PolicyBrief
H.R. 361
119th CongressJan 13th 2025
Make Greenland Great Again Act
IN COMMITTEE

Authorizes the President to negotiate with Denmark for the acquisition of Greenland, with Congressional review required for any agreement reached.

Andrew Ogles
R

Andrew Ogles

Representative

TN-5

LEGISLATION

President Authorized to Negotiate Greenland Purchase: Congress Has 60 Days to Review

The "Make Greenland Great Again Act" greenlights the President to negotiate buying Greenland from Denmark, starting January 20, 2025, at 12:01 PM EST. Any deal reached must be submitted to the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees within five days. From there, Congress gets 60 calendar days to give it a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. If Congress doesn't pass a resolution of disapproval in that time, the agreement automatically kicks in.

Fast Track to the Arctic?

This bill puts the Greenland acquisition on a fast track. While it requires Congressional review, the 60-day window for disapproval is pretty tight, especially for something this significant. It means a potentially huge decision could be made without the usual level of debate and public input. For example, a small business owner relying on stable international trade might find this rapid process concerning, as sudden geopolitical shifts could impact their operations and supply chains. Similarly, someone working in logistics might worry about the implications of new trade routes and regulations.

Real-World Impact: Beyond the Headlines

If this goes through, the implications are enormous. We're talking about a massive landmass with its own population and resources. Think about a construction worker in Alaska—suddenly, they're dealing with a whole new set of neighboring regulations and potential infrastructure projects. Or consider a tech worker in Seattle—their company might be eyeing Greenland's resources, leading to new job opportunities but also potential environmental concerns.

Section 2 of the bill is where all of this is laid out. It's not just about buying land; it's about potentially reshaping international relations, impacting the lives of Greenland's residents, and shifting the balance of power in the Arctic. The limited timeframe for Congressional review raises a flag - are we rushing into a decision with long-term consequences?

The Big Picture: Dollars and Diplomacy

The bill doesn't mention the price tag, but acquiring Greenland would undoubtedly cost a significant amount. That's taxpayer money potentially being used for a purchase that hasn't been fully debated or vetted by the public. It also raises questions about the rights and wishes of the Greenlandic people. Are we respecting their self-determination, or is this a move driven primarily by strategic interests? The "Make Greenland Great Again Act" isn't just a land deal; it's a potential flashpoint for international relations and a major commitment with long-term implications for everyone, from everyday workers to global leaders.