House lawmakers seek Arctic risk assessment

The House Appropriations defense subcommittee is calling for an assessment of U.S. maritime capabilities in the Arctic in fiscal year 2024, as activities by Russia and China increase across the region.

The subcommittee wants Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin -- in coordination with the Navy and Homeland Security secretaries -- to brief lawmakers in both chambers on military and security, according to the draft report obtained by Inside Defense that accompanies the FY-24 defense spending bill and is expected to be voted on Thursday.

The report notes evolving security concerns in the Arctic that warrant a threat assessment of future needs for the region. The threat-based assessment will include projections for requirements.

Thawing ice in the Arctic has opened new shipping lanes and increased geopolitical competition over the region’s vast mineral resources.

The National Strategy for the Arctic, published in October 2022, provides a 10-year outlook for the region, prioritizing security, economic development and the environment.

The strategy states that competition in the Arctic is “exacerbated by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.” The blueprint articulates a vision for competition and to manage tensions.

The United States is among eight Arctic nations that also include Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

The nations have membership on the inter-governmental Arctic Council. China has declared itself a near-Arctic state and observes Arctic Council meetings.