Harry Reid: “my friend from Idaho indicates that he wants to make sure that the pilots don't fly in harm's way. The pilots who fly…”

“my friend from Idaho indicates that he wants to make sure that the pilots don't fly in harm's way. The pilots who fly out of Mountain Home are treated fairly. They have all they need to be the best that they can be. I refer to what the Air Force said themselves. I quote the Air Force deputy chief of staff. He acknowledged that ``the Idaho training range was not strictly necessary for composite force training.'' The deputy chief of staff said, ``The division already met training needs using the existing range at Saylor Creek, as well as the ranges in Idaho and Nevada.'' Here is what General Ken Peck had to say, the wing commander: ``We are the most combat capable unit anywhere in the world right now.'' So I don't think we can stretch this by saying that if this amendment does not pass, the Air Force pilots are going to be flying in harm's way. Quite to the contrary. According to the commander of the 336th Wing, ``We are the most combat capable unit anywhere in the world right now.'' Why? Because they fly, at the most, 40 minutes to do training. They can train at Mountain Home, but at the most, 40 minutes. Mr. President, let me also say that I have mentioned a number of the environmental groups. Everyone should understand that they haven't had many environmental votes this year. This is one of them. The League of Conservation Voters feels very strongly about this. They have written letters. They have done telephone calls. They have sent e-mail. They sent faxes.”