[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, I very much regret that an objection was 
made to the majority leader's unanimous consent request to bring up the 
Convention on Biological Diversity for Senate consideration.
  In my view, there is simply no reason why the Senate should not take 
up and approve the convention now. As I noted in a statement yesterday, 
the importance of the convention is clear, the questions about the 
convention have been answered, the support for the convention is there, 
and it is time for the Senate to act.
  As with so many other issues that are now languishing in this body, 
however, delaying tactics are being used to prevent the Senate from 
completing its business.
  That is unfortunate Mr. President. It is unfortunate for the Senate. 
It is unfortunate for the substance of the treaty. And, above all, it 
is unfortunate for the American people.
  As the New York Times noted in its editorial supporting the 
convention, ``Delay is not only pointless; it could be harmful. The 
U.S. needs to join this effort not only to enhance the global 
environment but for its own good as well. Otherwise, American 
leadership in biotechnology and agriculture may be threatened as other 
countries deny the U.S. access to their genetic and biological 
resources.''
  Mr. President, most other countries have recognized the importance 
and benefits of the convention. Indeed, over 160 nations--including the 
entire European Union and Japan--have ratified the convention. Most of 
these countries will participate in the upcoming meeting of the 
convention as parties.
  Because of Senate inaction, the United States will not. Because of 
Senate inaction, the United States--a world leader in the use of 
genetic resources in biotechnology, agriculture, and pharmaceutical--
will attend the meeting as an observer.
  To my mind, that is an untenable situation and one that I hope we can 
rectify. Under Senate rules, the convention will be rereferred to the 
Committee on Foreign Relations. I can assure supporters that I will 
make action on the convention one of my priorities for the coming 
Congress.

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