The LookoutSenate approves Russian nukes treaty
The Senate has ratified the New START arms reduction treaty with Russia, by a vote of 71-26.
The Obama administration had in recent weeks mounted a full-court press for ratification, arguing that the pact is crucial to national security. But Senate GOP leaders had raised both procedural and substantive concerns, and only in recent days did it become clear that the accord would gain the needed two-thirds majority.
The news means that the administration can move on to its next goal -- approval of a long-languishing treaty to ban all nuclear tests.
(Pool photo of President Obama with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev: Konstantin Zavrazhin via AP)
