Larry Pressler: “I am very much opposed to the Clinton administration's proposal because I think it will both increase nuclear…”

“I am very much opposed to the Clinton administration's proposal because I think it will both increase nuclear proliferation and escalate the arms race in that part of the world. India will respond by seeking additional fighter aircraft. I find it very strange that an administration committed to nuclear nonproliferation would seek to achieve that goal by delivering aircraft that can deliver a nuclear bomb to another country. I am strongly opposed to the Clinton administration's plan. I hope the administration reverses itself. I think we need to reflect very carefully on the history of this amendment. It was passed in the mid-1980's with the support of Pakistan. At that time Pakistan said they did not have a nuclear bomb nor were they developing such a weapon. In the early 1990's, President Bush was unable to certify that Pakistan did not have a nuclear weapon, and aid--including the sale of military weapons--was cut off. Any renewal of assistance, including a one-time exemption, would require congressional approval.”