Political Quotes

“many of my colleagues know that I have had an abiding interest in oceans issues in general and the Law of the Sea Convention in particular. Consequently, I was delighted when on October 7, 1994, the President transmitted to the Senate for its advice and consent the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (Treaty Doc. 103-39). We are now in the unique position to become full participants in this Convention and finally reap the benefits of decades of constructive negotiations conducted by Democratic and Republican administrations. There is no doubt in my mind that this Convention will serve the interests of the United States best from a national security perspective, from an economic perspective, from an ocean resources perspective and from an environmental perspective. I have addressed many of these perspectives during earlier remarks in the Senate. Today, I speak to the importance of this Convention to our Nation's fishery resources. Some have argued that the United States should not ratify the Convention because of a perceived negative impact which it might have on international fisheries agreements negotiated by the United States with its international partners. I submit that quite the opposite is the case. Ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention will be an important step towards assuring the continued benefits of these other agreements and protecting the fishery interests of our country.”