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14 December 2001 |
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Whereas nuclear weapons remain a threat to humankind; Whereas the ABM Treaty has been the cornerstone of international arms control efforts since its inception in 1972; Whereas the ABM Treaty has helped maintain trusting, lasting relationships with traditional allies of the United States and has been the foundation for positive relationships with Russia and other nuclear states; Whereas the ABM Treaty remains an important means of limiting the threat of nuclear war and the proliferation of nuclear weapons; Whereas the ABM Treaty is an important symbol of the United States' commitment to global peace and cooperation in order to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons and remains an important and viable method for safeguarding international peace; Whereas the American people have made it overwhelmingly clear that they support a reasoned approach toward arms control policy-which the ABM Treaty represents-and not a buildup of weapons system and programs; Whereas the ABM Treaty helps ensure that no country questions the validity of the established and proven principles of deterrence, which remains an important and viable method for safeguarding international peace; Whereas President Bush's November 2001 agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reduce the number of nuclear weapons held by both countries is a welcome and useful step toward global peace and security; Whereas we are troubled by the Bush Administration's desire to withdraw from the ABM Treaty in order to develop and build a National Missile Defense System; Whereas no National Missile Defense system has proven to be reliable, despite numerous trial tests; Whereas withdrawing from, or abrogating, the ABM Treaty in order to continue development of a National Missile Defense System could weaken ties with traditional allies of the United States and alienate friendly, non-nuclear countries; Whereas withdrawing from, or abrogating, the ABM Treaty would destabilize the international relations and could spur nuclear states to pursue a new arms race with the United States; Whereas deployment of a National Missile Defense system presently outlawed by the ABM Treaty would undermine deterrence, thereby increasing tension between nuclear powers and increasing worldwide instability; Whereas a National Missile Defense system would also be perceived by other states as a threat and could hinder attempts to further reduce nuclear arsenals; Whereas increased tension between nuclear powers threatens the stability that makes economic and social cooperation between such powers possible; Whereas the events of September 11, 2001-and the worldwide response to them-underscore the fact that interstate cooperation is extraordinarily important for protecting the security of United States citizens; Whereas a National Missile Defense system would not have prevented the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; Whereas terrorist groups or rogue nations are far more likely to use simple means to threaten or harm the United States as opposed to the types of weapons a National Missile Defense system would defend against; Whereas withdrawing from the ABM Treaty and developing a NMD system would divert scarce taxpayer dollars and attention away from more pressing threats to our national security; Whereas these scarce resources should be earmarked for homeland security priorities, such as increased airline security, public health measures, and rebuilding those communities affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that in the interests of United States citizens, and all of humankind, that the United States should-- (1) remain a signatory to the ABM Treaty; (2) not encourage Russia to withdraw in order to validate United States efforts to build a National Missile Defense system; (3) continue to work cooperatively with Russia and other nuclear powers to prevent nuclear proliferation, reduce the number of weapons in current arsenals, and facilitate nuclear disarmament. COSPONSORS(28), ALPHABETICAL
Rep Baldwin, Tammy - 12/12/2001
Thank you, Senator Feinstein: ``It's a mistake to withdraw from a treaty before you have something to replace it with. I would be very concerned that withdrawal from the treaty does fuel an arms race.'' Thank you, Senator Daschle: "Itīs something that ought to have been more carefully deliberated," Daschle said, adding that he was exploring how Congress could respond to the withdrawal from the 1972 treaty that prevents the United States and Russia from developing and deploying anti-ballistic missile systems. Daschle said there are limits to what Congress can do legislatively, but it still has the "power of the purse," suggesting it can hold up funds for missile defense or other White House programs. Thank you, Senator Levin: "Ensuring the security and safety of the American people, especially from weapons of mass destruction, must remain our first defense priority. If I believed that withdrawing unilaterally from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty would enhance our national security, I would support doing so. However, the President's announcement that the United States will unilaterally withdraw from the ABM Treaty is a serious mistake for our national security. It is not necessary and it is not wise... The Armed Services Committee will hold hearings on the administration's decision in the weeks and months ahead. ( for full text, go to http://levin.senate.gov/releases/121301pr1.htm ) Thank you, Senator Biden: "Mr. President, I rise this
morning to speak to a decision that I am told and have read is about
to be made by the President--a very significant decision and, I think,
an incredibly dangerous one--to serve notice that the United States of
America is going to withdraw from the ABM Treaty ....
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