67-28

[nmbluesky]

The Senate cleared the way today for a major arms reduction treaty with Russia, as a sufficient number of Republicans announced support for the deal and the White House predicted victory.

Senators voted 67-28 to cut off debate for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia, and a final vote could come as early as Wednesday.

At least 10 Republicans said they planned to vote for START; supporters need only nine GOP votes to win the two-thirds Senate vote necessary for ratification.

"We remain extremely confident," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., one of the Republicans who announced he would back the treaty, told reporters, "I think it's going to pass and more than just pass."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said he was pleased with the GOP support for a treaty that "will make America safer and restore our leadership in global efforts to stop nuclear proliferation."

The Senate voted to end debate amid some Republican criticism that it could undercut U.S. missile defense efforts.

Obama and Senate Democrats said the treaty will have no effect on missile defense, but will instead cut the number of nuclear weapons and assure inspections of Russia's nuclear arsenal.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/12/obama-aides-confident-about-start-treaty/1

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. YAY!

[Odin2005]

2. WOOT!

[Laelth]

3. Good.

I wonder what their support cost us.

-Laelth