Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update September 1-5

Visit to Hill Air Force Base Highlights North Dakota’s Role in Nation’s Nuclear Deterrence Mission

One week after attending an Air Force town hall on nuclear modernization in Minot, I visited Hill Air Force Base (AFB). This base is responsible for providing key logistical, maintenance, and operational support for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), a central component of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. They are housed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, the only base in the nation to house two legs of the nuclear triad.

At Hill AFB, I was briefed by Air Force leadership on the sustainment of the nation’s ICBMs spread across North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana and the development of their replacement called Sentinel. Hill AFB also maintains and supports the world’s premiere multirole fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II.

The visit featured a tour of Hill Air Force Base’s F-35 maintenance facility and Northrop Grumman’s Promontory site and Roy Innovation Center. The Promontory site is tasked with manufacturing and testing ballistic missile rocket motors. The Roy Innovation Center serves as a headquarters for the company’s work modernizing Sentinel ICBMs.

North Dakota Resource Management Plan CRA Passes House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) Joint Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and I introduced joint resolutions to overturn the Biden-era regulation, which would have cut off significant portions of federal oil and coal in North Dakota from development.

The introduction of the delegation’s resolution followed the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) determination that the plan qualifies for repeal under the CRA. The delegation and the state of North Dakota requested changes regarding the draft RMP that the Biden BLM chose to ignore.

Forum Article Spotlights Outgoing Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire

Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire has a deep and caring heart for the needs of her people and Indian Country. It is an honor to call her a close friend. I was honored to have her as my guest at the State of the Union, and she invited me to visit her tribe several times to discuss healthcare, law enforcement, and tribal sovereignty. Thank you, Janet, for your service as Standing Rock's first Tribal Chairwoman!

General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations

I had a productive meeting with General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations at the Space Force, before the Space Development Agency launches its Tranche 1 satellites. We spoke about the importance of SDA's mission, the momentum behind Golden Dome, and modernizing the PARCS radar at Cavalier Space Force Station.

General Christopher Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Nominee

It was great meeting with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff nominee General Christopher Mahoney ahead of his confirmation hearing next week. General Mahoney’s deep and accomplished background demonstrates his stellar leadership. I look forward to supporting his nomination.

Payment Choice Coalition

Thank you to Payment Choice Coalition for inviting me to speak about my Payment Choice Act and the importance of preserving the use of cash for all Americans!

"The Bottom Line" on Fox Business

I joined Dagen McDowell and Marcus Lemonis on Fox Business to discuss President Trump's pick of Stephen Miran to be on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The Senate needs to advance his nomination quickly. We spoke about the possibility of the Fed lowering interest rates. It seems the table has been set and the stars are aligned for such a move.

We also discussed the U.S. strike last week on a drug vessel near Venezuela. Not only does this decisive decision demonstrate Peace through Strength, but it sends a significant message: President Trump is going to stand up for the safety and security of the American people and every bad actor should take notice.