Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Kevin Cramer have introduced the Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements (IRON DOME) Act. This legislation aims to enhance the U.S. missile defense system against nuclear threats from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Senator Sullivan highlighted past efforts, stating, “For decades, American missile defense strategy has focused on protecting our country from ballistic missile threats posed by rogue nations or accidental launches from a peer nation.” He emphasized the need for change due to new hypersonic and cruise missile threats, noting that "the IRON DOME Act dovetails with and reinforces President Trump’s historic ‘Iron Dome for America’ EO."

The proposed act seeks to invest in developing new capabilities like space-based sensors and intercept technologies. It also plans to modernize existing infrastructure, including Alaska's Fort Greely and North Dakota's PARCS radar system.

Senator Cramer stressed the importance of preparedness: “Now more than ever, we have to ensure the United States is properly equipped to address the pressing threats that are posed by our very capable adversaries.” He described homeland protection as a constitutional duty.

The IRON DOME Act builds upon recommendations from the 2022 Missile Defense Review and includes provisions from Senator Sullivan’s 2017 Advancing America’s Missile Defense Act.