WASHINGTON – The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024, passed by the U.S. Senate on Friday, authorizes major Minot Air Force Base projects and priorities. The legislation passed the Senate with a vote of 86-11.

Specifically for Minot AFB, the legislation authorizes and provides updates to the nuclear triad including:

— $3.7 billion for Sentinel (GBSD or Ground Based Strategic Deterrent) modernization.

— $770 million for B-52 commercial engine replacement program (CERP) and radar modernization.

— $40.8 million for the Nuclear Command, Control and Communication (NC3) program, which will modernize the communications equipment used at Minot AFB.

— Limits the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) count to no less than 400 total protecting the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

The legislation also authorizes military projects and priorities for Grand Forks AFB and the North Dakota National Guard, and a 5.2 percent pay increase for both servicemembers and Department of Defense civilian workforce.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is a critical part of Congress’ first Constitutional duty to protect and defend the nation. This year’s bill provides critical funding for the maintenance and modernization of our military and reflects both the needs of our troops and emerging threats. We live in dangerous times where American leadership and resolve are needed more than ever. North Dakota plays a pivotal role in our national security, and I am grateful this bill supports our servicemen and women and their families while investing in the military assets and facilities across the state,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND. Cramer is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, said, “We’ve worked to ensure North Dakota plays a central role in our nation’s defense, now and into the future. The NDAA passed by the Senate today builds upon these efforts, supporting key upgrades to Air Force, Space Force and National Guard operations across our state. Importantly, this bill helps keep the modernization of our nuclear forces in Minot on track, supports our ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and Space Development Agency missions in Grand Forks and strengthens the capabilities of the MQ-9 based in Fargo, among other priorities.”