[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                  Iran

  Mr. President, I also want to take a moment to comment on Friday's 
strikes against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran's 
proxies in Iraq and Syria.
  Last week, I called on the President to take decisive action in 
response to the more than 165 attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq, 
Syria, Jordan, and in the Red Sea, including the tragic death of three 
soldiers in Jordan. The President's half-measures had failed, with 
deadly consequences, and a forceful response was overdue. The President 
must continue to take the necessary measures to protect our troops 
abroad and to maintain freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
  I specifically would like to commend the men and women of the 28th 
Bomb Wing, which is based in South Dakota at Ellsworth Air Force Base 
but now has a contingent of about 250 airmen operating out of Dyess Air 
Force Base while our airfield is closed.
  The 28th Bomb Wing not only participated in Friday's strike against 
85 targets, but it did so flying what is known as a CONUS-to-CONUS 
mission--that is, taking off from American soil, hitting overseas 
targets, and returning to base in a single, marathon flight.
  This ability to generate combat power that can strike anywhere on the 
map is a testament to the professionalism of the 28th Bomb Wing's 
aircrews and maintainers, and it also underscores the importance of 
preserving this capability now and well into the future so that we can 
deter threats and hold adversaries accountable. Global reach anytime, 
anyplace.
  The B-21 bomber, which was unveiled last year and is set to make 
Ellsworth its first home for Main Operating Base 1 later this decade, 
will begin a new era of American airpower, but until that sixth-
generation bomber is fielded, we need to continue full support for 
programs like the B-1 bomber. I will continue to do everything I can 
here in Congress to support both the B-21 and the B-1 missions and the 
men and women who are behind their success.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The Senator from Washington.