Posted this to the Current Events board, but it's a Space News item also.

Senate Dems Set Aside Missile Defense Concerns

On the other board, I wrote NMD has gotten the 'green light.' Maybe that's too strong. But I would say that it's chances have improved quite a bit, and that it's beginning to move forward thanks to the momentum the defense budget now has.

The Democrats in the Senate have stopped short of outright approval of NMD, but are dropping their formerly staunch resistance. They are renouncing their objections to America breaking the ABM Treaty. They are also prepared to support what is perhaps a more modest program: short- and medium-range missile defense systems.

Not exactly NMD just yet, but a few steps closer than America was before.

Quote:

'Looking to quickly approve new defense spending after last week's twin terror attacks, Senate Democrats are setting aside their effort to block money for any missile defense activity that would violate a 1972 arms control treaty.'

And:

'Two committee Democrats said after a closed-door briefing Friday on the attacks that they predicted the final bill would place a greater emphasis on short- and theater-range missile defenses.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawaii, said an emphasis on short- and medium-range missile defense systems could come at the expense of national missile defense that would guard against intercontinental ballistic missiles.'