Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier station expected to see benefits after passage of NDAA

Dec. 16—GRAND FORKS — Military assets in North Dakota are expected to see benefits from legislation that passed in the U.S. Senate on Thursday.

The National Defense Authorization Act was approved by the Senate in an 83-11 vote. The House approved it last week.

The news service Reuters reported late Thursday evening that the NDAA authorizes more than $850 billion in military spending, including a 4.6% pay increase for troops. It now awaits final approval from President Joe Biden.

According to a release from the office of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, the NDAA has North Dakota military implications as well, including:

Grand Forks Air Force Base: The release from Cramer says the NDAA directs the secretary of defense to review and make recommendations for the Space development Agency to implement middle-tier acquisition — also known as MTA — authority to allow for continued rapid acquisition. It also directs the secretary of the Air Force to provide a briefing on the transition of the Space Development Agency to the Space Force and efforts to ensure it can use MTA and hire necessary personnel.

Cavalier Space Force Station: the NDAA adds $3 million for Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) modernization. It also directs the secretary of the Air Force to provide a report on the feasibility of upgrading PARCS.

"While this bill should have been passed months ago, providing for the common defense is a founding principle and absolutely critical responsibility of Congress," said Cramer, a member of the Armed Services Committee. "The NDAA invests in our national security and our brave service members and their families. It contains funding for North Dakota's military assets and missions in Minot, Grand Forks, and Cavalier while providing support for our state's National Guard and the entire North Dakota military community. It also emphasizes nuclear modernization programs and protects our strategic deterrent to keep pace with our adversaries. I'm pleased to see the final version include my amendment on contract flexibility to better allow the Pentagon to tackle rising costs in the defense supply chain."

Reuters reported Thursday evening that the bill also provides Ukraine with at least $800 million in security assistance, as well as funds for security assistance to Taiwan amid its rising tensions with China.