Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update APRIL 28 - May 2

U.S. Naval Academy Visit Includes Meeting North Dakota Midshipmen and Tour

Each year, I nominate North Dakotans to the five U.S. service academies where they receive a world-class education and begin their careers in the armed services. Last week, I had the honor of visiting the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where I caught up with two of the midshipmen I previously nominated: Loren Steinberg and Rebecca Van Vleet.

It was a privilege to have breakfast with North Dakota Midshipmen Loren Steinberg and Rebecca Van Vleet and the Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen Captain David S. Forman. They make North Dakota proud with their hard work, service, and dedication. Midshipman Steinberg then graciously showed me around the Yard before I sat down with U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids to hear more about the Naval Academy’s role in preparing the Navy’s next generation of leaders.

The United States Naval Academy and other service academies attract some of the brightest and most dedicated North Dakotans to begin their service with the rigorous education provided by the decorated members of our Armed Services and their civilian counterparts.

Click here to learn more about the nomination process to attend one of the service academies.

Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell Appointed to Serve in Key USDA Positions

U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and I announced the Trump administration appointed Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell to key leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) state offices in North Dakota:

• Brad Thykeson will serve as the next North Dakota State Executive Director of the Farm Service Administration (FSA).
• Tom Campbell will serve as the next North Dakota State Director for Rural Development (RD).

Brad Thykeson – Farm Service Agency State Executive Director

Thykeson is a life-long farmer, who served in the same position during President Trump’s first term. During his previous tenure leading the agency, Thykeson implemented FSA programs and oversaw policies providing producers with assistance in times of market uncertainty and natural disasters.

Brad Thykeson has a proven track record at FSA, having helped ensure farmers could navigate challenges new and old. Between an increased cost of production, efforts to secure better trade deals and an ongoing recovery from wildfires and harsh weather, our farmers need someone at the head of the state FSA office who knows our ag economy. Brad is the right person for the job, and we appreciate the administration for heeding our call to reinstate him to this critical position.

Tom Campbell – North Dakota State Director for Rural Development

In recommending him to lead the USDA’s rural development efforts in North Dakota, we cited Campbell’s experience as a lifelong farmer as well as his extensive public service. Campbell is the co-founder of Campbell Farms, a multi-locational potato production farm and served in the North Dakota State Senate from 2013 to 2018.

The RD State Director position calls for a person ready to serve the community on day one. Time and again, Tom has answered the call to be a public servant. From his service in the North Dakota Senate to a variety of leadership roles with both local and national agricultural groups, Tom has worked to help fellow producers manage agricultural policy. This long history of building relationships with producers in the state and advocating for policies that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities will serve him well in the state director position.

United States and Ukraine Sign Rare Earth Minerals Deal

The United States and Ukraine entered into a historic agreement on April 30, launching a first-of-its-kind partnership for the reconstruction and long-term economic success of Ukraine.

The partnership between the United States and Ukraine establishes a fund which will receive 50% of royalties, license fees, and other similar payments from natural resource projects in Ukraine. Natural resource projects will include minerals, hydrocarbons, and related infrastructure development.

The White House said, "no state, company, or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine, including participation in projects supported by fund resources." 

Excellent! This is welcome news and proof making deals that work for everyone is still the best way to lead. The reconstruction and investment will help rebuild Ukraine while supporting its freedom and sovereignty.

Letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Highlights Concerns Over Divestment of Legacy Airborne ISR Capabilities

Over the last couple of years, the U.S. Air Force has begun to rapidly divest legacy airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms without demonstrating how new capabilities can replace them. The rate of investment and divestment leaves the Combatant Commanders accepting greater risk and provides civilian policy makers with less input to make informed decisions or conduct effective missions.

I led U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, expressing concerns with the Air Force’s escalated retirement of airborne ISR capabilities and highlighted the necessity of the platforms. I led a similar letter last year to then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

In the pursuit of other modernization efforts beyond ISR, and possibly an overly-optimistic prediction of what space can quickly execute, the Air Force is aggressively retiring its current inventory of airborne ISR platforms without investing in replacement capabilities. At the current rate of investment and divestment, the Air Force will eventually have more lethal tools, but they leave the military with fewer tools to know what they are striking and fewer tools for policy makers to know if they should be striking something at all.

In the letter, we reiterated our concern of the Air Force’s history of “cutting ISR in order to meet other aspirations” and how it remains “unabashedly committed to divesting its airborne ISR capabilities.”

