A resolution reaffirming the deep and steadfast partnership between the United States and Canada and the ties that bind the 2 countries in support of economic and national security.
This is a Senate resolution (S. Res. 239) introduced in the 119th Congress that reaffirms and strengthens the United States’ deep partnership with Canada. It frames the U.S.-Canada relationship as essential for economic competitiveness and national security, and it endorses continued and expanded cooperation across four core areas: economic security, energy and critical minerals security, national security, and global security. While non-binding, the resolution articulates a broad policy stance that endorses existing frameworks (notably the USMCA) and calls for deeper collaboration in defense, cyber and technology security, Arctic security, border management, supply chains, energy infrastructure, and joint geopolitical efforts. The document highlights extensive bilateral trade, integrated supply chains, and shared institutions (NORAD, border enforcement, space cooperation, etc.). It underscores binational efforts to address fentanyl and border security, modernize defense and space collaboration, and deepen co-management of natural resources and cross-border infrastructure. It also notes Canada’s role in Indo-Pacific security and trilateral partnerships. Overall, the resolution signals strong bipartisan support for maintaining and strengthening the U.S.-Canada partnership as a strategic asset and a driver of jobs and security.
Key Points
- 1Reaffirms that the U.S.-Canada relationship is an essential strategic asset and should be maintained and expanded to promote peace, global economic opportunity, and preparedness for unforeseen events.
- 2Identifies four priority areas for joint effort: (1) economic security, (2) energy and critical minerals security, (3) national security, and (4) global security.
- 3Emphasizes USMCA as the foundation of North American economic competitiveness, citing nearly $1 trillion in bilateral trade in 2023 and millions of jobs supported in both countries.
- 4Highlights the importance of secure and resilient cross-border supply chains and long-standing binational trade relationships; notes Canada as a major export market for the U.S. and as a key partner in agriculture, automotive trade, lumber, and other sectors.
- 5Calls for strengthened border security and cooperative enforcement, including measures to combat fentanyl, 24/7 border surveillance, information sharing, and a joint emergency management framework akin to NORAD.
- 6Supports expanded energy collaboration and infrastructure across oil, natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and electricity, plus diversification of supply chains for critical minerals.
- 7Endorses security and defense cooperation through NORAD, a Tri-Command Framework (U.S. Northern Command, Canadian Joint Operations Command, NORAD), and NATO-related roles, including joint deterrence and defense efforts in Europe and space collaboration (NASA and the Canadian Space Agency) with Artemis II involvement.
- 8Acknowledges Canada’s role in Indo-Pacific security and its collaboration with the U.S. in regional security, exercises, and defense partnerships; references potential collaboration under Pillar II of enhanced trilateral security talks with Australia and the UK.
- 9Recalls shared commitments to environmental stewardship and water management (e.g., Boundary Waters Treaty, Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) and cooperation on biodiversity and shared ecosystems.