美國國會武裝部隊委員會的領袖們，也加入了政府對北韓的譴責，但是，他們的論調卻是，美國應更積極地整建國家彈道飛彈防衛系統，不能由於最近的國防預算撙節sequestration，而減緩彈道飛彈防衛的發展。顯而易見地，這次北韓的長程火箭發射可能成為美國軍方及軍火工業界，在政府預算刪減陰影下的一扇逃生門，難怪國會中的那些軍火工業代言人，積極掌握這個機會，復甦咽咽一息的飛彈防衛系統，說不定，在菲律賓呂宋島外海北韓長程火箭的殘骸裡，還會發現美國軍火業的身影。
The leaders of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee (HASC) have very different takes in the wake of a North Korean long-range missile launch.
The Obama administration, in the hours after the launch, condemned Pyongyang’s actions, with National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor issuing a statement late on Dec. 11, labeling it a “highly provocative act.
“This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior,” Vietor said. “The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region.”
The next day, the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee also weighed in with separate statements that shone a light into their respective worldviews and priorities.
First out of the gate was HASC Ranking Member Adam Smith, D-Wash., who took a big-picture view that urged North Korea to abide by the wishes of the U.S. and other nations.
“North Korea, and its new young leadership, must understand that continuing this pattern of irresponsible behavior will only further isolate the country. Moreover, the new regime in Pyongyang has an opportunity to re-engage with the international community, abide by its obligations and chart a path towards a better future for the North Korean people,” Smith said. “It is disappointing to see that [new leader] Kim Jong-un has decided to use North Korea’s scarce resources to threaten regional stability.”
Smith also urged Beijing, the North’s lone true ally, to do more.
“It is my hope that China will join the chorus of condemnation and use its influence to rein in Kim Jong-un and prevent the regime from committing this sort of reckless act again,” Smith said.
Next was HASC Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., who used part of his statement to underscore what he and other GOP members see as a need to bolster America’s missile defenses.
“Yesterday, North Korea conducted a long-range missile launch that threatens the U.S. and its allies, undermines stability in the Pacific and violates multiple international accords,” McKeon said. “This provocative act is heightened by the regime’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons.
“The regime’s actions highlight the importance of the U.S. deploying a capable national missile defense program, which regrettably has been subject to severe and unwarranted cuts in recent years. As our Israeli allies have demonstrated, missile defenses are proven and vital to national security in the 21st century,” McKeon said. “As chairman, I have opposed reductions to missile defense in the past, and will continue to work for increased funding and more capable systems that help keep our nation safe.”
