Thank you for contacting me about the Obama Administration's efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. Since the end of the Cold War, the spread of nuclear technology around the globe, including to rogue states and other dangerous actors, has gravely increased instability. As a result, it is vital to examine our nuclear proliferation policy from the standpoint of not just national security, but global security.

Past policies of disengagement from global security efforts and tough rhetoric towards other nations have proven themselves to be ineffective and have weakened our national security. That is why I am pleased that President Obama has exhibited strong leadership in counter-proliferation efforts, resulting in true progress from previously alienated nuclear powers.

President Obama has signed a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia to draw down surplus nuclear weapons in both countries, while still maintaining an overwhelming deterrent force. I look forward to supporting this treaty when it comes to the Senate floor.

In addition to the START Treaty, President Obama has taken several additional steps in furtherance of United States and global security. His recent decision to cancel the deployment of unproven ballistic missile interceptors to Eastern Europe has prompted the Russians to remove their own interceptors from Eastern Europe. This has, in turn, focused international counter-proliferation efforts on Iran, where they are most needed. The administration's attempts to engage Iran have prompted genuine multilateral action, including unprecedented steps by Russia and China to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions. Finally, the President presided over the United Nations Security Council when it passed a resolution that significantly bolstered the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty to head-off Iranian and North Korean efforts to build nuclear arsenals.

I have long felt that there is a false dichotomy between national security and nuclear arms reduction. If a reduction in our nuclear stockpile prompts other nations to do the same, then we have made our nation and the world more secure. If we restrict our plans to use nuclear weapons to only the most necessary instances, as laid out in the administration's Nuclear Posture Review, then we reduce the possibility of a nuclear exchange. It is for these reasons that I have been a long-time supporter of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Reducing the development, testing and proliferation of nuclear weapons, both within the U.S. and by foreign nations, is an important task, and U.S. leadership is required.

After so many years of unchecked global nuclear proliferation, renewed U.S. leadership has already paid dividends.  I have long dreamed of the day when the world would be free of these horrific weapons.  While there is still a long way to go, it now looks like we are finally on the right path and I will work in the Senate to make sure we stay on that path.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please do not hesitate to let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tom Harkin
United States Senator