Political Quotes

On the recordDecember 16, 2010
I would like to speak briefly on the New START treaty and state the reasons I believe the Senate should go ahead and ratify this treaty. Let me highlight some key points on, first, what the treaty accomplishes. Let me mention four things. No. 1, it reduces the number of deployed nuclear warheads by a relatively small number; that is, it takes us from 2,200, which is what we were required to reduce to under the Moscow Treaty, down to 1,550. Second, its counting regime is not based on attributing a number of warheads to a launch system but, instead, like the 2002 Moscow Treaty, this treaty actually requires the counting of deployed warheads. Third, this treaty reestablishes a verification regime of inspectors on the ground. This is something which lapsed a year ago when START I lapsed. Fourth, this treaty still maintains a credible nuclear deterrent against Russia, against China, against anyone who might threaten our country.
Said by
Jeff Bingaman
Democratic · New Mexico

Editor's note · Context

Bingaman discusses the importance and benefits of ratifying the New START treaty.

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