Press Releases

Today, Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA), American Canadian Economy and Security Caucus Co-Chair Mark Amodei (R-NV), Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Ranking Member Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Chairman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) introduced H.R. 2000, the Arctic Watchers Act. This bipartisan legislation strengthens American engagement in the Arctic to combat Russian and Chinese malign influences in the region. By doing so, the legislation prioritizes U.S. interests in the region and expands economic and security cooperation with like-minded Arctic partners.

“This bipartisan legislation improves our economic and national security by working with our strategic partners and allies to increase the State Department’s focus on the Arctic,” said Congressman Huizenga. “Simply put, the United States can no longer afford to sit idly by and cede the region to Russia, China, and other nations who seek to advance objectives that conflict with American interests.”

“The Arctic Watchers Act, which will place specific Arctic-focused personnel at U.S. State Department missions in Europe and North America, ensures the United States is focused on critical economic and national security priorities in the region. The Arctic has tremendous potential, both in our bilateral partnerships with other Arctic nations, and in our economic, critical minerals, and cultural interests across the region,” said Ranking Member Keating. “This legislation signals to our Arctic allies that the United States is committed to the region and committed to countering increased Russian and Chinese malign influence in the Arctic which undermines U.S. interests. I thank my bipartisan colleagues for their support of this initiative.”

“Strengthening our geopolitical position in the Arctic is essential to countering the growing influence of adversaries like China and Russia, who are actively seeking to leverage the region to advance their global agendas," said Congressman Amodei. "I support this bill because we cannot afford to hand over control of this strategically important region. By establishing a program to monitor foreign activities, we can protect U.S. interests and enhance our national security in the face of increasing global threats.”

“The Arctic region is increasingly essential to the national security and economic security of the United States”, said Ranking Member Castro. “The Arctic Watchers Act recognizes this and ensures that the United State has a unified approach to the Arctic with both our European and Western Hemisphere partners. I thank Ranking Member Keating for his leadership in authoring this legislation.”