Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska has expressed his approval following the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which incorporates elements from his bipartisan BOLSTER Act. During a conference call with Nebraska media, Ricketts highlighted the significance of this legislation in bolstering national defense.

“We live in the most dangerous period in our country’s history since World War II,” Ricketts stated. “The People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia, Iran, and North Korea all need to be deterred. This NDAA focuses on deterring aggression and keeping Americans safe. It’s one way we help restore American strength.”

Ricketts acknowledged the efforts of Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon for their roles on the Armed Services Committees, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that military needs are met.

The NDAA outlines various measures aimed at enhancing national security. These include an allocation of $895 billion for national defense in the coming year, a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, and a 4.5% pay increase for other service members.

Significant funding is authorized for modernizing the nuclear triad, including support for the Sentinel ICBM system, some components of which are located in Nebraska. Additionally, provisions from Ricketts’ BOLSTER Act aim to strengthen European support for Taiwan against potential threats from China.

Nebraska-specific initiatives within the NDAA involve funding allocations for Offutt Air Force Base facilities planning and design, $158 million to base the Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft fleet permanently, $6 million towards a Consolidated Training Complex and Professional Development Center, $3 million supporting NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program development, and $5 million dedicated to research and development by the 557th Weather Wing.

Internationally, the bill supports missile defense collaborations with Israel and allocates $15.6 billion to reinforce deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senator Ricketts criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's handling of the bill's timing: “Because Majority Leader Chuck Schumer believed holding show votes and confirming Biden nominees was more important than our national defense.” He emphasized that national security should have been prioritized earlier rather than delayed until late in the legislative calendar.

Looking ahead under Republican leadership next year, Ricketts assured that maintaining national safety will be prioritized over other matters.