Senator Schmitt Statement on Takedown of Chinese Spy Balloon

WASHINGTON – Following the takedown of the Chinese spy balloon that hovered over the United States for days, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt released the following statement:

“This Chinese spy balloon was in U.S. airspace for days, traveling over thousands of miles across our country. Before it was taken down, it hovered over our military assets and installations, including Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, which houses critical military infrastructure like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The takedown was way too late, and the damage has clearly been done. Why wasn’t it taken down in sparsely populated areas of Alaska or Montana?” said Senator Eric Schmitt. “In addition to likely gathering intel, China was clearly testing Biden on his response to this intrusion into American airspace and his decision making in general, and he failed miserably for our adversaries to see. Last night I called for an investigation, and I will continue to push for more information – the American people deserve answers.”

Background

• Last night, Senator Eric Schmitt called for an investigation into the Biden Administration’s lack of action regarding the balloon, and demanded answers on behalf of the American people. Read more here and here.
• Missouri is home to Whiteman Air Force base, home of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.
  • Whiteman Air Force base is also home to the 509^th Bomb Wing of the Air Force Global Strike Command, a vital asset in maintaining the United States nuclear preparedness.
  • The 509^th Bomb Wing’s mission is to “execute strategic nuclear operations, lethal global strike and combat support – anytime, anywhere.”
• Fort Leonard Wood is also in the state of Missouri, and is the primary American training school specializing in military Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense, and is vital to American security.

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