FDD Welcomes Legislation to Restore Cuts to Missile Defense

Washington, D.C. (June 12,  2009)—The Foundation for Defense of Democracies welcomed bipartisan legislation introduced today to restore key missile defense cuts, including $500 million to the system that protects the American homeland from the missile threat from Iran and North Korea.

The legislation, H.R. 2845, was introduced by Congressmen Trent Franks (R-AZ), founder and co-chair of the Bi-Partisan Missile Defense Caucus, Mike Turner (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, and the co-chairs of the Missile Defense Caucus, Parker Griffith (D-AL), Jim Marshall (D-GA), Pete Sessions (R- TX), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO).

“With Iran and North Korea racing forward in their development of nuclear weapons technology and missile systems, we must do everything possible to develop an effective, multi-layer missile defense,” said FDD President Clifford May.  “I applaud the bipartisan members of Congress who recognize the threat and seek this modest increase in our missile defense budget.”

The Strategic Forces Subcommittee yesterday passed by voice vote the portion of the defense bill that includes a $1.2 billion cut from last year’s ballistic missile defense appropriated level.  On Tuesday, the full House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to consider the defense bill. 

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