Sen. Hirono Leads Bipartisan Push for Senate to Ratify Global Ocean Treaty
A resolution calling upon the Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This resolution is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. It was recently introduced and is waiting for the committee to decide on the next steps. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
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Key Points
- This bipartisan Senate resolution calls on the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a global treaty that governs how countries use the world's oceans for navigation, fishing, and mineral extraction. The U.S. helped draft the treaty but has never officially joined it.
From policy text
“Calling upon the Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
View in full text - Supporters argue that joining UNCLOS would give the U.S. a seat at the table to vote on ocean policy and directly challenge countries like China and Russia when they violate maritime rules. Right now, the U.S. follows these rules but has no formal standing to participate in disputes or negotiations.
From policy text
“becoming a party to the treaty would give the United States standing to participate in discussions relating to the treaty and thereby improve the ability of the United States to intervene as a full party to disputes relating to navigational rights”
View in full text - The resolution highlights the strategic importance of the treaty for the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to resources. Without ratifying UNCLOS, the U.S. cannot formally claim its extended continental shelf off Alaska, which could stretch more than 600 nautical miles.
From policy text
“becoming a Party to the Law of the Sea Convention would allow the United States to fully secure its rights to the continental shelf off the coast of Alaska, which is likely to extend out to more than 600 nautical miles”
View in full text - Joining the treaty would let the U.S. participate in the International Seabed Authority, which controls deep-sea mineral extraction as global demand for critical minerals grows. The resolution also notes that over 97% of global internet traffic runs through undersea cables on the ocean floor.
From policy text
“becoming a party to the treaty would allow the United States to be a member of the International Seabed Authority and thereby participate directly in setting and voting on the policies organizing and controlling mineral-related activities in the international seabed area as global demand for critical minerals increases”
View in full text - The resolution is non-binding. It does not itself ratify the treaty but expresses the sense of the Senate that ratification should be a top priority, particularly given challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, and Black Sea regions.
From policy text
“recommends the ratification of the UNCLOS remain a top priority for the Federal Government, the importance of which was most recently underscored by the strategic challenges the United States faces in the Indo-Pacific, the Arctic, and the Black Sea regions”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4531)
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Related News
4 articlesUS Senate makes another push for Law of the Sea ratification
U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced legislation for the Senate to ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty. Senator Mazie Hirono stated the step would strengthen national security and expand oceanic access for maritime industries, allowing the U.S. to participate in global decision-making processes.
Senate UNCLOS ratification hailed
The Philippine Senate's unanimous decision to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which builds on UNCLOS, highlights the growing international pressure for maritime legal frameworks. The move underscores the U.S. position as a non-party to the foundational treaty despite its strategic interests.
High seas treaty ratification a victory for climate sovereignty
Senator Loren Legarda co-sponsored the resolution to concur in the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, which relies on the UNCLOS framework. The treaty's entry into force marks a significant step in global ocean governance, contrasting with the ongoing legislative delays in the U.S. Senate.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A resolution calling upon the Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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