Daines Advances Key Montana Priorities in Senate Defense Bill

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today advanced key Montana priorities with U.S. Senate passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed with a vote of 86-8.

“The Senate defense bill protects and promotes Montana’s critical contributions to our national security,” Daines said. “I look forward to working with the House to ensure we keep critical Montana provisions that strengthens our nuclear deterrence, empowers our standing on the world stage and gets the men and women who serve in Montana the resources they need.”

Key Highlights in the Senate passed NDAA:

  • Prioritizes nuclear deterrence–
    • $22 million increase for GBSD
    • $8.9 million increase for Minuteman upgrades
    • $29 million increase for W87-1 warhead development
  • Raises troop pay by 3.1%
  • Decreases reliance on China for critical earth minerals
  • Extends reimbursement for spouse license and certification costs by two years

In addition, Daines secured the following provisions:

  • Little Shell Recognition: Extends Federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.                    
  • Nuclear Warhead Modernization: Aligns the modernization of the W87-1 warhead with the development schedule for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD).
  • Support for ICBMs in the Nuclear Triad: Expresses the sense of the Senate on support for a robust and modern ICBM force to maximize value of the nuclear triad. 
  • Gold Star Families: Designates the week of September 29 through October 5 as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.”

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