07.27.23

Hoeven Supports Passage of FY2024 NDAA, Worked to Secure Important Priorities for ND Missions

Bill Supports Air Force, Space Force & National Guard Operations Across the State

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Hoeven worked to ensure the legislation provides strong support for the military missions in North Dakota and advanced policies to ensure the U.S. develops the capabilities needed to effectively counter its adversaries. Among other priorities, the bill:

  • Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay increase for servicemembers.
  • Fully authorizes updates to the nuclear triad for Minot Air Force Base, including:
    • The new Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile to replace the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) carried on the B-52.
    • Requiring at least 150 missile launch facilities at Minot be upgraded and maintained under the Sentinel program, which will replace the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles (ICBM).
    • Continued upgrades to the B-52 bomber, including the new engine program, to keep it operating well into the future.
    • Ensuring towers such as wind turbines do not encroach on ICBM facilities or pose safety hazards to helicopter pilots who keep those facilities secure.
  • Fully authorizes the Space Development Agency (SDA) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base.
    • Also prohibits retirement of the RQ-4 Global Hawk.
  • Authorizes $8 million in additional funds to continue modernization efforts on the radar system at Cavalier Space Force Base.
  • For the North Dakota National Guard:
    • Supports continued upgrades for the MQ-9 Reaper flown by the Air National Guard in Fargo.
    • Authorizes $5.4 million for the Dickinson Readiness Center. This is in addition to the $15.5 million in funding Hoeven previously secured for the facility.
    • Authorizes $1.9 million for housing at Camp Grafton.
  • Blocks implementation of proposed regulations requiring defense contractors to report greenhouse gas emissions, similar to Hoeven’s Focus on the Mission Act.
  • Pushes the Department of Defense (DoD) to prioritize nuclear deterrence in professional military education.
  • Requires the Defense Health Agency to report on wait times for servicemembers’ behavioral health appointments.

“We’ve worked to ensure North Dakota plays a central role in our nation’s defense, now and into the future,” said Hoeven. “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 and Space Development Agency missions in Grand Forks and strengthens the capabilities of the MQ-9 based in Fargo, among other priorities.” 

In addition, the legislation includes amendments Hoeven cosponsored to:

  • Prohibit, through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), individuals and entities affiliated with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing or investing in American agricultural land and companies.
  • Adjust the threshold amount for minor medical facility construction projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), benefitting future projects at the Fargo VA Medical Center.
  • Grant a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Inc.

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