Bill retains Russian nuclear forces limits

Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Eliot L. Engel (D-NY) introduced last week a measure designed to retain Russian nuclear forces limits.

The Richard G. Lugar and Ellen O. Tauscher Act to Maintain Limits on Russian Nuclear Forces calls for an extension of New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) limits on Russia until 2026, unless Russia violates the Treaty or until a new agreement in is in place that provides equal or greater constraints, transparency and verification measures.

“The New START Treaty has aided global security for nearly a decade, limiting Russia’s ability to deploy nuclear weapons,” McCaul, lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said. “So long as Russia remains compliant, it’s in America’s national security interest to extend this Treaty because it will help prevent Vladimir Putin from enhancing his arsenal. Specifically, our legislation encourages the Administration to negotiate an extension to the New START Treaty, as long as it maintains the strongest possible enforcement and verification methods.”

McCaul said if Russia is serious about reducing the threat of nuclear weapons use, its leaders should take the opportunity and prove commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

“Vladimir Putin’s aggression against the United States and our allies demands that we take all possible steps to defend our national security from Russian actions,” Engel, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, said. “This bill sets out to achieve the same goals that Sen. Lugar and Rep. Tauscher prioritized in their public service: the responsible control of Russian arms to ensure the United States’ ability to maintain a strong nuclear deterrent.”