James Traficant: “I did not originally support the B-2. I once made a statement, ``Why build them? Tell the Soviets we have 500. They…”

“I did not originally support the B-2. I once made a statement, ``Why build them? Tell the Soviets we have 500. They can't see them, they can't hear them; how are they going to know?'' The wisdom of this House built the B-2. B-2 is an advantage. B-2 gives us the edge. Yes, it is costly, but how do you quantify the value of the lives of our troops? How many more Scot O'Gradys, America, might experience those types of disasters? But there is one other thing today because today's debate is not about money, it is maintaining the position of strength to negotiate. Ronald Reagan said America must always negotiate from a position of strength. The B-2 maintains America's position of strength. That is the greatest deterrent we have in international possible conflict. Now, yes, we must balance the budget, but our major job here is to protect the national security. And, my colleagues, America cannot do it with the Neighborhood Crime Watch. We have got to step up. The time to kill B-2 was at the beginning. Congress went ahead. Now to kill the B-2 is not cost effective. The major production costs have already taken place. Now the copies can come forward. We cannot protect America with the Neighborhood Crime Watch. We must negotiate from a position of strength. Ronald Reagan was right about that. B-2 gives us the edge. Take the edge. I oppose the amendment.”