Washington D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Lead Republican Michael McCaul (R-TX) released the following statement on today’s announcement that the U.S. will formally withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. 

Lead Republican McCaul: “For over thirty years the INF played a key role in preventing nuclear war by reducing the number of missiles deployed around the world. It was a landmark treaty that served a noble purpose. However, treaties are only effective when all parties comply and Russia’s repeated violations over the years demonstrate that the INF is no longer in the best interest of the United States. There is no reason to handcuff ourselves as Russia and other countries advance their weapons system at will.

“Withdrawing from the INF is a bold decision, fully backed by NATO, that puts America first. I applaud the Trump administration for taking this action and will continue to work with the President and Secretary Pompeo on new ways to counter national security threats.”

 

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