With recent years of difficult foreign relations, there is much discourse in the United States as to how it might better wield influence and renew its global leadership. Many point to more consistent leadership on rule of law matters. One way to start is by acceding to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In October, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted, 17-4, to recommend accession. Recent developments have added urgency for our country finally to accede to this accord.