PRAGUE - Reaching anew for Peace

April 8, 2010 

Seeking to end years of rancor, President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday signed the biggest nuclear arms pact in a generation and envisioned a day when they can compromise on the divisive issue of missile defense. 
The new treaty, the first of its kind in two decades and nearly a year in the making, signaled a bold new opening in relations between the former Cold War foes. Both leaders hoped for more progress on economic matters and potentially even deeper cuts in their robust nuclear arsenals, while the Russian president still warned of potential pitfalls ahead. 

The pact will shrink the limit of nuclear warheads to 1,550 per country over seven years. That still allows for mutual destruction several times over. But it is intended to send a strong signal that Russia and the U.S. — which between them own more than 90 percent of the world's nuclear weapons — are serious about disarmament. 

Obama and Medvedev reaffirmed their commitment to considering new sanctions against Iran if the Islamic republic continues to refuse to suspend uranium enrichment and start talks on its nuclear program. 

Medvedev said it's regrettable that Iran has not responded to many constructive proposals the international community has offered, and it's possible the United Nations Security Council will have to take up the issue. And Obama said the U.S. will not tolerate any actions by Iran that risk an arms race in the Middle East or threaten the credibility of the international community. 

They spoke after sitting side-by-side in an elegant hall in the Czech Republic capital city, signing the nuclear arms deal that awaits ratification by the Russian legislature and the U.S. Senate. The White House lobbying effort on ratification is under way. 

The upbeat U.S. president said he was confident that Democrats and Republicans would ratify the treaty in the Senate, where 67 votes will be required. 

"Today is an important milestone for nuclear security and nonproliferation, and for U.S.-Russia relations," Obama said. Medvedev hailed the signing as a historic event that would launch a new chapter of cooperation between the countries. 

Shrugs and smiles
Inside the hall, the anticipated moment came as the two presidents picked up their pens, glanced at each other and grinned as they signed several documents, with aides transferring the papers back and forth so all would have both signatures. When it was done, the leaders seemed momentarily at a loss, with Medvedev flashing a smile and a shrug before they stood to shake hands. 

Obama said the treaty sets a foundation for further cuts in nuclear arms. And he pledged more conversation with Medvedev about missile defense, which remains a sticky issue between the countries as the U.S. moves ahead with plans it calls no threat to Russia. Obama said the missile defense system envisioned is not aimed at changing the "strategic balance" with Russia but rather as a way to counter launches from other countries. 

Medvedev said he was optimistic about reaching a compromise on the matter. As for talks about even deeper cuts in nuclear weaponry, the aim would be to discuss, for the first time, cuts in short-range U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons as well as weapons held in reserve and in storage. 

Beyond slashing nuclear arsenals, the U.S. sees "New START" as a key part of efforts to "reset" ties with Russia, badly strained under the Bush administration, and engage Moscow more in dealing with global challenges, including the nuclear arsenal of North Korea and nuclear ambitions of Iran. 

The new pact is only part of the Obama administration's new nuclear strategy. It was signed only days after the White House announced a fundamental shift in its policy on the use of nuclear weapons, calling the acquisition of atomic arms by terrorists or rogue states a worse menace than the Cold War threat of mutual annihilation. 

Other U.S. nuclear initiatives will follow the Prague signing. Leaders from more than 40 countries will gather in Washington next week to discuss improvements in securing nuclear arsenals. 

The White House plans to lead calls for disarmament in May at the United Nations during an international conference on strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

Most significant step in a generation. The treaty signed Thursday is the most significant nuclear disarmament pact in a generation, and Medvedev has lauded it as "an important step" in disarmament and arms control efforts. 

Russian analysts say Russia needs the deal to ease the burden of replacing a large number of aging Soviet-built missiles. "This treaty is in Russia's best interests," said Sergei Rogov, the head of the USA and Canada Institute, an influential think tank. 

Russia has warned that it reserves the right to withdraw if the planned U.S. missile defense system grows into a threat. But Moscow had warned that it could pull out of the historic 1991 START treaty, and never did. 

Russia has welcomed Obama's decision to scrap Bush administration plans to build a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. But the Kremlin is still concerned about a revamped U.S. missile interceptor project, including a facility in Romania. 

Brian McKeon, a senior adviser to Vice President Joe Biden, said the U.S. missile defense system does not affect strategic stability. "The President has made clear that he is committed to continuing to develop and deploy that system," said McKeon, writing in the White House blog. 

