Boise City Wire

U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed his concerns regarding the State Department's annual report on the New START Treaty (NST). In a statement released today, Senator Risch criticized the Department's conclusion that Russia's violations of the treaty do not harm U.S. interests.

"The State Department's determination that Russia has failed to comply with its NST obligations is hardly shocking," Senator Risch stated. "What is shocking, however, is the Department's conclusion that Russia's violations do not harm U.S. interests. This is yet another self-deterring, unilateral concession to America's adversaries from the Biden Administration."

Senator Risch questioned the purpose of having an arms control treaty with Russia if their cheating does not matter. He highlighted the changing nuclear landscape, with nations like Russia and China increasing their reliance on nuclear weapons and being willing to cheat on treaties to gain an advantage.

"The nuclear landscape has changed dramatically over the past 30 years," Senator Risch emphasized. "Rather than renaming bureaus at the State Department, it's time the Biden Administration enter the 21st-century security environment and prioritize adapting our nuclear arsenal to the modern world. The status quo will not protect the American people."

Senator Risch's concerns reflect a growing sentiment among lawmakers who believe that the New START Treaty is no longer effective in ensuring national security. As Russia continues to violate its obligations, questions arise about the efficacy of the treaty in deterring nuclear threats.

The Biden Administration has been urged to reassess its approach to arms control and adapt to the evolving security landscape. It is clear that a new strategy is needed to address the challenges posed by Russia and other nations regarding nuclear weapons.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to Senator Risch's call for adaptation and whether they will take concrete steps to address the changing nuclear landscape.