even as debate rages over the necessity, cost and effectiveness of the program...
Notice how there is no substanciation of this "rageing debate", its just tossed out there as if it were real.
You can bet your last sawbuck any and all debate will cease the day the system stops the first korean missle. Even if never fired in anger we have to remember the money was spent here in US employing US technitians who might otherwise be on wellfare.