Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who serves as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairs the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, has secured several provisions in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) aimed at supporting Nebraska and Offutt Air Force Base.

Fischer highlighted the importance of these measures for national security and for those serving at Offutt Air Force Base. “As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I understand the critical role Offutt Air Force Base plays in keeping our nation safe. That’s why I fought to secure authorization for investments in U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency—all located right here at Offutt. The brave men and women who serve at Offutt deserve the resources and tools they need to succeed and keep our people and nation safe. I’m pleased to champion these efforts in Congress,” Fischer said.

The NDAA includes over $4 billion in investments directed toward the Sentinel program at U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), based at Offutt Air Force Base. Additional funding includes $320 million for development of the Nuclear Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) by the U.S. Navy, $186 million for development of its warhead by the National Nuclear Security Administration, $30 million for work on the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program, as well as funds allocated for planning new hangars and storage facilities to support Survivable Airborne Operations Center operations.

Provisions also require that Sentinel reach initial operational capability by September 30, 2033, mandate deployment of at least 400 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles across no fewer than 450 launch facilities, expand authority for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to procure goods from foreign nations to aid recovery efforts for missing service members, authorize an additional $19 million to reverse funding reductions to DPAA, direct updates from the Defense Health Agency regarding a disaster medical system pilot program established under a previous NDAA, request a report from the Secretary of the Air Force on capabilities related to cloud technology within the 557th Weather Wing, and clarify that unit’s authority to provide weather data to intelligence agencies.

These measures are intended to strengthen nuclear deterrence capabilities, support military personnel stationed in Nebraska, improve base operations at Offutt Air Force Base, and ensure continued investment in defense infrastructure.