Hudson Statement on INF Treaty
August 2, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2019
Hudson Statement on INF Treaty
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), a member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced the United States will formally withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty after Russia failed to honor its treaty obligations:
“Russia made a mockery of the INF Treaty and denied every opportunity to comply,” said Rep. Hudson. “I applaud President Trump and his administration for leading from a position of strength. America and our allies will not turn a blind eye to the Kremlin’s brazen actions as we strive for effective arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.”
Russia remains in violation of the INF Treaty, despite years of U.S. and NATO Allies engagement, including a final opportunity over six months to honor its treaty obligations. As a result, the United States decision to withdraw from the treaty, a decision fully supported by NATO Allies, is now taking effect.
Rep. Hudson has continued to be a strong and vocal critic of Russia, condemning Moscow’s aggression and supporting increased pressure and sanctions. In July, he presented amendments to a resolution at the 2019 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) Annual Session to clarify that Russian non-compliance was at the root of the collapse of the INF Treaty regime and to call for the preservation of effective international arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament measures by all participating States.
Last year, Rep. Hudson sent a letter to President Donald Trump voicing his strong support for the president’s leadership regarding the INF Treaty and Russian aggression. To read the letter, click here.
###
Issues:Defense & National Security