The fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday includes advancing nuclear modernization projects at Minot Air Force Base, according to Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND.

“Providing for the defense of our nation is the top priority of the federal government, and the National Defense Authorization Act is an annual opportunity for Congress to help fulfill that obligation,” said Cramer. “While no comprehensive bill is ever perfect, our legislation provides critical support for the members of our armed forces and ensures we keep pace with our adversaries so America remains safe and free.”

The Minot AFB projects include:

– Provides $2.6 billion for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the scheduled replacement for the Minutemen III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and prohibits fiscal year 1922 NDAA funds from being used to diminish the use or availability of ICBMs like those housed at Minot.

– Provides $716 million for the B-52 bomber program, along with $609 million for the Long Range Stand Off weapon – flown and operated at Minot AFB.

– Provides $436 million for the Nuclear Command, Control & Communication (NC3) program, which will modernize the communications equipment used at Minot AFB.