The compromise fiscal year 2020 defense policy bill allows the Defense Department to continue developing and testing conventional, ground-launched missiles with ranges in excess of limits set by a now-abandoned treaty, while lawmakers want more information on DOD's plans for the weapons before approving their procurement and deployment. The bill released by House and Senate conference negotiators this week scales back a provision included in the House's original legislation that would have prohibited research and development of ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles. Instead, the compromise bill merely prohibits DOD from using FY-20 funds to procure and deploy conventional missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The Pentagon did not request funding for such activities in FY-20. It also requires DOD to deliver a comprehensive report by Jan. 31, 2020, on its plans for the development, acquisition and deployment of such missiles.
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