The third try, in July, was meant to be the last before President Clinton's deployment decision.

So my view is full funding of the research, and then make the deployment decision when you have all the cards on the table.

So my view is just go forward with a vigorous research program and make the deployment decision when you have all the information in your hand.

"Our plan says, 'Let's develop the system, then assess the threat in three years, and make our deployment decision accordingly.' "

But the change in design means Mr. Bush won't have adequate information by 1993 on which to base his deployment decision.

"We believe we are close to being able to recommend a deployment decision," he said.

It's time to move past paper studies to the deployment decisions.

The Administration says no deployment decision has been made.

Though the administration is weighing approval of preliminary construction, it says a final deployment decision may fall to the next president.

Mr. Bush said any deployment decision would be subject to scientific and budgetary consideration.