Rep. Bera Introduces Resolution Reaffirming U.S. Commitment to the Arctic Council

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV-02) and Bill Keating (D-MA-09) recognizing the vital role of the Arctic Council and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to maintaining leadership and collaboration in the Arctic region. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

This resolution follows Rep. Bera’s recent introduction of legislation to establish a permanent Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs within the U.S. Department of State, underscoring the need for consistent U.S. engagement as geopolitical tensions and climate challenges reshape the Arctic.

“As an Arctic Nation, the United States must lead with science, diplomacy and cooperation to help shape the future of this critical region,” said Representative Bera. “The Arctic Council remains one of the most effective forums for international collaboration, including Indigenous voices, scientific exchange and environmental stewardship. As geopolitical competition and human activities in the region intensify, this resolution reaffirms America’s role as a steadfast partner in efforts to keep the Arctic a region of peace and stability.” 

The Arctic Council brings together the eight Arctic states—Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States—along with six Indigenous Permanent Participant organizations. The Council addresses pressing Arctic issues ranging from climate change and biodiversity to oil spill response and public health.

“Deepening our collaboration with Arctic Council counterparts is essential to maintaining strong leadership and a unified approach to regional governance,” said Rep. Mark Amodei.  “In today’s evolving geopolitical landscape, our strategic presence in the Arctic is more critical than ever to deter adversarial threats and defend the national security interests of our nations. I will continue to support legislation that reinforces stability and long-term engagement in the region.”

“The Arctic represents a region of significant economic and geopolitical importance for the United States and the U.S. commitment to the Arctic Council helps strengthen our engagement in the region,” said Ranking Member Keating. “This resolution recognizes the key role the Arctic Council plays in fostering international cooperation, sustainable development, and environmental protection in the Arctic region and importantly reaffirms U.S. participation and leadership within the Council. I thank Representatives Bera and Amodei for their important leadership on this issue.”

You can read the full resolution here.