The bipartisan visit to four Arctic countries was focused on partnerships with U.S. allies in the region, supporting American national security, and discussing new innovations in clean energy and scientific research.
Bipartisan Congressional Delegation with U.S. Service Members at Pituffik Space Base
Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) returned from a bipartisan, all-women Congressional visit to the Arctic. The delegation was led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and joined by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). They visited Canada, Norway, Iceland, and Pituffik Space Base in Greenland for engagements focused on Arctic governance, regional security, strategic partnerships, and clean energy.
“We must take Arctic security seriously. This region is the next frontier for satellites, radar, and missile warning systems that can track everything from the weather to incoming attacks. And as climate change warms the High North, I know countries like China and Russia are looking to invest more in Arctic military capabilities, shipping routes, and energy production,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I was proud to join this historic delegation to reaffirm that a strong U.S. presence in the Arctic – in partnership with our NATO allies – is critical for our national security and economic interests.”
Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Murkowski with the President of Iceland
The delegation engaged with U.S. military personnel, Indigenous leaders, Arctic researchers, clean energy executives, and allied officials – including Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, Canadian Commissioner of the Coast Guard Kevin Brosseau, Norway’s Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt, Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir.
Congressional Delegation with Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, Canadian Commissioner of the Coast Guard Kevin Brosseau, and Canadian Rangers
During the trip, the Senators met with U.S. military leadership at Pituffik Space Base and received briefings on missile warning systems, space operations, and the region’s strategic importance amid competition from Russia and China. They also toured the Greenland Telescope, which is operated in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
Senators Cortez Masto and Murkowski also discussed cutting-edge geothermal technology in Iceland with local energy executives, including their work to develop new geothermal production techniques in the U.S.
In meetings with foreign officials across all four countries, the Senate delegation reaffirmed bipartisan Congressional support for a strong U.S. presence in the Arctic, stressed the importance of the broader NATO alliance, and deepened the critical partnerships with Canada, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland that have historically been built on mutual respect and cooperation.
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