Central ND News

The United States and Canada, sharing the world's longest border and three oceans, have a significant bilateral trading relationship. Approximately 400,000 people and over $2.5 billion in goods and services cross their shared border daily.

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), who co-chair the bipartisan American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, introduced a resolution to recognize this partnership. The resolution acknowledges shared interests in economic, energy, critical minerals, and national security.

In 2023, Canada was North Dakota's largest market with exports worth $5.9 billion, accounting for 79% of the state's total goods exports. These exports include crude petroleum, cereals, natural gas, agricultural machinery among others.

Senator Cramer remarked on the importance of the U.S.-Canada partnership: "Representing a Northern border state, I recognize the importance of the unique partnership between the United States and Canada," adding that it celebrates their closeness as crucial economic and national security partners.

Senator King emphasized the longstanding ties between the two nations: "The United States and Canada have always been closely tied; we share our economies, cultures, military interests and more." He expressed pride in his work with Senator Cramer under ACES but acknowledged current challenges while reaffirming commitment to strengthen alliances.

The resolution highlights that this relationship is vital for promoting peace and expanding global economic opportunities. It reaffirms their alliance in facing common threats together while upholding values like democracy and human rights.

It also stresses shared defense commitments such as modernizing NORAD, joint border security initiatives, and cooperation against transnational threats including illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking.

The resolution has support from U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Peter Welch (D-VT). A similar measure was introduced in the House by Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV-02).