Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Fischer highlighted the importance of investing in service members, protecting defense spectrum, encouraging innovation, and strengthening missile defense systems as key priorities advanced by this year’s NDAA.

Fischer addressed concerns about partisanship in Congress but noted that there is agreement on the need to confront global threats. She said several provisions she led are included in the FY26 NDAA.

“We are living in a time of growing global unrest. China is accelerating its military buildup in the Indo-Pacific. And while I remain hopeful that President Trump can help broker peace between Presidents Putin and Zelensky, Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine grinds on,” Fischer stated during her speech.

She outlined several elements of the bill: “That’s why it is more important than ever that we invest in our service members, protect defense spectrum, drive innovation, and strengthen our missile defense systems.”

Fischer described her work as chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee to upgrade infrastructure at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), including establishing an annual independent assessment of NNSA’s modernization progress. The bill also requires deploying at least 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles across no fewer than 450 launch facilities and authorizes over $4 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program with a deadline for fielding by September 30, 2033.

Other provisions include accelerating development of sea-launched nuclear cruise missiles and expanding experimentation authority to all combatant commands such as U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

“This is exactly the kind of strategic deterrence that makes our adversaries think twice and say: ‘not today,’” Fischer said.

She addressed concerns about reallocating Pentagon-controlled spectrum bands for commercial wireless use, stating: “That portrayal is both inaccurate and dangerous. The reality is these frequencies are not idle — they are the backbone of America’s missile defense and intelligence systems.” Fischer added that this year’s NDAA prohibits modifications to these bands unless top Pentagon leaders deem it necessary.

The bill includes protections preventing auction or reallocation of certain spectrum bands for ten years by federal agencies like the Federal Communications Commission.

Fischer also mentioned provisions assessing readiness for national disasters, modernizing cloud migration and artificial intelligence strategies, and ensuring intelligence agencies have needed meteorological services.

Regarding support for military personnel, Fischer said: “That is why I fought to authorize $19 million above the president’s budget request to help recover and identify the remains of our fallen servicemembers from past wars and conflicts. The United States military leaves no one behind.”

She pointed out efforts directing Pentagon exploration into whether local communities could play a greater role developing healthcare facilities for veterans—similar to her CHIP IN for Veterans Act.

“Beyond the details, we must keep sight of the bigger picture,” Fischer said. She referenced shared interests among adversarial nations seeking to weaken American power through technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons.

“At the same time, we live in a political environment that is too often partisan and divided. Yet on this issue, I believe most of my colleagues agree that we must confront these threats head-on,” she continued.

Fischer concluded by emphasizing reforms at the Pentagon aimed at improving efficiency: “This year’s NDAA delivers — modernizing the budget process, cutting red tape, improving efficiency, and unleashing innovation. This is not partisan or political. It is a necessity.”

She urged bipartisan support for passing what she called essential legislation supporting U.S. servicemembers.