Joe Lieberman: “I am voting in favor of John Bolton for the position of Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International…”

“I am voting in favor of John Bolton for the position of Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. Mr. Bolton is the President's choice, and I have generally supported the tradition of respect by the Senate for confirming the President's nominees except in rare instances. I disagree with some of the positions Mr. Bolton holds, particularly his opposition to some of the arms control treaties that were negotiated over many years by his predecessors at the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. But I also agree with other positions Mr. Bolton has taken regarding America's foreign policy. He explained his positions during his confirmation hearing and gave assurances that he accepts and will respect America's obligations under international law. He is especially intent on working to control the spread of weapons of mass destruction to rogue states. I therefore conclude that Mr. Bolton falls within the criteria of acceptability for confirmation to the job for which he has been nominated by the President.”