Senators debating on the issue of a new START treaty on nuclear weapons with Russia had a face off on Friday about the impact of the accord on US security, under increasing pressure to reach agreement on the issue before Christmas.
The new START would obligate both US and Russia to reduce the number of strategic nuclear weapons to a maximum of 1,550 over the coming seven years. Both sides would also have to cut down their deployed bombers and missiles to a maximum of 700. Furthermore, the treaty puts in place a system of verification and inspections, as well as data exchanges, aimed at insuring that both parties respect the agreement.
The treaty is one of the US President’s main priorities for this legislative session and it is viewed as primordial for the improvement of Russia-American relations. If the treaty fails, US officials fear that US would lose whatever Russian support there is on issues such as Afghanistan and the Iranian nuclear program.
In order to pass, the treaty needs a majority of two thirds. Despite the fact that nine Republicans agreed with the Democrats, thus consenting to a debate on START, their approval for the treaty was unclear. Democratic representatives were confident that the needed majority of 67 votes would be reached.
Republicans fear that under the guidelines of the new treaty, US would see their capacity to develop strategic weaponry foolishly reduced, or at the least, limit the capacity of US to defend themselves. They further criticized President Obama’s objective of fully eliminating nuclear weapons.
However, the new START treaty is widely supported in military and diplomatic groups. It was endorsed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, as well as other national security officials, which put Republicans in a tight spot where they go against the military current on a military matter.
The Democratic camp feels even higher pressure to push the treaty in the current legislative session, while they still hold the majority, as a delay until next year would come with high uncertainty owing to the majority of the Congress being Republican following the elections in November.