New START

The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) imposes common sense limits on both the United States and Russia’s nuclear weapons. The treaty was extended on February 3, 2021, but is set to expire on February 5, 2026. If nothing replaces New START, both the United States and Russia could rapidly expand their nuclear weapons arsenals for the first time in 35 years.

With the danger of a nuclear arms race and nuclear war rising, President Biden, backed by Congress, must reestablish nuclear disarmament diplomacy and reinforce de-escalation efforts.

This development makes it far more likely that after New START expires in February 2026, there will be no agreement limiting U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals for the first time since 1972.

The New START treaty - the last remaining nuclear arms limitation agreement between Russia and the United States - is set to expire on Feb. 5, 2021. That is sixteen days after the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Unless the U.S. and Russian governments agree to extend the New START treaty by Feb. 5, 2021, the last remaining limits on their nuclear weapons will expire. Dave Lawler of Axios reports “both sides have warned that without a deal, they’re prepared for an arms race.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts our lives and occupies the bulk of our attention, the status of a key pact—the New START nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia—hangs in the air.

At a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Dec. 4, a distinguished slate of national security experts delivered a strong message: The U.S. should extend the New START nuclear arms control treaty with Russia before it expires 14 months from now.

In a letter sent on July 10 to all House members, FCNL joined 36 other signatories, including former State and Defense Department leaders, in expressing support for Rep. Elliot Engel’s (NY-16) amendment to the 2020 NDAA, which would extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

On Wednesday, December 17 – to mark 50 days from New START’s expiration date – FCNL and our coalition partners are mobilizing peace advocates for a call-in day to urge congressmembers to push for negotiations to replace the New START agreement and stop a new nuclear arms race.