Shaheen Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Codify Position of Ambassador-At-Large for the Arctic Region

(Washington, DC) – Last week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, helped introduce bipartisan legislation to codify the position of Ambassador-At-Large for the Arctic Region at the U.S. Department of State.

“With nations like Russia and China expanding their influence in the Arctic, it’s critical that the United States has diplomatic leadership focused on the region to protect our national security and economic priorities,” said Senator Shaheen. “That’s why I’m cosponsoring this bipartisan bill to codify the position of Ambassador-At-Large for the Arctic Region. Especially as the changes in our climate have made the Arctic more accessible, this region is becoming more important to our national security. As our adversaries move in to establish a presence, the United States must do the same to counter their influence and safeguard U.S. interests.”

In August 2022, the U.S. State Department announced that “the President plans to elevate the Arctic Coordinator position by appointing an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region will advance U.S. policy in the Arctic, engage with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic nations as well as Indigenous groups and work closely with domestic stakeholders, including state, local and Tribal governments, businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, other federal government agencies and Congress.”

On February 16, 2023, President Biden nominated Dr. Mike Sfraga, the chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, to be the nation’s first Arctic Ambassador. This legislation would formally authorize the Ambassador-At-Large for the Arctic Region position to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to Arctic affairs. 

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME). Additional cosponsors include Senators Angus King (I-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

Full text of the legislation is available here.

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