Senate Approves Military Construction Projects and Veterans Support in North Dakota

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The U.S. Senate has passed the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill, which includes key investments for military infrastructure upgrades and enhanced services for veterans across North Dakota.

Senator John Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured provisions to advance upgrades at Minot Air Force Base. The legislation directs the Air Force to move forward with improvements to the base’s Weapons Storage Area and to begin construction on launch facilities for the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. The bill further mandates that infrastructure at all three U.S. missile bases be built concurrently to support deployment timelines and reduce costs.

The legislation also provides resources for the North Dakota National Guard, including $1.5 million for the Jamestown Readiness Center and additional funding to support lodging at the Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton. These upgrades are intended to improve readiness and training conditions for Guard members across the state.

For North Dakota’s veterans, the bill expands healthcare access and support services. It boosts infrastructure funding for rural national cemeteries, including Fargo National Cemetery, and aims to increase access to long-term care. The legislation also allows the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, offering this treatment option through the VA Community Care program.

Senator Kevin Cramer, who serves on both the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, emphasized that the package includes $702.8 million for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. This funding benefits every county in the state and is administered through local Community Action Agencies to ensure rural outreach and support.

The fiscal 2026 legislation reflects a coordinated federal effort to maintain military readiness while expanding care and services for veterans. Lawmakers representing North Dakota view these investments as essential to supporting service members, improving facilities, and maintaining strong national defense capabilities well into the future.