-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

March 5, 2012

The B-1 Bomber Completes its 10,000th Combat Mission

Last week, the B-1 bomber completed its 10,000th combat mission for the U.S. Air Force. The B-1 performed its first combat mission in December 1998 during Operation Desert Fox in Iraq, and mission number 10,000 came in support of NATO ground forces fighting in Afghanistan. Dyess Air Force Base is home to 36 of 66 B-1 Bombers in the U.S. Air Force.

This is a significant milestone for the B-1 Bomber. The B-1 is a versatile and powerful aircraft, able to support our troops not just with bombs, but also with its full suite of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Its pilots and crews are second to none. I am proud to represent the men and women of Dyess Air Force Base, the B-1B Lancer of the 7th Bomb Wing, and the 317th Airlift Group.

2012 Farm Bill Hearings to Begin in the Senate and the House

The 2012 Farm Bill process is starting to take shape. The Senate Agriculture Committee has begun a series of Farm Bill hearings that will end on March 14th, while the House Agriculture Committee will hold a series of farm bill field hearings around the country this spring. These hearings are important as we look to reauthorize farm programs set to expire on September 30th of this year. The Farm Bill offers important risk management tools to farmers and ranchers who produce the food and fiber this country and the world needs. This year, for the first time in history, farmers and ranchers will need to feed and clothe 7 billion people. A sound farm bill will help ensure that producers can manage the risks of modern agriculture while keeping a steady supply of food and fiber readily available for the world.

2012 Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts the Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery.  Held annually since 1982, this nationwide competition has allowed each Congressional District to highlight the outstanding artistic achievement of one talented student. The winning entry will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel in the United States Capitol for one year. This is an exciting way for high school students to showcase their artistic talents and creativity as well as represent West Texas and the Big Country. If you know a high school student who might be interested in this opportunity, visit my website for more information.