Northeast South Dakota News

The Senate has begun consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) spoke on the Senate floor, emphasizing the importance of this annual defense bill and acknowledging the work done by Chairman Wicker and members of the Armed Services Committee.

Thune addressed recent concerns about military readiness, citing issues such as aging equipment, insufficient munitions, recruitment challenges, and bureaucratic delays in weapons delivery. He noted that recent investments have started to address these problems.

According to Thune, "Mr. President, this week the Senate is beginning consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

“This annual defense bill is one of the most important things that we do each year.

“And I appreciate the hard work that Chairman Wicker and our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have done to put forward a strong, bipartisan bill and get it ready for the floor."

He highlighted several provisions in this year’s NDAA, including increased funding for shipbuilding—such as additional combat ships and submarines—and strengthening of the Air Force fleet with new fighter jets and delivery of the B-21 bomber at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The bill also supports construction of the Golden Dome missile defense system.

Thune stated, “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act boosts America’s shipbuilding.

“And that includes additional combat ships and submarines that are essential to delivering American power anywhere in the world.

“It strengthens the Air Force fleet, including authorizing funding for new fighter jets and the delivery of the B-21, the next-generation long-range strategic bomber that will soon make its home at South Dakota’s own Ellsworth Air Force Base.

“And it supports the construction of the Golden Dome missile defense system to keep America’s homeland safe from attack."

Efforts to increase munitions supply are included in response to shortages identified during recent years. The legislation also focuses on future capabilities such as improved drone technology, artificial intelligence integration, cyber deterrence measures, and support for servicemembers through a 3.8 percent pay raise and family assistance provisions.

Recruitment remains a focus due to previous difficulties in attracting individuals to serve. Thune credited improvements since January to President Trump’s leadership but stressed continued emphasis on encouraging military service.

The NDAA proposes reforms at the Pentagon aimed at reducing bureaucracy by removing more than 100 outdated hurdles in acquisition processes. It encourages broader participation from companies seeking Pentagon contracts and empowers Department of Defense executives with greater decision-making authority.

Thune said: “The NDAA clears away more than 100 outdated, bureaucratic hurdles in order to streamline the department’s acquisition processes – the most significant reform, literally, in generations.

“It encourages a wider array of companies to do business with the Pentagon, ensuring our warfighters have the best equipment that American innovation can produce.

“And it helps eliminate bureaucratic red tape by empowering executives at the Department of Defense to make decisions at the speed of innovation."

He concluded by noting bipartisan committee support for advancing regular order in considering this legislation: “The Armed Services Committee held a markup where members had the opportunity to amend the bill.

“The bill passed out of committee in a bipartisan vote of 26 to 1.

“And now it’s here on the floor, where senators will once again have opportunity for debate and amendment."

Thune expressed his expectation that passage of this bill would strengthen U.S. military capability and national security into this century.