WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has the votes for Senate ratification of a new arms control treaty with Russia.
At least nine Republicans have announced publicly that they will vote for the accord, with several Republicans coming on board Tuesday. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennesssee, the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, said he would back the pact.
The Constitution requires two-thirds of those voting in the Senate to ratify the pact. Democrats needed at least nine Republican votes.
Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, a newly announced supporter, told reporters he thought it would pass and likely get a strong bipartisan vote.
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, who opposes the accord, said, "We know when we've been beaten."
The Senate set a vote to cut off debate on Tuesday afternoon and ratification was likely on Wednesday.