Central ND News

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a full committee markup last week for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). By a vote of 22-3, the Committee advanced the legislation on Thursday, which will now proceed to the Senate floor for consideration.

Each year, Congress passes the NDAA to authorize appropriations for defense-related activities and establish policies and initiatives to support American warfighters and service members. It is one of the few bills passed annually through bipartisan regular order. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is the first North Dakota Senator to serve on SASC.

The FY25 NDAA supports a total of $923.3 billion in funding for national defense and increases efforts to develop intelligence capabilities, continue growing the Space Force, and modernize the nation’s nuclear triad. On a bipartisan basis, the committee voted to increase the topline authorization, allocating investment directly to programs Combatant Commanders need to fulfill their missions. Specifically, the legislation:

- Authorizes $878.4 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and $33.4 billion for national security programs within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

- Authorizes a national defense topline increase of $25 billion, including increased procurement of combat vessels, aircraft, and vehicles.

- Authorizes increased funding to enhance the submarine industrial base and support construction of a second Virginia-class submarine in FY25.

- Authorizes funding to support a 4.5 percent pay raise for military members and a 2 percent pay raise for DOD civilian employees.

- Requires the Defense Health Agency to review behavioral health care access under TRICARE and expand it to include state-credentialed mental health providers if a state does not meet TRICARE standards.

- Authorizes TRICARE health providers to provide tele-mental health care services without regard to location.

- Authorizes increased funding to repair and improve enlisted barracks across services.

- Requires military services to meet 4 percent plant replacement value for facility maintenance by FY29.

- Condemns terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7th; supports DOD activities increasing humanitarian assistance in Gaza; and enhances certain U.S.-Israel cooperation efforts.

- Adds $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging technology.

- Authorizes an additional $25 million for Joint Task Force North’s mission countering transnational criminal organizations along the southwest border.

- Authorizes increased funding for UAS defenses and capabilities.

Senator Cramer issued a statement following the committee's approval: "Each year, Congress passes a National Defense Authorization Act to direct critical investments and policies to provide for our constitutional duty: common defense... The world is a dangerous place and desperately needs President Reagan’s ‘peace through strength’ leadership... The increased investment into critical defense programs is an important step in meeting threats we face."

Cramer has used his position on SASC to secure funding authorization benefiting North Dakota’s military community. Upon final passage, multiple projects across North Dakota will be authorized:

Minot:

- Requires ICBM count be no less than 400 total.

- Provides $3.7 billion for Sentinel ICBMs.

- Directs restoration of nuclear capabilities across B-52 strategic bomber fleet.

Grand Forks:

- Provides critical funding for future Air Force ISR missions at Grand Forks AFB.

- Provides $1.9 million in planning/design funds for Grand Forks AFB runway maintenance.

Fargo:

-Supports $6 million increase in cold spray repair/additive manufacturing technology development by VRC Metals.

Bismarck:

-Authorizes $10 million ensuring sustainment plan for UH-72 Lakota helicopters used by ND Army National Guard.

Cavalier Space Force Station:

-Supports $5 million updates PARCS radar at Cavalier Space Force Station.