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Senator Hassan Joins Bipartisan Arctic Security Initiative Act to Address Emerging National Security Threats

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight, joined Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in supporting the Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct a security assessment of the Arctic region and establish an Arctic Security Initiative with a five-year plan to fully resource the DOD and individual service-specific strategies for the Arctic that have been released over the past several years. U.S. Northern Command would lead the independent assessment in coordination with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. European Command. 

 

“While the Artic has historically been a stable region, receding sea ice, along with Russia’s aggression, changes the landscape,” said Senator Hassan. “It’s imperative that our military is prepared for any and all threats that could arise. This bill is an important step to make sure that we have the capabilities and resources in place to respond to the new reality in the Arctic region.”

 

The Arctic Security Initiative would focus on four areas:

 

1)      Readiness: Modernizing forces and enhancing dedicated presence in the Arctic, as well as Arctic operations in support of other theaters.

2)      Sustainment: Improving and hardening logistics, infrastructure, and pre-positioning war materials.

3)      Training and Doctrine: Establishing dedicated wargames and exercises in support of Arctic operations.

4)      Multilateralism: Enhancing Arctic cooperation with America’s allies and partners.

 

The Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act included a provision requiring the secretary of defense and the service secretaries to submit a plan on how they will implement the Department of Defense’s 2019 Arctic Strategy to defend the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and develop Arctic infrastructure and capabilities. The bill that Senator Hassan cosponsored will continue to support national security needs in the Arctic region.

 

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