Defend America Act of 1996 - Expresses U.S. policy to deploy by the end of 2003 a National Missile Defense (NMD) system that: (1) is capable of providing a highly effective defense of U.S. territory against limited, unauthorized, or accidental ballistic missile attack; (2) will be augmented over time to provide a layered defense against larger and more sophisticated ballistic missile threats; and (3) does not feature an offensive-only form of deterrence.
Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment an affordable and operationally effective NMD system which shall achieve an initial operational capability by the end of 2003. Outlines system elements, including the use of missile interceptors on the ground, at sea, and in space. Directs the Secretary to take specified actions to implement the NMD system development upon enactment of this Act, including the conduct of an integrated systems test by the end of 1998.
Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress the Secretary's plans for the development and deployment of the NMD system.
Urges the President to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year after enactment of this Act, to consider exercising the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on National Security, and in addition to the Committee on International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on National Security, and in addition to the Committee on International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on National Security, and in addition to the Committee on International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E423)
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 31 - 22.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 438 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3144 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if offered by Mr. Spratt or his designee, shall be in order without intervention of any point of order and shall be debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Reported by the Committee on National Security. H. Rept. 104-583, Part I.
Reported by the Committee on National Security. H. Rept. 104-583, Part I.
House Committee on International Relations Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than May 16, 1996.
Committee on International Relations discharged.
Committee on International Relations discharged.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 287.
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