05.11.15

Rounds, Hoeven, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Bill to Preserve Long-Range Bombers Including B-52s in Minot

WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Rounds and John Hoeven today joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act of 2015. The legislation would prevent the Department of Defense from retiring any B-1, B-2 or B-52 bomber aircraft without certification that it would not degrade operational defense capabilities.

Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota is one of two locations hosting the B-52 bomber fleet. The Air Force is starting to develop a new long-range bomber aircraft but it may not be fielded for several years, underscoring the importance of maintaining the current bomber fleet. 

“The B-52 is an incredibly durable and versatile aircraft that fulfills both conventional and nuclear missions,” Hoeven said. “The B-52 provides tremendous value to the Department of the Defense, especially in a time of tight budgets, and we must ensure that we make the most of its capabilities by preserving the fleet for years to come.”

Original cosponsors of the Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act of 2015 include Sens. Mike Rounds (S.D.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

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