Sample Resolution Opposing Star Wars/National Ballistic Missile Defense System 

WHEREAS, the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty has played a crucial trust-building role during and after the cold war and US withdrawal from the treaty has stressed our relationship with Russia and China, and

WHEREAS, implementing a national missile defense system encourages countries such as China, Russia, North Korea, Pakistan and India to test and maintain and enhance their nuclear weapons programs, and

WHEREAS, according to the Center for Strategic Budgetary Assessment, missile defense programs have already cost the United States $148 Billion, and

WHEREAS, according to the Congressional Budget Office, a national missile defense system will cost at least $238 billion over the next 15-25 years, and

WHEREAS, the United States national intelligence community recently reported terrorist groups are more likely to attack the United States using a suitcase bomb, airplane or truck bomb than with a ballistic missile, and that programs that deal with these scenarios are still under funded, and

WHEREAS, the cost of national missile defense robs domestic programs of much-needed support, and the funds spent on the program between 2001 and 2005 alone would be enough to hire 452,830 new teachers or provide Head-Start to 10,721,944 children, and

WHEREAS, providing real security, such as health care, education, and a clean environment, is the utmost responsibility for the federal government and those needs are not being met adequately,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE that this body urges the United States Congress to 1) oppose implementation of a national missile defense system; and 2) redirect those funds towards programs that promote real security.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Minnesota congressional delegation.