Northeast South Dakota News

The House of Representatives has passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes several provisions advocated by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, who represents South Dakota’s at-large district in Congress. Johnson, who has served in this role since 2019 and resides in Mitchell, South Dakota, emphasized that the legislation is intended to ensure the readiness and strength of the U.S. military.

“America’s military should be the strongest, most prepared fighting force in the world. This defense package makes sure our servicemembers have what they need, when they need it,” said Johnson. “The defense package prioritizes made-in-America equipment by providing funding for Ellsworth’s B-21 Raider and ensures our military will deliver peace through strength.”

Among Johnson's priorities included in the bill are $3.45 billion allocated for B-21 aircraft procurement and $378 million for military construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The NDAA also sets aside $28 million for the Watertown Complex’s National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.

Other measures championed by Johnson involve a prohibition on biological men competing in women’s sports at military service academies and initiatives aimed at strengthening deterrence against China through increased defense industrial cooperation with U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additional authorizations include $35 million for Impact Aid assistance, a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, improvements to benefits for military families, actions to combat drug trafficking, and an end to $115 million worth of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Department of Defense.

The legislation further prohibits funding for teaching or promoting Critical Race Theory within the military—including at service academies and Department of Defense schools—and cuts over $1 billion from Green New Deal-related programs at the Department of Defense. The act is expected to result in $20 billion in savings.

Johnson was born in Pierre, South Dakota in 1976 and graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999.