Senators appear skeptical of ABM treaty modifications

At a March 10 Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, several senators questioned the wisdom of the Clinton administration`s proposal to try to {open_quotes}clarify{close_quotes} a key provision in the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty that would permit the development and deployment of highly capable theater ballistic missile interceptors. The senators stressed that the executive branch should not try to change the pact in this manner without Senate approval. In response to questions, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) Director John Holum said without the proposed changes, the United States may not test new anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) defense systems currently under development.