SE Nebraska 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 announced securing key provisions for Nebraska, Offutt Air Force Base, and U.S. service members in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

"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," Fischer stated.

The provisions include significant investments for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base: over $4 billion for the Sentinel program, $320 million for developing the Nuclear Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM), $186 million for developing the SLCM warhead by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and funds allocated for planning and designing various facilities to support operations at Offutt.

Fischer also secured measures to enhance America's nuclear deterrence capabilities and improve base operations. This includes requiring Sentinel to achieve initial operational capability by September 30, 2033, deploying Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) across launch facilities, expanding procurement authorities for recovery efforts of missing servicemembers, and additional funding authorizations for these purposes.

Furthermore, directives were issued to provide updates on programs such as the National Disaster Medical System pilot program and reports on current capabilities relating to cloud technology and data management systems by entities like the 557th Weather Wing.