Tony Thurmond: “I rise to support the bipartisan missile defense amendment which was worked out prior to the August recess. While I…”

“I rise to support the bipartisan missile defense amendment which was worked out prior to the August recess. While I continue to believe that the missile defense provisions in the bill reported to the Senate by the Armed Services Committee are sound and reasonable, I also agree that the compromise is a positive step away from the status quo. The compromise amendment does not include everything that I wanted, but it does not fundamentally undermine any of the policies or initiatives that I viewed as critical. In my view, it is an adequate position to take to conference. The House defense authorization bill differs in several ways from the Senate compromise missile defense amendment. Obviously, there will be considerable discussion before a consensus is reached between the two Chambers. Let me again thank all those who worked so hard prior to the August recess. And I especially wish to thank Senator Warner, Senator Cohen, Senator Nunn, and Senator Levin. Also, let me thank the leaders for their cooperation.”