Angie Craig: “recently the Air Force revealed as part of its programmed budget decision its plan to cut the B-1B force structure by…”

“recently the Air Force revealed as part of its programmed budget decision its plan to cut the B-1B force structure by more than one-third. This has a substantial impact on a variety of Air Force bases that currently have a B-1B mission, and actually eliminates the B-1B entirely from Mountain Home Air Force Base in my State, from McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, and from Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. Such a drawdown in the B-1B fleet has the same national impact as would BRAC. Clearly, decisions of this magnitude should not be made without consultation with Congress. There was no opportunity for advice and consent on the part of the Air Force or the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Therefore, I offer this amendment on behalf of myself and Senator Roberts to preempt any precipitous action by the Department of Defense that could circumvent the right of Congress to review such a significant change in our Air Force defense structure. This amendment will prevent any 2001 funds from being used for the preparation of retiring, dismantling, or reassigning any portion of the B-1B fleet. This would allow Congress the necessary time to consider the significance of the Air Force's decision and its impact with regard to the fiscal year 2002 defense budget. The B-1B satisfies a very specific warfighting requirement as our fastest long-range strategic bomber capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling.”