WASHINGTON – Senators passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act Thursday.
The bill authorizes more than $900 billion in defense-related initiatives.
Senator Kevin Cramer is the chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee.
“As we face what I believe to be the most dangerous national security moment since World War II, this NDAA really recognizes the need to deter our adversaries. And to do that, we need to invest in our offensive capabilities and our innovation, and make generational reforms to the Pentagon, all the while staying focused on the mission at hand,” said Cramer. “This bill does that. Peace Through Strength isn’t just a bumper sticker, as I like to say. It’s a fundamental principle, and if we don’t shake up the status quo and accelerate modernization we’re going to lose. By passing this bill, we’re prioritizing the safety and security of the American people across the board. Thanks to Leader Thune and Chairman Wicker for getting this bill on the floor and getting it the time on the Senate floor it deserves. I really look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, President Trump, and his administration to rebuild what is, and always has been, and must always be the arsenal of democracy.”
Senator John Hoeven, member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, said passage of the act is key.
“Passing the NDAA each year provides certainty to our servicemembers and the missions they conduct across the globe, helps refine our national defense strategy and supports our work in the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund our priorities and keep them on track,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, we’ve secured authorizations to benefit North Dakota’s active duty and guard missions, from the dual-nuclear mission in Minot to the space and UAS operations in the Red River Valley. These efforts expand our state’s role as a leader in the future of our country’s defense, providing a strong foundation through nuclear deterrence, while developing and deploying the latest, greatest technologies to give our warfighters the advantage.”
The act authorizes a nearly four percent pay raise for military members, advances nuclear modernization at the Minot Air Force Base, expands the state’s leadership in unmanned and space operations at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station and strengthens missions of the North Dakota National Guard.
The legislation provides more than $5 million for the planning and designing of an army for the North Dakota National Guard in Jamestown, a top priority for the guard.
