Senate’s Defense Bill Promises Major Changes For Military Families

The Senate Armed Services Committee has released the final text of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act following a three-day markup that included consideration of more than 650 amendments. The bill now heads to the Senate floor and marks the 66th consecutive year the NDAA has advanced under regular order.

The measure authorizes $1.15 trillion in defense funding and outlines broad investments in military readiness, servicemember support and defense modernization.

“North Dakota plays an outsized role in America’s defense, and this year’s NDAA recognizes this reality with investments strengthening our military missions, supporting our servicemembers, and bolstering national security,” said U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee. “From modernizing the nuclear triad and advancing space and missile defense capabilities to improving quality of life for our military families, this bill ensures our armed forces remain the strongest and most capable in the world. President Reagan understood peace is best preserved through unquestioned strength, and this legislation carries this legacy forward.”

The bill includes language from Cramer directing the Defense Health Agency to expand TRICARE behavioral health coverage and improve access to mental health providers for servicemembers and families, including updates to provider directories and expanded credentialing flexibility.

In North Dakota, the legislation includes multiple state-specific investments tied to defense infrastructure and modernization.

In Grand Forks, North Dakota, the bill directs assessments of nuclear facilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and authorizes a $250 million Space Force operations facility, along with funding for a $71 million pavement and maintenance project and reporting on satellite and debris reduction technologies tied to University of North Dakota partnerships.

At Cavalier Space Force Station, the NDAA accelerates modernization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System, targeting completion by 2029, and requires a report on potential nuclear microreactor energy solutions for mission support systems.

At Minot Air Force Base, the bill authorizes MH-139A helicopter procurement, B-52 engine upgrades, and infrastructure funding for Sentinel program facilities while requiring the Air Force to maintain at least 400 active ICBMs and supporting continued modernization of the nuclear deterrent.

In Fargo, North Dakota, the legislation sets MQ-9 Reaper force structure goals and restricts drone procurement tied to foreign adversary battery supply chains.

In Jamestown, North Dakota, it supports CH-47 Chinook upgrades with supply chain involvement from local industry.

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The bill also modernizes National Guard workforce classifications over a 10-year transition period.