Defend America Act of 1996

The Defend America Act of 1996 (S. 1635) -- also referred to as "Star Wars" -- was introduced into the Senate on May 21, 1996. The bill was intended "to establish a United States policy for the deployment of a national missile defense system, and for other purposes."

The bill contained legislative provisions that were dropped from FY96 legislation because of presidential opposition.


 * North Korea, Iran, Libya, and Iraq: [Sec2(4)]: "Several countries that are hostile to the United States ... have demonstrated an interest in acquiring ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States.


 * North Korea: [Sec.2(5)]: "The Intelligence Community of the United States has confirmed that North Korea is developing an intercontinental ballistic missile that will be capable of reaching Alaska or beyond once deployed."

The Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 was introduced as an alternative to the Defend America Act which failed to pass in the House of Representatives.