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Destroying Malfunctioning Satellite Was Exception, Not Standard for U.S. Policy (Rep. Ike Skelton)

by Mo. Dem. Rep. Ike Skelton - 02/21/08 12:43 PM ET

Our forces and technical experts are to be commended for destroying this malfunctioning satellite before it posed any threat to people on the ground. This was an exceptional case, and I reiterate that this action should not be construed as standard U.S. policy for dealing with problem satellites.

We abandoned the pursuit of anti-satellite technology two decades ago due to concerns about the consequences of its use, and our country has no plans to renew those efforts. Congress will closely monitor U.S. policies concerning our space assets in the coming days.

Rep. Ike Skelton is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.