UNCLOS Approved by Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations conducted a business meeting at which, among other things, consideration was given to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Committee Chair Joseph Biden (D-DE) commenced the meeting by expressing his strong support for adoption of the Convention. As noted in a press release by Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), adoption of the Convention was recommended by a vote of 17 in favor with four opposed. The measure now goes to the floor for consideration by the entire Senate. The United States remains the only major maritime nation not party to this 25-year old treaty and thus has no seat at the table as important issues such as seabed claims more than 200 miles offshore are discussed. The treaty may have room for improvement, but it is difficult for the United States to effect change if it is not a party. [Source: HK Law]