WHEREAS

• Whereas the United States became an Arctic Nation upon the purchase of Alaska in 1867;
• Whereas the Arctic Council was established on September 19, 1996, through the Ottawa Declaration, to enhance cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states with the active involvement of Arctic Indigenous peoples and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues;

RESOLVED

That the House of Representatives recognizes the key role the Arctic Council has played as a critical forum for fostering international cooperation, sustainable development, and environmental protection in the Arctic region;

• (1) recognizes the key role the Arctic Council has played as a critical forum for fostering international cooperation, sustainable development, and environmental protection in the Arctic region;
• (2) commends the Arctic Council for its achievements in promoting scientific research, policy coordination, and Indigenous participation to address regional challenges;