US Congress is moving to force the Pentagon to violate a 1987 nuclear arms treaty with Russia on medium-range missiles.
"Language in key defense bills in both the House and Senate would require the military to begin developing medium-range missiles banned by a 1987 treaty," Politico writes.
Supporters say the move is necessary because Russia has violated the pact. But opponents fear it "could increase the chances of a nuclear confrontation at a time when relations between the two nations are at a post-Cold War low".
The Office of Management and Budget has slammed the House push for the new weapon, saying it “unhelpfully ties the Administration to a specific missile system, which would limit potential military response options."
The administration "is currently developing an integrated diplomatic, military, and economic response strategy that maximizes pressure on Russia,” OMB added in a recent statement.
The legislation is also likely to stir up new friction between lawmakers and President Donald Trump, the newspaper writes.
