A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, later this week as part of a congressional delegation led by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). The trip aims to underscore the longstanding relationship between the United States and Denmark, focusing on national security and economic cooperation. The delegation is scheduled to be in Copenhagen on January 16 and 17, with some members continuing on to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
While in Copenhagen, the delegation plans to meet with leaders from both Danish and Greenlandic governments and businesses. Discussions are expected to center on strengthening partnerships based on sovereignty and self-determination, addressing global challenges such as Arctic security, and promoting stronger trade relations.
The group includes Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Sarah McBride (D-DE), along with additional members anticipated to join.
Ranking Member Shaheen emphasized the importance of alliances amid current international threats: “Now more than ever, the U.S.-Denmark partnership and the NATO alliance more broadly are foundational to America’s national security amid rising threats to the transatlantic alliance,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “I’m proud to join this delegation to reiterate our nation’s commitment to Denmark, Greenland and NATO. Amid emerging threats in both the Arctic and Indo-Pacific, it is essential that the United States continues to confront the challenges of the 21st century in strong partnership with Denmark and our NATO allies.”
Senator Coons highlighted Denmark's support for NATO following September 11: “I’m proud to lead this congressional delegation to Copenhagen to demonstrate strong bipartisan and bicameral support in Congress for our Danish NATO ally,” said Senator Coons. “Denmark has always been a strong diplomatic, economic, and security partner who sacrificed more lives than any other country relative to its population when the United States invoked Article 5 following the September 11 attacks. At a time of increasing international instability, we need to draw closer to our allies, not drive them away, and this delegation will send a clear message that Congress is committed to NATO and our network of alliances.”
Senator Tillis noted Congress's unified stance: “Denmark is a trusted NATO ally and an essential partner to the United States on security, trade, and shared democratic values,” said Senator Tillis. “As co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, I believe it is critical that Congress stands united in supporting our allies and respecting the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland, especially given Denmark’s early and steadfast support for the U.S. after the attacks of September 11, 2001. This delegation reflects a bipartisan commitment to strengthening security, expanding economic cooperation, and reaffirming the enduring alliance between the United States and Denmark.”
Senator Durbin addressed recent political tensions over Greenland: “President Trump’s continued threats toward Greenland are unnecessary and would only weaken our NATO alliance,” said Senator Durbin. “Denmark is a strong partner of the United States and this bipartisan CODEL reiterates that the United States Congress stands firm in our partnership, despite the president’s advances.”
Representative Meeks discussed diplomatic approaches: “This bipartisan delegation will reinforce the Kingdom of Denmark’s importance as an ally who has stood by us during our hours of greatest need, as well as the commitment of the United States Congress to the NATO alliance as a whole,” said Representative Meeks. “Denmark and Greenland have been clear: Greenland and its people are not for sale. Our collective security must be achieved through diplomacy and cooperation, not by threats and coercion. I look forward to meeting with officials in Copenhagen to strengthen our partnership and make clear that Congress’ commitment to Denmark and NATO is ironclad.”
Representative Jacobs underscored joint defense efforts within NATO: “NATO isn’t obsolete or a waste of money; it’s a vital investment in keeping the American people safe,” said Representative Jacobs. “With partner nations like Denmark, we help keep each other safe by pooling information and capabilities – magnifying our power and making us stronger together than on our own. That’s why I’m proud to join this bipartisan and bicameral delegation to send a clear message that Congress is unwavering in its commitment to our NATO partners and allies and we oppose President Trump’s aggressive efforts to acquire Greenland whether by force or not.”
Representative McBride thanked her colleagues for organizing this visit: “I’m grateful to Senator Coons for his leadership in bringing together a bipartisan,bicameral delegation to reaffirm our support in Congress for our NATO ally,DENMARK,"said Representative McBride."Delaware understands that our security and prosperity depend on strong partnerships rooted in mutual respect,soveignty,and self-determination.At atimeof growing global instability,this trip couldnotbe more poignant."
