The New York Times is reporting today (Sunday, December 19) that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other GOP Senators will oppose ratification of the nuclear weapons treaty known as New START.
Their stated objections revolve around concerns with our ability to continue development of strategic missile defense technology (sometimes referred to as STAR WARS), and the treaty's failure to address tactical nuclear weapons. Veteran nuclear weapons and foreign affairs experts of both parties have endorsed swift ratification of the treaty, and have pointed out that the objections by Mr. McConnell and the others are completely unfounded. These veteran diplomats all stress the importance of the treaty to our relations with Russia in particular, and our geopolitical interests in general.
Given the strong support across the political spectrum, the only explanation for Mr. McConnell's opposition is to be obstructionist. The GOP leader in the United States Senate has made a political calculation that he and his party can somehow gain some political advantage by holding up ratification of this treaty, which all credible observers say is vital to our national security and international relations.
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