On the recordJune 25, 1998
my support for this amendment must be qualified. I too am concerned about proliferation. However, I do not welcome the potentially negative consequences relying strictly on U.S. unilateral sanctions in this case. I strongly urge we combine sanctions with engagement. This engagement must be based on comprehensive, calculated non-proliferation policies. I believe that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses an imminent threat to U.S. and international security. The geopolitical strings that contained states' individual aspirations of mass destruction capabilities have been severed. The emerging multipolar world--in which the U.S. is, without question, the dominant economic, military and cultural power--creates new threats and offers new opportunities. Capitalizing on opportunities requires U.S. leadership. No other nation has the wherewithal to facilitate the creation and implementation of thoughtful and deliberate strategies to counter threats to U.S. and international security. No other nation parallels the power the U.S. can bring to bear in creating a stable international order. There is no doubt that we live in an increasingly interdependent world. Most major problems--economic, environmental, military--cannot be handled by the U.S. alone, despite our dominant position. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is one such problem. This threat cannot be stemmed by unilateral U.S. actions.
Said by
Pete Domenici
Source
govinfo.gov