U.S. Senate delaying U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty vote

WASHINGTON — A Senate panel is delaying a vote to recommend ratification of a nuclear arms treaty with Russia.

The delay is a sign that Democrats are struggling to win Republican support for the agreement.

Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry now plans a vote for the "New START" treaty after lawmakers return in September from a recess. It had been planned for Wednesday.

Kerry's committee must approve the treaty before the Senate could ratify it by the required two-thirds vote in the Senate, 67 votes. That would require support from at least eight Republicans.

Democrats hope to ratify the treaty before November's congressional elections. Defeat would set back the Obama administration's nuclear disarmament goals and efforts to improve relations with Russia.