Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized today at a hearing, “The Law of the Sea Convention,” the need to ratify the Treaty in order to enhance our national security, strengthen international alliance and create economic opportunities.

“The United States is perhaps the most significant player in Maritime security and economic activities.  Yet our interests are not being represented as other member countries debate changes to sea lane and mineral rights because we have not ratified the Convention.   Our absence gives other countries an economic and legal advantage when disputes arise.  This negatively impacts U.S. companies who have significant commercial interests, but also can potentially harm our national security as more countries vie for scarce resources at sea.

“Perhaps one of the biggest risks for the U.S. is in the Arctic.  This region is emerging as one of the most important maritime domains on the globe.  And since we are the only Arctic country not party to the Convention, we are foregoing our claim to a substantial expansion of the continental shelf to the benefit of Russia and other countries.”

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