Senators Introduce $23B GOLDEN DOME Missile Defense Legislation

Republican lawmakers, including Senators Katie Britt, Dan Sullivan, Kevin Cramer, and John Hoeven, have introduced the GOLDEN DOME Act to develop a comprehensive missile defense system as envisioned by President Trump. The legislation authorizes over $23 billion to create a modernized, layered defense capable of detecting, tracking, and defeating evolving missile threats, including hypersonics and cruise missiles. The bill emphasizes integrating missile defense assets across military branches and domains, including satellite-based sensors from the Space Development Agency and early warning radar systems such as those at Redstone Arsenal and Cavalier Space Force Station. Modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, the Golden Dome aims to enhance U.S. homeland security against threats from rogue and near-peer nations. While President Trump projects the system will cost $175 billion and be ready within three years, some experts question this timeline and feasibility. Supporters highlight the urgency of strengthening missile defenses amid increasing threats from adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea.