Earl Pomeroy: “In April, seven colleagues and I wrote to you to express our serious concern that the number of long-range bombers…”

“In April, seven colleagues and I wrote to you to express our serious concern that the number of long-range bombers contained in the fiscal year 1995 defense budget is inadequate to support requirements for two major regional contingencies. Specifically, we are troubled by the dramatic cut in our most capable and our only battle-tested bomber--the B-52H--to just 40 operational aircraft. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the committee responded to the shortfall in funding for long-range bombers by creating a Bomber Force Upgrade Fund [B-FUP]. Is it correct that the funds provided in the B-FUP may be used to retain B-52's in the active force instead of placing them in attrition reserve status, as proposed in the administration's budget?”