BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Live to Georgetown University, the president has entered the room. We expect comments momentarily, a speech to be given about the national missile defense system. It is our understanding now through a number of sources through the White House, and other areas throughout the CNN networks, that indeed the president will put on hold the decision as to go forward or not with this national missile defense plan. It has been a campaign issue for the Texas governor George W. Bush, and for Al Gore as well. And it appears at this point, the successor to Bill Clinton will have the ultimate say on whether or not the research continues for the program, or the program itself continues as well. There had been a target date for the year 2005. But many people are saying, this morning now, that with this postponement, that 2005 target date will be pushed back, possibly 2006, 2007, at some point when a decision is made to advance this program or to shelve it. More on the speech from President Clinton when he gets to the podium there.
Clinton Prepares for Speech Announcing Postponement of Missile Defense Research