Center Offers Post-Kuwait Lessons For Congressional Deliberations On Defense Spending

(Washington, D.C.): The Center for Security Policy today released an assessment of the implications of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait for the FY1991 defense authorization bill now receiving consideration by the United States Senate.

"Saddam Hussein’s aggression should concentrate the minds of U.S. legislators as they contemplate a gutting of the defense budget," said Frank J. Gaffney, Jr., the Center’s director. "It is not enough to pass non-binding resolutions expressing congressional concern about Iraq’s enormously dangerous act. Congress must now critically examine — and reject — the all-too-binding steps some would have it take with respect to vital American military capabilities and weapon systems."

The Center’s analysis, entitled ‘Do the Right Thing’: Congressional Defense Choices for the Post-Kuwait World, points in particular to the need, under present and forseeable circumstances, to emphasize the following key characteristics: the flexibility to perform multiple missions; the utilization of advanced technology — an area of competitive advantage for the United States; and the ability to project power over long distances.

The specific programs identified as exemplifying these qualities and providing essential capabilities in the post-Kuwait world include: the B-2 bomber, the Strategic Defense Initiative, the MILSTAR satellite system, the V-22 Osprey and the C-17 transport aircraft.

Gaffney noted, "The world will not necessarily be a peaceful place if the United States learns quickly from the present crisis and adapts its military posture accordingly. But, if it does so — and in the process if it proceeds to expedited acquisition and deployment of flexible, multi-purpose, high-technology and long-range power projection forces — American interests will surely be more secure."