But the real frustration is that this administration has good answers for Republicans normally supportive on international relations, but who doubt this treaty can be verified. Sens. Richard Lugar, John Warner and Pete Domenici are tough, fair critics who ought to be answered in thorough, credible hearings. That won't happen. What the U.S. gets out of the treaty is a ban on the bang, not the bomb. The test-ban treaty is intended to stop the proliferation of weapons and freeze existing stockpiles in place.
Separate negotiations are under way with Russia to cut back actual numbers.
Ratification of the treaty sets up 321 monitoring stations for underground, surface and atmospheric testing. Many sites would not exist without the treaty. The treaty also provides for on-site inspections. Senatorial confidence in the reliability of the U.S. stockpile is also an issue. No fancier, bigger-bang weapons could be built without testing, but America's lethal arsenal is maintained at substantial expense.