Sam Gibbons: “last year I and many of my colleagues expressed our concerns over the growing missile threat to the United States. Chief…”

“last year I and many of my colleagues expressed our concerns over the growing missile threat to the United States. Chief among those concerns was the administration's lack of resolve to deploy a National Missile Defense system. Surprisingly, though, the North Korean launch of a Taepo Dong missile in August of last year was a wake-up call for this administration and for America as well, because portions of this missile landed off the coast of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, the threat is here and it must be countered. I applaud the dedication of $6.6 billion in the administration's budget and the commitment to deploy viable National Missile Defense. I am proud to be a part of this effort and, based on my own experience in the Gulf War with these terror weapons, I will fight to ensure that no American citizen will ever be confronted with a Taepo Dong missile or any other terror missile. Mr. Speaker, with all the uncertainties in our world, for our children, for our grandchildren, we must strengthen our national security and protect our precious country. I encourage all Members to help protect America. Let us pass H.R. 4, because a national missile defense is something we cannot live without.”