releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a711aba8-bf7a-43f8-9750-6bbea89fb667
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a711aba8-bf7a-43f8-9750-6bbea89fb667 | Heitkamp: Long Range Strike Bombers, like those at Minot AFB, Critical for National Security | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. At an event hosted by the Air Force Association, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp underscored the importance of the conventional and nuclear capabilities of long range strike bombers, like those at Minot Air Force Base, and called for sufficient federal funding to support the mission. Heitkamp spoke at the launch of a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies report confirming what Heitkamp has long said that its critical to our national security that the U.S. procure a strong, adequate fleet of long range bombers. Maintaining long-range strike bombers isnt just important to make sure were ready for combat situations it also sends a signal that America is committed to our allies and to deterring aggression around the world, said Heitkamp. Minot Air Force Bases bombers are essential to our national security, providing the military with flexibility and strength to deter threats, reassure allies abroad, and perform a range of combat missions. The bipartisan defense bill Congress passed this month has many provisions I fought for to bolster North Dakota military missions. We have to work to guarantee our states armed forces continue to have the support they need to keep us safe. Earlier this month, the Senate passed a bipartisan defense authorization bill that included a provision supporting the B-52 mission at Minot Air Force Base and the President is expected to sign the bill into law soon. That language builds off legislation Heitkamp and Republican Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota introduced in May to support long-range bomber missions, including those carried out at Minot Air Force Base. Heitkamp and Rounds Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act was designed to make sure the U.S. military doesnt retire B-1, B-2, or B-52 bomber aircraft prematurely by requiring the U.S. Secretary of Defense to make certain that doing so would not hurt the militarys capability to execute any long-range bomber missions. Heitkamp is a tireless supporter of the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, including the 5th Bomb Wings B-52 bombers and the 91st Missile Wings Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). As co-founder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has been a vocal advocate for servicemembers and their families, and has led efforts to make sure they get the resources they need to defend our country and help build strong military communities. In May, Heitkamp joined the civic leaders of Minots Task Force 21 at the Pentagon to reinforce the importance of the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base in a meeting with General Mark Welsh, the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff. In January, Heitkamp highlighted the importance of bolstering the missions at Minot Air Force Base to protect our national security in a meeting with Miranda Ballentine, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy. Last summer, Heitkamp also urged top U.S. Air Force officials to protect the long-term viability of B-52 and ICBM missions at Minot Air Force Base and stressed the need to invest in and modernize the bases B-52 bomber force to help deter potential enemies from action. Last fall, Heitkampjoined Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at Minot Air Force Base, where Hagel committed to investing billions of dollars to maintain and modernize our nations nuclear forces. He also noted the need for additional investments to improve and sustain infrastructure and equipment, boost troop morale, and increase oversight. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |