East Central Alabama News

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, expressed significant concerns during a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for missile defense and missile defeat programs.

Lamborn highlighted that the proposed budget fell short in funding levels, stating, "The overall level of funding is inadequate given today’s threat environment." He pointed out that the FY25 budget request for the Missile Defense Agency was substantially lower than anticipated, noting, "The FY25 budget request for the Missile Defense Agency is $960 million – almost one billion dollars – below the level planned for in last year’s budget."

Additionally, Lamborn raised alarm over the budget's future projections, emphasizing, "this budget forecasts cutting over $2.6 billion in missile defense funding between FY25 and FY28." He further criticized specific decisions within the budget, such as the premature down-selection of contractors on key programs like the Glide Phase Interceptor.

Regarding the Glide Phase Interceptor, Lamborn cautioned, "this down-selection is occurring 5 years earlier than planned and before the preliminary design review is held." He stressed the importance of this program in combating hypersonic threats, stating, "The Glide Phase Interceptor is the only capability in development specifically designed to combat the growing hypersonic threats we face."

In conclusion, Lamborn expressed his concerns about the perceived prioritization of other capabilities over missile defense in the budget, stating, "missile defense appears to have become a bill-payer for other capabilities in this budget." He emphasized the importance of investing in robust programs that prioritize national security and effectively support warfighters.

The hearing provided a platform for further discussion on the implications of the budget on missile defense programs and the associated risks, with Lamborn looking forward to insights from witnesses on these critical matters.