Although this isn't an urgent issue today, it will come up again.

Dear Ms. DeSilver,

  Thank you for taking the time to contact me to express your opinions regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  I'm grateful for your thoughts and for the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, the UNCLOS was signed by President Bill Clinton in late 1994 and later brought before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in 2007. While the UNCLOS passed in committee, the treaty was never voted on by the full Senate. There is now a renewed effort to pursue ratification of UNCLOS. I have joined my colleagues in signing a letter to the Democratic Majority Leader, Harry Reid to express my concern that UNCLOS reflects political, economic and ideological assumptions which are inconsistent with American values and sovereignty.

The UNCLOS establishes a global legal regime governing activities on, over, and under the world's oceans which could subjugate U.S. sovereignty in many areas to a supranational government which is charted by the United Nations. Additionally, the UNCLOS has compulsory dispute resolution which could affect public and private activities including law enforcement, maritime security, business operations, and nonmilitary activities performed aboard military vessels. I am also concerned that UNCLOS overregulates economic and technology interest in the deep sea. Also, maritime security and environmental regulations could be negatively impacted by the freedom of navigation in the deep sea provision and exclusive economic zones provision within the treaty.

If the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea comes to a vote before the full Senate, I will oppose its ratification. I appreciate your opinions, and I look forward to serving the people of Florida. If my staff or I can do anything to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,
Marco Rubio United States Senator