START AND STRATEGIC MODERNIZATION

SEC. 1442. START AND STRATEGIC MODERNIZATION (a) Findings.— The Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States and the Soviet Union are engaged in the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) in Geneva. (2) In the Joint Statement on the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Arms signed in June 1990, the two sides reaffirmed their determination to have a START agreement completed and ready for signature by the end of 1990. (3) Under the provisions of a START agreement, both sides will carry out significant reductions in strategic offensive arms. (4) In the Joint Statement on Future Negotiations on Nuclear and Space Arms and Further Enhancing Strategic Stability, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to pursue new talks on strategic offensive arms, and on the relationship between strategic offensive and defensive arms. (5) The objectives of these negotiations will be to reduce further the risk of outbreak of war, particularly nuclear war, and to ensure strategic stability, transparency and predictability through further stabilizing reductions in the strategic arsenals of both countries. (6) The President’s effort to negotiate such agreements is dependent upon the maintenance of a vigorous research and development and modernization program as required for a prudent defense posture. (7) The Soviet Union has maintained a robust strategic modernization program throughout the course of the START negotiations which continues today. 104 STAT. 1692 (b) It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) the Congress fully supports United States efforts to enhance strategic stability; and (2) the United States should pursue stabilizing strategic arms reduction agreements while maintaining a vigorous research and development and modernization program for United States strategic forces as required for a prudent defense posture.