Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's hearing. Missile defense is an important topic and oversight by this committee is critical to its success.
Protecting our country is an expensive task that requires a variety of programs. But in a time of record deficits and tax cuts, we must examine what returns we are getting from the $87 billion that has been invested in missile defense since 1985. As we consider a budget request that cuts funding to key homeland security programs, such as port security, and key domestic programs, such as grants for higher education, it is our responsibility to question whether all of the $9.2 billion requested by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) will be invested in programs that truly protect American citizens.
Overall, U.S. missile defense programs have been plagued by schedule slippages and rising costs. The latest data from the MDA states that ballistic missile defense programs will cost $3.2 billion more than previously projected over the next six years. Plain and simple: we cannot afford a program that is plagued by exorbitant cost overruns every year.
The Airborne Laser (ABL) program is a case in point. This program is $3.4 billion over the initial cost estimate of $42 billion for FY 05 - FY 09, and has continually missed scheduled deadlines. These lasers have experienced significant technical problems. This is a technology still in the experimental phase. The likelihood that this program is going to work at this time is pretty low.
This committee needs to take a serious look at whether the ABL program deserves to be funded in its current configuration. Maybe it needs to go back to the lab where it can be nurtured slowly into maturity.
Our country needs missile defense. It is an essential part of ensuring the continued freedom and prosperity of this nation. But this need does not justify a rushed and wasteful approach.
Our security will be weakened not enhanced by such an effort.
I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and to working with them to establish a successful and cost-effective missile defense program.
