Getting your player ready...
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama predicted Thursday that enough Republicans will support his arms control treaty with Russia to win Senate approval by the end of the year.
He needs 67 votes in a chamber where Democrats control 59 votes. Republicans were expected to swing behind the treaty if Obama can promise it won’t undercut the nation’s ability to set up missile defenses to protect against an attack from Iran or North Korea.
They also want assurances that the agreement will preserve the nation’s ability to deliver nuclear weapons from the air, land and sea.
GOP officials say they won’t know the answer to those questions until senators are briefed on the treaty in detail and convene hearings.
