Bob Dole: “I would like to commend the members of the Armed Services Committee who, under the able leadership of the distinguished…”

“I would like to commend the members of the Armed Services Committee who, under the able leadership of the distinguished chairman, Senator Thurmond, and the distinguished Senator from Georgia [Mr. Nunn], have done a first rate job on the defense authorization bill. In particular, I would like to congratulate the Armed Service Committee for the forward-looking Missile Defense Act contained in this bill. The Missile Defense Act is unique because it does not just authorize appropriations for individual programs, it also provides a strategic logic--principles, premises, and policies--thereby integrating these programs into a coherent and comprehensive approach. In my view, the approach adopted in this bill is very compelling on four important points. First, this legislation firmly establishes the critical imperative of defending the United States of America from ballistic missiles. Morally, rationally, and constitutionally this must be our top priority. Why is this important now? Very simply because the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them is dramatically increasing.”