Senate Passes Strong FY19 Defense Approprations Bill That Invests in North Dakota Missions

Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today announced that the full Senate has passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 defense appropriations bill, which includes important priorities he secured to bolster North Dakota’s military missions. Hoeven priorities in the legislation include:

·        Fully funding a 2.6 percent pay raise for military members.

·        Modernization of the nation’s nuclear forces by providing new engines and other upgrades for the B-52 as well as replacements for the nation’s cruise missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) at Minot Air Force Base.

·        Strong support to advance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations in the state, including $100 million to support the Global Hawk Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) at Grand Forks Air Force Base, allowing for the procurement of an additional aircraft.

“As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, I worked to provide strong support for North Dakota’s military members and their missions,” Hoeven said. “This defense funding legislation funds a pay raise for our hardworking men and women in uniform while also providing them with the tools they need to keep our nation safe. That includes the necessary funding to accelerate the modernization of our nuclear forces, which is good for Minot Air Force Base and will ensure we have a strong and credible deterrent. The bill also provides strong funding for UAS operations – $100 million for the BACN mission – which will help Grand Forks Air Force Base procure an additional aircraft.”