A resolution recognizing the strategic importance of the Arctic region and supporting continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and partners.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 763 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 763

     Recognizing the strategic importance of the Arctic region and 
 supporting continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and 
                               partners.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 9, 2026

 Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Mrs. Shaheen, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Cortez 
    Masto, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Lummis, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, and Mrs. Britt) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                          on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Recognizing the strategic importance of the Arctic region and 
 supporting continued congressional engagement with Arctic allies and 
                               partners.

Whereas the United States is an Arctic nation by virtue of Alaska;
Whereas the United States maintains a number of key interests in the Arctic 
        region, from homeland defense and national security matters to economic, 
        environmental, and scientific affairs;
Whereas the Arctic region is governed through a framework of international law, 
        norms, and institutions, including the Arctic Council, which promote 
        peaceful cooperation, sustainable development, environmental 
        responsibility, and respect for Indigenous peoples;
Whereas the accession of new Arctic allies the Kingdom of Sweden and Finland to 
        the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reinforces the region's 
        strategic importance to the United States and its allies;
Whereas cooperation among Arctic nations and partners has historically 
        contributed to stability, transparency, and confidence-building in the 
        region;
Whereas Indigenous peoples are vital to Arctic governance and decision-making 
        and possess traditional knowledge essential to sustaining the region's 
        future;
Whereas the Arctic faces significant opportunities and challenges related to 
        critical infrastructure, telecommunications, maritime shipping, 
        scientific research, energy systems, and regional connectivity, 
        requiring sustained investment and collaboration with allies and 
        partners;
Whereas increasing strategic competition with the People's Republic of China and 
        the Russian Federation in the Arctic region underscores the importance 
        of maintaining a stable, secure, and rules-based order to help maintain 
        peace and stability throughout the region;
Whereas the coordination of the United States Armed Forces and Federal agencies 
        with allied partners in the High North reinforces United States homeland 
        defense;
Whereas, on May 22, 2026, at the NATO Foreign Ministerial in Sweden, the Arctic 
        allies, consisting of Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, 
        the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the United States, 
        issued a joint statement in support of increased cooperation ``to 
        achieve our common goal of a safe, prosperous and peaceful Arctic''; and
Whereas Congress plays a critical role in shaping Arctic policy and engaging 
        with international partners to advance shared priorities in the region: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) reaffirms the strategic importance of the Arctic region 
        to the national security and economic interests of the United 
        States and its allies and partners;
            (2) recognizes the need for continued cooperation with 
        Arctic allies and partners to promote peace, stability, and 
        sustainable development in the region;
            (3) supports efforts to strengthen Arctic security, 
        infrastructure, maritime capabilities, scientific research, 
        domain awareness, telecommunications resilience, and regional 
        preparedness;
            (4) underscores the importance of working alongside allies 
        and partners in multilateral fora, including the North Atlantic 
        Treaty Organization, to defend United States national security 
        interests and uphold our shared values;
            (5) affirms the importance of meaningful engagement with 
        Indigenous peoples in Arctic governance and policy development; 
        and
            (6) encourages continued congressional engagement with 
        Arctic allies and partners on shared Arctic priorities, 
        including through intergovernmental exchanges, delegations, and 
        cooperative initiatives.
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