Mrs. Dole proposed a post-cold-war weapons buildup to reinforce the country’s nuclear arsenal, reminiscent of the Reagan era. She said the current Administration had been taken in by the “empty promises” of weak treaties and by “rogue and outlaw
nations” threatening the US with weapons of mass destruction.
Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21
Sep 28, 1999
Abandon ABM treaty & Test Ban treaty
Dole vowed to increase military spending and abandon the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, criticizing an Administration that, she said, “failed to develop a strong national or theater defense system.” She also opposed the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty, calling it “neither effective nor verifiable.” The treaty, which banned nuclear test explosions, was signed by President Clinton in Sept. 1996 but has net been ratified by Congress.
Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21
Sep 28, 1999
More pay, more training for military personnel
Dole promised to rebuild the military by advancing its equipment, training and salaries for the men and women serving in the armed forces. She also called for a missile-defense system to protect the nation against assaults and “accidental launches.”
Source: Martha Bellisle, Associated Press
Aug 22, 1999
Pentagon has been reduced to a triangle: build it back
Dole called for a missile defense system to guard against possible attacks from countries developing missile technology. “I’m very concerned that the Clinton-Gore administration has reduced the Pentagon to a triangle, and we’ve got to build it back.”
Source: Mary Neubauer, Associated Press
Jul 12, 1999
Re-build military for greater readiness
[Post-Cold War restructuring] grew into a perilous 39% drop from defense spending levels in the mid-1980s. Today, we are seeing the results in lowered readiness, in aging hardware & in reduced morale. I want to build it back up. Shortfalls have stripped
units of essential equipment and spare parts. Last year, only 50 percent of non-deployed ships were mission-ready. Lack of equipment grounded aircraft and reduced tank training hours.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
Build and deploy an SDI missile defense
The American people still have no defense against a nuclear missile. Congress has spoken out clearly for a renewed effort to build a national missile defense. The Clinton administration [waiting] on a deployment decision. Friends, the debate is over:
Missile defense is an absolute requirement-to protect our free world-to reduce the threat of rogue nuclear powers to our people & our allies.. Let’s gear our programs up and make the investment we need to bring an effective system into reality.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
Increased spending needed to keep the peace
Are all these defense investments really needed? National defense is now only 16% of the Federal budget, the lowest share in the past 50 years. It is true we no longer face a single superpower adversary. But we face a world where. advanced weaponry puts
serious threats in the hands of smaller powers. Failing to [make investments in defense] increases the likelihood and the costs of violent conflict. We can keep the peace and pursue American commitments only with strength.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
Restore shortfalls in Armed Forces personnel
The Navy recruited some 7,000 fewer sailors than its goals last year. The Air Force is some 1,000 pilots short of its official goals. Some Army units train at only 60 percent strength. When we stripped our defenses like this after World War II, we paid
the price... in communist expansion in Europe and Asia, and soon, in war on the Korean peninsula. Let’s restore basic readiness, and let’s make those essential investments in the advanced weaponry and technologies we’ll need in the 21st Century.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
Need SDI against rogue nations and terrorists
Today the United States reigns as the world’s only superpower. But rogue nations and terrorists still threaten our people, our freedom and our way of life. I believe there is an urgent need to refurbish our military and resolve to develop and deploy a
strategic missile defense system at the earliest possible date.
Source: Exploratory Cmte Announcement Speech, 3/10/99
Mar 10, 1999
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