Russia, China Continue to Support CTBT
In the aftermath of the Senate vote, the Clinton administration has repeatedly stated that the United States remains committed to the terms of the CTBT, angering some Republicans who felt they had decisively killed the treaty. On November 2, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MI) asserted that the Senate's rejection of the treaty "serves to release the United States from any possible obligation as a signatory of the negotiated text of the treaty."
Stating that it was essential to continue dialogue on the CTBT, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announced on November 10 that the administration was establishing a high-level task force "to work closely with the Senate on addressing the issues raised during the test ban debate." Details on the composition and goals of the task force are expected in January.