Baker Spring

About the author: Baker Spring is a research fellow for the Heritage Foundation, a conservative public policy research institute.

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, by proving that terrorists will use any means to kill Americans, bolster the case for missile defense. If terrorists gain possession of missiles, the results could be even more horrific than the September 11 attacks. Americans do not have to choose between additional counterterrorism measures and missile defense—both are essential to homeland security.

Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, Members of Congress unequivocally gave their support to the President to expose those who supported the terrorists and hold them accountable. Yet barely one week later, some opponents of missile defense began to use...