National Missile Defense and the ABM Treaty: Overview of Recent Events

Publication Date: March 1999

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Military and defense

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Abstract:

The Clinton Administration has announced a $6.6 billion addition to the DOD Budget for FY1999-FY2005 to support deployment of a National Missile Defense System (NMD). It also restructured the program towards deployment by 2005, rather than 2003, if it decides in June 2000 to deploy an NMD. It plans to negotiate with Russia to modify the 1972 ABM Treaty. Some in Congress applauded the funding for NMD deployment, but they question the Administration's commitment. Others criticized the Administration's plans to modify, rather than withdraw from the ABM Treaty. Still others believe these negotiations could undermine not only the ABM Treaty, but also arms control agreements limiting U.S. and Russian offensive nuclear forces. The Russians have voiced concerns about the Administration's plans, stating that the ABM Treaty remains the cornerstone of strategic stability between the two nations and that a U.S. NMD system could undermine Russia's nuclear deterrent. This report will be updated if events warrant.