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S. 4708119th Congress
S. 4708
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
The Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act would require foreign scientists and vessels to get U.S. approval before conducting ocean research in Arctic waters.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
The bill sets a U.S. policy of limiting foreign spying and influence operations in the Arctic and sharing threat information with allies. It requires foreign scientists and vessels, especially from "foreign adversary" countries (North Korea, Iran, China, Russia), to get U.S. approval before conducting ocean research within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coast, with adversary-linked vessels generally blocked unless the Secretary of State grants a national-interest waiver.
Federal agencies (State Department, intelligence agencies, Homeland Security), foreign governments and research institutions seeking Arctic research access, and U.S. programs involving foreign scientists.
The measure responds to concerns about Russian military buildup and Chinese use of research stations for espionage in the Arctic, and could complicate foreign research access and diplomatic relations in the region.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: it's on the Senate floor calendar. 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.