Letter to a constituent from Charles E. Schumer about Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST)

[Patricia M. McBride]

We can hope Mr. Schumer will actually not vote in favor or this, and I would say, his letter indicates a negative feeling for this treaty.

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Dear Mr. __________

   Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  I share your concern over investing too much authority in any agency that is not accountable to U.S. citizens.

        The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a treaty which came out of a series of conventions in the 1980’s.  It grants the power to police the oceans — both shipping on the oceans and countries’ use of their resources, including their fisheries — to a new, independent body under the aegis of the United Nations.

        Opinions on the treaty split into two main camps: opponents of this treaty argue that it erodes United States sovereignty by vesting too much maritime authority in the United Nations.  Many also fear that ratification of the Law of the Sea could hinder the United States military’s freedom of action, thereby impairing our national security.  Supporters assert that the treaty clarifies much of the legal confusion surrounding international conflicts over the oceans in order to maintain free, open, and fair trade on the high seas.  Proponents of this treaty argue that it would give the United States unprecedented access to other nations’ waters, allowing armed forces to patrol freely non-US territory and granting US access to oil, natural gas and many other natural resources.  Many also believe that ratification of the treaty would give the US a prominent position in resolving international disputes, such as the Arctic sea lanes claims.  Perhaps most importantly, supporters argue that the treaty would help protect fisheries and other important ecosystems.

        The Senate last considered this treaty in October 2007.  After hearing testimony from both supporters and opponents of the treaty, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 17 - 4 to send UNCLOS to the Senate for ratification.  The treaty, however, has yet to be considered by the Senate.  I have not yet had the opportunity to vote on this bill, but if I do, I will keep your opinions in mind.

        Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue.  Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this or any other matter.

   Sincerely,

   Charles E. Schumer United States Senator