; (2) that the increasing freedom of navigation and expansion of activity in the Arctic must be met with increasing deployment of Navy and Coast Guard surface vessels capable of exerting influence through persistent presence in the Arctic; (3) that, while the recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s fleet of cutters and aircraft is needed and important, the Coast Guard must avoid overextending operational assets for remote international missions at the cost of dedicated focus on this domestic area of responsibility with significant international interest and activity; and (4) that, although some progress has been made to increase awareness of Arctic issues and to promote increased military presence in the region, additional measures shall be taken to protect vital economic, environmental, and national security interests of the United States, and to show the commitment of the United States to this emerging strategic choke point of increasing great power competition, including the formation of an Arctic Security Initiative with the funding and authority to drive— (A) the creation of a network of strategically advantageous ports in the Arctic; (B) the long-term homeporting of significant Coast Guard assets in the Arctic; (C) the development of Navy and Coast Guard ship maintenance and repair relationships with facilities located within Alaska in or near the Arctic; (D) increased military training for operating in the Arctic environment