HJR 33 Summary

• Urges Alaska's congressional delegation to pursue establishment of a U.S. Coast Guard port in the Arctic region capable of supporting naval contingency operations and emergency response.

• Calls for development of critical Arctic infrastructure to improve emergency response capabilities and address the nation's security concerns in the region.

• Recognizes that Arctic sea ice retreat is increasing ocean navigability by up to 40 percent, while other Arctic nations including Russia have invested heavily in regional military and infrastructure capabilities.

• Notes the United States possesses only two operating icebreaking vessels, none stationed in Alaska, and lacks means to assert itself or maintain domain awareness in the Arctic Ocean.

• Directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the President, congressional leaders, Department of Defense, and Alaska's congressional delegation.