May 17, 1977
Page 15058
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to support the hardened ballistic missile defense — BMD — materials program and the dedication of a minimum of $4 million of the $107.297 million provided in the ballistic missile defense advanced technology program to hardened materials research.
The hardened ballistic missile defense materials program supports the materials technology base by developing specialized materials and technologies and by continually assessing U.S. materials capabilities and limitations. The dedication of a minimum of $4 million for this materials research in conjunction with the Army's research in materials program will assure the continuation of this vital effort.
The House Armed Services Committee included express language to that effect and the Senate has provided sufficient funds to accommodate the program. I encourage the Senate conferees to join the House in express support for this effort.
The Senate committee has also provided $18.635 million to meet the Navy's request for funding in the materials technology program. This level of funding is sufficient to accommodate a $6 million effort in the strategic missile materials technology program to develop advanced, high performance materials and design concepts for advanced strategic systems. It is crucial that this exploratory and development work be continued and I encourage the committee to provide appropriate guidance to the Navy in that regard.