Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 1073, the Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act of 2013, is bipartisan legislation to ratify certain counterterrorism treaty obligations. This legislation was reported by voice vote from the Judiciary Committee last month. Similar legislation was unanimously reported by the committee and passed the House by voice vote also last Congress.

Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction do not recognize international boundaries. These treaties are important tools in the fight against terrorism. Each one builds on an existing treaty to which the United States is a party. The treaties and this legislation complement important U.S. priorities to prevent nuclear terrorism, counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and counterterrorism initiatives. Enacting this legislation will reinforce the United States' leadership role in promoting these and other counterterrorism treaties and will likely prompt other countries to join.

In addition to bolstering broad security and proliferation-prevention goals, these protocols help to promote implementation of certain sanctions against rogue regimes that are hostile to U.S. interests.

I commend Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers, along with the sponsor of H.R. 1073, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, and Ranking Member Scott for their commitment to this important legislation.

I urge my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 1073 today, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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