John Ensign: “I rise today to talk about this New START treaty. I have some very serious concerns about it. I appreciate the work that…”

“I rise today to talk about this New START treaty. I have some very serious concerns about it. I appreciate the work that has been done by my colleagues. This is an incredibly serious issue. I do not question anybody's motives, but I do think there are some serious flaws that lie not only within the four corners of the treaty text but also speak to the manner in which this administration has dealt with Russia. This policy of Russian ``reset'' has meant that the United States is making major concessions, while our Russian counterparts give up virtually nothing. Further, I have serious reservations about the manner in which the Senate is considering this treaty. This body, the Senate, is supposed to be the most deliberative body in the world. It is supposed to be a chamber that respects the rights of the minority. Senators are supposed to be afforded the right of unlimited debate and the right to have their amendments considered. Rushing a treaty of this magnitude through a lameduck session is not what the Founders had in mind when they gave this body the power of advice and consent in these serious matters. The American people sent a clear message in November to concentrate on jobs, taxes, and the economy. While I do not think this lameduck is the time to debate this very important treaty, I do plan on offering multiple amendments to address this treaty's flaws, as well as the resolution of ratification.”