Bill · S. 4708· Senate(119-S-4708)
Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act
- Introduced
- 6/8/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 516.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Lee
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act and focuses on improving the security and sovereignty of the United States in the Arctic region. It aims to limit espionage and influence operations by foreign adversaries, specifically naming countries like the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The legislation requires foreign vessels to obtain prior consent from the U.S. government before conducting marine scientific research in U.S. waters. It explicitly prohibits approval for "covered vessels" associated with foreign adversaries, though a national interest waiver is allowed. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State, intelligence officials, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy and submit reports to Congress regarding foreign espionage and marine research activities in the Arctic.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+7
The legislation encourages cooperation and information-sharing among Arctic allies to counter foreign adversary influence.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+7
The bill establishes strategic frameworks and diplomatic initiatives to protect United States sovereignty and security interests in the Arctic.
Does this tighten control of the border?+7
The bill enhances monitoring and control over foreign vessels operating in United States waters to mitigate espionage and security risks.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Espionage: Section 4 outlines a policy to limit espionage, influence operations, and the sabotage of critical infrastructure by foreign adversaries in the Arctic and United States waters, which helps safeguard national security for the American people.
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Stricter Control Over Foreign Research: Section 6(a) and Section 6(b) require foreign vessels to obtain prior consent and go through a strict application review process before conducting any marine scientific research in United States waters. This helps prevent foreign adversaries from using scientific research as a cover for military mapping or spying.
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Congressional Oversight: Section 6(f) requires the Secretary of State to notify appropriate congressional committees within 15 days of any violation involving unauthorized foreign research in U.S. waters, ensuring that the officials we vote for are held accountable and kept informed of security breaches.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Red Tape for Scientific Research: Section 6(b) implements a mandatory application and review process for any marine scientific research in U.S. waters, which could potentially slow down legitimate, peaceful international scientific collaboration and research projects.
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Government Discretion on Waivers: Section 6(e) allows the Secretary of State to issue a national interest waiver to approve applications for covered vessels from foreign adversaries. Because this relies heavily on individual executive discretion without direct public input, it creates room for inconsistent application of the rules by elected or appointed officials.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+7Improves International Alliances+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 516.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Introduced in Senate
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire