The Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act has been approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and is now ready for consideration by the full Senate. The bill is actively moving through the legislative process. There are no further committee actions scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Unlikely to pass
While there is strong bipartisan concern about China and Russia, this specific bill was introduced by a single member and has not yet gained broad support or a companion bill in the House.
Key Points
This bill aims to stop China and Russia from using scientific research as a cover for spying in the Arctic. It identifies these countries as major threats that are building military bases and mapping the ocean floor for potential military use.
Foreign scientists would be required to get permission from the government before starting any marine research projects in U.S. waters. This includes activities like mapping the seabed or collecting data on underwater cables and pipes.
Ships from adversary nations including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea would be banned from conducting research in U.S. waters. The Secretary of State could only allow these ships if it is proven to be in the national interest.
The State Department and intelligence agencies would have six months to create a plan to fight foreign influence in the region. They would also work with allies like Denmark, Iceland, and Canada to coordinate against espionage.
The government must report to Congress every year about spying activities in the Arctic and any U.S. funding that might accidentally be supporting research involving foreign adversaries.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
3 milestones3 actions
Jun 17, 2026Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Jun 8, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jun 8, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Arctic Security and Diplomacy Act
Bill NumberS 4708
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
