Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/20/2001 03:41 PM House MLV
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SJR 9 - NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM Number 0086 CHAIR CHENAULT announced that the first order of business would be SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9, Relating to the development and deployment of the National Missile Defense System. Number 0146 SENATOR LOREN LEMAN, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, explained that SJR 9 speaks to an issue addressed in past legislatures: an interest in national missile defense. While the United States reigns supreme as the last great "superpower," there is no means to protect the entire nation from ballistic missile attack. The threat, however, is real. SENATOR LEMAN noted that last month, before President Bush took office, the U.S. Department of Defense issued a report [a portion of which is in the packet] titled "Proliferation: Threat and Response." That report analyzes the country's growing threat from foreign nations that are developing missile technology. In the report, Senator Leman pointed out, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen says at least 25 countries now possess - or are in the process of acquiring and developing - capabilities to inflict mass casualties and destruction: nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons or the means to deliver them. Senator Leman noted that the foregoing was reiterated by Lieutenant General Norton Schwartz when he spoke to "us" a few weeks ago. SENATOR LEMAN advised members that in response to this growing threat, the United States has been developing a National Missile Defense System; it is not operational, however, the decision on how to proceed having been deferred to President Bush by former President Clinton. SENATOR LEMAN noted that Alaska has been identified as a preferred alternative for the location of key system components, including a forward radar site at Shemya and perhaps a ground- based interceptor site, most likely at Fort Greely. The design of the entire system isn't final; North Dakota may figure in the mix, and there may be mobile installations on submarines or ships, for example. Although there are unanswered questions, there is broad political support for developing the National Missile Defense System. Number 0388 SENATOR LEMAN reported that President Bush's stated plans include planning to develop and build this; Alaska's congressional delegation support this, and packets contain letters of support from U.S. Senators Murkowski and Stevens. SENATOR LEMAN said normally people from the [U.S.] Department of Defense would testify in support, but the department is reviewing this and doesn't want to get caught up in the politics. In order to do the analysis fairly, he said, "they've been asked not to participate today." Senator Leman told members he believes the resolution is worded such that it is in the national interest as well as the interest of Alaska. He urged members' support. Number 0478 REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI pointed out that page 1, line 10, the third "whereas" clause, has the only reference to a National Missile Defense Program, rather than a National Missile Defense System. She asked about the difference. Number 0588 PAUL ROETMAN, Staff to Senator Loren Leman, Alaska State Legislature, explained that the "program" refers to the overall umbrella organizations that are initiating the development of not only a missile defense system, but other technologies including theater missile defense and sea-based defense. Number 0666 SENATOR LEMAN, in response to a question by Representative Murkowski, affirmed that there was a similar resolution the previous session. This [SJR 9], however, has been tailored a little differently at the request of the [congressional] delegation, in the interests of working with the new President and the Department of Defense. REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI recalled little, if any, opposition [the previous session]. She also recalled discussion on the House floor about developing and deploying this as soon as technologically feasible, however, as well as Representative Davies' questions about the technological feasibility at the time. Representative Murkowski suggested it is timely to move something like this through. Number 0752 SENATOR LEMAN noted that there was no opposition in the Senate [to SJR 9]. Brought to his attention that very day, he reported, was that part of this system may include a fiber-optic cable or cables that would run from approximately Whittier to Shemya, at the end of the Aleutians. If that ever became part of the overall project, it would, in itself, be an incredible investment. Senator Leman surmised that there might be elements which could be tied in with the civilian systems of communication; that would have tremendous impacts on Alaska. SENATOR LEMAN concluded by saying Alaska rightfully was the first to step up, as a state, and express support for this system. He suggested it is appropriate, therefore, to indicate that support. Even if a part of the system is invested elsewhere, Alaska and the rest of the United States need to be fully protected. Number 0918 CHAIR CHENAULT asked whether there was any public testimony; none was offered. Number 0930 REPRESENTATIVE GREEN made a motion to move SJR 9 out of committee with individual recommendations and the zero fiscal note. There being no objection, SJR 9 was moved from the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
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