[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SUPPORT THE B-2

  (Mr. SALMON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in strong support of the 
B-2 stealth bomber, and in strong opposition to the Dellums/Kasich 
amendment to be offered later today to eliminate funding for future 
bombers.
  In today's uncertain world, we will be lucky to have a day's warning 
before a conflict erupts. With our forward presence constantly 
shrinking, the B-2 provides us with the ability to rapidly project 
power deep within well-protected enemy territory.
  Further, while the premium on surprise and quick strike ability is 
increasing, the premium placed on the lives of our service men and 
women remains paramount. With stealth and precision-guided munitions, 
one B-2 with a crew of two is as effective as 75 conventional aircraft 
which place 132 air crew at risk. And the B-2 can do this without being 
staged on the dangerous front lines of a conflict.
  The options that the B-2 provides are vital to the future of our 
Nation's power projection capabilities. It is currently the only bomber 
in production, and the only one planned. If the Dellums/Kasich 
amendment passes later today, we will lose these capabilities along 
with
 the ability to rapidly produce them in the future. If this amendment 
passes, by the year 2030, we will be sending our pilots into combat in 
70 year old B-52's. This would be the same as sending our fighter 
pilots into Desert Storm in wooden and cloth biplanes.

  And, the B-2 fits under the budget cap that was approved in the House 
earlier this year.
  I urge a ``no'' vote on the Dellums-Kasich amendment when it is 
offered later today. Please join me in voting to maintain our nation's 
critical power projection capabilities.

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