Political Quotes

“This is an illustration of why this amendment would be useful. Without the Kyl amendment, first of all, the President would be able to conduct an unlimited number of underground nuclear tests just because China conducted a test. Second, the President has no obligation to inform the Congress, certainly not to get our consent. The Congress does not have any authority to disapprove of any such tests, and we would no longer after September 30, receive the reports on the safety and reliability of the stockpile that the President has always been required to send to the Congress. Conversely, if our amendment is adopted, first of all, the President is required by law to submit an annual report to the Congress that outlines the need for any underground nuclear test. We would have 90 days to disapprove of that request, and we would indefinitely be entitled to receive reports on the safety and reliability of the stockpile. At a minimum, it seems to me, Mr. President, that Congress, if it is going to rely upon the stockpile stewardship program, should want to continue to receive reports from the President on the viability of the stockpile. Under existing law, that would cease to exist. Under our amendment, the President would be required to submit the reports.”