POLAR Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a new Directorate for Polar Programs at the National Science Foundation to centralize Arctic and Antarctic science, build and maintain research infrastructure, and coordinate logistics, workforce development, and international engagement. It would prioritize Indigenous engagement, strengthen Alaska as a research hub, and align federal agencies and partners around polar priorities.
Show full summary
- Researchers and institutions would compete for grants, fellowships, and infrastructure awards to support polar science, year-round stations, field camps, and research vessels. Eligible recipients include universities, nonprofits, private sector entities, consortia, and Indian Tribes.
- Indigenous peoples and local Arctic communities would get formal roles in research co-production, education, and workforce programs aimed at building regional capacity and expanding opportunities in Alaska and other states and territories.
- Federal agencies, the military, and commercial partners would have a clearer logistics and safety framework for polar operations as the directorate coordinates the U.S. Antarctic Program, represents U.S. interests in treaties, and chairs interagency Arctic bodies.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger safety for polar workers
This bill would direct the Directorate to improve industrial hygiene, occupational health, and medical oversight for polar programs. It would support streamlining of safety initiatives and medical systems for people who live and work in polar regions. These safety improvements would take effect upon enactment but only if Congress funds them.
Grants and scholarships for polar work
This bill would let the new Directorate award competitive grants, cooperative agreements, fellowships, scholarships, and infrastructure awards for polar research and training. Eligible recipients would include colleges, research institutions, nonprofits, tribes, and private companies. Awards must include at least one Arctic field location in Alaska and would only be paid if Congress provides funding.
New Polar Directorate at NSF
This bill would create a new Polar Programs Directorate inside the National Science Foundation. The Directorate would coordinate U.S. science in the Arctic and Antarctica and engage Indigenous peoples. It would also support research, education, workforce training, and infrastructure, starting upon enactment and only as Congress provides funding.
Logistics contracts for polar operations
This bill would let the Directorate coordinate and run logistics for U.S. polar science. It could work with federal, military, and commercial partners and enter cost-reimbursable agreements to get air, maritime, land, and supply services. These operations would only proceed if Congress appropriates funds.
Annual polar budget reporting to Congress
This bill would require the Directorate Director to send Congress an annual report on polar focus areas and possible future investments. The Director would include separate, detailed budget lines for Arctic research, Arctic infrastructure, other Arctic research categories, Antarctica research, and Antarctica infrastructure in NSF budget requests. The rule would increase transparency but does not itself provide funding.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
AK • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 7/29/2026
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
CO • D
Sponsored 7/29/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov