Political Quotes

“I applaud my colleague's determination to ensure that the United States is doing everything possible to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, I think this amendment does not have that impact. We are engaged now in a situation with respect to New START, that it is a treaty that was designed, implemented, and adopted in a world that is very different from the one in which we live today. Those of us on this side of the aisle do not suggest, and are not suggesting, that we should withdraw from the treaty, so it is a little bit disingenuous for the amendment to suggest that no funds should be used to withdraw. We do not want to withdraw from the treaty. It is an important treaty. However, we also think we shouldn't blindly extend the treaty. In today's world, in which we know the treaty does not cover the types of weapons that the Russians are developing, nor does it cover at all the types of weapons systems that the Chinese are developing and deploying, we want to make sure that the United States is able to provide those kinds of restrictions across the board, not simply stick to a treaty that limits only particular types of weapons systems and only with respect to Russia. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment because I think it is very important that we not tie the President's hands, that we not send that message to the President and to our adversaries. I think the Russians would very much like to see this treaty extended as it is.…”