By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Representative Mo Brooks (R) from Huntsville announced on Thursday that his limitation amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill had passed on a bi-partisan vote. The Brooks amendment ensures that no funds can be used by the White House to share classified missile defense information with Russia.
Congressman Brooks said, “In light of recent statements by President Obama that he wanted, ‘more space,’ from the Russians in regards to missile defense, and his statement that he would, ‘have more flexibility,’ on this issue after the elections, I am concerned that the United States’ critical hit-to-kill and other valuable missile defense technology may become pawns in a political chess game of appeasement with the Russians.”
Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R) from Florida said, “This actually may be the most critical amendment that we will consider on this bill today. There should be no secret deals on our missile defense with the Russian president or any other person involving the security of our own nation.” Rep. Young is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense
Rep. Brooks said, “Statements by Russian Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov have increased my concern. In reference to the United States’ desire to strengthen our missile defense sites in Europe, General Makarov threatened the use of military force against the United States, declaring quote, ‘A decision to use destructive force preemptively will be taken if the situation worsens.’”
Rep. Brooks continued, “The Congressional Research Service estimates the United States has spent approximately $153 billion dollars on missile defense. A vast majority, roughly 90 percent, was spent on hit-to-kill technology. It makes no sense to spend $153 billion dollars of taxpayer’s money on advanced weaponry, just to give it away…. This amendment helps the United States lead the world in missile defense technologies; preserves investments of billions of dollars; and ensures the viability of current and future missile defense technologies.”
The Russian Government of Vladimir Putin has been staunchly opposed to the American missile shield being deployed in Europe. Sources in the Obama Administration have claimed that the administration might share that anti-missile technology with the Russians so that America will not gain military superiority. Rep. Brooks and other conservatives oppose sharing any classified military secrets with the Russians.
Rep. Brooks is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and serves on the Oversight and Investigations, and Strategic Forces Subcommittees.
Congressman Brooks represents Alabama’s fifth Congressional District. Rep. Brooks is seeking his second term in the U.S. Congress. His opponent in the November 6th general election is Huntsville Democrat Charlie Hollie.
