Press Releases

U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) today re-introduced a resolution supporting arms control and non-proliferation agreements, and efforts to reduce nuclear weapon stockpiles. The resolution would express the House’s support for a five-year extension of the New START Treaty, and for U.S. participation in the Treaty on Open Skies, from which the Trump Administration withdrew in November.  On January 15, Russia announced its intent to withdraw from Open Skies in six months, making the future of this agreement even more unclear. The Biden Administration reportedly signaled its intent to seek an extension of New START earlier today.

“President Biden is sending early signals that his foreign policy will renew America’s commitment to thoughtful, sustained diplomatic engagement. I am encouraged by his reported support for a New START extension, one goal of the resolution I am re-introducing today,” said Rep. Beyer. “The central mission of American foreign policy remains the pursuit of peace, and I am hopeful that additional steps to support non-proliferation and the reduction of nuclear arsenals will be forthcoming. Throughout my career I have been motivated by the belief that logic and basic morality require American leaders to do all they can to avert any possibility of a nuclear showdown, and I thank my colleagues who signed on to support this resolution for joining me in that endeavor.”

Beyer previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Lichtenstein during the Obama Administration. Text of the resolution, which is supported by 15 original cosponsors, is available here.