On the recordNovember 30, 2012
Yes. This amendment is also offered by Senators Lieberman, Inhofe, Risch, Lugar, Sessions, DeMint, Cornyn, Rubio, Wicker, Ayotte, Collins, Corker, and Vitter. I do understand it has been cleared by both sides, and I do appreciate the cooperation with Senator Kerry. The amendment provides that the administration shall brief the appropriate committees on the dialogue between the United States and Russia on issues related to or limits on or controls on nuclear arms, missile defense systems, or long-range conventional strike systems. I think it is in the administration's interests to consult with the Congress and keep us adequately briefed on these discussions because they could, of course, eventually lead to an agreement which might then require the advice and consent of the Senate. I note former Senator Arthur Vandenburg first said, ``If I'm going to be in on the crash landing, I want to be in on the takeoff,'' meaning, of course, that it is much easier for the administration to obtain our consent if they seek advice during the consultation process.…
