A Democratic lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit the use of US military funds for operations to invade or seize territory from Canada, Panama, or Greenland, responding to what the bill’s sponsor describes as concerning rhetoric from President Donald Trump.
Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI) introduced H.R. 1936, titled the “No Invading Allies Act,” which explicitly bars the Armed Forces from engaging in operations against these three territories without congressional authorization or in response to an attack on the United States.
The legislation comes amid months of statements from Trump regarding these nations. The president has reportedly expressed interest in annexing Greenland and reclaiming the Panama Canal. He has also repeatedly said that Canada should become the US’s 51st state, going as far as calling outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of Canada.
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“Under the Constitution it is Congress, not the President, who has the authority to declare war,” Magaziner wrote on X. “My bill sends a message to President Trump – don’t engage in military conquests without our consent.”
The bill, officially introduced on March 6, includes a “purpose and policy” section stating that it aims to “restrict the President from ordering or utilizing the United States Armed Forces to invade or seize territory” from the three nations without a declaration of war, specific congressional authorization, or in response to a national emergency created by an attack on the United States.
The legislation also affirms that the US “remains committed to a rules-based international order and democratic values,” “honors our Nation’s alliances and partnerships,” and “stands against territorial aggression.”
In comments to Rhode Island’s WPRI, Magaziner added, “President Trump should not be allowed to put American servicemembers into harm’s way by starting unnecessary wars with our allies.”
While the bill has garnered support from eight Democratic co-sponsors, it faces slim chances of advancing through the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold the majority.
The legislation specifies that even in cases of national emergency, military funding for operations against these allies would be limited to a 60-day period. It also includes provisions clarifying that it does not alter the constitutional authority of Congress or the President, nor does it affect existing treaties.
Trump has reportedly claimed that annexing Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, is vital to US national security, while also suggesting that Panama violated the treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter by allowing Chinese influence near the Panama Canal.
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