Senator Hassan Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to the Arctic to Reinforce U.S. National Security Priorities

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) recently returned from a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to northern Canada, Greenland, and Norway to discuss ways to improve U.S. and allied Arctic security, infrastructure, and research capabilities and stand up to threats in the region from Russia and China.

Alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Senator Hassan met with U.S. military personnel, allied officials, Arctic researchers, and regional leaders to discuss emerging security and operational challenges across the High North.

"I joined this bipartisan Congressional Delegation to reinforce the importance to our national security of strong relationships with all of our allies in the Arctic," said Senator Hassan. "These partnerships are critical to protecting Americans, and they help us stand together against growing threats from adversaries like Russia and China."

In Iqaluit, Canada, the Senators met with Canadian defense officials to discuss efforts to modernize Arctic infrastructure to address the effects of climate change and the unique challenges of operating and maintaining military equipment in the region. Senator Hassan stressed during the meeting that the United States and Canada's close friendship and partnership - which President Trump has put at risk - is important to both of our nation's national security and economic success.

In Greenland, the delegation visited Pituffik Space Base to examine U.S. military operations and strategic capabilities in the Arctic and meet with deployed servicemembers. The Senators' trip also reaffirmed bipartisan congressional support for maintaining a strong alliance with Greenland and Denmark based on mutual respect and cooperation.

In Svalbard, Norway, the Senators met with Norwegian officials and climate researchers to discuss environmental challenges, the Svalbard Treaty, maritime access, and the implications of increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

This trip builds on Senator Hassan's ongoing work to strengthen U.S. national security in the Arctic. Earlier this year, Senator Hassan traveled to Greenland on a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to reinforce the importance of partnership - not confrontation - with Greenland.

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