    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [March 22, 1991]
    [Pages 302-303]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Strategic Defense Initiative
    March 22, 1991

        Eight years ago, the Strategic Defense Initiative spurred research
    and development of technologies necessary to defend the United States
    and our allies from the threat posed by ballistic missiles. Since 1983,
    SDI has accomplished much. Technological and engineering breakthroughs
    have brought us closer to smart or even brilliant defenses. We have
    proved that it is possible to intercept a ballistic missile warhead in
    space. But much work remains to be done before we have the defenses we
    need.
        Even as we are hopeful that we can achieve a more stable strategic
    balance with the Soviet Union, the threat from ballistic missile
    proliferation is growing. Today, U.S. forces abroad and U.S. allies live
    under a growing threat from ballistic missile attack. While the Patriot
    air defense system performed remarkably well, we can do far better in
    protecting our troops and our friends and allies. We will have to,
    because we will face much more dangerous threats than the Scud.
    Moreover, the decisions we make on SDI today will affect our
    capabilities into the next century. By then, the

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    United States itself may also face a greater threat from ballistic
    missiles.
        The primary limit to our ability to develop the technology necessary
    for ballistic missile defense is our commitment to do so. The pace of
    our research has been limited not by technological difficulties but by
    Congress' unwillingness to fund SDI adequately. I have listened to the
    concerns of congressional leaders and taken into account the changing
    strategic environment. As a result, I have refocused SDI's priorities to
    provide protection against limited ballistic missile strikes. Now it is
    up to Congress to respond by supporting my request for SDI funding.
        Ballistic missile defenses threaten no one. Not only can they help
    preserve the peace but, as we have seen, they can save lives. Our troops
    and allies in the Middle East have already benefited from them. America
    deserves no less.