For the past twenty-five years, Prologue, Inc. has provided an invaluable service to thousands of Chicago residents.

I will be monitoring the progress of the development of the national missile defense system to ensure that it does not become a reckless waste of the American taxpayer's money.

If we can develop a system that can prove itself, in rigorous testing, capable of protecting this country from a limited missile attack, then I think we should support this project.

I rise in support of H.R. 4. This bill declares it to be the policy of the United States to deploy a national missile defense.

As we proceed with the development of the national missile defense we should not lose sight of the successes which the first two prongs of our strategy have had in the defense against weapons of mass destruction.

This community-based organization is improving the quality of life for thousands by helping to deliver a brighter future to those in need.

We cannot push a national missile defense system so as to undermine the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II) or the potential to further reduce weapons of mass destruction in future treaties.

While the growing threat is sobering, we should be realistic in our pursuit of a national missile defense.

I rise today to praise the vision, tireless work, and unwavering commitment of the men and women of Prologue, Inc.

It would be imprudent for Congress to rush the technological development of a system, which remains unproven.

To discuss and debate a resolution regarding the development of American troops in a foreign land is the utmost in constitutional and moral responsibility.

I believe the atrocities of Milosevic are despotic, demonic, and despicable.

I approach this issue from the perspective of preserving our national security and protecting our national interest.

We should seek peace throughout the world. But not at the expense of our national security and not in the absence of a national interest.

On these two grounds, I cannot justify the deployment of U.S. troops.

I would urge this Congress to address the need to increase defense spending. Across the board. For every armed service. No more delays. No more broken promises.

This kind of personalized foreign assistance is vital to accelerating the development of free enterprise and democracy around the globe.

I rise before you today to commend two of my constituents from Springfield, Illinois, John and Virginia Gaffney, for their tireless work on a volunteer mission with the International Executive Service Corps in Egypt.