POLAR Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (29 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
S. 5165, the POLAR Act, would establish a new Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation, replacing or building on the current Office of Polar Programs. The bill creates a leadership structure, including an Assistant Director appointed by the NSF Director and a 10-member advisory committee, and directs the Directorate to identify annual research and infrastructure priorities. It authorizes the Directorate to fund research, education, workforce development, and infrastructure in the Arctic and Antarctica through grants, cooperative agreements, and other awards, and requires annual reports to Congress detailing spending priorities and progress, including separate budget lines for Arctic and Antarctic research and infrastructure.
The bill primarily affects the National Science Foundation's internal structure and its relationships with universities, research institutions, Indian Tribes, private companies, and other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, NOAA, NASA, and the Coast Guard. It emphasizes Alaska's role as a hub for Arctic research and logistics, supports engagement with Indigenous communities, and reflects U.S. commitments under the Antarctic Treaty and agreements with Denmark related to Greenland research.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 29, 2026, by Senator Dan Sullivan with two cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
29 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 5165 do?
- S. 5165, the POLAR Act, would establish a new Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation, replacing or building on the current Office of Polar Programs. The bill creates a leadership structure, including an Assistant Director appointed by the NSF Director and a 10-member advisory committee, and directs the Directorate to identify annual research and infrastructure priorities. It authorizes the Directorate to fund research, education, workforce development, and infrastructure in the Arctic and Antarctica through grants, cooperative agreements, and other awards, and requires annual reports to Congress detailing spending priorities and progress, including separate budget lines for Arctic and Antarctic research and infrastructure. The bill primarily affects the National Science Foundation's internal structure and its relationships with universities, research institutions, Indian Tribes, private companies, and other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, NOAA, NASA, and the Coast Guard. It emphasizes Alaska's role as a hub for Arctic research and logistics, supports engagement with Indigenous communities, and reflects U.S. commitments under the Antarctic Treaty and agreements with Denmark related to Greenland research. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 29, 2026, by Senator Dan Sullivan with two cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the President before taking effect.
- Has S. 5165 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5165. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5165?
- S. 5165 was sponsored by Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] (R-AK), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5165?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (29 Jul 2026).
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