Norma Torres: “the current debate over the B-2 bomber marks a turning point for the preservation of U.S. air power. It has been said…”

“the current debate over the B-2 bomber marks a turning point for the preservation of U.S. air power. It has been said that the history of U.S. military power is characterized by technological achievements that produced globally dominating weapons systems. I would maintain that the B-2 bomber is just such a technological achievement. If we examine the core competencies of each of our branch of services, it would be evident that independent strategic bombardment has clearly become the unique core competency of our new U.S. Air Force. Indeed, the United States is no longer just a maritime power--we are an aerospace power, and this strategic air power is vital to our national security. The President of this United States must continue to have the leverage to deter an aggressor by threatening to destroy most of its economic infrastructure with an immediate, devastating strike. If such a strike were necessary, it could be done with B-2's with minimum support, minimum risk, minimum collateral damage, and without U.S. ground force fatalities. The B-2 has global range, high subsonic speed and an extremely low radar signature. It combines the most modern avionics with the ability to deliver precision weapons in all weather conditions. Having created this devastating capability I would urge my colleagues not to abandon it without truly understanding the facts. We must project our legacy in air power into the future--to do this we need the B-2 bomber.”