Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today issued the following statement in response to a White House announcement that the United States is withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty"
As a former Navy pilot who flew missions hunting for Russian submarines armed with nuclear missiles ready to launch within minutes at all of America I know firsthand the threats of Russian aggression. While I strongly support efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons and better protect our own troops and NATO allies across Europe its clear the Russian government led by Vladimir Putin is no-longer interested in living up to its commitments on this issue.
Russia has violated the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty a number of times in the last decade. Despite repeated efforts we have been unable to bring them back to the table. I applaud President Trumps decision to begin the process of withdrawing the U.S. from this treaty. I hope Russia accepts President Trumps offer to re-engage and possibly return to the treaty during this six month process. Until then I will continue to support the presidents efforts to protect our homeland and our NATO allies."
