Fwd: National Security Update - "Defending Missile Defense"

heritage.org | Heritage research | Blog |                          April 26, 2010 Issue in Depth: Defending Missile Defense The Obama Administration's Ballistic Missile Defense Review Report (BMDRR), released in February to outline the administration's long-term vision for missile defense, acknowledges the increasing threat of ballistic missiles to the United States. The President's "phased adaptive approach" for missile defense in Europe and the sea-based Aegis BMD program have the potential to protect the U.S. and its allies from attack, but necessary Congressional funding and oversight will be necessary to guarantee these programs will continue to provide robust defenses in the future. The proposed FY 2011 budget for the missile defense program will not adequately meet the emerging threats and increased proliferation of missile technology among state and non-state actors. Missile defense systems are an important part of fulfilling the government's obligation to provide for the common defense in today's dangerous environment of emerging threats, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they are fully funded. Read more from our recent research below in this week's Issue in Depth. Latest Research: The Heritage Foundation: Strengthen the Pentagon's Programs for Sea-Based Missile Defense The Administration's new "phased adaptive approach" for missile defense in Europe and the Pentagon's wider sea-based Aegis BMD program have the potential to provide robust missile defense coverage and to operate from advantageous locations at sea. In support of these efforts, Congress needs to ensure that the Aegis BMD program is adequately funded, including funding for increased procurement of interceptors and accelerated development of critical Aegis components to expand its capabilities. Congress also needs to exercise proper oversight to prevent the Administration's arms control agenda from limiting U.S. missile defense options or cooperation with friends and allies. The Heritage Foundation: The Obama Administration's Ballistic Missile Defense Program: Treading Water in Shark-Infested Seas The Obama Administration's plan for ballistic missile defense and its proposed FY 2011 budget for the missile defense program would leave the program treading water. At the same time, the threat of ballistic missile attack on the U.S. and its allies will continue to increase as more state and non-state actors gain and improve the missile capabilities. The Heritage Foundation: The "New START" Treaty: Did the Russians Have Their Fingers Crossed? In its current form, the "New START" treaty is not one to which the Senate may unconditionally give its consent to ratification. The two parties to the treaty—the United States and the Russian Federation—cannot agree upon the meaning of its terms, and therefore there is nothing to which the Senate can consent. The Heritage Foundation: The Nuclear Posture Review: Adding More of an "Unfunded Mandate" for Defense? In President Obama's Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), the Administration is expanding the equivalent of an "unfunded mandate" for the Department of Defense (DOD), charging the already overstretched and under-resourced organization with even more responsibilities. More Blogs: The Foundry: Obama Opens a New "Window of Vulnerability"     According to a Reuters report, the Obama Administration is assessing that Iran could have a long-range ballistic missile by 2015. Now they tell us. The Foundry: New START's Inherent Contradiction President Barack Obama's National Security Advisor James Jones has sought to counter an April 17th Wall Street Journal editorial criticizing the New START arms control agreement with Russia for limiting U.S. missile defense options with an April 20th letter to the editor. The Foundry: Obama's Good Cop/Confused Cop Policy on Iran The Obama Administration appears to be confused about its own policies regarding Iran's nuclear challenge.   More Events: April 28, 2010, 10:30 AM Location: Washington, DC The Heritage Foundation: China and Cyber Security Following the incident between China and Google, concern is growing regarding the PRC's threat to cyber security. Please join us as our panel provides us with a better understanding of what kinds of incidents are occurring, how likely the Chinese are indeed responsible, and what can be done about it. April 29, 2010, 8:45 AM Location: Washington, DC Institute for the Study of War: Politics and Power in Kandahar Please join us as Carl Forsberg discusses his recent research and presents the ISW report on the new military offensive in Kandahar and the political-military strategy necessary to succeed in Afghanistan. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  June 24-27, 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Reserve Officers Association: National Council Meeting Please join us for the ROA National Council Meeting and the presentation of the ROA Academy on June 25.   Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2009, The Heritage Foundation The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400