WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the founder of the House Bipartisan Task Force on Nonproliferation, today praised the announcement of a new arms control treaty with Russia, which will reduce the nuclear arsenals of each country.

 
“This treaty is a major step forward and will serve as a key bridge toward reaching the goal of a nuclear weapon-free world,” said Markey. “With this announcement, President Obama is sending a clear signal that the United States will lead the way in the effort to reduce the global stockpile of nuclear weapons.

 
“This new agreement shows that the United States is serious about meeting its disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and it sends an important signal to the rest of the world about our commitment to disarmament as we approach the upcoming NPT Review Conference.

 
“I urge the Senate to quickly approve ratification of this important treaty and to also take up the unfinished business of ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which has been awaiting approval for many years.”