The Arctic Watchers Act establishes a new State Department program to monitor activity across the Arctic region and counter Chinese and Russian influence there. The program will deploy specialized diplomats called "Arctic Watchers" to at least three European posts and at least one North American post with significant Arctic interests, with additional posts as deemed necessary by the Secretary of State. These watchers will track developments in security, military, economic, natural resource, cyber, scientific, and political sectors, while working to protect U.S. energy security, cyber security, and economic interests in the region. The bill authorizes $10 million annually starting in fiscal year 2025 and requires annual reporting to Congress on the program's activities and goals. The program will be coordinated between the State Department and Defense Department, with policy guidance from the Office of the Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs.
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