Using North Korea To Make The Case For Missile Defense

PRESS QUESTIONS - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks to members of the press after visiting interceptor missile silos on Fort Greely, Alaska, June 1, 2009. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

From CQ Politics:

Nevertheless, many lawmakers will point to North Korea’s increasing blustering as a reason to continue expanding missile defense.

“North Korea’s continued efforts to build and launch nuclear weapons . . . underscore the critical importance of fielding robust missile defense to guard against rogue nations who wish to do us harm,” said Sen. Richard C. Shelby , R-Ala., who pledged to use his Senate Appropriations Committee seat to fight for more funding.

Missile-defense advocates in the Senate lost a champion when the former ranking Republican on Senate Appropriations, Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, lost his 2008 election. But his replacement, Sen. Mark Begich , D-Alaska, is picking up the slack.

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My Comment: Politically .... it will be very difficult to cut the program. The public supports it, and most Democratcs will not support budget cuts for it. North Korea's behavior only assures that funding will continue.