Hunter Subcommittee Discusses Additional B-2s

At a Wednesday hearing of the House National Security Subcommittee on Military Procurement, which is chaired by Rep. Duncan Hunter (El Cajon), the panel considered a proposal to direct the Pentagon to procure nine additional B-2 bombers beyond the 21 already purchased. California members of the subcommittee making statements included Chairman Hunter, full committee Ranking Member Ron Dellums (Oakland), Buck McKeon (Santa Clarita), and Jane Harman (Rolling Hills). Proponents of the plan estimated that the nine additional aircraft would cost $9.3 billion, and that $350 million would be required in FY98 to start the process leading to a total of 30 planes by 2004. The aircraft, produced by California-based Northrop Grumman, is estimated to support more than 20,000 California jobs.

Volume 4, Bulletin 9 -- March 13, 1997