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The U.N. On Steroids

The GOP senators' press event came on the same day that a full-page ad was published in the Washington Times, sponsored by the Coalition to Preserve American Sovereignty and my own America's Survival, Inc., featuring an enlarged picture of the U.N. building above the New York City skyline under the big bold headline, "Do you want a U.N. on steroids?" Citing controversial provisions of the treaty, as well as President Reagan's rejection of the pact, the ad argued for the defeat of UNCLOS by the U.S. Senate. It also urged people to call their Senators to oppose the pact by calling a toll-free number to the Capitol switchboard 1-800-828-0498.

The Capitol Hill event marked a new phase in the decision by Senate Republicans to oppose their own President and try to sink UNCLOS. Earlier in the day, Senator McConnell's announced opposition to the pact had been greeted with thunderous applause at a conservative gathering. He is considered someone with the leadership and credibility necessary to bring other Republicans to his side in this struggle.

McConnell's decision was an important development also because conservatives were fearing quick ratification of the dangerous treaty. With the announced opposition of McConnell and the determination of other top Senate Republicans to defeat the pact, its fate is now in question. Some think Senator Joseph Biden, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, could even decide to indefinitely postpone a vote in his committee.

A vote had been scheduled on Wednesday, United Nations Day, but Senator David Vitter, a member of the committee, requested and received a postponement until the next business meeting. It's not clear when that will be. Vitter has asked for more hearings, noting that the two hearings which have been held featured supporters of the treaty over opponents by a margin of 9-2.

With mounting opposition from Republican senators, will Biden quickly reschedule a vote in his committee? Or will he wait?

Thompson Jumps on Bandwagon

Meanwhile, in the wake of Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee making political mileage by opposing the treaty in national debates and during campaign appearances, another candidate, former Senator Fred Thompson, has issued a statement saying he was opposing the treaty as well.

"I oppose the ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty at this time," Thompson said. "The Treaty threatens U.S. sovereignty and gives a U.N.-affiliated organization far too much authority over U.S. interests in international waters. The American people also deserve ironclad assurances that the problems with the treaty highlighted by President Reagan more than two decades ago have been fixed. At a time when customary international law in this area has proven sufficient, I believe the efforts of treaty proponents would be better spent reforming the United Nations. Until such reforms are complete, I see little reason for the U.S. to move forward on the Law of the Sea Treaty."

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