The Consensus’s mission of protecting America and its allies begins with a commitment to supporting actions that will strengthen and modernize our nuclear security.

As part of this commitment, we believe that America and its allies must work to SECURE the world’s current nuclear stockpiles, PREVENT these weapons from being used by terrorists or hostile nations, and REDUCE the numbers of nuclear weapons worldwide.

In order to accomplish this goal we must:

Ratify a follow-on START agreement.

• The START Treaty represents the US national interest. It is the only option that allows us to invest in the nuclear security priorities necessary to confront the threats of today and tomorrow. Building on the successes of President Reagan, the Treaty allows us to control old weapons while supporting our forces and the development of advanced capabilities. Without this Treaty, we will not be able to move forward with new strategic issues that are vital to protecting America.

Ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

• America has the world’s most modern and effective nuclear arsenal. If we permit other nations to test new weapons it would allow potentially hostile regimes to develop nuclear weapons that could reach American soil. To prevent this threat and ensure American security in the 21st century, we must permanently and verifiably end the testing of new nuclear weapons by all nations.