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WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) today released the following statements after the U.S. Air Force announced that existing bomber bases, including Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, will remain bomber bases into the future as Northrop Grumman’s next-generation B-21 “Raiders” become operational.

“The exceptional airmen at Dyess have proven their ability time and again to produce combat-ready crews, and this will help them to further enhance Air Force readiness,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “The fleet of B-21 Raiders will benefit not just the Abilene community, but also our national security for decades to come.” 

"Dyess Air Force Base is one West Texas-sized step closer to basing the B-21 bomber," said Rep. Arrington. "This is no doubt a tribute to the quality of our Airmen and women at Dyess, and the unmatched support from the community of Abilene. Abilene and Dyess are inseparable and in order to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the Big Country, securing the B-21 is absolutely essential. This is a generational opportunity for West Texas and, while I am extremely confident the B-21 will grace the Key City, I will continue to be vigilant in championing Dyess to Secretary Wilson, General Rand, and the entire Air Force leadership until I see the Secretary's signature on the dotted line."