The namby-pamby politics of nuclear policy
By Christopher Maund, Outpost contributor
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Democratic Sen. Joe
Biden, right, speaks with Sen. Schumer of New York
outside the Senate chamber just after the Oct. 13
vote that rejected the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty. (New York Times photograph). |
While this childish behavior is reminiscent of a playground scene, it's actually our country's leaders hard at work.
Last month's defeat of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty showed the extent to which partisanship can rear its ugly head. Instead of holding hearings, Republicans prematurely forced a vote on the single most important piece of business before Congress this year.
The Democrats, it appears, are just as immature as the Republicans. Over the last five years, though, the GOP majority has been better armed. It now harbors enough votes to torpedo legislation--and routinely does just that.
The final vote: 51 to 48. Four Republicans -- including
the now late John Chafee (R-R.I.) -- broke ranks and voted
for the treaty. No Democrats voted against it, though
statesman Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) abstained, and said there
was not enough in-depth analysis for him to make an informed
vote. Comprehensive
Test-Ban
Treaty document
Greenpeace
ABC
News
Combatting
Nukes in Nevada
Sen. Trent Lott, the Republican majority leader from Mississippi, refused to budge an inch. He pushed for an early vote, knowing the GOP would dominate. He was right.
Pride seems to be what motivated Lott to turn a crucial international treaty into a political circus.
According to the Oct. 14 New York Times, Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) announced he would settle on the Senate floor "like a potted plant" until leadership -- mainly Lott -- took action on the already-stalled treaty.
Broder also reported that Lott took great offense at the statement, and decided to call the Democrats' bluff. He consulted with Sen. Jesse Helms (R- N.C.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Helms instructed Lott to get as many "nay" votes as possible. Junior senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), rounded up the opposition, Helms gave Lott the go-ahead--and the rest is history.
Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) fired back with an angry retort from the Senate floor. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright relayed the disgust felt by many world leaders. And Vice President Al Gore promised to confront the issue in his presidential campaign.
Republican Sen. Trent Lott of
Mississippi.
After the vote, Lott told reporters that he focused
on the treaty during the weekend before the vote --
including on his birthday. To him, the document had "no
teeth," and must be vetoed--an amazing decision, especially
considering that Lott allowed only 12 days' debate before
the final vote. Mining reform--a purely domestic issue--is
currently receiving 120 days of study and debate.
Photo courtesy of Sen.
Lott's Homepage
Lott designated so little time for debate that a committee could hardly coalesce, let alone study the issue, hold hearings and make sound recommendations.
Lott's actions indicate that his pride--and continued ideological polarization--is more important than our country's safety. The rest of the Republican party lackadaisically followed suit. Any GOP member could have rejected their false leadership, allowing for additional time. Only four tried. Even if the rest believed the treaty was flawed and useless, they could have opted to delay the vote.
The Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty fiasco demonstrates that many of America's leaders have become out-of-touch with the real issues. Instead of considering the broader ramifications, they routinely opt for partisan squabbling and political grandstanding. The current leadership truly behaves like dysfunctional, bickering siblings.
Ultimately, only the constituents can apply enough pressure to force a change. Peruse leaders' voting records, provide feedback and exercise civic oversight at the ballot box. It's the only way to reel in the game-playing delinquents on the Hill.
Posted Nov. 18, 1999
Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost
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