# Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

The U.S. military is concerned about what's happening in the Arctic region and wants to significantly strengthen its presence there. This bill creates a formal plan to boost American military capabilities in the Arctic, particularly in response to Russia and China's growing activities in that area.

Here's what the bill actually does: It requires the military to conduct a detailed study by February 2022 examining what forces, equipment, and infrastructure the U.S. needs in the Arctic through 2027. This study will look at everything from how many troops and ships should be stationed there to what kind of bases and supply lines are needed. The military will then use this study to create an "Arctic Security Initiative"—essentially a five-year action plan with specific goals for modernizing Arctic operations, improving logistics, conducting training exercises, building up infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships with allied countries like Canada and Norway.

The practical impact is that this bill will likely lead to increased military spending and activity in the Arctic. The U.S. will probably invest in new icebreaker ships, establish or expand military bases, pre-position supplies and equipment in the region, and conduct more military exercises there. For most Americans, this means tax dollars will be directed toward Arctic military development rather than other priorities. For people living in Alaska or working in Arctic-related industries, it could mean more military presence and activity in their region. The bill also emphasizes working with allies and maintaining freedom of navigation in Arctic waters, which reflects concerns about Russia and China's expanding influence in an area that's becoming more accessible due to climate change and increasingly valuable for shipping routes and natural resources.

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

Gallagher, Mike

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct an assessment and implement a program related to national security interests in the Arctic region. Specifically, the Commander of the United States Northern Command of DOD must consult and coordinate with specified defense entities to conduct an independent assessment with respect to the activities and resources required for FY2023-FY2027 to achieve specified objectives related to national security interests in the Arctic region. The assessment must focus on the activities and resources required to achieve the following objectives: <ul> <li>the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and military service-specific strategies with respect to the Arctic region;</li> <li>the maintenance or restoration of the comparative military advantage of the United States in response to great power competitors in the Arctic region;</li> <li>the reduction of the risk of executing operation and contingency plans of DOD; and</li> <li>to maximize execution of DOD operation and contingency plans, in the event deterrence fails.</li> </ul> Additionally, DOD must establish the Arctic Security Initiative program to enhance security in the Arctic region, to be informed by the assessment required by this bill. DOD must annually submit an unclassified future years plan, which may include a classified annex, for the activities and resources of the program that includes specified elements (e.g., a detailed time line for achieving requirements). The plan must also be included in budget materials submitted by DOD in support of the budget of the President for FY2023.