New US defense bill includes Northern Sea Route transits and new icebreaker procurement
Under a new bill, the US government will spend about $858 billion, including allocations for getting a third heavy icebreaker and to initiate transit traffic on the Northern Sea Route.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 will be funded under a separate combined funding bill that has been approved by the US Senate. The House of Representatives is set to pass the act, as well.
The bill sets aside $167.2 million to build a third heavy icebreaker and provides for the cost of expanding the Port of Nome.