Fargo Standard

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) cast her vote in favor of H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. The bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote tallying 221-209.

“This bill delivers on peace through strength by funding cutting-edge defense systems, investing in modernization efforts, and boosting pay for every service member,” Fedorchak stated. She emphasized its importance to Minot Air Force Base and America's strategic deterrence, highlighting North Dakota's role in national security.

The act allocates $189 billion for military personnel, ensuring a 3.8% pay increase for all troops along with ongoing increases for junior enlisted members. It provides $283 billion to maintain operations and readiness and $174 billion toward procuring advanced aircraft, ships, and weapon systems.

Research and development receive $148 billion under this legislation to support advancements in hypersonics, space superiority, and next-generation fighters. The Defense Health Program is allocated $40.9 billion to fund private sector care and military medical research.

Key provisions focus on modernizing the nuclear triad through projects like the B-21 Raider, Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel missile system at Minot Air Force Base. Resources are directed towards Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), uncrewed maritime platforms, land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems, missile defense enhancements supporting Golden Dome efforts, investments in advanced aircraft including F-35s and F/A-XXs as well as national security space initiatives.

Efforts also include reversing trends that divest current assets like F-15s while investing in new technology for intelligence gathering systems. Quality of life improvements aim to slow permanent change of station moves saving over $662 million.

The legislation captures workforce acceleration benefits by reducing civilian full-time equivalents alongside streamlining Pentagon functions with DOGE cooperation. It funds counter-drug programs increasing support for National Guard initiatives while shifting jurisdictional oversight from U.S Northern Command over Mexico to U.S Southern Command aiming better coordination efforts.

Prohibitions outlined restrict funds supporting Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) activities critical race theory federal censorship sex-change procedures abortion-related travel drag queen events COVID mandates among others marking significant policy directions within appropriations framework addressing contentious societal issues presently debated across political spectrum today