In this manner, a powerful Transatlantic impetus has properly been given to the debate that will begin in earnest on the floors of the U.S. Senate and House over the next few days -- a debate that House Speaker Newt Gingrich recently, correctly described as "the most important national defense debate since Churchill argued for building radar" in the peacetime years before World War II.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

He outlined Friday his policy to revive his nation after years of malaise by building a strong economy and strong national defense.

NPR: PM Says 'Japan's Back,' Vows Stronger Ties With US

Bush said he is dispatching high-level delegations -- composed of officials from the State and Defense departments and the National Security Council -- to Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada to talk about building a new missile defense strategy.

CNN: Bush suggests junking missile treaty with Russia

There are, indeed, very strong reasons for building a global rather than merely a national missile defense system.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, everybody on the national security team, everybody in this building, everybody in the administration involved in these issues is aware of that.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing