Courtney Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Urging Senate to Ratify United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Treaty

Statement

Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) along with Congressman Don Young (AK-R) introduced H. Res. 631, a resolution urging the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty. The resolution follows statements made last week by two U.S. combatant commanders before the House Armed Services Committee expressing their support for ratification.

"My resolution is calling on the Senate to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty once and for all," said Courtney. "As our country continues to challenge excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea, or jockey for standing in the increasingly competitive Arctic region, we risk being left on the sidelines during these important negotiations unless we are a party to this agreement. The UNCLOS treaty has long been supported by presidents and leaders from both parties, and while 166 countries and the European Union have already ratified it, the U.S. is part of a small group of nations including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Venezuela that have not done so. Our military leaders need this treaty ratified in order to maintain free and open access to waterways across the globe, as Admiral Harris and General Breedlove said just like week during two different House Armed Service Committee hearings. I want to thank Congressman Young for joining me as a lead cosponsor of this critical effort."

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