Legislation highlights importance of Arctic region to national, economic security

Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Angus King (I-ME) recently introduced a measure designed to direct the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to national and economic security interests.

The Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019, also initiates a strategy for the U.S. fleet’s ability to operate in the Arctic and respond to challenges.

“As new sea lanes emerge and maritime traffic rapidly increases in the Arctic, the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have not kept pace with the elevated activity taking place in the region,” Sullivan said. “Worse still, the military interest and investments being committed here by our adversaries, Russia and China, have been met for many years with tepid statements and inaction by the Pentagon.”

Sullivan said the bill would direct the Defense Department to make serious assessments of Arctic interests and capabilities and outline plans to “preserve the safe flow of commerce, protect the pristine natural environment, and secure America’s sovereignty.”

The legislation would also codify a series of findings on the strategic importance of the Arctic while requiring the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to develop a detailed plan to create an operational and strategic support system for Arctic Naval surface operations with set deadlines for implementation.