Boehner: Missile Defense Cuts Weaken American Security

Via email:

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today issued the following statement after House Democrats voted to cut $764 million from missile defense programs and weaken U.S. national security:

“Gutting funds for America’s missile defense capabilities at a time when terrorists and rogue nations alike are seeking weapons of mass destruction to use against us not only defies logic and common sense, it is another example of the majority’s willingness to gamble with our national security. In today’s day and age, a defense bill without full-funding to protect the American people from a potential missile attack is really no defense at all.

“I’m pleased the House approved a Republican proposal to restore a portion of the missile defense funding and to strengthen ties between the United States and Israel on missile defense. By working with our closest allies we can provide a better defense against our common enemies and the threats posed by ballistic missiles and weapons of destruction.

“I remain concerned that the Democrats are leading us down the road to importing dangerous terrorists into our local communities. An amendment offered by Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to transfer every detainee from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, the mastermind of the 9/11 attack on our nation. House Republicans will fight any attempt to import Khalid Sheikh Muhammad or any other dangerous terrorist into the United States.

“Whether it is their proposed retreat from the biggest front in the Global War on Terror, the cutting of covert intelligence operations, or this giant step backward on missile defense, the new majority has exhibited an alarming desire to weaken both our offensive and defensive security efforts and ‘hope for the best’ when it comes to the safety of current and future generations of Americans. House Republicans will continue the fight to fully-fund critical programs that keep all Americans safe.”

NOTE: Today’s GOP victory marked the 11th Republican “motion-to-recommit” (MTR) approved by the House on a bipartisan basis. The proposal requires the Department of Defense to better integrate the United States ’ missile defense system with Israel ’s in an effort to provide a multi-layered missile defense system capable of protecting against our current threats. In addition, it restores $205 million of the $764 million cut by House Democrats from the President’s budget request for missile defense programs.