-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

May 9, 2011

House Panel Releases B-1 Plans

Earlier this year, the President and the Air Force released a plan to eliminate a combination of six combat and/or training aircraft from the B-1 fleet, which currently totals 66 bombers. Dyess Air Force Base is home to 36 bombers, including 12 combat, 16 training, 6 backup, and 2 testing aircraft. This cut would represent a reduction of $34 to $40 million in annual funding to Dyess, and 200 jobs at the base. Last month, I testified before the House Armed Services Committee to raise my concerns regarding the proposed cuts and their impact on the B-1 fleet, and made clear the importance and significance the B-1 has in the Middle East, as well as all over the world.

Last Thursday, I was pleased to see that the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces approved a plan responding to my concerns. The panel unanimously passed a plan that would still cut six B-1 bombers, however they would preserve the total number of combat and training aircraft, and instead cut six backup planes. Backup aircraft have very low funding and manpower requirements, which means that if this legislation were to become law, while there may be fewer planes in the fleet, the impact on Dyess should be minimal.

But the fight is not over. The B-1 is the only bomber that has been used in combat during the past five years over Iraq and Afghanistan, and is operating almost constantly over Afghanistan in support of our troops on the ground. The B-1 is truly unique, and has capabilities that neither B-2s nor B-52s have. I believe that with a new bomber at least 10-15 years away, we should be taking every possible step to preserve the fleet. I will continue to work with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to raise the profile of the B-1, and push for the fleet to be maintained at 66 planes. This week the full House Armed Services Committee will take up the plan as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

H.Res. 254 – to Pray for the Victims of Wildfires, Tornadoes and Flooding

In light of the natural disasters occurring in Texas and throughout the country, I introduced a resolution last week that will encourage all Americans to join together in prayer for the victims and the devastation.  The destructive tornadoes and flooding in the South and Midwest and the devastating drought and dangerous wildfires in the South and Southwest have caused displacement, financial and personal hardship on many of our fellow Americans. In these difficult times, I hope we join together to pray for and support those who are suffering.

Come Join in the Discussion

May 16th through May 19th, I will be traveling around the 19th district hosting town hall meetings in Breckenridge, Graham, Muleshoe, Lubbock and Big Spring. Click here to see when I will be near you. I welcome your input as we work to chart a course for America that creates jobs and does not steal the future from our children and grandchildren. I look forward to seeing you and discussing important topics of the day such as the budget, deficit, foreign affairs and job creation.

Question of the Week

“A shuttle launch scheduled for April 29th was delayed because of a malfunction in one of its power units.  It has been postponed until the middle of this month. Do you agree with President Obama’s decision to eliminate the space shuttle program?”

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week's question.

Thank you for your continuing responses to our “Question of the Week.” Here are the results from last week’s question:

“Should the U.S. continue its military operations in Afghanistan to eliminate all remaining Al Qaeda personnel even though Usama bin Laden has been killed?”

Yes – 59.7%
No – 34.9%
Undecided – 5.4%

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As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. Please forward the Roundup to anyone who might enjoy hearing updates from DC, and sign up for mobile updates by texting RANDY to GOPGOV (467468). In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.