[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

[[Page 303]]

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.