“Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike against the Western Hemisphere.” – President John F Kennedy, speaking to the American people about the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba – October 22, 1962

Members, Supporters and Friends:

In the weeks preceding the Cuban Missile Crisis, American spy planes acknowledged that the Soviet’s were constructing ballistic missile installations on the island of Cuba. One of the most horrifying aspects of this whole event was that these missiles were pointed at American cities and there was no defense in place against them.

As the world watched, President Kennedy and Congress needed to act intelligently because the world was on the brink of a nuclear war. President Kennedy was given very few options because there was no effective missile defense system in place to protect America and its citizens. The United States and the world are lucky that the Soviet Union decided to back down in this crisis situation.

President Bush is in a very similar situation today with North Korea. If North Korea continues to threaten the United States and its allies there is no defense against their actions if they decide to launch a ballistic missile against United States territory.

Fortunately late last year the President removed the United States from the restrictions of the ABM Treaty. This was a necessary step to ensure that we have all of our capabilities available to us in times of another crisis. North Korea is shipping their missiles to any nation willing to pay the price. More than one of their missiles can strike the United States and our allies such as Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. It is important that the President have available to him more options to counter this threat, unlike President Kennedy had available to him 41 years ago.

The United States Congress will be voting on this year’s missile defense budget, which should meet the Pentagon’s expectations. This will enable the Department of Defense to effectively test and deploy a layered missile defense system.

MDAA would like to thank the Virginia House of Representatives for passing a House resolution in support of the development and deployment of a missile defense system. Not only did the bill pass with a bi-partisan effort, it passed by a count of 76-12-3.