REQUESTING THAT THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM.

WHEREAS, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty was signed in 1972 with a nation that no longer exists; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of nations, including China, North Korea, Iran and Iraq, either currently possess or are developing the capability to launch missile attacks against the United States or its allies; and

WHEREAS, due in part to advances in technology, the possibility that a missile bearing a weapon of mass destruction could be used against United States forces or interests is higher today than it was during most of the cold war; and

WHEREAS, terrorist groups, not just states, have the means to buy ballistic missiles; and

WHEREAS, while systems are in place to thwart terrorism, the nation still has no defense against missile attack; and

WHEREAS, the cold war policy of mutually assured destruction embodied in arms control treaties is not sufficient to deter terrorist missile attacks; and

WHEREAS, defending against a missile attack is the government's moral obligation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico congressional delegation be asked to support implementation of a national missile defense system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.