A bipartisan group of lawmakers is preparing to introduce a bill that would limit any military action taken by the president without approval from Congress.
The proposal comes as debate grows over recent comments by President Donald Trump about possibly acquiring Greenland.
The bill is being led by Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts, with support from Reps. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, and Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska. Keating said the measure is focused on protecting shared security interests for both the United States and its allies. Lawmakers involved in the effort are seeking wider support and hope more Republicans will join in backing limits on funding for any unauthorized military action.
In a letter to colleagues, Keating said the bill is meant to clearly oppose any such action and reinforce support for NATO allies and partners. The legislation does not mention any country by name, though it follows Trump’s repeated statements about Greenland. Keating said leaving Greenland out was meant to broaden the bill’s focus. He has met with Denmark’s ambassador and Greenland’s official representative.
“This issue goes beyond Greenland,” Keating said. “It is about national security.” He added that cutting off funding would be the strongest way to prevent unauthorized military action, noting that past presidents from both parties have shown that financial limits are more effective than relying only on war powers rules.
Last week, the U.S. Senate advanced a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting Trump’s ability to order further strikes against Venezuela following recent attacks and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The measure could pass the Senate later this week, though its future in the House remains uncertain.
Attention has also turned to Greenland, where some Trump administration officials have discussed options, including military action. Experts warn such a move could violate NATO’s Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
Trump said the United States would act on Greenland regardless of opposition, warning that Russia or China might take it otherwise. Greenlandic leaders rejected the idea, saying they do not want to be part of the U.S. or Denmark, and that decisions about the island’s future should be made by its own people.
Leaders from Denmark, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Poland signed a letter emphasizing that Greenland’s future belongs to its people. “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” the letter said.
The idea of expanding U.S. influence over Greenland has drawn mixed reactions in Congress. Most Democrats oppose it, while some Republicans support closer ties. Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, who has introduced legislation to make Greenland the 51st U.S. state, said he believes the best approach would be voluntary.
“I think it is in the world’s interest for the United States to exert sovereignty over Greenland,” Fine told Fox News Digital.
