WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. faces evolving and pressing threats, missile defense plays an essential role in deterring and defeating adversary missiles and other threats against the nation. Days after his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.
Today, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a fellow SASC member, President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein at the White House to announce the administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America.
Click here to watch the announcement
“Providing for the common defense of American citizens is our first Constitutional responsibility,” said Cramer. “Over the last couple of decades, adversaries have sharpened their capabilities and threats are no longer far off in the distance. We need to modernize our missile defense infrastructure so we can protect our homeland from catastrophic, modern missile attacks. I applaud President Trump’s innovative and bold vision to create a safer, more secure America and Congress is ready to work with him to make it a reality.”
The president also announced the nomination of General Guetlein to lead the implementation of this effort. Last month, General Guetlein joined Cramer and SDA Director Derek Tournear to visit the University of North Dakota and tour the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the National Security Corridor at the College of Engineering & Mines. The group also visited Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station and viewedongoing U.S. Space Force activities in North Dakota.
“I strongly endorse General Guetlein for the role in leading the Golden Dome project,” said Cramer. “I don’t know anyone better equipped to do it than him.”
