By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congressman Mo Brooks (R) from Huntsville has introduced a bill preventing the administration from sharing critical U.S. missile defense technology with the Russian Federation. The Protecting U.S. Missile Defense Information Act of 2012, H.R. 4125, was introduced by Rep. Brooks would prohibit the U.S. government from transferring classified missile defense technology information to the Russians in exchange for diplomatic favors or for other purposes.
Rep. Brooks said, “This legislation builds on an amendment that I introduced and was passed last year. Multiple news sources have reported that the Obama Administration may share our missile defense secrets with the Russians. We are concerned these reports may be accurate, particularly because President Obama has publicly stated his willingness to violate the amendment I sponsored, and Congress passed, that prohibits the President from sharing America’s ‘hit-to-kill’ and other sensitive and expensive missile defense technology with Russia. I introduced this bill to protect American lives and protect decades of costly research and innovation. Congress acted to ensure this sensitive ‘hit-to-kill’ technology cannot be used against our own troops in the field, or Americans here at home.”
Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, said, “According to press reports, the Administration is still trying to strike secret deals with Russia concerning our missile defenses. On top of that, President Obama issued a signing statement stating he will disregard a duly enacted provision in law to protect U.S. classified missile defense information. Congress has no choice but to take tougher action this year to protect U.S. missile defense technology and capability.”
Some of the President’s diplomatic advisors have recommended sharing the technology with the Russians to settle Russian fears that the United States was seeking military superiority over them. The U.S. would still have a defense against Iranian ICBMs, assuming the Russians don’t share the technology with the Iranians.
Rep. Brooks serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittees on Strategic Forces, and Oversight and Investigations. As expected, Rep. Mo Brooks easily defeated former congressman Parker Griffith in the Republican Primary for the fifth district Tuesday. He will face Democrat Charlie Hollie in the November 6th General Election.
