Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation includes 25 provisions authored by Sullivan and allocates approximately $168 million for military construction and equipment in Alaska and the Arctic. This is in addition to a previously announced $203 million project at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), which Sullivan helped secure. The NDAA will now proceed to the House for approval before reaching the President's desk.

“This year’s NDAA affirms Alaska’s importance to our nation’s defense during the most dangerous period since World War II,” said Sen. Sullivan. He emphasized provisions that enhance military capabilities in Alaska, including construction funding, pay increases for service members, and additional support for their families.

Sullivan highlighted efforts to address military readiness against global threats from Beijing and Moscow. These include a requirement for the Navy to submit a 30-year shipbuilding plan focused on security challenges like protecting Taiwan from China, and urging NATO allies to meet treaty obligations.

Despite these achievements, Sullivan expressed concern over potential reductions in U.S. defense spending below three percent of GDP next year—a rare occurrence since World War II's end. He criticized what he described as insufficient defense budgets under President Biden, suggesting they send an adverse message to adversaries.

The FY 2024 NDAA authorizes significant funds for Alaska's military infrastructure, including projects at JBER expected to commence in fall 2024. Once completed, these initiatives will increase personnel by approximately 116 individuals.

“Alaska constitutes three pillars of America's military might,” said Sen. Sullivan, citing missile defense systems located there, its role as a hub of air combat power with over 100 fifth-generation fighter jets, and its strategic position for expeditionary forces like the newly-formed 11th Airborne Division.

With additional funding secured through this NDAA, Alaska is set to strengthen its position as central to America’s Arctic and Indo-Pacific security operations.