Arctic Watchers Act

This bill creates an Arctic Watcher Program at the State Department, working with the Defense Department. It would track what’s happening in the Arctic across security, economy, natural resources, cyber, science, and politics, and push back on harmful influence from Russia, China, and others. It also aims to boost U.S. energy and cyber security and protect key minerals and other resources, while helping the U.S. work with other countries and groups that care about the region. Congress states that the Arctic is critical to U.S. national security and that the U.S. should counter efforts by Russia and China there.

The Secretary of State must place “Arctic Watchers” at least at three posts in Europe and at least one in North America, with more as needed. These posts will get guidance from the Office of the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs and must send yearly reports. The Secretary of State must also report within 180 days and then every year on where these watchers are posted, what they do, and the strategies in place. The bill authorizes $10 million per year starting in 2025 to run the program, and it uses the federal definition of the “Arctic region” in existing law.

• Who is affected: State Department, Defense Department, U.S. diplomatic posts in Europe and North America, and partner countries in the Arctic region.
• What changes: New program to monitor the Arctic, counter foreign influence, strengthen U.S. engagement, and support energy, cyber, and economic interests, including critical minerals.
• When: First report due 180 days after enactment; then annual reports. Ongoing funding authorized at $10 million per year starting in 2025.