HR1517 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1517 LRB096 24472 KXB 44198 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) reestablishes U.S. leadership on global non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; and

WHEREAS, New START reduces Russia's nuclear arsenal and takes concrete steps to secure a nuclear-free world without sacrificing America's security; and

WHEREAS, New START would eventually lower the number of warheads, missiles, and launchers permitted in both countries; and

WHEREAS, New START reestablishes U.S. inspections of Russia's nuclear facilities and assets; and

WHEREAS, New START serves as a deterrent to unmonitored nuclear waste disposal; and

WHEREAS, New START provides funding for much needed maintenance and modernization of existing United States nuclear facilities and assets; and

WHEREAS, New START provides funding for new U.S. nuclear asset infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, New START promotes job creation; and

WHEREAS, The development of nuclear bunker-busters, mini-nukes, and other "usable" nuclear weapons is increasing the probability that such weapons will be used; and

WHEREAS, Reliable news reports and public statements of national policy have revealed that the taboo against the combat use of nuclear weapons is weakening; and

WHEREAS, Any violation of the taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is extremely likely to stimulate further violations; and

WHEREAS, The use of even a small nuclear weapon could destroy a city like the City of Chicago, killing up to one million people, or disable a mega-port or destroy a nuclear power plant, thereby severely damaging the global economy, and a nuclear exchange of as few as 100 nuclear explosions would plunge the world into ten years of cold and famine resulting in up to one billion deaths; and

WHEREAS, The use of any nuclear weapon for any purpose whatsoever is illegal, immoral, and obscenely dangerous; and

WHEREAS, It is vital to rapidly arouse the global public and create a worldwide political climate in strong, unwavering support against the taboo use and further creation of nuclear weapons; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare our support for New START to further reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Pasha Hunt-Golliday, in her role as a Nuclear Security Ambassador, be commended for her tireless advocacy on behalf of a nuclear weapon-free world.