Dems Stonewall GOP's Attempts to Alter START

Senate Democrats have turned back Republican efforts to change a new arms control treaty with Russia. By a vote of 64-33, the Senate rejected a measure that would have increased the number of weapons inspectors. If adopted, the amendment would have effectively killed the treaty, forcing US and Russian officials back to negotiations. Eight Republicans voted against the amendment.

By a vote of 64-33, the Senate also rejected an amendment to increase the number of deployed launchers. The measure would have had the same impact on the treaty. Democrats have managed to beat back four GOP amendments to the treaty. Earlier today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had warned against any changes to the treaty. (More Senate Democrats stories.)