North Korea

BELLEW FOR CONGRESS

NORTH KOREA’S TESTING OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS UNDERSCORES THE NEED FOR AN EFFICIENT NATIONAL DEFENSE SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.BellewforCongress.com
CONTACT: Leigh-Ann Bellew
Phone: 732-670-9839 info@bellewforcongress.com

“After the very public testing of nuclear weapons by North Korea, there are few of us who don’t share great concern over our safety from foreign missiles,� said Leigh-Ann Bellew, while talking to constituents who voiced their fears.

“We are living under the threat North Korea and other rogue states such as Iran, and even threats from non-states, and I believe the United States must be prepared to defend itself against any missile strike through the development and improvement of an anti-missile defense,� she said.

She believes the immediate and strong sanctions being called for by the United States, Japan and other countries against North Korea are an important high priority, but do not guarantee that they will stop future tests, nor rein in other rogue nations.

“Consider this,� says Bellew, “North Korea’s nuclear program began in 1952 and although they signed the Agreed Framework treaty with the United States in 1994, they defiantly continued developing nuclear facilities. It is, therefore, difficult to believe they will just abandon them now.�

Unfortunately Frank Pallone’s voting record indicates he is not only anti-defense, but plays partisan politics with the defense issue. She believes his yea vote for this year’s defense budget (FY2007), was politically motivated because his past records shows otherwise.

As far back as 1996 he voted against the defense authorization bill that among other things gave a 3% pay raise for our military personnel. In 2002 he voted to block funding of missile defense programs and more recently voted to cut National Missile Defense by almost 50%. In the last two Congresses, he didn’t sponsor one bill that addressed the safety of those living in the 6th District. He even opposed the 2006 Defense Budget because, according to his press release, it contained a provision to permit leasing of land in ANWR with the potential of future oil drilling. Obviously, Mr. Pallone is more concerned with the possible need to protect the caribou than with the very real need to protect his own constituents.

“The cost of partisan politics may be more than Americans can afford,� Bellew tells her constituents. “When we have politicians who don’t put national defense on the top of their list of priorities, we have a weak spot.�

She believes that the citizens in the 6th District need a representative that will support a pro-defense agenda to protect Americans at home, support Americans fighting abroad and keep Americans working to root out terrorists organizations armed with the necessary tools to do their job. As a Congresswoman, she will work to deliver all three.

KEAN & MENENDEZ DEBATE FOREIGN POLICY IN HALL INSTITUTE'S ONLINE EXCHANGE

(TRENTON) - The U.S. Senate candidates' responses to the second question in the Hall Institute's virtual debate are now online at www.hallnj.org/virtualdebate. The question, which addresses foreign policy issues, reads:

At a recent meeting, the news that North Korea test fired medium and long range ballistic missiles led Congressional Candidate Leigh-Ann Bellew to highlight the importance of our Nation's missile defense program. "Our Representatives in Washington must ensure that our government has the ability to protect American families from the threat of ballistic missile attacks," Bellew said.

North Korea test fired at least six ballistic missiles, each capable of transporting nuclear warheads. What is alarming is that the missiles have a potential range to reach portions of the United States. "A rogue state with nuclear weapons, and the means to transport them to America, poses a significant danger to our Country. We must be able to stop those weapons from reaching our shores," Bellew said.

Although she commented that diplomacy should not be disregarded, she also noted that there are greater threats than North Korea that might gain this missile technology. Other unstable countries, such as Iran, or terrorist elements that might not allow for diplomatic resolutions, could potentially obtain the ability to launch attacks against our interests or allies. "We cannot deny ourselves the ability to defend against those who refuse to pursue non-violent solutions," said Bellew.

As part of her Congressional agenda, and her mission to help secure New Jersey and American families, Bellew said she will support enhancing America's missile defense program. If elected, Bellew said she is prepared to support, "not only research and funding for our current missile defense programs, but also other avenues to address the threats we face."

Although her opponent could do the same, Bellew said she is not waiting for that "miracle" to occur. "Unfortunately," she continued, "Frank Pallone does not appreciate the situation and has consistently voted against the programs that would protect our citizens from these threats." Her comments were based upon Pallone's record over the past 10 years that includes votes to block funding of missile defense programs, reduce funding to such programs by almost 50%, and against research for such protective measures.

"The defense of our Country is no where near the top of Pallone's policy list," Bellew said, and she also commented that "Pallone has to wake up and act for our security." "America would be in an even better position had Frank Pallone and his fellow Democrats taken a different stance and supported our missile defense programs in the past; with the future of America, and nothing else, at heart."

Emphasizing the need to be prepared at all times, Bellew said, "this aspect of our Nation's plan of survival should always have our complete and undivided support and attention, for the sake of all involved."

For more information about the "Mom on a Mission"campaign, contact Bellew for Congress at info@bellewforcongress.com or by phone at 732-692-6443.

Rep Andrews Urges Sanctions if North Korea Doesn’t End Missile Launches