Washington DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released the following statement on nuclear nonproliferation efforts:
“As a co-founder of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Caucus, I have worked to advance nonproliferation efforts and highlight the threat posed by nuclear and radiological materials falling into the hands of terrorist groups. The measures President Obama outlined in Berlin today, including negotiating additional nuclear arsenal reductions with Russia and ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), are important steps in the right direction. I have consistently advocated for CTBT ratification, which would help build international pressure for behavioral change among countries, like North Korea, which continue to test nuclear weapons, and among countries like Iran, that seek to develop a nuclear weapons capability.
Today, I met with Rose Gottemoeller, the President’s nominee to be Under Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation. Ms. Gottemoeller has been a tireless advocate for the implementation of New START, ratification of CTBT, and other efforts that put American security first and combat the threat of weapons of mass destruction. Under the President’s vision outlined today, Ms. Gottemoeller’s efforts will significantly bolster to American leadership on this important issue. I fully support her nomination and hope that the Senate will move expeditiously with her confirmation.”
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