U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) recently joined his Senate colleagues to push for the initiative championed by President Donald Trump to develop the “Golden Dome” missile defense system to protect American soil from potential attacks.
The Ground & Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (Golden Dome) Act emerged out of the January executive order issued by Trump. The program aims to develop a next-generation missile defense shield to protect the United States from advanced aerial attacks. Trump estimated the system would cost $175 billion and be operational within the next three years.
The name is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, with a twist that incorporates Trump’s traditional gold-themed aesthetic.
Tuberville was joined by U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.) Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.).
During the press conference, Tuberville announced that the Senate was considering a $25 billion reconciliation package as a “down payment” to begin construction.
“[T]he world has been amazed at the effectiveness of the Iron Dome,” Tuberville said. “They've been able to shoot down 90% of incoming threats. Think about that—90%—incredible. President Trump is exactly right. There is no reason why we shouldn't have the same technology right here at home. This is a dangerous world, and it's getting more dangerous every day.”
Tuberville also highlighted the perceived capabilities of Redstone Arsenal and various defense companies in Huntsville as critical for the development of the Golden Dome, calling it the “best kept secret” of the United States.
“For more than 80 years, Redstone Arsenal has been leading the way in space, cybersecurity and national defense,” Tuberville continued. “Huntsville’s talent, facilities, and resources are second to none all over the world. According to Forbes, Huntsville has the most engineers per capita in the world. That's why you see more and more agencies expanding their footprint in Huntsville and the surrounding area, including Missile Defense Agency, NASA, FBI, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Defense Intelligence Agency [and] the Army's Material Command. Huntsville is also home to more than 500 defense contractors, Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. We will be big in building a lot of this Golden Dome. Huntsville helped put the first person on the moon. What a better place to help begin the origination of Golden Dome than Huntsville, Alabama.”
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