No ratification hearings have been held this year on the chemical ban.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Chemical Weapons: Say No to This Troubled Treaty

Ratification would require no changes to U.S. law, as the United States already leads the world in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

The effect is as predictable as it is cynical: Most panel members know of no reason to disapprove ratification.

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But France, which takes over the EU presidency next month, argues that the Irish No should not block ratification of Lisbon.

BBC: Q&A: Irish treaty referendum

Without ratification this year, the United States will have no inspectors on the ground, and no ability to verify Russian nuclear activities.

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