Kathy Castor: “I would offer, there is no debate. We must protect this great country from nuclear threats, missile threats; and in…”

“I would offer, there is no debate. We must protect this great country from nuclear threats, missile threats; and in fact, this bill does that. We have provided $1.4 billion for Patriot PAC-3 and MEADS. These funds will be used to purchase additional interceptors, upgrade remaining firing units' configuration, continue the development of the MEADS program and purchase equipment for two additional Patriot battalions. The committee also authorized $1.1 billion for Aegis BMD, an increase of $78 million above the budget request from the White House. These funds will be used to continue and expand the fielding of Standard Missile-3, improve the discrimination capabilities of the Aegis SPY1 radar, and continue the joint development with Japan of the SM-3 Block IIA missile. We have authorized $2.3 billion for ground-based missile defense. The committee supports THAAD and authorizes $858 million to continue the purchase of two THAAD firing units. So to come to the floor and say that missile defense is not provided for in this bill is incorrect.”