The US Senate has raised concerns about the potential dangers as the New START nuclear arms control treaty approaches its expiration. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker emphasized that the treaty, established in 2010, no longer aligns with the current threat landscape due to Russia’s compliance suspension and China’s military expansion. Ranking Member Jack Reed highlighted that the treaty’s lapse would leave the US and Russia without a binding nuclear forces framework for the first time in over 50 years.
Former US Strategic Command commander Admiral Charles Richard stressed the importance of comprehensive arms control involving all relevant parties and effective verification measures for enhancing deterrence. Meanwhile, former US arms control negotiator Rose Gottemoeller advocated for extending New START limits for a year to prevent a sudden increase in Russian nuclear capabilities while addressing China’s growing arsenal. However, former White House national security official Timothy Morrison argued against extending the treaty, labeling it as unfavorable for the US and emphasizing the need for a competitive approach in arms control.
The debate also touched on concerns regarding potential nuclear proliferation beyond major powers. Reed cautioned that a resumption of US nuclear testing could incentivize other countries like India, Pakistan, and North Korea to follow suit, heightening global risks. Furthermore, anxieties among US allies, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, were highlighted, with Reed pointing out that allies were reassessing their nuclear policies amid uncertainties about US commitments, potentially leading to increased proliferation risks.
