Johnson says national defense bill is a ‘huge win for Ellsworth’

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - On Wednesday, the House approved a $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act in a 281 to 140 vote after months of turmoil.

Many of the topics that held up the bill included what Representative Dusty Johnson says are “social agendas” such as DEI, Critical Race Theory and gender transitions for minors. Johnson says this defense package put an end to some of those policies but noted the bill’s proposed funding will do a lot for Ellsworth Air Force Base in preparation for the B-21 bombers.

“We want to make sure that we’re making the kinds of investments in Ellsworth that make sure that the bed down of the world-class advanced B-21 Bomber goes as well as we need it to. Our delegation has worked hard to make sure that’s the case, and we’ve done it again with the annual defense bill. B-21 is going to be showing up soon, and it’s going to make America a lot safer when it happens,” Johnson said.

Johnson noted a 15% pay raise for junior enlisted service members as well as provisions holding China accountable for unfair shipping practices were included in the bill.