FLASHBACK: Obama promised to neuter America during the 2008 election.
Today his wish came true.
Republicans Isakson, Corker, Bennet, Brown and Lamar Alexander will support the nuclear treaty with Russia. Democrats needed 67 votes for ratification.
It looks like they have them.
Rich Lowry at The Corner reported:
The Corner reported:
Republican opposition to New START is collapsing. One Senate source just told me the vote for ratification could go as high as 75. Another said, “I don’t know if it will get that high, but it’s starting to tick up there.” As the sense builds that ratification is inevitable, Republicans are lining up to get on the “right side.” Lamar Alexander’s support, noted below, is a crucial sign of which way the wind is blowing, although he’ll probably be the only member of the Republican leadership to vote for it. At least Jon Kyl was able to get more money for modernization and that letter from President Obama making assurances on missile defense. Otherwise, this is a dismaying rout.
UPDATE: The motion to advance the treaty was passed in the lame duck session 67-28.
FOX News reported:
The Senate on Tuesday voted to limit debate on ratification of a major arms control accord with Russia, setting the stage for a final vote on the so-called START treaty.
The Senate voted 67-28 to advance the legislation, easily exceeding the 60 votes required.
The Senate is expected to ratify the treaty some time on Wednesday in what would be the latest in a string of legislative victories for President Obama after his party was soundly beaten in the midterm elections last month.
Earlier, Republicans senators expressed outrage as Obama secured enough votes for ratification.
At least 10 Republicans publicly announced their support for the accord, including Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, putting it on a virtual glidepath to ratification by Wednesday night.
Here’s the roll call.
