As the home of Ellsworth Air Force Base, our state understands the importance of maintaining our strategic military assets. In 2005, I was honored to join with South Dakota’s congressional delegation and the local community to help secure the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base. I believe a capable bomber force is essential to our national security and provides a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors. That’s why Ellsworth Air Force Base, as a base for the B-1 and a potential home for the next-generation bomber, plays a vital role in keeping our country safe.

B-1 Bomber
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the B-1 has been our nation’s primary bomber platform, flying almost 67 percent of our nation’s missions during that period. A continued investment in the B-1 is a national security imperative, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to make sure the plane continues to receive upgrades so it has the capability to be a vital part of our nation’s Air Force for the next several decades.

Next-Generation Bomber
Protecting and maintaining our nation’s air superiority well into the future is a national security requirement, and I strongly support the next-generation bomber program to build a new long-range strike weapons platform. I look forward to continuing to make the case for this bomber to the Administration, the Air Force and the other Members of Congress.

Quadrennial Defense Review
The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review provides a critical framework for our national defense policy and plays an important role in determining our nation’s security needs over the coming decades. During the QDR process, I will continue to be an advocate for the B-1 and the next-generation bomber and look for opportunities to discuss the importance of those programs with the appropriate Air Force and Department of Defense officials.

New Missions for Ellsworth
Ellsworth Air Force Base remains one of the elite military installations in the United States. I look forward to continuing to work with the other members of South Dakota’s congressional delegation to make sure Ellsworth is considered for all appropriate missions.