Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress

"The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has
heightened interest in, and concerns about, the region’s future. The United States, by virtue of
Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests in the region. On January 12, 2009, the
George W. Bush Administration released a presidential directive, called National Security
Presidential Directive 66/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25 (NSPD 66/HSPD 25),
establishing a new U.S. policy for the Arctic region..."Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress