Foreign ships would need US approval for research within 200 nautical miles of Alaska
Placed on the calendarS. 4708Latest action
Sponsor: Mike Lee · Senator · UT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 4708 would require US approval for foreign marine research in waters up to 200 nautical miles out, and bar ships tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 4708 would require foreign ships to get US government permission before doing marine scientific research in US waters, which reach 200 nautical miles from the coast. The State Department would run the review with intelligence agencies and Homeland Security, and ships tied to China, Russia, Iran or North Korea could not be approved. The Secretary of State could make case-by-case exceptions but must tell Congress within 5 days.
Who does it affect?
Foreign research crews and ship operators would face the new approval step, and the State Department and security agencies would take on review and reporting work. Scientists working with foreign partners in the Arctic could see slower approvals or extra paperwork.
Why does it matter?
The bill aims to guard undersea cables, seabed resources and military information in waters off Alaska from spying. Most Americans would notice no direct change, but joint Arctic research could face delays.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Jul 27, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 8, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Jul 27, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 516.