US earmarks cash for ‘unreliable’ missile defence as North Korea threatens ‘ANNIHILATION’
THE US House of Representatives has passed a bill calling for billions to be poured into the nation’s missile defence systems amid fears Kim Jong-un could use his newly developed weaponry to target military bases.
By SAM SHOLLI
Express.co.uk
Sun, Jul 16, 2017
The act will see $696 billion added to the US defence budget, with $12.5 billion earmarked for missile defence programmes.
It comes amid concerns US military bases could be at risk if targeted by Kim Jong-un’s newly developed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM’s).
Earlier this week the hermit kingdom’s propaganda unit claimed the successful launch of a Hwasong 14 ICBM “fully demonstrated the will and capability of the DPRK to annihilate the US in a single blow”.
In a summary of the bill, the House Committee on Armed Services said: “The Committee continues to be a strong supporter of a robust missile defence program given the increasing threats against our homeland and regional allies posed by North Korea, Iran and others.
“The bill adds $2.5 billion above the President’s budget request to meet critical missile defence needs. It also recognises the increasing quantitative and qualitative nature of the ballistic missile threats we face as a nation.”
Republican congressman Mac Thornberry, who chairs the committee, claimed the money will help defend the US as threats from North Korea “increase”.
He said: “This bill takes the necessary steps to begin to rebuild and reform our military, including billions in additional funds to begin to close the dangerous readiness gaps our troops are facing.
“In addition, it gives our troops their biggest pay raise in eight years, which they are entitled to under the law. It beefs up missile defence at a time when the threats continue to increase.”
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