Orrin Hatch: “the first thing I wish to express is my gratitude to the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Majority…”

“the first thing I wish to express is my gratitude to the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Majority Leader for the work they have done in the final weeks to improve this resolution of ratification. The Chemical Weapons Convention before us is significantly better than what we faced last year. In addition, I wish to compliment both the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Committee for holding numerous hearings during the past month and for the way they have led the debate over the past two days. The duty of this body to advise and consent has never been more honorably met. This treaty, with the resolution of ratification, while now an acceptable treaty, is not the panacea for chemical weapons that some of the more adamant proponents have implied or suggested. It will not, in and of itself, spare our grandchildren from the horrors of chemical warfare. It will not, in and of itself, protect our citizens from terrorists intent on using chemical weapons. This Convention will not significantly reduce the threat of terrorism, Mr. President. Now that this debate is almost concluded, it would be of great benefit to the future of this agreement that everyone be realistic about this.”