John Kerry: “I rise today to support final passage of H.R. 3060 as amended by S. 1645, the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and…”

“I rise today to support final passage of H.R. 3060 as amended by S. 1645, the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996, which I introduced earlier this year. This legislation will enable the United States to implement the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The Protocol was negotiated by the parties of the Antarctic Treaty System and signed in October, 1991. The Senate gave its advice and consent to the Protocol on October 7, 1992. In August 1993, I introduced the precursor to this bill and the Senate Commerce Committee reported it to the full Senate in early 1994. Unfortunately, continuing disagreements among scientists, conservation groups, and the Administration about the legislative changes needed for the United States to carry out its responsibilities under the Protocol prevented further action on that bill. Passage of this bill today brings to a close a long, arduous process in which all of the parties mentioned above have finally reached agreement.”