DATE=9/9/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-238340
TITLE=SENATE-MISSILE DEFENSE (S-ONLY)
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO: A PLAN FOR NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE REMAINS STALLED IN THE
U-S SENATE, AMID CONCERNS IT WOULD UNDERMINE DECADES OF ARMS 
CONTROL.  V-O-A'S DAVID SWAN REPORTS.

TEXT:  FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR, THE MISSILE DEFENSE BILL 
FELL ONE VOTE SHORT OF THE NUMBER (60) NEEDED TO END DEBATE AND 
PUSH THE MEASURE THROUGH.  THE PROPOSAL CALLS ON THE PENTAGON TO 
DEPLOY A NATIONWIDE ANTI-MISSILE NETWORK AS SOON AS TECHNOLOGY 
ALLOWS.

OPPONENTS CRITICIZED THE PROGRAM'S COST AND ESPECIALLY ITS IMPACT
ON RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.  DEMOCRATIC SENATOR JOSEPH BIDEN WARNED
IT WOULD WRECK THE LANDMARK ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE TREATY AND 
TOUCH OFF A NEW ARMS RACE.

                         // BIDEN ACT //

         RUSSIA AND CHINA WILL ADOPT A HAIR-TRIGGER, 
         LAUNCH-ON-WARNING POLICY AS SURE AS WE'RE STANDING HERE.
         THAT POSTURE WILL OVERWHELM ANY DEFENSE THAT WE HAVE IN 
         THEIR VIEW, AND THE RISK OF NUCLEAR WAR WILL BE CLOSER.

                          // END ACT //

THE BILL'S SUPPORTERS CHARGE THE UNITED STATES IS DEFENSELESS 
AGAINST MISSILE ATTACKS FROM WHAT THEY CALL ROGUE STATES, 
INCLUDING THE WEAPON RECENTLY TEST-FIRED BY NORTH KOREA. (SIGNED)

NEB/DS/TMD/JO

09-Sep-98 10:53 AM EDT (1453 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America

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