North Dakota Priorities Reflected, Service Members’ Livelihood Improved, Space Force Approved

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member issued the following statement today on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Yesterday the Senate Armed Services Committee passed this year’s National Defense Authorization Act out of committee with strong bipartisan support. In bolstering our nuclear triad, improving the lives of our service members, and paving the way for a modernized, adequately-equipped Space Force,  this legislation reflects the priorities of North Dakota and addresses the needs of our military community. I am thankful to Chairman Inhofe, Ranking Member Reed and my colleagues for their collaborative efforts and support. I look forward to moving this bill to the Senate floor quickly, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.”

Reflects North Dakota Priorities

Under Senator Cramer’s leadership, the SASC-passed NDAA bolsters support for missions affecting North Dakota’s military community that are imperative to the defense of our nation. This bill:

  • Fully funds the RQ-4 Global Hawks, which are flown out of Grand Forks Air Force Base. Senator Cramer successfully led an effort to increase the Global Hawk program by $25 million. 
  • Continues to prioritize the modernization strategy including fully funding the B-52 program. Senator Cramer also included language that prohibits the drawdown or reduction of ICBMs, ensuring a constantly ready and vigilant deterrent. 
  • Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to complete a report on how “Northern Tier” bases, including Minot and Grand Forks, can best further US interests in the Arctic region.
  • Fully funds UH-1N Huey replacement program to replace the outdated Hueys at Minot Air Force Base. Senator Cramer included language to hold the Air Force accountable on its future timing and funding of the replacement program. 
  • Encourages the DOD, because of an amendment led by Senator Cramer, to reverse its 2014 decision to disallow National Guard and Reserve members to use the Montgomery GI Bill and Federal Tuition Assistance for the same college course. He is a cosponsor of the “Montgomery GI Parity Act” which provides a permanent solution to this issue. 
  • Fully funds the MQ – 9 Reapers, which are flown by Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and at Grand Sky in Grand Forks.

“North Dakota’s military community is a source of a pride to our state,” Senator Cramer said of this NDAA’s focus on North Dakota’s military priorities. “This legislation supports those in North Dakota who defend our nation at home and around the globe through deterrents, covert missions, and with cutting edge technology that represents the future of military combat.”

Improves Service Members’ Livelihood

This NDAA would also seek to improve the livelihood of our civilian military force, with benefits such as a 3.1% pay raise and assistance for military spouses looking for work or hoping to retain their job after being relocated. Senator Cramer also sponsored language encouraging the Air National Guard to change its policy and start providing tuition assistance. Earlier this year, Senator Cramer spoke with Lt. Gen. Rice advocating for this much-needed change.

“Those who offer their lives in service to our country represent the best of what America has to offer,” Senator Cramer said of our civilian armed forces. “What they have given us we can never repay, but we can do our best to improve their livelihood as they serve and transition into civilian life.”

Creates a United States Space Force

Under Senator Cramer’s leadership, this NDAA also paves the way for the creation of a United States Space Force. This bill would consolidate all existing space professionals under one newly established military force dedicated to space. It would solve the acquisition problems that have plagued our military space programs and confronts the challenges posed by our adversaries by creating a distinct military service dedicated to this emerging domain.

“As our military leadership made abundantly clear, we are the best in the world at space; but our adversaries know it. Space is vital to America’s way of life and to our military capabilities. I led the effort to include a modernized, capable Space Force because the United States must act now if we are to maintain our dominance in this emerging militaristic domain.”

Senator Cramer successfully led three amendments to boost the prominence and influence of the Space Force within the military leadership. He previously spoke in favor of the creation of a Space Force during a SASC hearing and recently wrote an op-ed urging Congress to support approving President Trump’s request for a Space Force.

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