While the Russian parliament is likely to follow the Kremlin's lead, the ratification process in the U.S. Senate could be troublesome. Fearing potential trouble, Moscow has said that Russian lawmakers will synchronize their moves to ratify the deal with the U.S. legislators. 

Associated Press.

TODAY’S ELECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS

DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE’S STATEMENT ON TODAY’S ELECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS

Washington, D.C. - Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on the results of the special election in Massachusetts tonight:

“I want to congratulate Scott Brown on running a strong campaign and Martha Coakley on being a strong voice for progressive values.

"It goes without saying that we are disappointed in tonight's result. There will be plenty of time to dissect this race and to apply the lessons learned from it those to come this fall - but in the meantime we will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the America people and we will redouble our efforts to lay out a clear choice for voters this November.

"I want to thank our state parties and our DNC and Organizing for America staff and volunteers all across the country who have worked tirelessly on this campaign and who will continue to support President Obama and work for the change we all believe is essential to getting our nation moving in the right direction again."

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Releases Statement in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Washington – Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

“Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his legacy of non-violent social change and justice. While there is still work to be done, we take time to acknowledge the tremendous progress we as a country have made in combating racism, bigotry and intolerance. Dr. King’s timeless values of truth, courage, compassion, dignity, justice, service and humility serve as an example for all Americans to strive to better themselves and their community.

“In a speech delivered shortly before his untimely death, Dr. King challenged each and every American to be a ‘Drum Major’ for justice. Dr. King urged Americans to live up to their ideals and strive to serve their neighbors. This year as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King let us not just honor his memory but also resolve to recommit ourselves to family and community through service.”

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls Senate Vote Historic Step.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls Senate Vote Historic Step, Praises Democrats for Pressing Forward to Deliver Health Reform to the American People.

Washington - Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Senate voted to suspend debate and move towards a vote on final passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote on Monday night was the first of three cloture votes (which must achieve a 60 vote threshold) before the historic health insurance reform legislation can be brought to the floor for a final up or down vote.

“Tonight the Senate took another major step on the road to finally delivering health insurance reform to the American people.

“Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (IL), Committee Chairmen Max Baucus (MT) and Chris Dodd (CT) and countless others, we are now closer than ever to achieving historic reform that will provide more stability and security to people who have insurance and more quality affordable options to those who don’t, while lowering the high costs of care for families, businesses and entire country.

 
“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, if it, or health reform legislation passed by the House of Representatives were to become law, would represent the most significant piece of social and economic legislation since Social Security, and would be the largest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare passed in 1965.
“The Senate’s bill will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans; end abusive insurance industry practices, like denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceling someone’s coverage when they get sick; strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the Medicare trust fund; help small businesses provide their employees affordable insurance; and it will reduce our deficit by 132 billion in the first 10 years, and hundreds of billions more in the years after that.

“Seven presidents have tried and failed to reform our broken health care system. But today, thanks to Democratic senators who worked hard to find common ground and the extraordinary leadership and vision of President Obama, the fundamental change that has eluded this country for decades, is finally within reach.

“Unfortunately, not one Republican senator voted to allow this legislation to come to a vote on the Senate floor. Throughout this debate, Republicans have done everything in their power to delay and obstruct progress. Instead of fighting for the American people, they are advocating passionately for the status quo - a scenario in which 14,000 people lose their insurance every day, small businesses struggle to stay open and families live with the constant worry of being one injury or illness away from financial ruin. While it is shocking enough that not a single Republican Senator supports this important bill, the fact that they have all stood firm to even deny any opportunity for the bill to be voted on at all demonstrates how badly they misread the responsibilities of leadership.

“Democrats will not rest until we deliver health insurance reform to the American people.”

DNC Hails Decision

DNC Hails Decision to Keep in Place Consent Decree Barring Republicans From Voter Intimidation.

Washington, DC—DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and DNC Vice Chair for Voter Registration and Participation Donna Brazile issued the following statement on yesterday’s ruling by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey keeping in place a consent decree barring the Republican National Committee from voter intimidation and asserting that Republicans still have an incentive to engage in such illegal practices. Late last year the RNC asked that the consent decree, which it agreed to in 1982, be nullified, going so far as to argue that because the President and U.S. Attorney General are African American, there is no longer any reason for Republicans to be subject to limits on efforts to engage in “ballot security measures.” To read the decision, click here: http://my.democrats.org/page/-/pdf/voter_protection/DNCvRNC_Opinion_12.1.09.PDF

“Yesterday's ruling is a victory for all Americans who believe that every eligible citizen should have the right to vote and have their vote counted. It also represents a resounding repudiation of the Republican Party's trumped up claims of voter fraud. Our great nation was founded on the principles of equality and freedom, and our founders envisioned the right to vote as central to our ideals. Yet for years, Republicans have engaged in deplorable practices that intimidate voters and make it more difficult for them to cast their ballot.

