01.17.19

Sullivan Attends Missile Defense Review Announcement, Applauds Alaska Specific Focus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Armed Services Committee, attended President Trump’s and the Department of Defense’s unveiling of the 2019 Missile Defense Review (MDR) at the Pentagon, which is the first update to American missile defense policy since 2010.  

“Over the past forty years, the issue of missile defense has been a largely partisan issue led by Republican Presidents,” said Senator Sullivan. “Since entering the Senate, I have worked to reach across the aisle to drive much needed improvements to our missile defense systems – including space based sensors, a new missile field at Ft. Greely, and targeted investments in cutting-edge technology – all of which are reflected in this MDR. 

“Today’s announcement of our new Missile Defense Review solidifies the bipartisan progress the Congress has already made working with the Trump administration. It outlines the vision for the future – protecting us from more advanced ballistic missile threats from rogue nations like North Korea and Iran. It also paves the way for the next big leap in our defense – countering rapidly emerging threats like the long-range cruise and hypersonic missiles that both Russia and China continue to develop.  

“Alaska is the cornerstone of our nation’s missile defense, and as the President said in his remarks, we can do more and we must do more to keep us safe. This review is another step in that process – and our Alaskan Missile Defenders at Ft. Greely and Clear Air Force Station, who stand watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, will help lead the way.” 

BACKGROUND:

  • As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Sullivan has been a strong advocate and leader on the need to bolster America’s missile defense, which President Trump acknowledged in his remarks today
  • In the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Sullivan worked across the aisle to include his Integrated Missile Defense Act – which authorized eight missile defense provisions including the first-time requirement to both develop and deploy a layer of space-based sensors. 
  • In the FY2018 NDAA, Senator Sullivan worked to include the majority of his bipartisan Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act -- which authorized 20 additional GBMI’s (a brand new missile field) at Ft. Greely, Alaska, which was fully funded by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in December 2017. 
  • In the FY2017 NDAA, Senator Sullivan worked to include his Missile Defense Defend and Deter Act – legislation requiring the Missile Defense Agency to test a Ground Based Missile Interceptor once a year. 
  • Working alongside Senator Murkowski and Congressman Young, Senator Sullivan over the past four years has been able to authorize and secure nearly $1.3 billion in military construction funding for Alaska. 

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