August 02, 2019

Castro Confronts Pompeo on Nuclear Arms Control

The letter, sent today, addresses the U.S. formally withdrawing from nuclear treaty with Russia that sparks fears of a new arms race

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo on the date of the United States’ formal withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty to express concern about the future of U.S.-Russian arms control and to urge the expeditious extension of the New START Treaty.

“Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s announcement that the United States government has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty sets back U.S. national security and significantly weakens our credibility with friends and foes alike. It is also a clear example of this President’s efforts to undermine multilateralism and retreat from global leadership,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20). “Now, the need to extend the New START Treaty, the last remaining bilateral arms control agreement, is even greater. Failing to uphold New START would exacerbate this Administration’s mistakes, undo years of progress, and expose the United States and our allies to further danger. Retaining limits on Russia’s nuclear weapons is integral for countering Vladimir Putin’s aggression. By peddling an irresponsible nuclear policy, this White House has instead created the conditions for an expensive and unnecessary arms race that is reminiscent of the Cold War.”

You can read the entire letter here.

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