Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Jim Risch express dismay at today’s revelations on Russian cheating and will continue to press the Obama Administration on the issue.

“Today’s report is an urgent reminder that President Putin is not to be trusted,” said Rubio.  “President Obama sought to ‘reset’ relations with Russia, yet in the last 5 years, we’ve only seen Putin weaken democracy in Russia and undermine the independence of Russia’s neighbors. Today’s report is more evidence that it is ludicrous to think that we should negotiate further reductions to the U.S. strategic arsenal given Russia’s noncompliance with its existing commitments.  I hope the Administration is more clear-eyed in its future dealings with Putin’s Russia.  I will continue to do all possible to ensure that these compliance issues are adequately addressed and that the administration does not take unilateral steps to reduce the U.S. nuclear arsenal.”

“Today’s New York Times story brings to light multiple compliance issues, some of which I have raised as a strong objection to ratifying the New START Treaty,” said Risch.  “I am disappointed the Administration knew this information and chose to keep it from the Congress.  The security of America is the government’s first priority and it is time the administration was honest with the American people.   When Secretary Kerry was Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he expressed grave concerns regarding Russian cheating and urged in the strongest terms that there needs to be real consequences for cheating. I hope he will maintain that position now that violations have been made public.”

Risch and Rubio pointed out other issues raised by today’s New York Times article.

Senators Risch and Rubio are the only Senators to serve on both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.  Senators Risch and Rubio introduced S.1924 on the issue of INF Treaty Compliance and Information Sharing. 

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