National Defense Authorization ACt Restores Troop Cuts, Increases Soldier Pay, Funds ICBMs

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer joined the majority in the House of Representatives today in passing legislation restoring troop cuts, increasing soldier pay, and funding the intercontinental ballistic missiles at Minot Air Force Base.

The House passed the Conference Report to S. 2943, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The legislation had been stalled during months of filibustering by Senate Democrats after the House passed its version of the bill in May. The Senate vote on this bill is scheduled for next week.

The bill authorizes and prioritizes funding for the Department of Defense and military activities and construction, and sets military personnel strengths. "The primary responsibility of Congress is to provide for the common defense of our country, and this bill includes those necessary resources," said Cramer. "It also provides for the well-being of our military personnel and their families, authorizing the largest troop salary raise in six years."

The legislation provides $619 billion for the base defense budget and war-related overseas operations. It eliminates 110 general and admiral positions and reverses the President's drawdown of troops by adding 1,000 sailors, 3,000 Marines, 4,000 airmen and 1,000 active-duty Army soldiers, in addition to 15,000 who were set to be cut.

"America's armed forces defend our nation in a world of ever-changing threats, and North Dakota continues to be crucial in that defense," Cramer said. Of particular interest to North Dakota are the following provisions in the bill:

Prohibits funds from being expended to reduce, or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which is a key benefit of the nuclear triad in deterring an enemy strike.
Continues to fund ICBM fuze modernization and supports the Air Force proposal to structure the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, to create a follow-on to the Minuteman III ICBM, as an integrated system consisting of the missiles, launch facilities, launch control centers, communications, and related infrastructure and equipment. "The current GBSD program at Minot Air Force Base has served the country's defense well and benefited North Dakota's economy," said Cramer. "However, to ensure these assets remain effective they must be modernized. Doing it in Minot is the best deal for the American taxpayer."
Supports the new B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber to upgrade the current bomber fleet. "This includes the B-52s stationed at Minot Air Force Base, which ensure viability against current and emerging threats," Cramer said.
Makes no changes to out-of-pocket costs for current force or retirees in the Tricare Military Health Care Insurance Plan.
Prohibits a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)

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