S.Amdt. 6539

The amendment submitted by Mr. Lee seeks to add a new section to bill S. 4784 called the Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act. Its primary purpose is to protect United States security and sovereignty in the Arctic by limiting espionage and influence operations conducted by foreign adversaries.

The amendment aims to change and add the following to the bill:

• Policy and Strategy: It establishes a U.S. policy to limit foreign espionage in the Arctic and requires the Secretary of State, the intelligence community, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a strategy to combat these threats.

• Research Restrictions: It prohibits foreign scientists from conducting marine scientific research in United States waters without prior government consent. It specifically bars the approval of "covered vessels" (vessels associated with foreign adversaries) unless a national interest waiver is granted.

• Diplomatic Action: It authorizes the use of diplomatic tools—such as sanctions, public condemnations, and coordination with Arctic allies—to ensure regional security.

• Accountability and Reporting: It mandates several reports to Congress, including an assessment of foreign espionage activities and an analysis of how to better share security information with allied Arctic nations.