Pingree Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Investment, Trade With Iceland

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Congressman Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska), and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) introduced the Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development (ICELAND) Act, legislation that would add Iceland to the list of nations eligible for investment and trade in the U.S provided U.S. nationals are treated similarly by the government of Iceland. This bipartisan legislation would allow Icelanders to apply for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant work visas, which are designated for people of a country with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, with which the U.S. maintains a qualifying international agreement, or which has been deemed to be a qualifying country by legislation. Currently, Iceland is one of only a couple European countries not eligible for these visas.

"For decades, Iceland and the United States have benefited from a very close and strategic relationship--one that is critical to economic growth, especially in the Arctic region. In fact, the United States is Iceland´s largest trading partner, accounting for 16% of Iceland´s total trade in goods and services. But under our current structure, Icelandic companies are unable to access the visas needed to establish working operations within our borders," said Congresswoman Pingree. "Congress has the power to take action and improve our long-standing relationship with Iceland, rectifying this imbalance through this straightforward and impactful legislation. By making these visas available to Icelanders, my bill will support stronger bilateral ties with Iceland and bolster new investment and economic growth for both our countries."

"A strong relationship between the United States and Iceland is critical to U.S. economic and strategic interests in the Arctic region," said Congressman Larsen, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Arctic Working Group."This bipartisan bill provides a major boost in investment and trade between our two nations, including in Puget Sound which is home to the largest Icelandic population in the United States."

"The evolving nature of the Arctic underscores the essential nature of close strategic relationships and collaboration. As a member of the Arctic Working Group, I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan ICELAND Act with Representatives Pingree, Larsen, and Courtney," said Congressman Young."Iceland is an important ally, but bureaucratic red tape has prevented them from securing the clearance necessary to work within our borders. By making visas available, we can enhance collaborative efforts between our two countries, helping ensure peace and stability in the Arctic. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us on this crucial legislation."

"Passing the ICELAND Act not only enhances economic cooperation between Iceland and the United States, it forges a greater bond between two nations with shared regional interests," said Congressman Courtney. "As NATO allies and partners in the Arctic, our two nations will undoubtedly work together to shape maritime trade and security policies governing the growing arctic sea lanes in the years to come. Expanding access to visas for trade and investment will bring growth to both our economies, and reinforce our commitment to an important strategic ally."