US budget woes could hit European missile defense

[discocrisco01]

WASHINGTON (AP) — A breakdown in high-stakes budget talks in Congress could threaten plans for a missile defense shield in Europe.
Congressional negotiators have shown little sign they will be able to meet Wednesday's deadline for reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years. If they fail to agree, a new law mandates cuts throughout the federal government, including a big slice of the defense budget.
While it is not known what military spending would be cut, an expensive program aimed primarily at defending Europe is unlikely to be spared.
The U.S. sees the missile defense system, aimed at countering a threat from Iran, as part of its contribution to the NATO military alliance. With the United States often complaining that it makes a disproportionately large contribution to NATO, missile defense could be especially vulnerable to budget-cutters.
"A missile defense system for NATO? It's going to be hard to keep people committed if they think the U.S. is picking up the tab for Europe," says Kurt Volker, who was ambassador to NATO at the end of the George W. Bush administrati

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[Vincardog]

1. A missile defense system that has FAILED EVERY TEST is a waste of $$$ everywhere

[Old and In the Way]

2. Another monumental waste of money. nt

[dipsydoodle]

3. Oh what a fucking shame

:sarcasm:

[Ghost Dog]

4. Aegis-type systems in the

Red, Black and Mediterranean Seas could be enough, in sufficient numbers, isn't that so?

[jwirr]

5. That is a good first cut. We have not needed that since the Wall fell.