Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) expressed relief Saturday that two non-START-related issues – the DREAM Act and repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ — were swiftly dealt with, leaving Senators with more time to debate the arms reduction treaty with Russia in what remains of the lame-duck session.
He told National Review Online that he’s glad Democrats did not “burn up the entire weekend” on those issues, and also praised Republicans for acting “above the fray” by not dragging out the debates. “Republicans were very accommodating today,” Corker said.
Earlier in the week, Sen. John Kerry (D., Mass.) had called for “reciprocity” from Republicans in regard to START negotiations. Corker thought they’d shown just that, and now wanted to see some from Democrats. “I hope there will be a degree of credit given for the fact that stall tactics could’ve been used today [a]nd were not,” he said.
Corker said that he had voiced his concerns with Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) that ample time be allotted for discussion, but remained coy on how he thought a final vote would play out. The Senate will meet Sunday to debate and vote on several Republican amendments to the treaty.