committee heard staff overview of Senate Joint Resolution 24, adopted a single clarifying amendment about historical U.S. military presence in Greenland, and moved the resolution from committee with individual recommendations and no fiscal impact noted.
The Senate Arctic Affairs Committee on March 5 advanced Senate Joint Resolution 24, which recognizes and affirms the longstanding relationship between the United States and Greenland and underscores cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark on Arctic issues.
Samantha Freeborn, staff to Senator Kiesel, told the committee that “Senate joint resolution 24 recognizes and honors the long standing relationship between The United States Of America and Greenland” and highlights shared Indigenous cultures and common challenges for remote communities such as coastal erosion, food security and infrastructure needs.
An amendment offered by Senator Wilakowski and explained by Ben Goltz, an intern to Senator Giesel, adds a clause clarifying historical U.S. military activity in Greenland. The amendment inserts language stating the United States “has, at various times, maintained an expanded military presence in Greenland, including during World War II under agreements with the Danish government” and that such presence “neither intended nor established sovereignty, ownership, or territorial control by The United States Of America.” The amendment also corrects a textual misspelling in the resolution.
Chair Giselle removed her objection to discussion, and after the amendment was explained the committee opened and closed public testimony with no speakers. Senator Wilakowski moved to report the resolution from committee “as amended…with individual recommendations and attached to 0 fiscal note,” and gave legislative legal authority to make necessary technical changes. Chair Giselle stated there were no further objections and the resolution will move from committee; no roll-call vote was recorded.
Senator Kawasaki briefly commented in support of the resolution, recounting that a Danish journalist, Peter Moller, had asked about a possible deployment of about 1,500 members of the Eleventh Airborne to the Arctic. Kawasaki described the Eleventh Airborne as the “Arctic fighting force,” said “we don't attack our allies,” and expressed his support for the resolution.
The committee concluded its business and adjourned. No meeting is scheduled for next week; future meetings will be announced as needed.
