WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) Thursday urged her congressional colleagues to halt the development, testing or use of low-yield Earth penetrating nuclear weapons or “Mini-Nukes.” Rep. Woolsey spoke in support of an amendment to reject “Mini-Nukes” in the Defense Authorization bill that will be voted on later today.

The following is Rep. Woolsey’s statement:

“Let’s make no mistake about it, developing these ‘Mini-Nukes’ would make their use more likely…which would make a nuclear war more likely. The fact is, if we sanction their development, we provide legitimacy for other nations to do the same.

“My constituents in Marin and Sonoma counties, like most Americans, have made it clear that they support a reduction in America’s nuclear arsenal. They’re rightly demanding that we take a reasoned approach toward nuclear weapons policy -- not a renewed buildup of nuclear arms.

“Without the Markey amendment, U.S. nuclear policy would take a u-turn that would prompt more nuclear competition, threaten our national security, and undermine non-proliferation efforts.

“Reject this vision. Support the Markey amendment.”

Rep. Lynn Woolsey is dedicated to fighting for a better future for our children. She continues to lead her congressional colleagues to improve American foreign policy. She has introduced House resolutions opposing President Bush’s decision to scrap the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (H. Res. 313) and another to start the process of abolishing all nuclear weapons (H. Res. 17) Rep. Woolsey is also an original co-sponsor of a bill to establish a Peace Department, a federal department dedicated to the development of peace and mitigation of international conflict. She recently fought in support of the U.S. Army’s Peacekeeping Institute, which was threatened with closure.


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