TJ Cox: “I rise to seek clarification concerning one provision of the bill. Section 6(c) is entitled ``Opposition to…”

“I rise to seek clarification concerning one provision of the bill. Section 6(c) is entitled ``Opposition to Multilateralization of ABM Treaty.'' It states the sense of the Congress that no agreement demarcating the boundary between theater and antiballistic missile defense will be considered until the United States has taken the steps necessary to ensure that the ABM Treaty remains a bilateral treaty between the United States and the Russian federation. It is my understanding that this provision takes no position with respect to whether such a demarcation agreement should be reached after such steps are taken, or, indeed, whether the United States should take steps to continue the ABM Treaty in force even if it is a bilateral agreement limited to Russia and the United States. Section 6(c), according to my understanding, simply makes absolutely clear that the administration's rush to conclude an immediate demarcation agreement must be stopped, and that no such demarcation agreement should be concluded prior to resolution of the question of Russia's successorship under the ABM Treaty; and finally, that, should Russia not be deemed to have succeeded, then no such demarcation agreement should be considered at all.”