WASHINGTON — Soon after U.S. President Barack Obama came to office, he delivered a speech in Prague in which he said, "I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." He said America has a responsibility to act and to lead.

He then initiated negotiations with the Russians that resulted in a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, what has been labeled a "New START." This treaty, signed April 8, 2010, by Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, has significant advantages for U.S. national security. It is an important next step in U.S.-Russian efforts to lessen the nuclear threat to humanity.

The treaty will accomplish four important objectives. First, it will lower the number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons on each side to 1,550 and the number of delivery vehicles to 800 (700 deployed and 100 in reserve). Second, it will restore the verification procedures that expired with the START I agreement in December 2009. Third, it will strengthen our relations with the Russians, and put us on a footing to take future downward steps in the size of nuclear arsenals. Fourth, it will show the world that the U.S. and Russia are serious about their obligations to pursue negotiations in good faith for nuclear disarmament.