U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mo Brooks (R-AL) recently forwarded correspondence to the House Appropriations Committee requesting full funding for missile defense programs in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget.
The representatives sent a letter to House Appropriations Chair Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Ranking Member Ken Calvert (R-CA) outlining the request.
“The United States military’s ability to deter and defend against missile and rocket attacks by our adversaries is one of its most critical missions,” the legislators wrote. “Our military services and combatant commands work around the clock every day to track and defend against potential threats to the United States, our allies, and U.S. forces located throughout the world. Robustly funding the Department of Defense’s tactical and strategic missile defense weapon systems are essential to ensuring we maintain our ability to protect Americans from missile threats.”
Stefanik and Brooks said the Biden administration’s $8.9 billion request for Fiscal Year 2022 falls short of the $10.5 billion enacted in Fiscal Year 2021.
“President Biden’s proposed budget fails to fully invest in the Department of Defense’s missile defense weapons systems to ensure we keep pace with our adversaries’ rapidly developing missile capabilities,” Stefanik said. “Without robust support, the Department will be unable to sustain critical requirements necessary to protect Americans from increasing missile threats.”
Brooks said the nation’s national security hinges on the ability to defend against missile and rocket attacks from adversaries.
“If we don’t robustly support missile defense programs, America will be less prepared to defend itself against attack, and rogue nations might attempt to exploit missile defense weaknesses,” he said. “America must never allow our adversaries to mistakenly believe they can defeat us. We must adequately fund our nation’s most effective and vital deterrents.”