Hartzler statement on Air Force bomber plans

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) released the following statement in response to the President’s 2019 budget request, which includes the Air Force proposal to modernize its bomber force.

“Today the Air Force announced its plan for the future of the bomber fleet as part of the President’s 2019 budget proposal,” Hartzler said. “The plan outlined by the Air Force will continue important modernization investments for the B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers to ensure we maintain a capable bomber force until the B-21 Raider is available for delivery. After an adequate number of B-21s are operational, the Air Force will incrementally retire the B-1 and the B-2 bombers. Although retirement dates have not been announced, Air Force leadership has assured me that Whiteman Air Force Base will continue to host America’s strategic bomber force for decades to come. The B-21 Raider is our future deterrent stealth bomber. This program stands at the forefront of the nation’s defense modernization efforts and will eventually build on the B-2’s legacy as the world’s most advanced long-range strike bomber: one of our adversaries’ most feared weapon systems. I look forward to continuing to work with Air Force leadership as it rebuilds readiness and works to cost-effectively modernize our force.”