The Senate has voted to ratify the START treaty with Russia. A two-thirds majority (67) was needed for ratification. The measure passed with 71 votes.
Via Fox 13 –
The Senate ratified the strategic nuclear arms treaty between the United States and Russia on Wednesday, fulfilling President Obama’s major foreign policy goal for the lame-duck session.
By a 71-26 vote, the Senate approved the treaty, known as New START, which Republicans had blocked.
Under the treaty, Russia and the United States agree to limit the number of nuclear warheads to 1,550 each, down from the ceiling of 2,200. The pact also establishes a system for monitoring and verification. The treaty was signed by Obama and Russian President Dmitrey Medvedev on April 8.
Vice President Biden presided over the Senate’s 71-26 vote with Secretary Hillary Clinton in attendance. This is considered to be a major legislative victory for President Obama.
The Republicans voting yes were Sens. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Robert Bennett (Utah), Scott Brown (Mass.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Susan Collins (Maine), Bob Corker (Tenn.), Judd Gregg (N.H.) Johnny Isakson (Ga.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Richard Lugar (Ind.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska.), Olympia Snowe (Maine.), and George Voinovich (Ohio).
