SE Nebraska 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 stressed the importance of supporting service members, protecting defense spectrum, advancing innovation, and enhancing missile defense systems.

During her speech, Fischer highlighted that the NDAA includes several provisions she led. She stated, "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 described key aspects of the bill: "As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to report that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act meets this moment. It includes key provisions I secured to modernize our nuclear deterrent and strengthen our national defense." She added that as chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, she worked to upgrade infrastructure for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and ensure ongoing assessments toward modernization goals.

The legislation requires deployment of at least 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles across no fewer than 450 launch facilities and authorizes more than $4 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program with a deadline for fielding by September 30, 2033. It also accelerates development of sea-launched nuclear cruise missiles and expands experimentation authority to all combatant commands.

Fischer addressed concerns about reallocating defense spectrum bands for commercial wireless use: "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." She noted that protections in this year's NDAA prohibit modifications unless approved by top Pentagon leaders and prevent auction or reallocation by federal agencies for a decade.

The bill also includes measures to assess readiness in disaster medical response systems, modernize cloud migration and artificial intelligence roadmaps, and provide meteorological support for intelligence agencies.

Fischer emphasized investment in military personnel: "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." The bill also directs exploration into greater community involvement in developing healthcare facilities for veterans.

She concluded by underscoring bipartisan agreement on confronting current threats: "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."

"This is not partisan or political. It is a necessity," Fischer said. "Our servicemembers must have the resources they need to carry out their missions and return home to their loved ones."

She called on colleagues from both parties to support passage without delay.