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BISMARCK, N.D. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) advanced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which makes major investments in North Dakota’s contribution to national security and military readiness, will now head to the Senate floor for consideration.

Among other provisions, this year’s NDAA codifies support for President Trump’s Golden Dome architecture, recognizes the importance of robust and timely mental health care for military personnel and their families by addressing staffing shortfalls at military medical treatment facilities, and improves the process for service members transitioning to civilian life.

“Well, advancing the [National] Defense Authorization Act out of the Armed Services Committee really is an important first step to fulfilling our Constitutional duty by providing for the common defense,” said Cramer, chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus. “Whether it's investing in Grand Forks’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, modernizing our nuclear triad in Minot, or really upgrading the radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, the bill solidifies the crucial role that North Dakota plays in protecting our homeland. I really appreciate Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed for their leadership, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the bill on the Senate floor, hopefully very soon.”

Cramer has consistently used his seat on SASC to strengthen North Dakota-based defense missions and military communities. The SASC FY26 NDAA authorizes multiple projects across North Dakota:

 

Cavalier Space Force Station (SFS)

This year’s NDAA provides $22 million for the modernization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier SFS. The single-faced, multi-function, UHF-Band, and phased-array radar system tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects. Modernizing PARCS improves detection of intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats, while improving space domain awareness capabilities.

Cavalier SFS will play a central role in the Golden Dome initiative. President Trump’s vision for a layered missile defense shield for America calls for the modernization and expansion of U.S. missile defense capabilities across all domains to protect the homeland against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, and drone threats. Cramer and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the bicameral Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act, a sweeping legislative initiative which complements President Trump’s executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.

Grand Forks

The bill includes investments in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and maintains the base’s inventory requirements of RQ-4 Global Hawks. Further, the FY26 NDAA will provide: 

  • $277 million for Tranche 3 of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. According to SDA, Tranche 3 satellites will “accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.” 
  • $17 million for the development of corrosion resistant coatings produced by Technology Applications Group (TAG) in Grand Forks. TAG is a leader in magnesium surface protection and inventor of the Tanite anodize coating.

Minot

The year’s NDAA secures $2 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. The Sentinel ICBM, which will replace 50-year-old Minuteman IIIs, is a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrence. This is in addition to the $2.5 billion investment included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law on July 4. The NDAA requires the ICBM count to be no less than 400 to adequately deter nuclear aggression abroad. 

Additionally, the legislation encourages the U.S. Air Force to establish wing-level additive manufacturing facilities to better support conventional and nuclear long-range strike platforms. The initiative improves readiness while decreasing cost and time of repair. 

Fargo

North Dakota’s “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operate MQ-9 Reapers, which are central to the state’s growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The NDAA establishes a formal combat identifier to recognize the participation of RPA crew members who conduct operations in direct support of combat missions. This identification would enable the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to administer benefits and services which account for combat-related service.

Cramer and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act which ensures provides RPA crew members with the recognition and access to services they deserve.

North Dakota National Guard (NDNG)

The SASC-passed version of the legislation authorizes $5 million for the planning and design of an Armory in Jamestown. The planned project is a top priority of the NDNG.