[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 120 (Friday, September 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, recent world events have made it 
indisputably clear that America needs a missile defense system. The 
North Korean missile launch, Indian and Pakistani nuclear tests, and 
the terrorist attacks targeting innocent Americans, have shown that it 
is critical that we address these threats before it is too late.
  It is of utmost importance to enact a national antimissile defense 
system as soon as possible. In March the House passed legislation 
authorizing additional appropriations for ballistic missile defenses. 
This legislation would answer the emerging threat posed to the United 
States by the development and deployment of ballistic missiles around 
the world. For the second time this year President Clinton and 
Congressional Democrats have defeated this legislation. This is 
intolerable.
  America is the military leader of the world. Yet this administration 
and their democratic allies in Congress continue to place our citizens 
in the line of fire.
  Mr. Speaker, the irresponsibility that this Administration has shown 
in helping to kill this much needed legislation is appalling and puts 
every American family at risk. I urge my colleagues in both Chambers to 
rethink this issue and vote to support a strong missile defense system.

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