arrow_back Back to App

Call for Ratification of UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

The House of Representatives urges the Senate to ratify a key international treaty governing the world's oceans. Becoming a party is intended to strengthen the US position in maritime disputes, provide legal certainty for businesses, and protect national interests at sea, including in the Arctic and on the continental shelf.
Key points
The US is not a party to a major international treaty governing activities on and under the oceans, unlike most countries.
Ratifying the treaty would strengthen the US position in international discussions and disputes regarding navigation rights and resource use.
Joining the treaty would provide greater legal certainty for American companies operating at sea (shipping, mining, telecom).
The treaty is seen by military leaders as crucial for freedom of navigation and the strategic position of the US globally.
Failure to ratify weakens US credibility and limits the ability to defend national interests, for example, in the Arctic or on the continental shelf.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HRES_361
Sponsor: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
Process start date: 2021-04-30
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Calling upon the United States Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HRES_361.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-30.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The US is not a party to a major international treaty governing activities on and under the oceans, unlike most countries.
  • Ratifying the treaty would strengthen the US position in international discussions and disputes regarding navigation rights and resource use.
  • Joining the treaty would provide greater legal certainty for American companies operating at sea (shipping, mining, telecom).
  • The treaty is seen by military leaders as crucial for freedom of navigation and the strategic position of the US globally.
  • Failure to ratify weakens US credibility and limits the ability to defend national interests, for example, in the Arctic or on the continental shelf.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Security Economy