Closing
Statement of
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka,
Chairman, Subcommittee on International Security,
Proliferation,
and Federal Services
ACIA
National Intelligence Estimate of Foreign Missile
Development and the Ballistic Missile Threat through 2015@
March
11, 2002
I want to thank our witness, Mr. Walpole, for testifying this
afternoon. It has been a stimulating and useful discussion.
I
must say that I am concerned over the greater sophistication
in both missiles and weapons by the countries that continue
to develop them. Yes,
fewer countries are developing missiles, but the ones that
do so are devoting considerable effort to expanding their
range and capability, and this is a compelling reason for
continuing a missile defense program.
It is also a compelling reason to continue using
diplomacy to enhance our international arms control
agreements.
At
the same time we have to keep focused on present and future
threats. We
need to rank these dangers, prioritizing our precious time,
energy, and resources in a comprehensive national strategy.
Today,
as has been noted, is the six month anniversary of the
terrorist attacks on American soil.
Unfortunately, this marks a tragic and all too real
example of how the greatest immediate threat we face is from
terrorists using means other than missiles or weapons of mass
destruction to attack America.
Mr. Walpole=s testimony supports this disturbing
conclusion.
As
we confront the implications of the range of possible threats
against the United States, we must balance the resources
needed to confront immediate enemies against those needed
against future enemies. This
hearing has contributed to the public debate that is needed in
this country as we formulate our national security policy.
I appreciate the willingness of Mr Walpole and his
colleagues from the Central Intelligence Agency to discuss
this topic publicly with us.
Mr.
Walpole, we have no further questions at this time; however,
members of this Subcommittee may submit questions in writing
for any of the witnesses. We would appreciate a timely response to any questions.
The Record will remain open for these questions and for
further statements from my colleagues.
Again,
thank you very much for your responses today.
This
hearing is adjourned.
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