the choice before the Senate is between this treaty and no legal obligation for Russia to keep its strategic nuclear forces below an agreed level.

About $30 billion of this total will go toward development and acquisition of a new strategic submarine.

Are you concerned that the New START does not prevent Russia from shifting its force structure to large numbers of land-based MIRVs?

Secretary Gates, has DOD assessed whether the study of hypersonics is the most efficient use of resources in developing conventional military capability or is it merely to avoid counting toward the central limits in the New START?

the New START preamble recognizes: (1) the existence of the interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms; (2) that this interrelationship will become more important as strategic nuclear arms are reduced…

The decision to agree to a limit of 700 deployed strategic delivery vehicles did not result from a change in the security environment.

If we decide to develop that system, which of the three legs of the nuclear triad would be further reduced to accommodate prompt global strike?

why didn't we get a statement in the treaty text on an issue of equal importance to us, such as at least some reference to the myriad of issues raised by Russia's massive numerical superiority in tactical nuclear weapons, which should be…

What beneficial geopolitical developments have taken place in the interim that compel reductions in the United States nuclear arsenal down to 700 deployed strategic nuclear delivery vehicles?

This $14 billion is not nearly sufficient to develop and acquire a next-generation bomber, a follow-on ICBM, a follow-on air-launched cruise missile, and a conventional prompt global strike capability.

the completion of the New START makes clear that we are committed to real reductions, and to upholding our end of the bargain under the NPT.

What is your estimate of how the Russians will configure their strategic forces under the New START?

Secretary Gates, please provide the analysis of alternative force structures that would comply with the New START central limits.

President Obama asserted in his NPR that the United States could deter potential adversaries and reassure allies with a 'reduced reliance on nuclear weapons.'

The press has reported that the administration is going to spend about $100 billion over the next 10 years in nuclear delivery systems.

Mr. President, I ask to call up amendment No. 4333, and ask it be made pending. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the pending amendment is set aside. The clerk will report the amendment. The legislative clerk read as follows: The…

What happens when we leave?

Mr. President, the amendment I offer is cosponsored by Senators McCain, McConnell, Bond, Coburn, Isakson, and Roberts. It is an alternative to the legislation that is under consideration by the Senate today. That is the tax extenders bill…