The US Senate yesterday voted 90-5 to authorize President George W. Bush's planned missile defense shield against Iran.
The amendment (S.AMDT.2011) introduced by Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to the defense authorization bill states that the policy of the United States is to develop and deploy an effective defense system against the threat of an Iranian nuclear missile attack against the US and European allies.
“It is important that we acknowledge the growing threat to peace and security that arises from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs," Sessions said. "Iran’s government has continued developing weapons of increasing sophistication and range, in defiance of the international community’s requests. Iran’s government has openly declared hostilities on America, and we have traced explosives and weapons found in Iraq back to Iran"
Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jib Webb (D-VA) voted against the amendment.
Leading Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY) voted with the 'ayes' while her main rival Barack Obama (D-IL) abstained.
President Bush's missile shield has strained relations between Russia and the US, and the Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to aim weapons at Europe if America goes ahead with the plan.
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