[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1906]]



                      THE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 1996

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, on September 24, 1996, the world witnessed 
a giant step toward the reduction of nuclear danger, as President 
Clinton followed by leaders from 17 other nations signed the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty [CTBT] at the United Nations. The General 
Assembly earlier adopted the treaty with an overwhelming majority 
bringing to reality a vision of American leaders going back to 
Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister 
Jawaharlal Nehru of India.
  By banning all nuclear explosions, the treaty will end the 
development of advanced new types of nuclear weapons and also constrain 
the development, and qualitative improvement of nuclear weapons. It 
will also help prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries. 
It is the fruition of a 40-year effort, revived in 1993 when President 
Clinton made the courageous commitment to work toward a ``true zero'' 
yield treaty.
  We realize that the signing of the treaty is but the first step 
toward a long road ahead. Some forty-four nations will have to sign and 
then ratify before its entry into force within the next 2 years. While 
this treaty, or for that matter any treaty, cannot be perfect, it is an 
indispensable step toward further negotiations and inevitable progress 
toward the establishment of international peace and security in the 
post-cold war era. The CTBT is a historic milestone toward the 
prevention of nuclear proliferation and a safer world.
  I urge all members to join me on this occasion in congratulating the 
President upon achieving this significant step and call upon other 
nations to put aside their differences and sign the treaty 
expeditiously.

                          ____________________