Young, Larsen, Mast, and Mullin Introduce Legislation Establishing a United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representatives Don Young (R-AK), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Brian Mast (R-FL), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced legislation to establish a permanent United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs, whose duties would include representing the United States at the Arctic Council and serving as Chair during the United States' next term. This legislation has been introduced as United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Arctic Council nations in Reykjavik, Iceland for the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting where Russia will assume the Chairmanship of the Council for the next two years. Established in 1996, the Arctic Council is the principal intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the eight Arctic States: The United States, Canada, The Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, The Russian Federation and Sweden.

"The United States is an Arctic nation because of Alaska, and it is more important than ever that the United States is well-positioned to maintain security and stability in the region. This starts with strong leadership, which is why we need a U.S. Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs," said Congressman Don Young, Co-Chair of the Congressional Arctic Working Group. "The Arctic is changing, and if we are to secure success in the region, we must project American diplomacy just as we would with any other nation. Without a high-level official dedicated to Arctic policy, the United States risks falling behind. This is vitally important as it is now Russia's turn to Chair the Arctic Policy Council. Now more than ever, America needs to formalize its renewed diplomatic focus on the Arctic to engage with our near peer adversaries, including Russia and China, who are jockeying for future strategic advantages in a changing Arctic. I am proud to introduce legislation establishing an Arctic At-Large Ambassador, and I am grateful to my friends, Congressmen Larsen, Mast, and Mullin, for their support in their crucial effort. The Arctic will be front and center in the 21st Century, and we must be able to rise to the occasion. I call on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation."

"The U.S. is an Arctic nation, and designating an Arctic Ambassador at Large is an important step to advance U.S. diplomatic leadership in this important region," said Representative Larsen, Co-Chair of the Congressional Arctic Working Group. "An ambassador-level position signals the U.S. commitment to international cooperation on Arctic policy."

"The Arctic Circle is an important strategic point for the United States. As Russia and China continue to expand their influence in the region it is critical the United States have a strong presence in the region," Representative Mast said. "This legislation ensures a permanent Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs is in place to protect our national security interests."

"As Russia and China continue to expand their influence in the Arctic Circle, it's more important than ever that the United States have a strong presence in the region," said Representative Mullin. "This legislation will ensure a permanent Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs is in place to protect our national security interests and keep our adversaries in check."