Conrad Calls for Support of New START Treaty

Senator says Nuclear Treaty Makes America Safer and More Secure

Senator Kent Conrad today urged his Senate colleagues to support the ratification of the U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty called New START. The Treaty serves as a blueprint for reducing U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals and, as negotiated, preserves America's powerful nuclear triad -- ICBMs, submarine launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.

In a speech on the floor on the U.S. Senate, Senator Conrad said New START takes real steps toward reducing the number of nuclear arms in the world, while also recognizing the important role these weapons play in America's national defense.

"Above all else, I believe this treaty is stabilizing -- which should be the goal of any action related to nuclear weapons," Senator Conrad said.

Senator Conrad noted that North Dakota hosts the only Air Force base in the nation with two nuclear missions. Minot Air Force Base is home to 150 Minuteman III missiles as well as two squadrons of nuclear capable B-52H bombers.

"The airmen who stand guard at Minot remain at the vanguard of our nation's most important mission. I would never do anything to undermine the mission they carry out every day," Senator Conrad said. "After careful review and discussions with our nation's best military and nuclear weapons experts, I am confident that this treaty makes our nation safer and more secure."

Senator Conrad countered claims that the treaty would hurt America's national security, noting former Secretaries of Defense and State from both parties as well as current and former military officers have all publicly stated that New START will advance, not harm, America's national security.

Bolstering the Senator's argument, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Marine Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, today called for ratification of New START. The military leaders said the treaty would in no way hamper America's missile defense.

Senator Conrad is the Chair of the ICBM Coalition in the United States Senate and has encouraged the Administration to maintain the ICBMs stationed at Minot Air Force Base to ensure our nation's deterrent capability.

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