Chair of Missile Defense Caucus: Obama Sitting on the Sidelines on North Korea/Iran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to North Korea's successful missile launch, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), Chair of both the Congressional Missile Defense Caucus and the EMP Caucus, released the following statement:

"One of the most dangerous police states in the world has taken one giant step forward in its capability to reach the United States with a nuclear or electromagnetic pulse weapon under the unwatchful eye of President Obama.

"And as if to taunt an Administration neither country has any reason to fear, reports indicate North Korea utilized Iranian scientists in today's successful launch.

"Both Iran and North Korea have certain grave things in common: both are unstable, oppressive, violent regimes; and both are pursuing a nuclear weapons capability under an unconvincing guise. North Korea says it is developing a space, not weapons, program -- one that just so happens to produce intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads. And Iran claims it seeks only a nuclear power program -- one that apparently requires the pursuit of weapons-grade uranium.

"But most alarmingly, based on this Administration's utter lack of leadership, it would seem both nations have successfully duped this President into sitting on the sidelines while they complete nuclear programs with which they can threaten the entire world."