What does Preamble of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To improve the security of the Arctic, and for other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding security and sovereignty concerns in the Arctic region. It identifies the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China as key foreign adversaries posing elevated risks. The Russian Federation has significantly expanded its military infrastructure and capabilities in the Arctic, holding a substantial portion of the Arctic coastline. China has declared itself a 'Near-Arctic State' and is pursuing a strategy to become a 'polar great power' through economic expansion and scientific investments. China and Russia are cooperating on a 'Polar Silk Road' and strengthening cooperation in polar shipbuilding. China has been attempting to gain strategic footholds in the Arctic, including establishing research stations and attempting to manipulate scientific activities. China engages in extensive marine surveying with potential dual-use military applications, such as seabed mapping and NATO asset monitoring. Multiple intelligence agencies, including those in Denmark, Canada, and Iceland, have reported espionage activities by China and Russia in the Arctic. The intelligence community and NATO have highlighted Russia's military build-up and China's expanding naval capabilities and presence in the Arctic. The Department of Homeland Security reports an unprecedented number of Chinese military and research vessels operating near U.S. Arctic waters.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. "Agency" is defined as having the meaning of "Executive agency" in section 105 of title 5, United States Code. "Appropriate committees of Congress" are specified for both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The term "Arctic" is defined by reference to section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984. "Covered activities" include marine surveys with potential dual-use risks, such as seabed mapping and data collection related to subsea assets. A "covered vessel" is a foreign vessel associated with a foreign adversary. "Foreign adversary" includes specific countries like the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, China, and the Russian Federation. "Marine scientific research" is defined as activities expanding knowledge of the marine environment, regulated by a Presidential Proclamation. "United States waters" encompasses the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf.

What does STATEMENT OF POLICY. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section establishes policy to limit espionage and influence operations by foreign adversaries in the Arctic and United States waters. The policy includes informing allied countries about espionage activities of foreign adversaries in the Arctic. Federal Government support for marine surveys is conditioned on cooperation with counterespionage efforts in the Arctic and United States waters. The United States intends to use diplomatic means to ensure Arctic security and sovereignty, referencing enforcement of section 6. Diplomatic means include demarches, public condemnations, diplomatic sanctions, and coordination of multilateral diplomatic pressure.

What does STRATEGY. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with other agencies, to develop a strategy to identify and combat espionage and influence operations by foreign adversaries in the Arctic. The strategy must identify and counter espionage activities in the Arctic. The strategy should include diplomatic methods to enforce section 6. The strategy may involve coordinating with allied countries present in the Arctic to combat espionage.

What does MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN UNITED STATES WATERS. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section regulates maritime scientific research conducted by foreign scientists in United States waters. Foreign vessels must obtain prior consent from the United States Government to conduct such research. The Secretary of State, in coordination with intelligence and homeland security agencies, is responsible for reviewing applications and implementing a consent process. Generally, the Secretary of State is prohibited from approving applications for 'covered vessels'. The Secretary of State may waive this prohibition if deemed to be in the national interest, and must notify Congress within 5 days of such a waiver. Violations of the consent requirement must be reported to Congress within 15 days, including details about the foreign scientist and the violation.

What does REPORT. of Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act do?

This section mandates a report on espionage and influence operations by foreign adversaries in the Arctic and United States waters. The report is required within one year of the Act's enactment and must be submitted to Congress. The report must assess the extent to which activities support espionage and influence operations. It must describe U.S. government support for activities involving foreign adversaries, including funding, partnerships, and technical assistance. The report should detail efforts to enlist allied countries in combating Arctic espionage. It must include recommendations for combating such espionage. The report will be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The report will be made available to any Member of Congress upon request.

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Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act

Last updated: 6/17/2026 · Introduced: 6/8/2026

Author: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill aims to enhance U.S. security in the Arctic region, specifically addressing concerns about espionage and influence operations by foreign adversaries like China and Russia.
It establishes stricter regulations for marine scientific research conducted by foreign vessels in U.S. waters, generally prohibiting approval for vessels associated with foreign adversaries.
The bill requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to identify and counter espionage and influence operations in the Arctic, coordinating with allied countries when possible.
It mandates a comprehensive report assessing the extent of foreign adversary activities in the Arctic, including U.S. government support for potentially problematic collaborations.
The bill prioritizes diplomatic means, such as demarches and sanctions, to ensure Arctic security and sovereignty while informing allies about espionage activities.

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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