WASHINGTON – Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024, securing major wins for North Dakota including Minot Air Force Base.

Both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill this week. The bill now goes to President Biden’s desk.

“This year’s bill fully funds nuclear modernization, which is the number one priority in the national defense strategy. Minot Air Force Base is at the heart of this effort with two of the three legs of our nuclear triad,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND. “Our NDAA will help phase out Cold War-era Minuteman missiles for the new Sentinels, provide funding for eight new engines on every B-52 bomber, and replace the old Vietnam-era UH-1 helicopters so our airmen can effectively accomplish their mission. This NDAA sets a statutory minimum for ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and missile silos to prevent any future administrations from arbitrarily reducing them below their current number.”

Cramer, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was appointed to the NDAA Conference Committee which reconciles the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill before final passage.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, said, “North Dakota plays a vital role in defending our nation now and will continue to do so well into the future. We’ve worked to ensure that this year’s NDAA provides our men and women in uniform with a pay raise, while authorizing key upgrades to Air Force, Space Force and National Guard operations across North Dakota. That includes advancing the modernization of our nuclear forces at Minot Air Force Base, strong support for the ISR and Space Development Agency missions in Grand Forks and improving the capabilities of the MQ-9 based in Fargo. The bill also provides continued investment for our Guard Readiness Center in Dickinson and housing at Camp Grafton.”

Congressman Kelly Armstrong, R-ND, said, “Making sure our armed forces have the resources they need to fulfill their mission and defend our country is critical. This year’s NDAA provides a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members, the largest in more than 20 years. It promotes essential missions in North Dakota, including Grand Forks Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Base and the North Dakota National Guard. It fully funds our national defense to counter China’s increasing aggression.

“While we have these wins, I know there is more work to do,” Armstrong said. “Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act needs significant reforms. Intelligence agencies should be required to obtain a warrant before conducting any query of an American. I will continue fighting to revise this program and defend our civil liberties.”