Does the U.S. Need to Improve and Expand its Missile Defense System? (H.R. 2912)

What is H.R. 2912?

(Updated August 25, 2018)

This bill would look to enhance the integrated missile defense system that protects the U.S. homeland through the development and deployment of additional interceptors, a space-based sensor layer, and authorizing additional missile defense testing. It would direct the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of several technologies including the redesigned and multi-object kill vehicles, rocket boosters, an airborne laser on unmanned aerial vehicles, and an additional missile defense site in the East Coast or Midwest regions of the U.S.

The bill would authorize 28 ground-based interceptors in addition to the 44 that will be operational by the end of 2017, which will be based at Fort Greely, Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The MDA would also be required to report to Congress on increasing the missile defense system by an additional 100 interceptors, including the identification of new or existing sites to house them and the advantages and challenges posed by each.

The MDA would collaborate with the Air Force on a report on the status of the integrated layers of missile defense radars, including possible adjustments, integration into the missile defense system architecture, and modernization plans. It would also be tasked with developing a highly reliable space-based missile defense sensor architecture using sound acquisition practices and rigorous testing as soon as technically feasible. The space-based sensors would have the ability to detect, track, identify, discriminate warheads from other objects, assist in debris mitigation, and effectively assess the results of the engagement.

This bill would also call on the Dept. of Defense to allocate more funding to homeland missile defense testing to ensure that defenses continue to evolve faster than the threats they’re defending against.

Argument in favor

The regime in North Korea has rapidly increased its nuclear capabilities, and will soon be capable of striking anywhere in the U.S. with a nuclear missile. Prudence dictates that the U.S. build up its missile defense system to protect the homeland against a nuclear strike.

Argument opposed

Missile defense systems can’t guarantee the safety of the American public, especially in the face of a strike involving numerous nuclear warheads. These resources would be better spent a way that ensures the missile defense system is never needed.

Impact

The U.S. homeland; the MDA; the DOD; and Congress.

Cost of H.R. 2912

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Don Young (R-AK) introduced this bill advance America’s missile defense system:

“With the increasing threats around the world, specifically from North Korea and Iran, the United States must be steadfast in its commitment to protect the homeland — which must include further development of our integrated missile defense system. I’m determined to work with my colleagues to ensure the President’s commitment to these critical programs is not just campaign rhetoric, but truly a priority for his administration and the nation.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), a lead cosponsor of this bill added:

“The United States must defend against the rapidly advancing North Korean nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile threat with the development and deployment of an integrated missile defense system capable of defending threats to Hawaii and the nation. We must make the necessary investments to ensure we have the tools and technologies necessary to defend against the threats of today and the future.”

This legislation has the support of 12 cosponsors in the House, including eight Republicans and four Democrats.

Of Note: Following a series of recent ballistic missile tests, it has been reported that U.S. intelligence agencies believe that North Korea now has the ability to strike much of the continental U.S., and that the rogue state has the ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to fit on such missiles. 

The United Nations Security Council also unanimously voted to increase sanctions on North Korea, and following President Donald Trump’s warning of “fire and fury” in response to continued threats against the U.S., the North Korean military announced it was considering a strike against Guam, a U.S. territory in the Central Pacific.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Don Young (R-AK) Press Release
  
• The Hill
  
• USA Today (Context)