Contact: Josh Holly-202.226.3988
Everett Opening Statement for Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Request for Missile Defense Programs
Washington, D.C. – Today, Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Republican Terry Everett (R-AL) released the following opening statement for the subcommittee’s hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget request for missile defense programs:
“Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am honored to welcome our witnesses here today. Each of you serves our nation with great distinction and I thank you for your service.
· “Mr. Young, welcome on your first appearance before this subcommittee.
· “Dr. McQueary and Lieutenant General Campbell, welcome back.
· “Lastly, Lieutenant General Obering, this may be your last appearance before this subcommittee. Thank you for your strong leadership and congratulations on your coming retirement. Maybe you can join me back home in Alabama.
“As we begin our discussion on our nation’s missile defense posture and budget request, I want to note the tremendous progress the Administration has made since 2002. In six short years, a real missile defense shield has been developed, tested and fielded to protect the American people and our deployed forces:
· “Back in July 2006, when North Korea test fired seven missiles, we had a limited operational capability to turn on.
· “By the end of 2008, our nation will have 30 ground-based interceptors, 18 Aegis missile defense ships, 13 Patriot battalions, 5 radar tracking systems and THAAD in production.
· “When combined, these systems have a nearly 80-percent test success record.
“This year’s budget request increases the robustness of these defenses and extends them to our allies. On that note, I want to commend our Chairman. She is a leader in Congress on missile defense who works diligently in public and behind the scenes. In the past year, she led bipartisan delegations to Europe and Asia to discuss missile defense cooperation with our key allies. Most notable has been her emphasis on working closely with NATO. The results speak for themselves. Earlier this month, NATO heads of state released a strong statement of support for missile defense and the U.S. European proposal. In a few weeks, we anticipate the Czech Republic and U.S. to sign their missile defense agreement.
“The threat has not diminished. Yesterday, this subcommittee received a classified briefing on ballistic missile threats. The bottom-line is that short, medium and long-range threats continue to grow and missile proliferation is a real concern to the intelligence community. Now is not the time to slow down the development and fielding of missile defense elements critical to our nation’s defense.
“I would like to highlight a few areas that I am interested in hearing about today.
“Undersecretary Young,
· “What are your thoughts on the missile defense portfolio reflected in the budget request?
· “Are we meeting combatant commander needs?
· “Are we striking the right balance between near-term capabilities and posturing for the future?
· “Can you also provide your views on how the Department manages the ‘transition and transfer’ of missile defense assets from MDA to the Services?
“General Campbell,
· “Last year you testified that we need nearly double the quantities of THAAD and SM-3 interceptors. Is this still the case?
· “Do you plan to look at warfighter needs for other missile defense systems?
“Both the Chairman and I share a concern about how missile defense force structure and inventory requirements are identified and how they are reflected in the budget request.
“Dr. McQueary,
· “I am interested in your assessment of the missile defense test program. Your annual report credits MDA for increasing the operational realism of their tests.
· “Also, as you examine MDA’s test plans for the next few years, what specific changes to those plans would you recommend, particularly for GMD?
“I am concerned about targets. I worry about the amount of risk being carried in the Targets Program and whether sufficient funding was requested in the budget. I do not want targets to be the pacing item for missile defense testing. How can Congress help?
“General Obering,
· “I’ve made several comments already and would welcome your thoughts in these areas, including your assessment of MDA’s test plans and targets program.
· “Additionally, please provide us with an update on ABL and KEI. Both programs have key tests planned for 2009. I am interested in your thoughts on what happens afterwards.
· “Can you also update us on MDA’s various space programs?
“On a final note, I want to congratulate our witnesses, their home organizations and industry partners for their efforts in successfully intercepting a disabled NRO satellite in February. This was challenging mission. You did the job well and safeguarded the public from potential harm.
“Gentleman, thank you again for being with us today. I look forward to your testimony. I thank the Chairman for calling this important hearing and I yield back the balance of my time.”
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