A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation. The Directorate is tasked with advancing research, education, and workforce development in the Arctic and Antarctica. It aims to expand knowledge of polar systems and improve research infrastructure, such as stations and vessels. The act also outlines the management of the United States Antarctic Program and efforts to maintain a presence in the Arctic. Additionally, it establishes an Assistant Director to oversee these operations and an advisory committee to provide recommendations.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill explicitly establishes and funds a new directorate to advance polar science and research.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill emphasizes the co-production of knowledge with Indian Tribes and engagement with indigenous peoples in the Arctic.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into medical research?
The bill specifically funds research into polar systems and their interactions with global systems.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Workforce Development: The bill promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training to meet workforce demands in polar regions (Section 2, Section 3).
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Indigenous Engagement: The act facilitates engagement with local and indigenous peoples in Arctic research, education, and outreach activities (Section 4, Section 5).
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Support for Indian Tribes: The bill allows for the co-production of knowledge with Indian Tribes to build capacity in the United States workforce (Section 5).
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Economic and Strategic Growth in Alaska: The bill seeks to strengthen Alaska's role as a primary hub for Arctic research, logistics, operations, and workforce development (Section 8).
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Safety and Health: The act includes activities to advance polar region safety and health, including oversight of occupational health and medical systems (Section 5).
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Infrastructure and Resilience: The Directorate supports long-term Arctic observing networks intended to improve infrastructure resilience and navigation safety (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Dependency on Funding: The success of the Directorate's activities is subject to the availability of appropriated funds (Section 5).
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Logistical Costs: The bill allows for drawing upon the logistical support capabilities of Federal, military, and commercial partners on a cost-reimbursable basis (Section 5).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes the co-production of knowledge with Indian Tribes and engagement with indigenous peoples in the Arctic. Would students be better off under this? — The bill increases opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and training. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill supports development and infrastructure in Alaska, which has many rural communities. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The focus on workforce development and STEM education provides opportunities for young professionals in science and engineering. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill supports research infrastructure and logistics that can benefit commercial partners in the polar regions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill explicitly establishes and funds a new directorate to advance polar science and research.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill funds research into polar systems which is essential for understanding environmental changes and monitoring-based protections. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill supports infrastructure and logistics in remote polar regions, which can aid local development.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes workforce development in STEM and polar research, which supports job growth in those sectors. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Strengthening research and infrastructure in Alaska and the Arctic contributes to regional economic stability and growth.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill specifically funds research into polar systems and their interactions with global systems.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill emphasizes international scientific cooperation and adherence to the Antarctic Treaty. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill involves coordination with partner countries and international bodies regarding Arctic and Antarctic interests.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the administrative capacity and oversight of the National Science Foundation through a new directorate. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill includes mandates for annual reporting to Congress regarding focus areas and budget lines.
- 7/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska