Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday overwhelmingly approved House Joint Resolution 8, sponsored by Representative John Harris (R-Valdez). HJR 8 asks the President to select an Alaska site for the deployment of the intercept vehicles for the national ballistic missile defense system.

"By virtue of its strategic location Alaska has had a distinguished role in the history of America's defense, a role that continues today," Harris said. "Any of the several locations under consideration in Alaska would provide an umbrella of protection for all 50 states against the threat of missile attack.

"Every day that passes in which our federal government does not act to deploy a missile defense system brings us one day closer to the day when some madman might decide to wipe out an American city," Harris said. "We in Alaska must do everything in our power to make sure our nation is protected. Passage of HJR is one step toward that end."

HJR 8 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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