31 May 2017

News Story: (US) House bill calls for $2.1 billion defense investment in Asia-Pacific, including THAAD

WASHINGTON, May 29 (Yonhap) -- The chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee has introduced a bill that would authorize the spending of US$2.1 billion on enhancing U.S. defense capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, including $1 billion for procuring THAAD or other missile interceptors.

The office of Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) said the lawmaker submitted the Strengthening Security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Act (H.R. 2621) last week in an effort to increase critical capabilities so as to support U.S. military readiness, deter aggression and respond rapidly to crises in the region, while bolstering alliances and partnerships.

"No one needs reminding of the escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific. It is essential that the United States reassure our allies and friends that we are committed to stability and security in that region now and in the future," Thornberry said in a statement.

"One of the best ways to do that is to increase our military presence and enhance our readiness there. To do that, we need to invest in a broad range of defense capabilities and this legislation does just that," he said.

The bill authorizes more than $2.1 billion for the coming fiscal year and Thornberry intends to include the measure in the upcoming annual defense bill, which is currently scheduled to be considered in the Armed Services Committee in late June, the office said.

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