WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) announced a hearing on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10:00 AM ET, to examine the present and future challenges in the Arctic region and evaluate the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) unique role in maintaining freedom of movement, defending vital U.S. national interests, and protecting U.S. sovereignty in the region.
 
“The United States, by way of Alaska, is one of only eight Arctic states. There is no greater representation of U.S. strength in the Arctic than our Coast Guard, whose presence ensures freedom of navigation for all,” Chairman Green said. “As our adversaries work to expand economically and militarily in the High North, the Coast Guard’s role as the sole operator of our nation’s icebreaker fleet makes it the primary enforcer of U.S. sovereignty in the region. The Arctic’s rich natural resources, crucial shipping routes, fishing waters, and the opportunity for future development make the region a flashpoint in geopolitical competition between the United States and its near-peer competitors, including an emboldened and aggressive Russia. Worse, despite having no sovereign territory in the Arctic region, the Chinese Communist Party is attempting to stake out interests in Arctic affairs. It is critical that the United States maintains a competitive presence alongside NATO allies and Arctic partners to ward off any escalation or malign influence by our adversaries. I look forward to examining the security needs of the Coast Guard as well as opportunities for the Department of Homeland Security to address these challenges as a strategic priority in the security of our homeland.”
 
Details: 
 
What: A House Committee on Homeland Security hearing entitled, “The High North: How US Arctic Strategy Impacts Homeland Security”
 
Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023 
 
Time: 10:00 AM ET
 
Location: 310 Cannon House Office Building
 
Witnesses:
 
Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only.

The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed on YouTube and the Committee’s website. 

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