November 12, 2025 — U.S. legislators are looking to codify the federal office of the ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs, a position established in 2022 to focus U.S. Department of State’s priorities on Arctic issues.
“The Arctic is a critical region for U.S. national security, economic development, and environmental preservation,” U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-California) said in a release. “From increased ship traffic to growing competition with Russia and China, the United States must ensure we have a strong, unified presence in the Arctic. This legislation will help us do just that by formally establishing a senior diplomat position charged with leading and coordinating America’s Arctic strategy.”