Johnson’s South Dakota, Women’s Sports, Tough on China Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) which included several of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson's (R-S.D.) priorities. The bill includes provisions to strengthen deterrence against China, prohibit men from competing in women's sports at military academies, and robust funding for B-21 aircraft procurement. Johnson voted to pass the legislation.

"This defense package ensures America's military remains the strongest in the world. It keeps our military men and women focused on military readiness and ensuring peace through strength," said Johnson. "I'm grateful for its investment in South Dakota and the B-21, which will be an incredible addition to our fighting force."

Johnson priorities included in the 2026 NDAA:

• Provides $3.45 billion for B-21 aircraft procurement.
• Provides $378 million for military construction for Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• Provides $28 million for the Watertown Complex's National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.
• Johnson's billto prohibit biological men from competing in women's sports at military service academies.
• Johnson's provision to strengthen deterrence against China by supporting defense industrial cooperation with U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Authorizes $50 million in Impact Aid assistance.
• Raises servicemember pay by 3.8% and improves benefits for military families.
• Fights drug trafficking.
• Ends $40.5 million of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.
• Cuts more than $1 billion of Green New Deal programs at the DoD.
• Provides nearly $20 billion in savings.