; and (B) has publicly stated that it seeks to expand its Belt and Road Initiative to the Arctic region, including current investment in the natural gas fields in the Yamal Peninsula in Russia, rare-earth element mines in Greenland, and the real estate, alternative energy, and fisheries in Iceland. (6) The significance of the Arctic continues to grow as countries around the globe begin to understand the magnitude of the natural resources in the Arctic, including, at a minimum, oil, natural gas, rare earth minerals, gold, diamonds, and abundant fisheries. (7) The Bering Strait is experiencing significant increases in international traffic from vessels transiting the Northern Sea Route, increases that are projected to continue if decreases in sea ice coverage continue. (8) Increases in human, maritime, and resource development activity in the Arctic region create additional mission requirements for Federal agencies, given— (A) the strategic focus of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Arctic; (B) overlapping territorial claims