Thune Applauds Passage of Annual Defense Policy Bill, Ellsworth Air Force Base Priorities

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes significant provisions for Ellsworth Air Force Base, the forthcoming B-21 bomber mission, and the South Dakota Army National Guard in Watertown. The legislation also makes the most significant transformation of defense acquisition in decades to restock munitions, ensure warfighters have access to the best technology available, and advance the Golden Dome for America missile defense system to protect the United States. The bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.

"This year's NDAA builds on the historic investments that Republicans delivered in the One Big Beautiful Bill to support our service members and ensure our country has the fighting force necessary to deter our adversaries and promote peace and stability," said Thune.

"In addition to authorizing a well-deserved pay raise for our service members, this bill strengthens the important role that South Dakota plays in keeping our nation safe by continuing to prepare Ellsworth Air Force Base for the arrival of the B-21 Raider and authorizing a new facility for the South Dakota Army National Guard in Watertown," Thune continued. "I'm pleased the Senate gave this important legislation the time and attention it deserves this year, and I'm glad we were able to get it across the finish line."

The NDAA includes key priorities that will benefit South Dakota:

• Fully authorizes the B-21 Raider program, including over $3.4 billion for procurement;
• Authorizes $378 million in military construction projects to support the future B-21 Raider mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base;
• Authorizes $28 million for a South Dakota Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Watertown;
• Requires a "bomber roadmap" detailing bomber force structure, modernization, and transition plan for fielding the B-21;
• Modifies the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to better address quality of life needs of military families;
• Supports munitions production, leveraging South Dakota industries; and
• Authorizes robust munitions production for the B-1 and B-21.

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