Bismarck, ND — The U.S. Senate has passed the $895 billion Defense Authorization Act, a landmark piece of legislation that will fund the U.S. military through 2025. The bill includes significant allocations for military operations across the country, with notable provisions for North Dakota’s defense infrastructure and personnel.
Among the key provisions, the bill includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, as well as a 4.5% raise for all other service members, marking a major step in addressing compensation for the nation’s military personnel. The pay adjustments are aimed at boosting morale and retention within the armed forces, particularly for junior ranks.
In addition to personnel funding, the legislation includes targeted investments for North Dakota’s military installations. Senator Kevin Cramer, who advocated for the state’s priorities within the bill, highlighted several key components that would directly benefit the region.
A major highlight of the bill is the inclusion of $10 million to support the UH-72 Lakota helicopters used by the North Dakota National Guard. These helicopters, which perform vital non-combat and non-hostile missions, will receive funding for ongoing maintenance and operational support.
“No one protects our homeland better than the soldiers of the North Dakota National Guard,” Senator Cramer said. “This year’s bill will assist those service members as they devise a plan to maintain the beautiful UH-72 Lakota helicopters, which are crucial for their important missions.”
Several North Dakota military bases also stand to benefit from the bill. The Minot Air Force Base, home to the nation’s nuclear-capable missile force, is set to receive a substantial $3.9 billion for the continued development and deployment of the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) program. This funding will ensure that Minot Air Force Base remains at the forefront of U.S. missile defense capabilities.
Grand Forks Air Force Base will also receive over $3 million for a range of technological upgrades. These funds will support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as runway maintenance, helping to enhance the base’s operational readiness.
Meanwhile, the Cavalier Space Force Station will receive $5 million for updates to the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS), a critical component of the nation’s missile defense infrastructure. The funding will bolster the system’s ability to detect and track potential threats, ensuring that the U.S. maintains its defense capabilities in the face of emerging global challenges.
The Defense Authorization Act, which passed with bipartisan support, is designed to address a broad spectrum of military needs, from personnel pay to advanced technological infrastructure. In his remarks, Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of North Dakota’s role in national defense and the need to continually invest in both the state’s military personnel and its military assets.
“The military installations in North Dakota play a key role in protecting our nation, and this funding will help ensure that we are ready to meet the challenges of the future,” Cramer added.
As the bill moves forward, the state’s military community is expected to see continued investment in its personnel and infrastructure, securing North Dakota’s position as a vital hub for U.S. defense operations.
