Subj:	[Elfrad-Group] Kucinich to Introduce Legislation to Ban Weaponization of Space
Date:	7/27/01 1:23:16 PM Pacific Daylight Time

NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE:                             CONTACT: Kathie Scarrah
July 26, 2001                   202.226.8139, 703.845.2874

Kucinich to Introduce Legislation to Ban Weaponization of Space

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) today announced his intention to
introduce legislation to ban the weaponization of space.

"The time has come to ban the further weaponization of space," Congressman
Kucinich said. "We must work toward the elimination of all nuclear weapons,
and an end to policies which cause this country to move toward the
weaponization of space.  I was pleased with the recent news from our neighbor
to the north that Canada is ready to join an international effort to prohibit
weapons in space.  It is time for the United States to take the lead and end
the weaponization of space."

Kucinich said the argument that supporters of weaponization use claiming our
national security and commercial interests would be put at risk are fear
tactics backed by greed.  "We signed the ABM treaty nearly 30 years ago;
which requires a reduction in strategic arms, nuclear disarmament and general
and complete disarmament.  Weaponization of space clearly violates that
treaty.  My bill will call for an immediate and permanent termination of
research, testing, manufacturing, production and deployment of all
space-based weapons systems and components by any person, agency or
contractor of the U.S. government."

Kucinich will introduce the Space Preservation Act of 2001 this autumn.