Arctic Watchers Act

(a) Establishment The Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs shall establish and carry out a program to be known as the Arctic Watcher Program, to— (1) monitor the Arctic region across the security, military, economic, natural resource, cyber, scientific, and political sectors in foreign countries; (2) monitor and combat the People’s Republic of China, Russian Federation, and other malign influence campaigns across that region that impact United States national security, European security, and Indo-Pacific security or pose a threat to the rules-based order, and undermine United States interests in the region; (3) strengthen the capacity of the United States to engage with foreign countries and regional and international organizations that are engaged in Arctic affairs; and (4) strengthen the United States energy security, cyber security and economic interests in the Arctic including in the critical minerals and natural resources sectors. (b) Assignment (1) In general In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs shall assign individuals, to be known as Arctic Watchers, to the following posts: (A) At least 3 posts in European countries with significant interests in the Arctic region. (B) At least one post in North American countries with significant interests in the Arctic region. (C) Other posts as determined to be necessary for promoting the activities of the program by the Secretary. (2) Notification The Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs shall notify the appropriate congressional committees upon assigning individuals to be Arctic Watchers under paragraph (1).