The U.S. Air Force has retired the MC-12 Liberty, MQ-1 Predator, E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), the RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 20s and 30s, and the MQ-9 Block 1. Further, the Air Force has stopped procuring the MQ-9As, announced the retirement of the U-2 Dragon Lady, and has started to shut down the U-2 training pipeline. Despite these cuts to airborne ISR platforms, there has been no new procurement or announced development of new or modernized capabilities to fill the gap.

The importance of ISR cannot be overstated. Whether it's getting President Kennedy the information necessary during the Cuban missile crisis, getting our allies and partners what they need to maintain the peace of the Camp David Accords, or feeding and completing the kill chain against near peer adversaries and Violent Extremist Organizations (VEO), ISR provides the information necessary for the decision makers at every level. It is no accident ISR is listed as one of the Air Force's Core Functions.

Letter Sent Calling to Reform Energy Tax Credits, Prioritize Grid Reliability

A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) found 11 of 18 Regional Transmission Organizations face an elevated risk of resource adequacy shortfalls. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)—which serves 45 million Americans—is at high risk of not having enough electricity to meet demand, even under normal conditions.

As former state utility regulators, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and I sent a letter calling on House and Senate Republican leaders and Committee Chairs to reevaluate and reform federal energy tax credits to better align with America's goals of energy reliability, affordability, and security. We warned current energy tax policy distorts markets and weakens the electric grid by disproportionately subsidizing intermittent power sources like wind and solar.

We understand state and regional power markets and strongly believe smart, targeted federal investments in our energy sector can be in the national interest. Multiple federal statutes state the public policy of the United States is to provide a reliable and resilient grid, yet all too often our tax code subsidizes the opposite. [...] Regrettably, it continues to shower intermittent energy generators with incentives and resources without regard to its contribution to a rapidly degrading electrical grid.

We also requested a responsible phase-out of costly tax credits like 45Y and 48E, which favor only zero-emission sources while overlooking key attributes like reliability, affordability, and dispatchability. Instead, we support targeted incentives such as 45Q for carbon capture and 45U for existing nuclear power—tools which reduce emissions while helping maintain dependable, affordable electricity.

Generators should be paid for their performance; not how good they make policymakers feel. [...] As we continue to formulate the parameters of an American energy dominance agenda, we stand ready to work with you and other Republican elected officials to deliver on the mandate the American people entrusted with us.

Senators Introduce Bipartisan America the Beautiful Act

I joined U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) in introducing a bipartisan conservation bill, the America the Beautiful Act. This legislation builds on the Great American Outdoors Act by strengthening and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and addressing the serious maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands.

Our America the Beautiful Act keeps the momentum going to help address the maintenance backlog across our public lands. In North Dakota, this funding repaired Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Loop Road, which was closed for over five years but is ready for visitors this summer!

The America the Beautiful Act is supported by over 50 public lands, conservation and recreation groups. Members who cosigned the legislation include U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

SVAC Hearing Highlights Importance of Veteran Access to Suicide Prevention Services

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing last week to discuss the importance of enhancing outreach to better support the mental health of veterans across the nation.

During the hearing, I questioned Dr. Thomas O’Toole, Acting Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Clinical Services at the Veterans Health Administration, about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). I also asked Dr. O’Toole about my legislation, the Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act.

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and I introduced the bipartisan Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act earlier this month to provide priority consideration of SSG Fox SPGP applications to entities in states which have not previously received a grant. Neither North Dakota nor Delaware, or entities serving these states, have received any funding.

[The Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act] recognizes that a couple of states didn't receive funds from the program, and we want to prioritize states that haven't received funds previously. It's a one-time deal.

The SSG Fox SPGP represents a key program to proactively reach veterans in their communities before a mental health crisis presents. While I strongly support the intent of the program, I'm concerned many veterans are being missed due to the distribution of funds. I further highlighted how there are many qualified entities who may not get selected for the SSG Fox SPGP.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Authorize Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide

Despite significant advancements in digital technology, remote notarization has yet to be fully deployed and accepted on an interstate basis. While nearly every state allows for remote electronic notarization, regulations and recognition vary between states.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and I introduced our bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bill would permit the nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations (RON), enabling notaries and signers to complete the process from different physical locations. It authorizes every notary in the United States to perform RON and provides certainty for interstate recognition of RON. The SECURE Notarization Act requires tamper-evident technology and fraud prevention measures through the use of multi-factor authentication.

We’ve made progress toward more widespread use of online notarizations in the past few years, but the patchwork of state regulations can leave consumers without consistent access to notary services. Our bill will make sure online notarizations are valid across state lines and allow every notary to perform them

The bill is endorsed by American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of Realtors (NAR), and American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).

Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Second Chance Month

The United States Senate passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as “Second Chance Month,” reaffirming the importance of helping formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society.

