Sean Reyes: “At 7:20 a.m. this morning THAAD intercepted a Hera target at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Like a bullet…”

“At 7:20 a.m. this morning THAAD intercepted a Hera target at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Like a bullet hitting a bullet, the THAAD missile had a direct hit on the target. Although there have been difficulties along the way for this program, the THAAD team has accomplished one of the most technologically challenging feats ever attempted. Significantly, this morning's test is the first time that THAAD has been able to make it to the end game, and I want to stress that it worked, the technology works. Previous tests were plagued with low-tech failures that did not allow the THAAD missile to reach the end game to attempt the intercept. In conjunction with the PAC III that hit on March 15, this proves that hit-to-kill technology can work. We must remain mindful, however, that THAAD and other missile defense systems are still at the R&D stage. There still could be more failures. But we must remain supportive of these systems. I want to congratulate the United States Army, especially the soldiers at Fort Bliss in White Sands, and all of the employees at White Sands Missile Range. I also want to congratulate the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and THAAD contractors for this great success. Madam Speaker, this is an important and momentous day for national missile defense but, ultimately, for the defense of our troops in deployed areas throughout the world.”