Tom Harkin: “I rise on a matter of great concern to me and all those who are concerned about reducing nuclear tensions in the world…”

“I rise on a matter of great concern to me and all those who are concerned about reducing nuclear tensions in the world, who are concerned about nonproliferation, and who are in favor of and concerned about a comprehensive test ban treaty. I might point out that in the State of the Union Message last Tuesday, President Clinton said that one of the things he wanted to accomplish was a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. Most experts agree that nowhere on Earth is the potential for a nuclear confrontation more real today than on the Indian subcontinent. Recent news has only served to heighten those concerns. According to an article in the December 15, 1995, issue of the New York Times, ``U.S. intelligence experts suspect that India may be preparing for its first nuclear test since 1974.'' Needless to say, Mr. President, this is alarming news and it cannot be taken lightly.”