Keeping America Secure from Nuclear Threats
March 10, 2010
Written by 2006 Council for a Livable World-endorsed U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)
Forty years ago the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty entered into force. This treaty sought to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons to a core group of five declared nuclear weapons states – to date, 189 states have ratified the treaty making it one of the most successful international accords ever established. In 1963, President Kennedy predicted that by 1975, there would be 15-20 nuclear states. President Kennedy’s forecast has thankfully not come to pass – due in large part to the framework provided by the NPT.
Ultimately, we have a solemn obligation to ensure that nuclear weapons do not fall into the hands of terrorists. Despite our current differences on an array of policy issues, all U.S. policymakers agree on this simple fact. Ensuring that our own nuclear arsenal is safe, secure and effective, securing fissile material around the world, and finalizing the START follow-on agreement with Russia, are all elements that contribute to this most important goal. Though the Cold War is long over, the principles enshrined in the NPT are perhaps more important than ever.
Two key pillars of the treaty, nonproliferation and disarmament are paramount priorities of President Obama and a growing number of U.S. Senators. As we debate upcoming treaties on nuclear weapons, we do so not only in deference to our NPT obligations agreed to 40 years ago, but out of profound and vigilant concern for our national security.
The Administration is in the final stages of negotiating the START treaty with Russia. This treaty would reduce deployed nuclear weapons in the U.S. and Russia and would provide crucial verification measures that would allow a window into the Russian nuclear program. While this treaty has taken a little longer than expected to complete, I applaud the leadership of Assistant Secretary for Verification, Compliance and Implementation Rose Gottemoeller and her efforts to pursue a strong agreement as opposed to a immediate agreement. A new START agreement is in our national security interests, especially in terms of maintaining verification and transparency measures. Once complete, this agreement could help to strengthen the U.S.-Russia relationship and potentially increases the possibility of Russian cooperation on an array of thorny international issues including North Korea and Iran.
The START follow-on treaty is a clear demonstration that the United States is upholding our disarmament obligations under the NPT. START is a necessary step in reaffirming U.S. leadership on nonproliferation issues. Without a clear commitment to our nonproliferation responsibilities through a new START agreement, it will be increasingly difficult for the U.S. to secure international support in addressing the urgent security threats posed by the spread of nuclear weapons.
The Administration’s current budget request devotes substantial funding to maintaining our own nuclear-weapons stockpile and complex. I support this increase in funding. This investment helps to build the case for the eventual ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, another step towards fulfilling our NPT obligations and contributing to our security. We haven’t tested a nuclear weapon since 1992 because we have the technical means to ensure the reliability and safety of our stockpile. Despite these advances, we have yet to fully benefit internationally – once entered into force, the CTBT would enable inspection mechanisms for the first time and would require compliance standards for nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states alike.
In January, former Secretary of State George Schultz, former Secretary of Defense William Perry, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Senator Sam Nunn wrote, “Nuclear weapons today present tremendous dangers, but also an historic opportunity. U.S. leadership will be required to take the world to the next stage -- to a solid consensus for reversing reliance on nuclear weapons globally as a vital contribution to preventing their proliferation into potentially dangerous hands, and ultimately ending them as a threat to the world.”
Dubbed the Four Horsemen, these statesmen have not always agreed on nonproliferation issues in the past, which makes their leadership and vision at this critical juncture unique and worthy of serious consideration. Their belief in the principles enshrined in the NPT is a thoughtful reminder that this treaty remains in the national security interest of the United States and continues to solicit bi-partisan support. On this fortieth anniversary of the NPT, Democrats, Republican and Independents should follow the example of these statesmen and recommit to a common vision on non-proliferation and confronting nuclear terror.
