Press Release

U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA-06), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a permanent Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. 

Following its initial creation by the State Department in 2022, this bill would formally codify the position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs to ensure the role becomes a permanent fixture of U.S. foreign policy and Arctic engagement.

Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) and Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) joined Bera in introducing the bill in the House. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

“The Arctic is a critical region for U.S. national security, economic development and environmental preservation,” said Representative Bera. “From increased ship traffic to growing competition with Russia and China, the United States must ensure we have a strong, unified presence in the Arctic. This legislation will help us do just that by formally establishing a senior diplomat position charged with leading and coordinating America’s Arctic strategy.”

Reporting directly to the Secretary of State, the Ambassador-at-Large would coordinate efforts across federal agencies and international partners to advance U.S. security and scientific interests, strengthen Arctic cooperation, promote sustainable development, protect the environment and empower Indigenous Arctic communities.

“As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how Arctic issues—from melting ice caps to rising geopolitical tensions—impact both U.S. national security and global stability,” Bera added. “This Ambassador will ensure the United States leads with our values, partners with our allies and protects one of the most strategically significant regions of the world.”

“Establishing a permanent ambassador-level position is an important step to coordinate U.S. interests in the Arctic,” said Rep. Larsen. “The position also demonstrates Congress’ bipartisan commitment to international cooperation with regional partners on Arctic policy.”

“A strong U.S. presence in the Arctic is essential to securing our geopolitical interests and countering adversarial influence,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “As the region presents growing strategic opportunities in security, science, and development, U.S. representation ensures we remain a leading voice in shaping its future and advancing shared values with our allies.”

You can read the full legislation here.