By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
Last week, I shared how the One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers for Nebraska’s hardworking producers — the farmers and ranchers who feed and fuel our nation. Today, I want to detail another top priority: how this new law keeps Nebraskans safe and our communities secure.
From modernizing our military to strengthening our southern border, this legislation marks a significant investment in national security. It sends a clear message: the United States will defend its people, protect its homeland, and support the men and women who serve in uniform.
I’ve heard directly from Nebraskans across the state that our homeland security and public safety are some of the top issues most important to them. Recently, we saw two MS-13 leaders – who were illegally in our country – removed from the streets of Omaha. I am grateful to our federal law enforcement agencies who work around the clock to keep our communities safe – this is a prime example of the Trump administration delivering on its promise to take border security seriously.
The Senate is doing its part to fulfill the American people’s mandate to reverse the Biden administration’s disastrous open border policies by directing critical resources to our border. That’s why the One Big, Beautiful Bill invests $46.5 billion in U.S. Customs and Border Protection to build the border wall and associated infrastructure. It allocates $45 billion to increase detention capacity for illegal migrants and $6 billion to enhance surveillance along the border using the latest technologies. It also boosts funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hire more personnel and improve screening and vetting processes. These investments help reestablish control over our border and send a clear signal that the United States is serious about enforcing its immigration laws and keeping dangerous individuals out.
Beyond the border, the bill makes a generational investment in our national defense. It includes over $150 billion for critical military priorities, including $15 billion to modernize our nuclear arsenal and rebuild the infrastructure needed to manufacture nuclear weapons. Another $23 billion will accelerate the production of key munitions, while an additional $25 billion is devoted to building a robust missile defense system, the “Golden Dome,” to protect both our homeland and our deployed troops. It also includes $1 billion to support U.S. Department of Defense personnel tied to border security and counterdrug operations.
America’s naval strength also gets a much-needed boost, with $29 billion directed toward shipbuilding and modernizing our maritime industrial base. These funds will expand the size and capability of our fleet, invest in autonomous naval technology, and improve shipyard infrastructure across the country. China now commands the world’s largest navy, and Russia continues to expand its maritime capabilities. To keep pace with these growing threats, we must ensure our own Navy remains unmatched. This effort is essential to modernizing and strengthening our naval forces for the challenges ahead.
A strong defense requires both high levels of readiness and constant innovation. That’s why the bill sets aside $16 billion to improve military readiness, including additional spare parts for aircraft and expanded naval maintenance so our ships and planes are ready to deploy when called upon. Another $16 billion is dedicated to getting cutting-edge technologies such as drones, counter-drone systems, low-cost munitions, and artificial intelligence into the hands of our service members more quickly.
Finally, the bill recognizes that security starts with people. It provides $9 billion to support the quality of life for our men and women in uniform. That includes increased pay and allowances, improved housing, better access to healthcare, enhanced childcare benefits, and tuition assistance for military families.
Whether it’s securing our borders, rebuilding our military, or investing in the people who keep us safe, the One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers. It reflects Nebraskan values — strong defense, smart spending, and support for those who serve. With this law, we are taking national security seriously and building a safer, more secure future for all Americans.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
