Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining its edge in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and nuclear capabilities to counter adversaries during a hearing of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. Hoeven highlighted the investments made by Russia and China in their nuclear and surveillance forces, underscoring the need for the U.S. to keep pace.

"It is vitally important that the U.S. be able to counter our increasingly aggressive adversaries, which includes getting better ISR and strengthening nuclear deterrence," stated Senator Hoeven. He further stressed the urgency of combining enhanced space operations with the accelerated development of airborne ISR to ensure the effectiveness of U.S. warfighters.

Hoeven expressed concerns about the potential consequences of not moving swiftly to maintain existing capabilities in the face of advancing adversaries. He outlined the importance of preserving ISR missions at Grand Forks while laying the groundwork for future missions at the base. Additionally, the senator emphasized the significance of staying on schedule with the modernization of the nation's nuclear forces.

"We will continue pressing Air Force leaders for a plan to ensure these facilities are built in a timely way," Hoeven affirmed, referencing the need for both new weapons systems and the necessary infrastructure to support them.

Senator Hoeven has been actively working to secure funding and support for the modernization of the U.S.'s nuclear forces, ensuring that resources are allocated to uphold the country's ISR and nuclear capabilities in the face of evolving global threats.