On 8 April 8, 2010, the new START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) Treaty was signed in Prague by U.S. President Obama and Russian President Medvedev. It will enter into force after its ratification through the Russian Parliament and the United States Congress.
Reportedly every living U.S. Secretary of State regardless of party affiliation supports ratification. Also Vice President Biden says the 67 votes needed to ratify are set in the Senate.
Appearing on CBS’ “ Face The Nation” Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham says he is withholding his support until there is a clearer understanding by the Russians of the language as it appears in the preamble of the Treaty.
The original START Treaty between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R was signed on July 31, 1991 and entered into force December 5, 1994. START 1 expired on December 5, 2009.
Graham says he does not believe that the treaty will be ratified during the lame duck session, because there has not been enough debate on the treaty.
Graham says the START Treaty has become a pawn in the partisan politics race to force through a number of measures during the lame duck period. Graham says he feels that if the treaty is ratified it will be done next year when the new Congress is seated.
AUDIO: Graham says he will not vote for START during lame duck period (1:07)
