U.S. House Launches Friends of Norway Caucus for the 112th Congress

McCollum, Paulsen, Larsen, Sensenbrenner to Lead Bipartisan Caucus

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives officially launched the Friends of Norway Caucus for the 112th Congress on Thursday. Since its establishment in 1999, the Friends of Norway Caucus has worked to strengthen the relationship, and open dialogue, between the two nations on a variety of issues that have both bilateral and global impacts.

This Congress, the caucus will be co-chaired by Representatives Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota), Erik Paulsen (R-Minnesota), Rick Larsen (D-Washington), and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin).

"Co-chairing the Friends of Norway Caucus is an honor and a privilege," said Congresswoman McCollum. "With over 850,000 Norwegian-Americans calling Minnesota home, I look forward to helping maintain the strong and important U.S.-Norwegian relationship."

"The relationship fostered over the years between the U.S. and Norway is one built upon a common history, deep business and social ties, and a desire for peace and democracy," said Congressman Paulsen. "Serving as Co-Chair of the Friends of Norway Caucus gives me the opportunity to represent more than 100,000 Minnesotans of Norwegian heritage in my district, and perpetuate the important bonds between our two nations."

"The United States and Norway share a rich economic, cultural and political relationship," said Congressman Larsen. "I am pleased to serve as a Co-Chair of the Friends of Norway Caucus which offers Members of Congress the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Norway and build upon the ties between our two countries."

"I am pleased to serve as a Co-Chair on the Norway Caucus in the House of Representatives," said Congressman Sensenbrenner. "It presents a great forum for dialogue with our counterparts in the Norwegian Parliament and gives Members of Congress the opportunity to learn more about Norwegian culture."

"The Norway Caucus is of great importance to the Norwegian Embassy as it is for the many Norwegian-Americans who take pride in their Norwegian ancestry," said Ambassador Wegger Strømmen. "The caucus provides an arena for political and cultural exchanges between Norway and America. Some of the issues of particular importance include energy and climate policy, defence related matters as well as student and cultural exchange programs. I look forward to working with the Caucus of the 112th Congress."

The Friends of Norway Caucus meets when suitable occasions occur, such as visits by Norwegian parliamentarians, or if issues of particular interest or concern to the more than 5 million Americans of Norwegian decent should be addressed.

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