U.S. signs treaty to regulate arms trading
UNITED NATIONS — The United States, the world’s largest arms dealer, has joined 106 other nations in signing a treaty that regulates global arms trading, but there is strong resistance in the Senate, which must ratify it.
Secretary of State John Kerry, who signed the Arms Trade Treaty on Wednesday, said it was a “significant step” in keeping the world safe and preventing terrorists and others from obtaining conventional weapons.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, of Butler opposes the treaty and urges the Senate not to approve it.
In a news release, Kelly said, “Despite opposition from both parties in Congress and outcry from the American public, this administration has agreed to bind our nation to a severely flawed agreement that threatens our strength abroad and our Constitutional rights here at home.
“The ATT outrageously forces the United States ... onto equal footing with the world’s worst dictatorships and terror-sponsors. Under this treaty, our crucial support for friends like Israel and Taiwan is endangered while enemies of these nations are empowered.
“Furthermore, the treaty excludes any specific protection for, or even mention of, the fundamental right of individuals to keep and bear arms, which only opens the door wider to future gun control impositions.”
The Obama administration’s move is seen as critical to the treaty’s success. The U.S. was the 91st country to sign, but the treaty will not take effect until 50 nations have ratified it. Only six had ratified the treaty as of Wednesday.
Many of the world’s other top arms exporters have yet to sign and opposition in the Senate, backed by the powerful National Rifle Association, means U.S. ratification will be difficult. A two-thirds majority in the 100-member Senate, where Democrats now hold a slight edge, is needed to ratify a treaty.
“This is about reducing the risks of international transfers of conventional arms that will be used to carry out the world’s worst crimes,” Kerry said.
He said it would require other countries to put in place the same arms export restrictions the United States already has in force.
Addressing U.S. critics of the treaty, the former senator said fears that it would undermine Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms are not grounded in reality.
For one, the treaty does not regulate domestic weapons sales.
“This treaty will not diminish anyone’s freedom,” he said. “It recognizes the freedom of both individuals and states to obtain, possess and use arms for legitimate purposes.”
Kerry said the U.S. “would never think about supporting a treaty that is inconsistent with the rights of Americans, the rights of American citizens to be able to exercise their guaranteed rights under our Constitution.”
Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is one of several conservative lawmakers who have concerns about the treaty, which he said raises “significant legislative and constitutional questions.”
The treaty will require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers. It will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country.
