Sam Gibbons: “Three out of four Americans, 75 percent, believe the United States already possesses the ability to defend itself from a…”

“Three out of four Americans, 75 percent, believe the United States already possesses the ability to defend itself from a missile attack. I think it is only fair to inform them that we cannot. Here in America we may have little or no warning of a ballistic missile attack that is launched just offshore by some terrorist or rogue nation. Speaking of rogue nations, North Korea, Iraq and Iran have all improved and accelerated their ballistic missile programs to threaten the U.S. and its allies. China already has numerous long-range missiles aimed at U.S. cities, all using stolen U.S. technology. There is no doubt that the threat is real. What is in doubt is whether Congress has the commitment to deploy a national missile defense system to engage and counter this threat. Our path is clear, we must be committed and we must do our duty to defend America. I urge my colleagues to support this effort. Vote 'yes' on H.R. 4, and let us provide the safety for our Nation, for our communities, for our homes, for our families and giving America the capability to defend ourselves from a ballistic missile attack.”