releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F96202C9-7B9F-4D47-98E2-BDD7A440C198
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F96202C9-7B9F-4D47-98E2-BDD7A440C198 | In Speech to Air Force Officials & Minot Community Leaders, Heitkamp Champions Minot AFBs Role in Keeping Nation Strong & Safe, Touts Major Win for B-52s in Bipartisan Funding Bill | 2018-10-09 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Earlier this Year, Heitkamp Successfully Led Push to Secure Funding for the Modernization of Minot's B-52s, Brought Top Generals to Minot to Highlight Need for Upgrades WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today stressed Minot Air Force Base's critical national security role and pushed leaders to maintain and modernize the base's nuclear arsenal, including its B-52 long-range strike bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). In a speech to Minot community leaders and Air Force officials at Minot Task Force 21's annual nuclear deterrence symposium, Heitkamp highlighted her work to successfully secure funding to upgrade and modernize Minot's B-52 fleet and ICBMs. Last month, Heitkamp helped pass a bipartisan funding bill that was signed into law that includes $455 million for upgrades to the bomber. In January, Heitkampled a bipartisan group of senators in calling for new or upgraded engines on the Air Force's B-52swhile the next generation of bombers is being developed. Following Heitkamp's push,the Air Force announced that Minot Air Force Base will continue to host bomber missions. Modernizing the engines on the B-52 bomber would substantially extend aircraft lifespan, reduce the cost to maintain older engines, increase fuel efficiency and flying time, and reduce the bomber's carbon footprint. North Dakotans are proud of our airmen and their families, which we can see in community groups like Minot's Task Force 21. The brave men and women of Minot conduct vital missions that protect our allies, hold adversaries accountable, and effectively maintain peace. But to make sure they can continue to carry out their jobs effectively, we need to give our airmen the cutting-edge technology they deserve, said Heitkamp. Last month, Congress passed a bipartisan defense funding bill that was signed into law by the President, and it includes funding for the B-52 re-engining push I've been leading in the Senateallowing Minot's bombers to patrol our skies long into the future. Additionally, the bill includes funding for much-needed upgrades to Minot's ICBM arsenal, which I've been pushing for. These are important steps forward, and I'll keep fighting to give the Air Force missions at Minot and Grand Forks the hardware, personnel, and training they need to keep our country strong and safe. The bipartisan funding bill includes strengthened support to modernize and maintain the nuclear arsenal, including roughly $665 million for the Long-Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, over $500 million to maintain the ICBM arsenal, and $414 million for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent the replacement for the Minuteman III missiles. The funding package also includes $258 million to replace the UH-1N Huey Helicopters that provide security for ICBM silos, like those at Minot Air Force Base. In May 2018, Heitkamp toured Minot Air Force Base with U.S. Senator Jack Reed ranking member of the Armed Services Committee to push for support in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for maintenance and modernization of Minot Air Force Base's nuclear assets, including its B-52 bombers and ICBMs. Heitkamp also welcomed Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) General John E. Hyten, who oversees global command and control of U.S. strategic forces, and Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, a top official responsible for overseeing Minot Air Force Base's nuclear mission, during the tour. Her visit to Minot Air Force base followed Heitkamp's meeting at the Pentagon earlier that month with civic leaders from Minot's Task Force 21 and Lt. Gen. Weinstein, in which they discussed the need to modernize Minot's nuclear arsenal. Heitkamp has also consistently called onAir Force Secretary Heather WilsonandDefense Secretary Mattisto accelerate the replacement of Minot's Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters, which patrol and protect Minot's ICBM missile sites, and she is encouraged that the Air Force made a decision on the replacement contract last month. In July, Senator Heitkamp met with Brigadier General Andrea Tullos, the Air Force's Director of Security Forces, to discuss training and personnel issues confronting the Security Forces career field and the Reconstitute Defenders Initiative. Background Heitkamp has continued to underscore Minot Air Force Base's role in a tough, smart national security strategy. At the Air Force Association breakfast series in May 2018,Heitkamp outlined her national defense prioritiesto keep Americans safe in the face of rising threats across the globe, which includes strengthening investment in the strategic nuclear deterrent and modernizing Minot's B-52s, ICBMs, and security apparatus. And in September 2017,Heitkamp welcomed Defense Secretary James Mattis and Air Force Secretary Wilsonto Minot to support the base's servicemembers and reassert the administration's commitment to a modernized nuclear arsenal. Heitkamp has also pushed for a Nuclear Posture Review that emphasizes the U.S. commitment to the nuclear triad and its fundamental role in national security. In February, the U.S. Department of Defense released its 2018 Nuclear Posture Review, which reflected all of the key recommendations ina report Heitkamp and the other members of the Senate ICBM Coalition releasedin December 2016. Additionally, Heitkamp has consistently pushed for Minot's nuclear deterrence role as an aspect of the mutual defense of U.S. allies. 2017,Heitkamp crafted and passed a provision in the defense authorization billto reassure America's allies in its steadfast commitment to protecting against the North Korean nuclear threat. Heitkamp is a co-founder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus and is a member of the Senate Long Range Strike Caucus and the Senate ICBM Coalition. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |