ND North News

The United States Senate has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a bipartisan vote of 77 to 20. The legislation authorizes over $900 billion for defense initiatives in the coming year, focusing on modernizing the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition processes, strengthening military readiness, and improving recruitment and quality of life for service members.

This year’s NDAA includes expanded free credit monitoring for all service members and their families. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led efforts to extend this benefit to non-active-duty reservists and traditional National Guard members, beyond its previous limitation to active-duty personnel. The bill also incorporates the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, supporting families of first responders who die from service-related cancer due to carcinogen exposure.

Senator Kevin Cramer, chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus, commented on the passage: “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,” he said. “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.”

Among several amendments supported by Senator Cramer is language that increases restrictions on U.S investments in China. The NDAA authorizes new powers for Treasury officials regarding transactions involving sensitive technologies in China; sanctions may also be imposed against Chinese entities connected with military or intelligence activities.

Senator Cramer secured funding authorization for multiple projects based in North Dakota through his role as a member of SASC:

“This NDAA supports development of President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense architecture by requiring modernization of PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station,” said Cramer. He added that legislative backing would enhance missile defense infrastructure.

Funding will modernize PARCS at Cavalier SFS—a radar system tracking more than half of all earth-orbiting objects—improving detection abilities against missile threats as well as space domain awareness.

Cavalier SFS is positioned as central within plans for an expanded missile defense shield under President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome initiative.

Senators Cramer and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced legislation complementing executive orders related to next-generation missile defenses.

Regarding Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), Cramer stated: “With its RQ-4 Global Hawks and strategically important ISR capabilities, Grand Forks Air Force Base significantly contributes to global engagement mission.” The NDAA secures continued operations for RQ-4 Global Hawks at GFAFB along with funding development for corrosion-resistant coatings produced locally by Technology Applications Group (TAG).

The FY26 NDAA also designates resources toward Tranche 3 satellites within Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture—expected to strengthen detection capabilities against various missile threats including hypersonic systems.

On Minot Air Force Base’s nuclear deterrence role: “As only base housing two legs of nuclear triad...this NDAA ensures we strategically maintain base’s long-range strike...while fulfilling commitment modernize nuclear arsenal against future threats.” Funding is provided for Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which will replace aging Minuteman III missiles; requirements set minimum deployed ICBMs at 400 units.

Additionally encouraged are additive manufacturing facilities at wing-levels across U.S Air Force bases—aimed at boosting readiness while lowering maintenance costs.

North Dakota's "Happy Hooligans" unit operating MQ-9 Reapers gains recognition through formal combat identifiers established by this act; such designation enables access by Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews (“RPA”) crew members—including benefits from Veterans Affairs—for combat-related service support.

Cramer noted: “The Happy Hooligans’ military excellence...demonstrates vital role they play...My bill with Senator Rosen...creates status identifier...and designates resources keep them fit duty.”

An Armory project is authorized in Jamestown as part of ND National Guard priorities: “Our North Dakota National Guardsmen are best best...” said Cramer regarding their key support roles both statewide and nationally.