Ted Poe: “I want to thank my good friend Mr. Rogers from Alabama for his work with me on this amendment. The Intermediate Nuclear…”

“I want to thank my good friend Mr. Rogers from Alabama for his work with me on this amendment. The Intermediate Nuclear Forces or ``INF'' Treaty places limits on ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. In 2008, the Russians tested a missile within this prohibited range and were caught red handed. But it took 3 years for the Administration to report any concern about Russian compliance to Congress. It took a full 6 years for the State Department to officially find the Russians in violation. After eight years, there have been no serious consequences for Russia's violation of the treaty. My amendment would prohibit government contracts with entities that have contributed to Russia's violation of the INF Treaty. Russia is not our ally, is not our friend, and we cannot take it at its word. Czar Putin is determined to restore Russia to its glory days. We must respond with strength. And that's just the way it is. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry). The en bloc amendments were agreed to. Amendments En Bloc No. 8 Offered by Mr. Thornberry of Texas”