On the recordDecember 16, 2010
we have done a lot of important work this year. We have reformed our health care system to give families more options and more control. We have brought accountability to Wall Street; and reigned in the reckless behavior that led to the economic crisis. We have given relief to millions of Americans hurting because of the economy. Now, it is time for us to protect the national security of the United States. First of all I want to say that I was pleased that we were able to move forward and start debate on the treaty today. I hope we can continue to have a process that allows for real discussion and debate. This treaty is critical to the national security of the United States. We know that one of the greatest security threats America faces is a nuclear weapon in the hands of a terrorist. A nuclear-armed terrorist would not be constrained by doctrines of deterrence or mutually assured destruction but could attack and destroy one of our cities without warning. By ratifying this treaty, we can help stop that tragedy from happening. This treaty would secure nuclear stockpiles by taking nearly 1,500 U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons--weapons that now sit pointed at cities like Washington and Moscow, Chicago and St. Petersburg--and put them on ice. It has been more than a year since American inspectors were on the ground monitoring the Russian nuclear weapons arsenal.
