"North Korea's launch of a long-range ballistic missile should be a clarion wake-up call to the whole world that this is not the time to diminish our missile defense budget as proposed by the Obama Administration. Rather, it is a moment to strengthen our resolve and our military capability to defend ourselves and our allies, and to work to prevent North Korea's dangerous missile and nuclear proliferation from arming our enemies across the world. Reports that Iranian missile experts were present for the launch compounds the threat. As dangerous as North Korea's missile capability is becoming, it should be noted that Iran's missile technology is far advanced than that of North Korea; and if Iran should also gain the nuclear capability now possessed by North Korea, the entire paradigm of world peace would be jeopardized. The Obama administration must take action to enforce concrete economic sanctions to further isolate North Korea, and should be neither seduced by pressure from Russia, nor intimidated by China's economic influence. This is a time for us to be strong and committed for the sake of this and future generations." --Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-02)
“North Korea’s recent launch is indicative of its habitual saber–rattling, designed at promoting instability in the region and among the major powers of the world. But this launch should not go unnoticed and should serve as a wake-up call for the Obama administration. Missile defense must be made a priority and accordingly the administration needs to take the necessary steps to ensure America’s national defense initiatives aligns with its priorities. America has the technology to make missile defense operationally viable and we need to continue to allocate resources to bring a robust, layered, and reliable defense network to bear against this emerging threat.” --Rep. John Campbell (CA-48)
“This incident absolutely demonstrates the need for an effective worldwide missile defense system. I certainly hope that the Obama administration learns from it and does not cut back on this very important program,” --Rep. Mike Coffman(CO-06)
“The launch of a long range ballistic missile by North Korea Saturday was an irresponsible act by a reckless dictator who is opting to invest his nation’s meager resources in developing nuclear weapons and long range missiles. This event underscores that our nation must continue to invest in missile defense. Under President Bush, our nation has made great strides in developing an effective missile defense system. Unfortunately, it seems that Democrats in Congress, and perhaps the Administration, are intent on cutting funds for missile defense. We cannot afford to allow partisan opposition to prevent us from meeting our responsibility to provide for our national defense. We must not allow rogue nations to threaten us with ballistic missiles when the technology exists to protect us and our allies from them.” --Rep. Todd Akin (MO-02)
“Whether North Korea's intention was to test a ballistic missile or put a satellite into orbit, it has been repeatedly made clear that the North Koreans are barred from developing ballistic missile technology. They have clearly and defiantly violated the rules, and should be held accountable for this. Alaska is home to multiple military installations, including the missile interceptors at Ft. Greely, and because of that, would be on the front lines should North Korea send anything our way. The Alaska National Guard stands ready to protect our country against any missile attack by the Koreans and we need to provide them with the support they need to get the job done. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we not cut military spending, but continue to advance our technologies and keep our country safe.” --Rep. Don Young (R-AK)
“The rocket launch by North Korea shows that diplomacy and U.N. resolutions may not, by themselves, be enough to protect ourselves from a threat. It is my sincere hope that the President’s budget will include continued support for the Ground-based midcourse defense system (GMD), as well as a robust testing and development schedule for other missile defense systems.” --(Rep. Robert Aderholt, AL-04)
“The North Korean launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, coupled with their development of nuclear weapons, is a significant threat to every nation. The potential for North Korea to provide this technology to other hostile nations makes this a threat that the world cannot ignore. North Korea's provocative missile launch, despite repeated and widespread calls from the international community to stop, shows that Kim Jong-il has no intention of listening to the world. We must recognize the need for missile defense, so if diplomacy fails again, the United States and its allies will be capable of taking the necessary actions to defend themselves against such threats.” --Rep. Kay Granger (TX-12)
