GOP launches Golden Dome Caucus to advance Trump’s $175B missile shield

House Republicans have recently established the Golden Dome Caucus in response to President Donald Trump’s push for a nationwide missile defense system. Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado and Rep. Dale Strong of Alabama are leading the caucus, aiming to serve as an “educational clearinghouse” as the policy effort for the dome gets underway.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Crank emphasized the importance of meeting President Trump’s timeline for the initiative’s success. He stated, “Golden Dome will only be successful if we meet President Trump’s timeline. This means that it is imperative that we, members and stakeholders, are well informed and working together to revolutionize missile defense of our great nation.”

The newly formed caucus is set to collaborate with the Senate Golden Dome Caucus, which was founded last month by Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana. Both groups are united in their goal to advance a next-generation missile defense shield to protect the United States against various threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other aerial attacks.

President Trump initially signed an executive order in January that authorized the project, with a formal announcement in May. The inspiration for the Golden Dome project was partly drawn from Israel’s successful Iron Dome missile defense system. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted the urgency of the initiative, given the increasing capabilities of adversaries in deploying long-range weapons.

The proposed Golden Dome program is expected to leverage past investments while incorporating next-generation technology to address the evolving threat landscape. President Ronald Reagan had a similar vision with the Strategic Defense Initiative proposed in 1983. The projected cost for the Golden Dome is estimated at $175 billion, with $25 billion allocated through a proposed reconciliation bill in Congress.

During a May Oval Office event, President Trump underscored the significance of the Golden Dome in safeguarding the country, stating, “This is very important for the success and even survival of our country. It’s an evil world out there.”

However, the Golden Dome project has faced criticism from countries like Russia, China, and North Korea. These nations have expressed concerns about the potential for an arms race in space and the impact on international security and arms control systems.

As the Golden Dome initiative progresses, it is clear that bipartisan support and collaboration will be essential in realizing a robust missile defense system for the United States. The Golden Dome Caucus aims to facilitate informed discussions and coordinated efforts to advance this critical national security priority.