Senators question future of US-Soviet nuclear pact

[April 20, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The new U.S.-Russian nuclear arms treaty may have a problem getting the vote of at least one independent senator, as well as Republican lawmakers.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, says that America's nuclear arsenal must be modernized. That might be difficult if President Barack Obama keeps to his pledge not to build new warheads or engage in underground testing.

Lieberman says he doesn't think the new treaty right now has the 67 votes needed for ratification.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee says many questions must be answered before there's even a vote in the Senate. And he doesn't think a vote will take place this year.

Lieberman and Alexander appeared on "Fox News Sunday."

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.