Cruz-led effort to develop and deploy space-based interceptors included in Missile Defense Review
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued a statement applauding President Trumps Missile Defense Review (MDR):
I commend President Trump for recognizing and prioritizing missile defense and for highlighting the need for space-based interceptors (SBI) in the Missile Defense Review. Past missile defense reviews have failed to consider the technologies that are needed to protect Americans and the American homeland. In the meantime China and Russia have invested in the development of ballistic missile technology that our existing systems cannot stop and Iran and North Korea continue to pursue nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The deployment of SBI is critical to engaging missiles when they are at their most vulnerable stage ascending at slow velocity with high heat signatures as well as when they are most resilient traveling through space with decoys and evasive measures. I look forward to working with my colleagues and President Trump to defend against these threats by developing and eventually deploying SBI."
Sen. Cruzs authored a provision in the FY19 NDAA which mandated enactment of provisions directly cited in todays MDR report. The excerpt is below:
Much has changed since the United States last considered space-based interceptors in a potential architecture including major improvements in technologies applicable to spacebasing and directed energy. Given the rapid advancement and diffusion of offensive missile threats and technology and in response to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) DoD will undertake a new and near-term examination of the concepts and technology for space-based defenses. This examination may include on-orbit experiments and demonstrations. New DoD analysis will evaluate the possible effectiveness of space-based interceptor technologies and their cost-effectiveness when compared to other systems based on land sea and in the air. This examination will provide an informed contemporary foundation for assessing the technological and operational potential of space-basing in the evolving security environment."
Congressman Lance Gooden Appointed to House Financial Services Committee
I am honored to receive this appointment from party leaders and I am eager for the opportunity to work with my Republican colleagues on the committee."
WASHINGTON D.C. This week Republican leaders appointed Congressman Lance Gooden to the House Financial Services Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over the housing and financial services sectors of the economy including banking insurance real estate public and assisted housing and securities.
On his appointment Congressman Gooden stated I am honored by this appointment Financial Services is an A-list committee to which freshmen members rarely gain access. This committee appointment is a huge win for my district and the state of Texas.
The economy is as strong as it has been in my lifetime. I look forward to working on the committee to continue the strong and sustained growth of our economy under President Trump."
On Congressman Goodens appointment to the committee Ranking Member Patrick McHenry said Congressman Goodens firsthand experience in the private sector makes him a valuable asset to the Financial Services Committee. He can provide critical input and expertise to allow us to continue to build on the gains weve already achieved for hardworking taxpayers. I am glad to see him and his fellow freshman members recommended to join the committee so we can get to work for the American people in the 116th Congress."