“This is wrong, and it is illegal. As the court made clear, these types of actions stand in the way of Americans’ fundamental rights under the Constitution of the United States. Republicans would be better served trying to engage minority and under-represented voters rather than trying to intimidate them. Yet there is overwhelming evidence that these types of practices still occur, that Republicans have engaged in them in recent elections and that without a consent decree barring such actions Republicans will continue to have an incentive to engage in them. That Republicans, who attempted to use foreclosure lists in the 2008 election to deny people the right to vote in Michigan, even asked the court to nullify this decree, shows just how eager they are to continue engaging in practices to suppress the rightful votes of thousands of American citizens.

“These are not the ideals that our country was founded on, and they should not be tolerated. We applaud yesterday’s decision and recommit ourselves to fighting to ensure that the right to vote is fully protected. And we encourage Republicans to work with us to reform our electoral system to remove any impediments to voting and to ensure our voting rights laws are enforced consistent with the law.”

Tim Kaine Releases Statement in Honor of Veterans Day

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day:

“Today, we honor those Americans who have served throughout our nation's history – from the wars on our own shores to the beachheads of Europe, from the rice fields of Southeast Asia to the deserts of the Middle East, and from across the world's oceans and seas to those who serve stateside - and take the time to thank them for their unflinching courage and service.

“In the wake of the tragedy at Fort Hood, and as we work to wind down our operations in Iraq and determine the way forward in Afghanistan, renewing our promise to America’s veterans is just as important as ever – not just today, but every day.

“Providing for our veterans is critical, not only because we have a moral obligation to recognize those who have sacrificed on our behalf, but because our servicemen and women are a tremendous resource who can help lead the way as we continue our pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

“President Obama and our Democratic Congress have demonstrated a strong commitment to our country’s veterans, taking several steps in just the last 10 months to expand economic opportunity, strengthen veterans’ health care services, and improve benefits for our troops and military families. Through the post 9/11 G.I. Bill – the most generous education benefit since the original G.I. Bill of 1944 – more than 250,000 veterans will attend college in just the next two years. President Obama and Congress have worked to strengthen the VA health care system by transforming it into a 21st century organization that prioritizes community-based services, promotes prevention and takes on the injuries unique to modern warfare, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And President Obama requested, and Congressional Democrats approved, a 16 percent increase in the 2010 budget for the Department of Veterans affairs, the largest one-year increase in 30 years.

“Veterans and their families are the only ones who can fully understand the toll of their sacrifice. But we can, through our every day actions, do our best to see that they receive the very best service, care and respect from their country. Today we thank our brave men and women for heeding the call to duty, and we honor their selfless service.”

Organizing for America

Organizing for America Will Hold ‘Thank You’ Activities for the US House’s Support of Health Insurance Reform

OFA and Supporters of Reform Will Hold Thank You Activities Across The Country to Thank Representatives for Support of Health Insurance Reform

Washington – The House of Representatives passed landmark health reform legislation on Saturday, marking a milestone in the effort to pass comprehensive reform this year. As representatives return to their districts, Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers will be hosting “thank you” activities to thank their Representatives for supporting health insurance reform.

“We still have some work to do, but today we are closer to reform than ever before,” said OFA Director Mitch Stewart, “and that is thanks in no-small part to the tireless work and commitment of our Democratic leaders in Congress. Over the next several days, OFA volunteers will be organizing and participating in various thank you activities in an effort to communicate a very simple message: thank you. As we move into this final phase of debate, we want our representatives in Congress to know that they have the wind at their backs.”

The House bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, would extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion over ten years. It achieves the goals President Obama articulated during his address to a Joint Session of Congress in September. It will provide more security and stability to people who have insurance; provide more quality, affordable options to those who don’t; and lower the costs of care for American families and businesses. It would end some of the insurance industry’s worst practices, like denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or canceling someone’s coverage when they get sick.

Organizing for America, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee, is committed to supporting President Obama’s agenda for change. Over 2 million people have taken action as part of OFA’s health reform campaign. Since June 6, OFA has held 20,000 events in all 50 states and every congressional district encouraging support for President Obama's health insurance reform plan. On October 20, OFA helped to generate more than 315,000 calls to Congress in a single day, more than three times the initial goal.