Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME) in introducing the Arctic Diplomacy Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation which will elevate Arctic issues in U.S. foreign policy by establishing an Assistant Secretary of State for Arctic Affairs who will lead and conduct U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic region and on Arctic issues.
“The Arctic is an issue of national security to our nation. It’s incredibly important the United States remains fully engaged in the Arctic. North Dakota plays a pivotal role in the Arctic, given our proximity to the region,” said Senator Cramer. “The United States is the only Arctic nation that does not have diplomatic representation in the Arctic at the ambassador level or higher. As the region gets busier, it is crucial the U.S. has a representative to play an active and influential diplomatic role in the region. Our bill provides exactly that.”
The Assistant Secretary of State for Arctic Affairs role will be a Senate-confirmed position responsible for influencing decisions and behavior of Arctic nations, Arctic issues, and activities in the Arctic region which includes establishing an Arctic diplomacy strategy; strengthening cooperation among Arctic countries; promoting responsible natural resource management and economic development; scientific monitoring and research; protecting the Arctic environment and conserving its biological resources; and Arctic indigenous knowledge and input.
Senator Cramer has repeatedly used his seat on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for North Dakota’s role in Arctic Missions, specifically as it relates to Over the Horizon Radar capabilities, the nuclear triad, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts.
Senators Cramer and Murkowski are joined on the bill by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).