Bill · S. 5165· Senate(119-S-5165)
POLAR Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2026
- Last activity
- 7/29/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Dan Sullivan
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation. The Directorate is tasked with advancing research, education, and workforce development in the Arctic and Antarctica. It aims to expand knowledge of polar systems and improve research infrastructure, such as stations and vessels. The act also outlines the management of the United States Antarctic Program and efforts to maintain a presence in the Arctic. Additionally, it establishes an Assistant Director to oversee these operations and an advisory committee to provide recommendations.
Yes· 3 of 15
Does this put more money into scientific research?+7
The bill explicitly establishes and funds a new directorate to advance polar science and research.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill emphasizes the co-production of knowledge with Indian Tribes and engagement with indigenous peoples in the Arctic.
Does this put more money into medical research?+5
The bill specifically funds research into polar systems and their interactions with global systems.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Workforce Development: The bill promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training to meet workforce demands in polar regions (Section 2, Section 3).
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Indigenous Engagement: The act facilitates engagement with local and indigenous peoples in Arctic research, education, and outreach activities (Section 4, Section 5).
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Support for Indian Tribes: The bill allows for the co-production of knowledge with Indian Tribes to build capacity in the United States workforce (Section 5).
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Economic and Strategic Growth in Alaska: The bill seeks to strengthen Alaska's role as a primary hub for Arctic research, logistics, operations, and workforce development (Section 8).
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Safety and Health: The act includes activities to advance polar region safety and health, including oversight of occupational health and medical systems (Section 5).
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Infrastructure and Resilience: The Directorate supports long-term Arctic observing networks intended to improve infrastructure resilience and navigation safety (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Dependency on Funding: The success of the Directorate's activities is subject to the availability of appropriated funds (Section 5).
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Logistical Costs: The bill allows for drawing upon the logistical support capabilities of Federal, military, and commercial partners on a cost-reimbursable basis (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Students+3Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Business Owners+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+4Improves Rural Development+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves Diplomatic Engagement+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Government Transparency+1
- 7/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska