Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

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:

• the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and military service-specific strategies with respect to the Arctic region;
• the maintenance or restoration of the comparative military advantage of the United States in response to great power competitors in the Arctic region;
• the reduction of the risk of executing operation and contingency plans of DOD; and
• to maximize execution of DOD operation and contingency plans, in the event deterrence fails.

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.

Bill 117 HR 4135, also known as the Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the security and defense capabilities of the United States in the Arctic region.

The bill includes provisions to increase the presence of US military forces in the Arctic, as well as to improve infrastructure and logistics in the region. It also calls for increased cooperation with other Arctic nations, such as Canada and Norway, to address common security challenges.

Additionally, the bill addresses the need for improved environmental monitoring and response capabilities in the Arctic, given the region's vulnerability to climate change and potential for increased shipping and resource extraction activities. Overall, the Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021 aims to strengthen US national security interests in the Arctic region and ensure that the United States is prepared to address emerging security threats in this strategically important area.