[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           AUTHORIZATION ACT

  My colleagues will also recall that the Congress recognized the 
importance of these bombers in the defense authorization act by 
including language that prohibits ``retiring or dismantling, or 
preparing to retire or dismantle'' any B-52H bombers.
  The authorization bill also included an amendment offered by Senator 
Conrad and myself that requires that the current fleet of B-52 bombers 
be maintained in active status and that the Secretary of Defense treat 
all B-52's identically when carrying out upgrades.
  Lastly, the Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate agreed 
to authorize additional funding for B-52 modernizations, operations and 
maintenance, and personnel.

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