On the recordDecember 2, 2010
I commend my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Shaheen. I am proud to join my colleagues this morning in support of the New START accord. Next Sunday will mark 1 year since American inspectors were on the ground in Russia. We need to vote on the resolution of ratification for this important treaty because it will indeed make America safer. Without ratification of this treaty, we are less safe and less secure. We have to maintain what we have always maintained in this country as it relates to our arsenal: a safe, secure, and effective nuclear arsenal. This treaty is consistent with that goal. The agreement provides for predictability, transparency, and stability in the U.S.-Russian nuclear relationship. Former National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator Linton Brooks put it best when he said: Transparency leads to predictability; predictability leads to stability. It is that stability that we seek. The opportunity to examine Russian nuclear forces helps to limit the surprises, mistrust, or miscalculation that could result from a lack of information.
