U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today introduced a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the United States from the Open Skies Treaty. Read the full text of the resolution here.
“The Open Skies Treaty could be more appropriately named the ‘Russian Spies Over America Treaty,’ Cotton said. “America ought to withdraw from this flawed accord, which invites Russia to fly spy planes over our houses while Putin violates the treaty by restricting U.S. flights over Russia.”
“Russia is in open violation of the Open Skies Treaty,” Cruz said. “It enhances Russia’s surveillance of major American cities, strengthens Russia’s espionage capabilities, and costs the United States millions of dollars. The treaty no longer serves America’s national security interests, and it is long past time the United States withdraw.”
Background:
Senator Cotton has long criticized the Open Skies Treaty and has advocated for the United States to abandon it. Last week, Senator Cotton questioned Vice Admiral Charles Richard about the treaty’s weaknesses. Senator Cotton has issued statements regarding Russia’s violations here and here.
