[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H10038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE TRUMPS UNVERIFIABLE TEST BAN TREATY

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, today's headlines are filled with two 
stories of great importance to our national interest and security. In 
the first, we learn that a military coup overturned the government of 
Pakistan, who has nuclear weapons.
  In the second, we see the other body voted against ratifying the 
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Senate deserves our thanks for their 
correct and courageous vote to defeat the Comprehensive Test Ban 
Treaty.
  The President and the liberals did their very best to convince the 
American people to rely on an unverifiable treaty for security. As we 
already know, the Chinese Communists have stolen the technology they 
need to skirt this test ban. If they have the technology, there is no 
doubt that the rogue nuclear powers such as North Korea and Iraq will 
have it as well.
  A better solution lies in a strong national defense. We recently have 
had successful tests of both strategic and theater systems. We need to 
move forward with enhanced testing and deployment.
  It is time to move beyond unverifiable treaties as the answer to our 
defense needs.

                          ____________________