Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HCR47

Introduced
5/22/23  

Caption

Expressing the need for the Senate to provide advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Impact

The bill emphasizes that the U.S. is currently compliant with the UNCBD's obligations under domestic law, yet remains one of the few countries that has signed but not ratified the treaty. By not ratifying the UNCBD, the U.S. is relegated to observer status, which limits its influence in international discussions about biodiversity policies. The consequences of this non-participation could adversely affect both national security and economic interests, as decisions made by the convention impact global conservation efforts and resource management.

Summary

HCR47 expresses the need for the United States Senate to provide advice and consent for the ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD). The UNCBD aims to address the significant loss of biodiversity by promoting sustainable development and conserving biological resources. The resolution underscores the urgency of the matter, noting that human activities are contributing to the threat of extinction for nearly one million species worldwide, which poses a critical risk to the planet's ecosystems and human life.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HCR47 may involve discussions about the implications of ratifying international treaties. Critics may express concerns over potential limitations on U.S. sovereignty and the ability of local governments to make decisions based on their specific ecological circumstances. Proponents of the resolution argue that ratification is crucial for ensuring that the U.S. has a voice in global biodiversity discussions, which is paramount given the nation's role in international conservation funding and biological expertise.

Companion Bills

US SCR11

Same As A concurrent resolution expressing the need for the Senate to provide advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

Previously Filed As

US HCR34

Expressing the need for the Senate to provide advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

US SCR11

A concurrent resolution expressing the need for the Senate to provide advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

US SR466

A resolution calling upon the United States Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

US HR445

Calling on the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

US HCR24

Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.

US HCR56

Recognizing that the climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, expressing the sense of Congress that leadership by the United States is still urgently needed to address the climate crisis, and acknowledging the need of the United States to develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, protect and enhance natural carbon sequestration, and put the United States on a path toward stabilizing the climate system.

US HCR15

Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.

US HJR23

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the Senate is made more representative by adding twelve Senators to be elected nationwide through ranked choice voting, and providing for twelve Electors at-large for President and Vice President, who shall cast their ballots for the respective winners of the national popular vote.

US HCR28

Expressing the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies have historically provided and continue to provide critical benefits to the people and communities of the United States.

US HCR37

Expressing the sense of Congress that there is a climate emergency which demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.