WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) and Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) released the following statement on the announcement of a trilateral partnership between the United States, Canada, and Finland called the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or ICE Pact, to deepen our nations’ collaboration in the Arctic:

“The announcement of our polar security collaboration with Canada and Finland is extremely encouraging, as the Arctic is vital to our homeland security and the security of our allies. The United States has collaborated with Canada and Finland on Arctic security issues for decades, and our mutual security interests in the region are deeply aligned.

“As the United States Coast Guard works to recapitalize its icebreaker fleet, it is important that we leverage the experience and expertise of our allies in Canada and Finland, who are both leaders in building, maintaining, and operating icebreaking vessels. Doing so will provide our domestic shipbuilding industry with valuable opportunities to learn and adopt best practices from two close allies and partners. 

“Our committee continues to advocate for increased attention and investment for U.S. priorities in the Arctic. We look forward to engaging with the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and other agencies to ensure we protect U.S. sovereignty and freedom of navigation in the Arctic polar region.”
 

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