Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to ratify President Obama's dangerously flawed New START Treaty. The treaty, touted by the White House as a major foreign policy victory, would undermine America's national security by restricting our missile defense capabilities, limiting our non-nuclear offensive arsenal and ignoring the threat posed by Russia's tactical nuclear arsenal.
Heritage Action's CEO Michael A. Needham made the following statement:
All eyes are now on the Obama administration. Throughout the debate, they assured Senators and the American people that New START would not harm our national security.
If the Russian government attempts to use the treaty to limit missile defense, refuses to negotiate in good faith regarding tactical nuclear weapons or continues to aid and abet Iran, the administration should immediately withdraw from the treaty.
New START is historic, though not in a good way:
- never has a major treaty been rammed through the Senate during a lame duck session;
- the most significant opposition to a ratified treaty in more than three decades; and,
- places America's interest squarely behind those of the Russians.
President Obama promised Senators and Americans the treaty would not undermine our national security. We are watching to ensure it does not. Many potential Republican presidential candidates are watching as well. Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, John Thune, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin all expressed their opposition to the treaty.
For conservative activists who have fought the treaty tooth and nail against ratification, today's news is bound to be disappointing. In an email, Needham told supporters:
In short, you stood toe-to-toe against a vast political and diplomatic machine armed with tens of billions of taxpayer dollars.
While I understand that is of little consequence, especially considering the serious security implications of the treaty - implications the Obama administration refused to acknowledge throughout the debate - we can still be proud of valiant opposition.
Indeed. And given the persistence of big-government liberals, there will be no rest for the weary. As this unprecedented lame duck session ends, conservatives need to set their sights on the next Congress. We will need the same passion, activism and fire that you displayed on November 2nd to hold the new Congress accountable.
Until then, enjoy the holidays, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And, if you have a minute, thank those Senators who did the right thing on New START.