House GOP introduces ‘Make Greenland Great Again Act’ to authorize US buy of territory

The bill, headed by Rep. Andy Olges (R-TN), is referred to as the "Make Greenland Great Again Act," according to Fox News. The territory's geography is strategically placed and Trump has said it would be beneficial for the national security of the United States. Trump has expressed an interest in buying the territory from Denmark, which has ownership and authority over the island. Denmark's as well as Greenland's prime ministers have said it is not for sale.

"Joe Biden took a blowtorch to our reputation these past four years, and before even taking office, President Trump is telling the world that America First is back. American economic and security interests will no longer take a backseat, and House Republicans are ready to help President Trump deliver for the American people," Ogles told Fox News.

The bill from Ogles would allow Trump to start negotiations with Denmark just after noon on January 20 when he is sworn into office. "Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes," the bill states.

Congress has the power of the purse, or the ability to introduce legislation needed for expenditures, meaning that Trump would need a legal means to offer up any funds to Denmark for Greenland. Any money that would be needed for a purchase of the territory would have to be appropriated through Congress first.

Other Republican lawmakers have cosponsored the legislation, including Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Randy Weber (R-TX), and incoming House Science Committee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX).

Trump has argued that the island is essential for “economic security” as well as for defense and when asked by reporters if he would not use military or economic coercion to gain the land, he replied, “No, I can't assure you on either of those two.”

In recent days, Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede said he was “ready to talk” with Trump on the matter, but has insisted that Greenland should be independent not only from the US but from Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reportedly communicated that she is open to having the US increase security in the territory, but does not want the island bought outright.

Ogles Make Greenland Great ... by Tommy