A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee is pleased that the Senate has agreed to support a vital and proven Israeli anti-missile defense system in the Defense Authorization bill.
Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously approved the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310). Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, a member of the Armed Services Committee, says the success of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system has been recognized in this year's bill.
"We were told back during the Reagan administration by the naysayers that there was no way to protect ourselves from either short-range or long-range missiles," Wicker recalls. "Israel has a right to defend itself, and frankly, it was Israel that went ahead with the Iron Dome missile shield. But I think technology is clearly demonstrating that missile defense is viable and necessary."
Among other things, this amendment approves funding to assist Israel's government in procuring more Iron Dome batteries. The Mississippi lawmaker hopes the U.S. Congress is dedicated to moving forward with missile defense systems to protect the U.S. and its allies.
"The president has not been able to stop our missile defense development. He's done a lot of damage, in my judgment, with regard to the Pentagon and the defense posture of our nation, but we're proceeding ahead with missile defense," Wicker accounts. "And I think as we draw down our troops around the world, and as we try to find savings, I think missile defense is going to be increasingly important."
The Iron Dome amendment enjoyed tri-partisan support, with independent Joe Lieberman and Democrat Ben Nelson as co-sponsors.