GOP Blocks Democrats' Effort To Halt Nuclear Arms Studies

The Republican-controlled Senate yesterday turned back a Democratic effort to stop the Bush administration from conducting research to develop "low-yield" nuclear weapons but faces other showdowns today over the administration's nuclear weapons policy.

The vote was 51 to 43, largely along party lines, in favor of a GOP proposal to lift a decade-old ban on research or other activities to develop these new battlefield weapons.

"If we build it, we'll use it," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (Mass.), who, with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), led the effort to retain the low-yield weapons ban. "It's a one-way street that can lead only to nuclear war," Kennedy added.

Feinstein said Rumsfeld told her at a recent hearing that " 'it's just a study, just a study.' "

"Baloney!" Feinstein exclaimed. "Does anyone really believe that?"

"This bill is a declaration that America is about to launch a nuclear arms race in the world again," Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said.