President-elect Donald Trump's Republican allies in the House of Representatives are trying to secure support for a bill authorizing talks to buy Greenland. The news was released based on a copy of the bill that has already been sent to several lawmakers.
The bill is called "Making Greenland Great Again," the offices of Republican lawmakers Andy Ogles, who is leading the bill's efforts, and Diana Harshbarger announced. The Fox News Network website reported Monday morning on a copy of the bill that has 10 other cosponsors.
Why it matters
President-elect Trump says he wants to make Greenland part of the United States and has not ruled out using military or economic power to convince Denmark to hand it over. Republicans won narrow majorities in the House and Senate in the Nov. 5 election.
Key points
The bill, if passed, would allow the president to begin negotiations with Denmark on Jan. 20, when Mr. Trump takes office.
"Congress authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on January 20, to request the commencement of negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the purchase of Greenland by the United States," the bill states.
"Not later than 5 days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark regarding the purchase of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress the agreement, including all relevant materials and annexes," it adds . he.
Context
Denmark has controlled Greenland for several centuries, first as a colony and currently as a semi-sovereign territory. The island is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning that any change in its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up efforts for independence, has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide its future. VOA (A2 Televizion)
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