Sen. Franken Ties Nuclear Modernization to New START Treaty
Today, during a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) urged quick ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia and emphasized the strong connection between modernizing our nuclear arsenal and arms control, beginning with the New START treaty.
"I will continue to fight for nuclear modernization paired with arms control. But they must be paired. Our national security requires it. And political reality requires it," said Sen. Franken. "Without that step, consensus will break down, the replacement facilities will once again lose a coherent mission, and we will be stuck with drift and controversy."
Sen. Franken has been a strong proponent of the New START Treaty since President Obama signed the treaty last April. He sent it to the Senate for approval last May.
Sen. Franken's full remarks can be read here.