PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 42.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 21, 1997
National Missile Defense Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop for deployment a National Missile Defense (NMD) system which shall achieve operational capability by the end of 2003. Includes as system elements: (1) an interceptor system that optimizes defensive coverage of the United States; (2) fixed ground-based radar; (3) space-based sensors; and (4) battle management, command, control, and communications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct an integrated systems test by the end of FY 1999; (2) use streamlined acquisition procedures; (3) develop a follow-on program that leverages off of, and that could augment, the NMD system to provide for a layered defense; and (4) report to the Congress on the plan for carrying out this Act, the appropriations required for FY 1998 through 2003, and the point at which activity would conflict with terms of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Urges the President, if necessary, to pursue high-level discussions with the Russian Federation to achieve an agreement to amend the ABM Treaty to allow deployment of the NMD system. Requires the President to present any such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent. Requires the President and the Congress, if such an agreement is not achieved within one year, to consider the option of withdrawing the United States from the ABM Treaty.
People & committees
Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS] · R–MS
Legislative record
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Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 42.
Committee on Armed Services. Reported to Senate by Senator Thurmond without amendment. With written report No. 105-15. Additional and minority views filed.
Committee on Armed Services. Reported to Senate by Senator Thurmond without amendment. With written report No. 105-15. Additional and minority views filed.
Committee on Armed Services. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S235)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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