Johnson Priorities Included in “Peace through Strength” Annual Defense Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with several of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) priorities. The bill includes provisions to strengthen deterrence against China, prohibit men from competing in women’s sports at military academies, and robust funding for B-21 aircraft procurement.

“America’s military should be the strongest, most prepared fighting force in the world. This defense package makes sure our servicemembers have what they need, when they need it,” said Johnson. “The defense package prioritizes made-in-America equipment by providing funding for Ellsworth’s B-21 Raider and ensures our military will deliver peace through strength.”

Johnson priorities included in the 2026 NDAA:

• Provides $3.45 billion for B-21 aircraft procurement.
• Provides $378 million for military construction for Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• Provides $28 million for the Watertown Complex’s National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.
• Johnson’s priority to prohibit biological men from competing in women’s sports at military service academies.
• Johnson’s provision to strengthen deterrence against China by supporting defense industrial cooperation with U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Authorizes $35 million in Impact Aid assistance.
• Raises servicemember pay by 3.8% and improves benefits for military families.
• Fights drug trafficking.
• Ends $115 million of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.
• Cuts more than $1 billion of Green New Deal programs at the DoD.
• Provides $20 billion in savings.