"ANCHORAGE -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday will propose a faster timetable for buying a new heavy icebreaker for the U.S. Arctic, where quickly melting sea ice has spurred more maritime traffic, and the United States has fallen far behind Russian resources.

It's a move that has long been urged by Arctic advocates inside and outside the administration as the nation prepares for more shipping, mining and drilling in the region.

But the vessels are valued at about $1 billion each, and the U.S. Congress would need to agree to pay for the expansion."

Roberta Rampton reports for Reuters September 1, 2015. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Obama to Call for More Icebreakers in Arctic as U.S. Seeks Foothold" (New York Times) [3]