Fedorchak votes to strengthen North Dakota’s nuclear deterrence capabilities

Washington, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) voted in favor of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026(FY26 SPEED and NDAA). This legislation strengthens America's military capabilities, supports border security efforts, and delivers a well-deserved 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers and their families.

"Strength is, always has been, and always will be the greatest peacekeeping tool of America," Fedorchak said. "This defense bill restores focus on our military readiness and invests in the men and women who serve. At the same time, it delivers critical reforms to save more than $20 billion and eliminate biased political programs. I'm proud to support a bill that keeps America strong and makes life better for our servicemembers and their families."

The NDAA delivers critical wins for North Dakota's role in America's nuclear deterrence and space missions. With the Sentinel ICBM set to replace the aging Minuteman III fleet at Minot Air Force Base, this bill fully funds modernization and prohibits any reduction in the ICBM fleet size below 400. It also supports modernization of sea-based deterrence through procurement of a third Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine.

Additionally, this legislation elevates Grand Forks Air Force Base's role through the Space Development Agency, which operates as part of the nation's missile warning and space-based deterrence architecture. Together, these provisions reinforce North Dakota's position in nuclear and space defense.

The legislation passed the House in a bipartisan 231-196 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Key provisions include:

Implementing Peace through Strength

• Codifies all or parts of 15 executive orders and over 30 legislative provisions requested by the Trump administration.

• Fully funds top defense priorities, including the Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircrafts, autonomous systems, submarines, and new warships.

• Onshores America's defense supply chains and grows defense manufacturing jobs.

Securing America's Borders

• Fully funds the defense of our southern border.

• Authorizes nearly $1 billion to fight drug trafficking.

Improving Servicemembers' Quality of Life

• Supports a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers.

• Improves servicemember housing and education.

• Increases access to health care by authorizing over $577 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities.

• Enhances child care access by authorizing over $361 million for the construction of new childcare centers.

Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence:

• Fully funds ongoing efforts to modernize the nuclear triad, as well as the scientific capabilities and nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) architecture that support our nuclear deterrent.

• Authorizes additional funding to accelerate key modernization activities, including the development of the next-generation Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N).

• Prohibits DoD from reducing the nation's ICBM fleet size below 400 or reducing the responsiveness or alert status of the force.

• Procures the 3rd Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarine to modernize the sea-launched leg of the nuclear deterrence triad.

Growing Space Capabilities:

• Supports the growth and development of Space Force Guardians to support the acquisition of highly technical and complicated space platforms that will be required by both the Space Force and the Joint Force to fight and win in space.

• Establishes the tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking program (TacSRT) as a program of record to provide space products from commercial providers to combatant commands.

• Allows DoD to use a commercial-style payment model for commercial satellite communication services, giving flexibility to military users and making more efficient use of scarce funds.

Implementing Reforms and Savings

• Saves taxpayers over $20 Billion from DOGE cuts and DoD workforce reforms.

• Eliminates bureaucracy, consulting contracts, and inefficient programs.

• Reduces military construction costs, which costs 35 percent more than equivalent commercial construction.

• Implements stronger congressional oversight and audit reforms.

Restoring Warrior Ethos

• Eliminates DEI programs, bans Critical Race Theory, and ends affirmative action at service academies.

• Requires merit-based promotions.

• Prohibits funds for universities that allow antisemitic demonstrations.

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