Bill · S.Res. 331· Senate(119-SRES-331)
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.
- Introduced
- 7/22/2025
- Last activity
- 7/22/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4531)
- Sponsored by
- Mazie Hirono
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution urges the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It argues that becoming a signatory would benefit U.S. national security and economic interests. The resolution emphasizes the importance of UNCLOS in addressing strategic challenges in regions like the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, and Black Sea.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The bill promotes international cooperation and strengthens alliances by adhering to the UNCLOS.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+5
The bill improves diplomatic engagement by allowing the U.S. to participate in treaty discussions.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?+3
The bill may improve international trade by providing legal certainty for maritime activities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Economic Benefits: The resolution suggests that ratifying UNCLOS would provide American companies with the legal certainty and stability needed to invest and hire, particularly in the development of resources on the extended continental shelf. This could lead to economic growth and job creation (based on statements from the past President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Chamber of Commerce).
-
Increased Influence in Maritime Disputes: Becoming a party to UNCLOS would give the United States a stronger position to intervene in disputes related to navigational rights and defend its interpretations of the treaty. This could help protect U.S. sovereign rights and interests (as stated by past Commanders of United States Indo-Pacific Command).
-
Participation in International Seabed Authority: Ratification would allow the U.S. to participate in the International Seabed Authority, influencing policies related to mineral-related activities in the international seabed area. This is important as global demand for critical minerals increases.
-
Assertion of Rights in the Arctic: The resolution indicates that joining UNCLOS would allow the United States to fully secure its rights to the continental shelf off the coast of Alaska. It would demonstrate our commitment to a rules-based order, ensure our best interests are represented during international negotiations regarding territorial disputes and challenges to longstanding maritime customs and practices, and improve our ability to advocate for our ocean governance interests around the globe, including in the Arctic. (as stated by the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The document doesn't explicitly detail any potential negative impacts for individuals if the United States ratifies UNCLOS.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5Improves International Alliances+5Improves International Trade+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Billionaires+2Good For Business Owners+2Good For High Net Worth Individuals+2Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- 9/8/2025
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4531)
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Todd YoungRepublican · Indiana