The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works conducted an oversight hearing to examine the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Chairman, Senator James M. Inhofe (R-OK), stated that the purpose of the hearing was to ensure that the Convention is consistent with protecting human health, the environment, and does not adversely affect the sovereignty of the United States. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) pointed out that only by ratifying the Convention will the United States have a seat at the table as the international community makes important decisions relating to issues covered by the Convention. Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) testified that the Convention is largely consistent with current U.S. law, including fisheries conservation and management. John F.