Congressman Bill Huizenga has introduced legislation designed to “secure the U.S. foothold in the Arctic.”
The Arctic Watchers Act looks to combat Russian influence at the top of the world, as well as attempts from China to influence the Arctic Circle region. The congressman from Michigan points out that China is looking for a seat at the table, though they are not one of the eight countries with territory there.
The Act would put Arctic-focused personnel at U.S. State Department missions in Europe and North America to keep tabs on security situations in the increasingly competitive Arctic. He also said that the legislation is not related to President Trump’s efforts to absorb Denmark’s Greenland Territory.
WSJM reports that the legislation has advanced to the House Foreign Affair Committee.
