(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today introduced an amendment to the FY09 National Defense Authorization Act providing $271 million to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency for ballistic missile defense program activities.  The amendment would restore much of the cuts made earlier this year by the Senate Armed Services Committee to the Missile Defense program.

         “Our national missile defense system is America’s last line of defense against a ballistic missile attack,” Vitter said.  “Its current mission needs exceed that provided by the Senate Armed Services Committee and it is of critical importance that the program be completely funded.”

         Vitter’s amendment would provide $54 million to accelerate the upgrade of an additional two Aegis Cruisers to be fully equipped with Ballistic Missile Defense Systems.  The amendment also includes $100 million for THAAD Fire Units 3 and 4 and an additional $30 million to help ensure the continued operation of the SM-3 Block IB program, which the United States is currently developing with Japan.  Further, the amendment authorizes $87 million for the implementation of additional target sets needed to test current and future missile systems – the MDA’s top unfunded priority.

        “We live in an increasingly volatile world and in the 17 years since the end of the Cold War many of the weapons possessed by the former Soviet Union have found their way into the hands of parties unknown, including possible terrorist groups,” said Vitter.  “As our nation continues to fight the long war against terrorism, we must also confront the emergence of new and menacing actors in the world and ensure that our country is protected from all forms of attack, including that of a ballistic nuclear missile, whether it is launched by a terrorist group or a rogue nation.”