House panel restricts missile defense

Published: Apr 27, 2006
Source: www.upi.com



WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- The House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee has eliminated funding for a third National Missile Defense site in Europe, the committee's Democrats said Wednesday.

The cut is part of an overall effort to slow spending on longer-term missile defense programs in favor of missile defense programs that promise a near-term capability. The Bush administration has requested $9.3 billion for missile defense in 2007. The subcommittee's changes to the 2007 defense authorization request are subject to the approval of the full committee and then Congress.

The subcommittee also fenced $200 million for the ground-based interceptor program until tests prove two separate direct hits, they said.continue..