Crapo Joins Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Canada Partnership
Washington, D.C.--The United States and Canada share three oceans and the world’s longest border. About 400,000 people and more than $2.5 billion worth of goods and services move across the U.S.-Canada border each day. The relationship between the two countries fosters one of the most significant bilateral trading relationships in the world.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Angus King (I-Maine) in introducing a resolution to recognize the U.S.-Canada partnership and its shared interests in economics, energy, critical minerals and national security.
“Canada is America’s top trading partner and one of our strongest allies,” said Crapo. "The almost $1 trillion exchanged in trade between the U.S. and Canada in 2023 powers 8 million U.S. jobs and 2.4 million Canadian workers. Our two nations are inextricably linked economically and strategically--sharing deep historical and cultural ties. This resolution reiterates our firm commitment to bolster the long-term, mutual relationship with our Canadian neighbors far into the future.”
Idaho exports more products to Canada than any other country. According to the Idaho Department of Commerce, in 2023, Idaho exported $1.5 billion in goods to Canada—more than a quarter of which were food and agricultural products. Additionally, Idaho imported $360 million worth of Canadian food and agriculture goods. Idaho’s largest import/export industries include:
- Agriculture and food;
- Wood, paper, pulp and printing;
- Electrical equipment and machinery;
- Mineral products; and
- Chemicals, cosmetics and fertilizers.
Cramer and King serve as co-chairmen of the bipartisan, bicameral American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, and Senator Crapo is a member.
“Representing a Northern border state, I recognize the importance of the unique partnership between the United States and Canada,” said Cramer. “Not only are our neighbors to the north crucial economic and national security partners, but they are literally our closest ally. This resolution celebrates our closeness and is a testament to the enduring strength, friendship and importance of the U.S.-Canada alliance across the country and the globe.”
“The United States and Canada have always been closely tied; we share our economies, cultures, military interests and more. In fact, in Maine, even our next door neighbor lives right across the border,” said King. “I continue to be proud of the work we have achieved under the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus alongside my Senate Co-Chair Kevin Cramer, but know that the current situation presents many unfortunate challenges. While I am excited to reintroduce this resolution to reaffirm our two nations’ commitment to one another, we must acknowledge the close ties between our countries to resolve and mitigate any potential disruptions to our intertwined interests. As close trade partners and allies, I look forward to strengthening this close alliance to tackle these shared challenges and seize new opportunities.”
Among other provisions, the resolution recognizes the relationship between the United States and Canada is critical to promoting peace, expanding global economic opportunity and being prepared to respond to unforeseen events. It also reaffirms the bilateral and international alliance between the two nations, which allows both countries to face common threats together and uphold common values, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the shared defense and security commitments between the two nations, including the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), joint border security initiatives, and cooperation in combating transnational threats such as illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking.
The resolution is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont). A similar resolution was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (R-Nevada).
Click here for bill text.
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