John Kerry: “As we end our debate on the New START treaty, I believe we can say the Senate has done its duty, and done it with…”

“As we end our debate on the New START treaty, I believe we can say the Senate has done its duty, and done it with diligence, serious purpose, and honor. And I am confident that our Nation's security--and that of the world--will be enhanced by ratifying this treaty. When we began this debate 8 days ago, I quoted Chris Dodd's farewell address, in which he reminded us that the Founding Fathers had designed the Senate with these moments in mind. I think over the past week we have lived up to our moment. Senators have had opportunity to speak and debate. The fact is, we have considered this treaty--a less complicated or far-reaching treaty than START I--for longer than we considered START I and START II combined. Admiral Mullen summed up our interests in this treaty in a compelling way. He said: I continue to believe that ratification of the New START Treaty is vital to U.S. national security.”