[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]




                      DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

  The fiscal year 1997 defense appropriations bill, which the Senate 
has just passed, fulfills the promise of the authorization act. The 
conference report includes $4.4 million for military personnel, $47.9 
million for operations and maintenance and $11.5 million for 
procurement. This additional funding is vital if we are to keep all 94 
B-52's modernized and flying. This number is the full fleet of our only 
bomber that can deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads.
  I am pleased that the Congress has again recognized the wisdom of not 
trying to prejudge force structure studies now underway at the 
Pentagon. It makes no sense to retire B-52 bombers when the Deep Attack 
Weapons Mix Study and the next Quadrennial Defense Review may recommend 
that we keep them in the air.

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