It’s been nearly three weeks since Democrats voted to shut down the federal government. The frustration across the country is real—and I share it. But when moments like this arise, I remind myself why I came to Washington in the first place.
Nebraskans sent me here because they value determination, resilience, and grit. They expect me to stand firm in my convictions and deliver results, even in difficult times.
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. While Democrats remain focused on appeasing their far-left base, my Republican colleagues and I have been working to advance issues that truly matter to Americans—chief among them, defending our nation and strengthening our military.
Last week, despite the Democrat-induced shutdown, we took an important step forward with the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.
This bill reaffirms our commitment to the brave men and women who serve in uniform and ensures that America remains strong in the face of growing global threats.
It also represents major wins for Nebraska — especially for Offutt Air Force Base, U.S. Strategic Command, and for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) based in the Panhandle – all of which play critical roles in our national defense.
Today, our adversaries aren’t paying attention to the ongoing shutdown. Instead, they are collaborating— sharing weapons, resources, and intelligence—with the common goal of weakening the United States and eroding our influence abroad. We cannot afford complacency.
This year’s NDAA meets the moment by investing in deterrence, readiness, and innovation. It sends a clear message: America will remain the world’s leading force for peace and stability.
I fought hard to include key provisions that strengthen our nuclear deterrence, modernize our missile defense systems, protect critical defense spectrum, and improve our ability to respond to mass casualty events. These are concrete investments in America’s security and in Nebraska’s proud tradition of service.
Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha— home to U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)—along with the community supporting the ICBMs in Western Nebraska stand central to this mission. Using my role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I worked to ensure each of these components receives the support they need to succeed.
One of Congress’ most important duties is to defend the nation. With the passage of the NDAA, we’re fulfilling that duty by giving our troops the tools, training, and resources they need to carry out their mission safely and effectively.
We’re also taking meaningful steps to care for those who serve. This year’s bill includes:
• Authorization of a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members, ensuring their compensation keeps pace with the cost of living.
• Authorizing the reversal of $19 million cut for the DPAA, whose sacred mission is to recover and identify the remains of fallen service members from past conflicts.
• A new initiative exploring public- private partnerships in healthcare construction, modeled after my CHIP IN for Veterans Act, to help local communities contribute to the development of new VA healthcare facilities.
• Expanded authority for the DPAA to procure foreign goods and services in support of recovery missions overseas.
• A reform to make facilities modernization funding more efficient, extending the authorization period from one year to three for better longterm planning and execution.
These are patriotic accomplishments that represent the kind of pragmatic, forward-looking leadership Americans deserve. The political battles in Washington can be exhausting. But through all the noise, my focus remains steady: to serve Nebraska and protect our nation. That’s the job. And it’s one I will never stop fighting to do.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
