Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests” on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine the strategic significance of Greenland to the American economy and national security, focusing on the island’s cache of rare earth elements and U.S. research presence on the island, as well as the potential threats due to the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic.

As Sen. Cruz said upon announcing this hearing:

“Acquiring Greenland would have enormous economic benefits for the United States. The island’s natural resources like rare earth elements would strengthen American supply chains and industries. The island’s strategic location in the Arctic would provide huge advantages in monitoring growing Russian and Chinese bellicosity in the region. I believe this hearing will show the growing geopolitical importance of Greenland and why it is in the U.S.’s best interest to explore potential opportunities for the territory.”

Witnesses:

Mr. Alexander Gray, Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs, American Foreign Policy Council
Mr. Anthony Marchese, Chairman, Texas Mineral Resources
Dr. Jennifer Mercer, Section Head for the Arctic Sciences Section at the Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation
Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of Polar Institute, Wilson Center
Details:

WHAT: Full Committee Hearing on Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests

DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM EST
LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253