In an effort to reassure key allies, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill that would bar military action against Canada, Panama, and Greenland.
Known as the “No Invading Allies Act,” H.R. 1936 was introduced by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) in response to President Trump’s repeated threats to annex Canada, reclaim the Panama Canal, and acquire Greenland—all while refusing to rule out the use of military force for territorial expansion. The legislation seeks to reinforce Congress’s oversight of military engagements and prevent unilateral actions that could destabilize partnerships with America’s longtime economic and geopolitical allies.
The Bill, currently under review by the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, would block the use of U.S. funds for military operations aimed at invading or seizing territory from Canada, Panama, or Greenland. Under Section 3 of the bill, such operations would only be allowed if Congress declares war or provides specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency arises from an attack or imminent threat of attack on the U.S., its territories, or its Armed Forces.
The U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, and the War Powers Resolution of 1973 limits presidential military actions to 60 days without congressional approval. Regardless, President Trump’s statements regarding territorial expansion have raised international concerns about the real possibility of unilateral action during his administration.
“This isn’t just about Trump,” Magaziner’s Office said in a statement released this week. “[I]t’s about safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring no president, Democrat or Republican, can unilaterally drag the U.S. into unnecessary conflicts with our allies.”
The Bill was introduced on March 6 with support from eight Democratic cosponsors. However, it has yet to gain bipartisan traction and will need Republican backing to pass in the Republican-controlled House.
“President Trump should not be allowed to put American servicemembers into harm’s way by starting unnecessary wars with our allies,” Magaziner said in a statement. “My bill, the No Invading Allies Act, clarifies that Congress will not allow the President to unilaterally drag us into unnecessary conflicts that do nothing to make Americans safer.”
H.R. 1936 echoes historical measures like the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s and the Rio Treaty of 1947, both aimed to curb unintended military engagements and maintain regional stability. However, this bill takes a more targeted approach, zeroing in on three allies whose strategic and economic significance has been thrust into the spotlight as part of a broader expansionist agenda Trump has promoted since winning the Nov. 5 election.
The importance of Canada, Panama, and Greenland is greater than merely their role as allies; they are critical economic partners to the United States. Canada alone is the U.S.’s largest trading partner. In 2023, trade between the two countries equaled $923 billion. The U.S. exported $441 billion and imported $482 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $41 billion for the U.S. 70% of Canadian exports are used in U.S. manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the Panama Canal, a key global shipping artery with 70% of traffic, is U.S..-related. Greenland’s Arctic position, rare earth mineral potential, and longstanding U.S. defense ties make it strategically significant.
The bill’s supporters argue that H.R. 1936 bolsters national security by preserving stable relations with key allies and avoiding costly conflicts. Opposing lawmakers may critique the prospect of the bill limiting military flexibility or executive power despite its assurance that it supports the economic viability of an America First policy by reducing needless expenditures and bolstering economic prosperity.
H.R. 1936 will broach the more significant international concern of whether the U.S. remains committed to respecting sovereignty and promoting global stability.
“This is about more than just legislation,” Magaziner said. “[I]t’s about reaffirming the values that define us as a nation.”
Marie Nicola is a journalist, pop culture historian, and former CBC Senior Producer whose investigative research explores the intersection of culture, technology, and history. She has contributed to the Globe and Mail, collaborated with Reddit, and been featured in TrendHunter as an early innovator in streaming and digital broadcasting. Follow her on X @karmacakedotca.