On the recordDecember 16, 2010
as we take up the consideration of the New START, we not only have the opportunity, but also an obligation to provide consent on the ratification of this treaty. It is long overdue. We need to regain our ability to provide boots-on-the-ground verification of the Russian nuclear complex. Over the past 8 months, we have all had ample opportunity to review the documents and reports related to the New START. We have conducted 20 hearings, taken over 900 questions. They were questions asked by Members of the Senate, mainly to the administration, in which those answers have been provided; 900 questions, over 900 for the record. In short, we have given significant consideration to the ratification of New START. I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are committed to guaranteeing the security of our country and also recognize the obligation to ratify this arms control agreement immediately. I want to take you back a little bit because I hear my colleagues talking about not having enough time. I want to take you back to a hot day this summer in the Foreign Relations Committee, where--Madam President, you were at that meeting in which those who are now saying we do not have enough time, asked for just a little bit more time, during the impending recess, so we could orderly consider the ratification process. That was a hot summer day. It is now a snowy day in December, and they are still saying the same thing: Just give us more time.
