H.R. 2000: Arctic Watchers Act

The bill, known as the **Arctic Watchers Act**, aims to establish a program to monitor the Arctic region and promote United States interests while countering foreign influences, particularly from China and Russia. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Purpose of the Bill

The **Arctic Watchers Act** serves two main functions:

• To monitor the Arctic for risks and opportunities related to U.S. national security, economics, natural resources, cyber activities, and geopolitical dynamics.
• To combat the influence of foreign nations, specifically China and Russia, which are perceived as threats to U.S. interests in the region.

Establishment of the Arctic Watcher Program

The bill mandates the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to create a program called the **Arctic Watcher Program**. This program will:

• Monitor various aspects of the Arctic region, including security, military, economic, natural resources, cyber, scientific, and political sectors.
• Investigate and counteract campaigns of foreign malign influence that may threaten U.S. national security and that of its allies.
• Enhance U.S. engagement with foreign countries and international organizations invested in Arctic affairs.
• Bolster U.S. interests in energy security, cyber security, critical minerals, and natural resource sectors in the Arctic.

Assignment of Arctic Watchers

Under the program, the Secretary of State will assign individuals, titled **Arctic Watchers**, to various locations:

• At least three posts in European nations with significant Arctic interests.
• At least one post in North American nations with significant Arctic interests.
• Additional posts as necessary, determined by the Secretary of State.

The Secretary of State must inform relevant congressional committees after appointing Arctic Watchers to these posts.

Responsibilities and Reporting

The **Office of the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs** will guide Arctic Watchers and aid in advancing U.S. interests in the region. Each Arctic Watcher post must prepare and submit an annual report detailing:

• The post's efforts to advance the Arctic Watcher Program.
• Goals for the following year to continue progress.

Additionally, the Secretary of State must provide a comprehensive report to Congress every year, including information about the assigned Arctic Watchers and their responsibilities.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of **$10 million** for the fiscal year 2025 and annually thereafter to support the activities of the Arctic Watcher Program.

Definition of Arctic Region

The term "Arctic region" is defined in accordance with existing legislation, specifically the Arctic Research and Policy Act.

Relevant Companies

• XOM (Exxon Mobil Corporation): As a leading company in the oil and gas sector, Exxon may be impacted by regulations and efforts related to energy security and natural resource management in the Arctic.
• SLB (SLB Limited): This company provides technology and services for the oil and gas industry, potentially facing changes in operations and regulations related to Arctic exploration and resource extraction.
• RDS.A (Royal Dutch Shell plc): Shell's operations in oil and gas, particularly in sensitive areas like the Arctic, might be significantly affected by enhanced monitoring and regulations stemming from this bill.