Central ND News

General Anthony Cotton, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), emphasized the importance of having bombers carry long-range strike weapons during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing. He stated, “I think the utilization of bombers and being able to have a bomber carry a long-range strike weapon...would be very beneficial for us as a nation to have that type of capability for our bomber force.”

Regarding budget transparency within the U.S. Air Force, Senator Kevin Cramer raised concerns to General Cotton, stating, “The transparency of budgets is something that's always frustrated me...particularly as it relates to my favorite service, the Air Force.” General Cotton explained the significance of strategic deterrence platforms, noting that they are "national systems" that ultimately belong to the president of the United States.

In response to Senator Cramer's inquiry about the lack of Space Force representation within USSTRATCOM leadership charts, General Cotton explained efforts to address this gap by working with General Saltzman to fill the position. General Whiting added, “It's important that we ensure Strategic Command has all the insights they need as they rely on the space layer for early warning and for protected communications...today, U.S. Space Command provides a joint integrated space team in his headquarters.”

The discussions during the SASC hearing shed light on the importance of enhancing the capabilities of U.S. military forces, particularly in terms of standoff capability and budget transparency, as well as the need for effective coordination between different branches of the military to strengthen national security.