Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has called for accountability in the allocation of $10 million for homeland missile defense at Fort Drum. Stefanik emphasized the importance of using the funds as directed by Congress to enhance missile defense capabilities.

During a recent hearing, Stefanik engaged in a line of questioning with Lieutenant General Heath Collins, Director of the Missile Defense Agency, to ensure that the allocated funds were being appropriately utilized for the planning and design of a third missile defense site at Fort Drum. Stefanik highlighted the significance of Fort Drum as the preferred location for the missile defense site.

In response to Stefanik's inquiries, Lieutenant General Collins confirmed that the $10 million had been authorized and appropriated for the purpose of planning and designing a missile defense interceptor site. However, there were discrepancies regarding the specific location of the site, with Collins mentioning an "agnostic design" that could support various locations in the future.

Stefanik reiterated the importance of adhering to the language passed by Congress, which designated Fort Drum as the preferred site for the missile defense project. Despite Collins's explanations about flexibility in site selection, Stefanik emphasized the need to honor the Congressional directive regarding the allocation of funds.

The exchange between Stefanik and Collins underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen homeland missile defense capabilities and the need for transparency and accountability in the use of allocated funds. Stefanik's unwavering commitment to ensuring that resources are effectively utilized for national security purposes remains a focal point in her work on the House Armed Services Committee.