    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 9, 1999]
    [Page 1518]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting the Convention Concerning Safety and
    Health in Mines
    September 9, 1999

    To the Senate of the United States:
        With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification of the Convention (No. 176) Concerning Safety and Health in
    Mines, adopted by the International Labor Conference at its 82nd Session
    in Geneva on June 22, 1995, I transmit herewith a certified copy of that
    Convention.
        The report of the Department of State, with a letter from the
    Secretary of Labor, concerning the Convention is enclosed.
        As explained more fully in the enclosed letter from the Secretary of
    Labor, current United States law and practice fully satisfies the
    requirements of Convention No. 176. Ratification of this Convention,
    therefore, would not require the United States to alter in any way its
    law or practice in this field.
        Ratification of additional ILO conventions will enhance the ability
    of the United States to take other governments to task for failing to
    comply with the ILO instruments they have ratified. I recommend that the
    Senate give its advice and consent to the ratification of ILO Convention
    No. 176.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    September 9, 1999.