The resolution, introduced by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and I, honors the work of communities and organizations who worked throughout April to remove unnecessary barriers preventing individuals with criminal records from becoming productive members of society. It also encourages continued efforts to promote awareness of unnecessary barriers and provide closure for individuals with criminal records who have served their time.

America is a nation of second chances. Yet too often our criminal justice system focuses on punishment over redemption. I’m glad the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution to designate April as Second Chance Month, recognizing those who have paid their debt to society and have earned a second chance to rebuild their lives, reclaim their futures, and positively contribute to their community.

The resolution was endorsed by Prison Fellowship and supported by the Brennan Center for Justice, Right on Crime, Conservative Political Action Conference, Niskanen Center, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, and National District Attorneys Association.

U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Barry Moore (R-AL-01), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10) introduced a companion measure in the House of Representatives.

Resolution Honors National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and I introduced to designate April 30 as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in four individuals in the United States has a disability, including more than 40 percent of adults 65 or older. Additionally, the Department of Education reported that there were more than nine million children with disabilities.

Assistive technology, which includes communication devices, modified vehicles, glasses, and mobility devices, is not a luxury – it is essential for individuals with disabilities and older Americans to independently live in their homes, access education, receive health care, and obtain employment. We are proud to recognize April 30 as ‘National Assistive Technology Awareness Day’ and highlight the importance of assistive technology and the state assistive technology programs that improve people’s lives every day.

The resolution is endorsed by Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP), American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Access Ready Inc., American Council of the Blind, CommunicationFIRST, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), and Perkins School for the Blind.

Statement on Terror Attack in Kashmir

India experienced senseless terrorism last week in Kashmir, which took the lives of more than 20 individuals and left many more injured. Terrorism is abhorrent, evil, and cowardly, and my heart aches for the recent loss of life in Kashmir.

May the terrorists who conducted the attack be brought to justice and their entire organization be obliterated.

Ahead of the Summer Driving Season, U.S. EPA Authorizes Nationwide Year-Round E15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline nationwide during the summer driving season. In the past, E15 fuel could not be sold during the summer months due to Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

The EPA said by allowing the sale of E15 gasoline year-round, it will provide families with relief at the pump by increasing fuel supply and ensuring a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose.

Thank you to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for their work to allow nationwide summer sales of E-15! This increases consumer choice at the pump and provides regulatory relief for fuel producers.

Resolution Designates National Fentanyl Awareness Day

America saw more than 84,000 recorded drug overdose deaths last year alone. This surge is largely due to illicit fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills. I joined Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to introduce a resolution designating April 29 as “National Fentanyl Awareness Day” to drive awareness of counterfeit fentanyl pills.

Members who cosponsored the resolution include U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NM), Steve Daines (R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jim Justice (R-WW), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Young (R-IN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA.) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

Strasburg Public School Seniors

Meeting with seniors from Strasburg was a great start to my day on Tuesday! I enjoyed answering their questions and getting to know this wonderful group of students.

LifeWorks and God in the Workplace Event

It was a joy to share my message of faith in Christ at a God in the Workplace event at LifeWorks in Charleston, SC. We were able to share some great fellowship with ⁦U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and his family throughout the weekend. Southern hospitality is real.

U.S. Space Force: America's Invisible Front Line Presentation

The U.S. Space Force plays an integral role in securing and protecting our nation. I enjoyed attending a presentation by the Space Force highlighting the crucial work of our Guardians in meeting and defeating today’s threats.

Adam Telle, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

Thanks to Adam Telle, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works nominee, for stopping by ahead of his confirmation hearing. We had a good discussion about the Army Corps operations and mission across North Dakota. I look forward to working with him to deliver results for our state.

General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force

The Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee held a classified briefing last week with General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. General Allvin is responsible for the organization, training, and preparation of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas.

The briefing served as a platform to engage on the critical challenges facing the force structure and the pressing need for a tailored approach to design, resourcing, and prioritization within the Air Force.

General Allvin attended the 17th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit in Grand Forks with me in 2023. During his trip to North Dakota, we visited Minot Air Force Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base, toured GrandSKY, met with ROTC students at the University of North Dakota (UND), and met with UND President Andrew Armacost.

SASC Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee Classified Briefing

During a classified brief last week, the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee received an update on adversary unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Adversary UAS and UAV have become a key component of modern warfare, with state and non-state actors using them for various military objectives.

At this year's UAS Summit in Grand Forks, I received the UAS Sky Pioneer Award, recognizing my commitment to UAS development, research, and deployment in North Dakota and across the nation.