SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), along with Representative Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), have introduced the Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act. This legislation aims to develop a modernized, layered homeland missile defense system with an authorization of over $23 billion.

"The escalating missile threats we’ve witnessed from the Iranian terrorist regime and the rapidly evolving missile threats from Russia and China demonstrate why we need to develop a robust, modernized missile defense system to protect the entire country—which the GOLDEN DOME Act will do," said Sen. Sullivan. He emphasized that presidential leadership, appropriated funding, and comprehensive authorizing legislation are crucial for successful policy in Washington D.C., all of which support this initiative.

Senator Cramer highlighted the significance of addressing advanced long-range weapons developed by adversaries over recent decades. "We have to act in order to defend against the evolving and complex threat landscape," he stated. The GOLDEN DOME Act is designed to build a layered missile defense system that aligns with President Donald Trump's vision as outlined in his January 2025 executive order.

Representative Messmer underscored the importance of readiness against nuclear threats from hostile nations like Russia and China, asserting that America must be prepared to prevent nuclear weapons from harming its citizens.

The legislation also seeks to enhance U.S. missile defense systems' all-domain awareness, increase capacity against threats from rogue and near-peer nations, and accelerate development of new capabilities focusing on hypersonics and cruise missiles.

This initiative has garnered support from several Senate cosponsors including John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

The introduction of this act coincides with reports by Fox News Digital on lawmakers making strides toward realizing President Trump’s vision for a comprehensive weapons defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome.