Clinton Will Decide on Missile Defense

Clinton administration officials said they expect the president will decide whether to go ahead with the next phase of a national missile defense system and not leave it up to his successor. Senators raised concerns about spending billions of dollars on the proposed system, which failed an important test Friday, and some suggested the U.S. faced more potential threats from terrorists on the ground. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said it would be “irresponsible” for the administration to put off the decision, as suggested by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb).