Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update September 30 - October 7

Congress Recognizes One Year Anniversary of October 7th Terrorist Attacks in Israel

A year ago today, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists launched a heinous attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages, in addition to launching thousands of rockets toward Israel. One year later, 97 hostages still remain unaccounted for, including seven Americans.

I joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and every Republican Senator in introducing a resolution to condemn the brutal assault that occurred on October 7, 2023. The resolution reiterates support to “ensure the forever survival of Israel; destroy the ability of Hamas to reconstitute any leadership role in the region; and safely release and return all United States hostages.”

As hard as it is to believe, it was one year ago today that Hamas launched an attack with the sole purpose of eradicating Israel, kidnapping and slaughtering thousands of Israeli citizens and dozens of Americans in the process. Despite the reckless language of the left, we stand in support of Israel, unequivocally, our friend and our close ally. The United States must do everything we can to champion the continued existence and flourishing of Israel, and deny Hamas the opportunity to rebuild itself.

Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack Against Israel

Last week, Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles on Israel. The attack was in response to Israel successfully killing Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

As we consider an appropriate response to the attacks on Israel, we must remember the complete destruction of Israel and the United States is the goal of Iran’s leaders and proxies.

As our strongest ally in the Middle East and perhaps in the world, there can never be any doubt by them or Iran, the United States will stand with and fight with our historic friend if necessary. The only ceasefire the United States should be calling for is a complete defeat of Iran and its proxies.

Interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox Business Discusses Iran's Missile Attack Against Israel

I joined Cavuto Coast to Coast on Fox Business to discuss Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack against Israel and how U.S. foreign policy needs to react.

The flip-flopping of the Biden-Harris administration’s strategic policy on Israel has left Iran with unchecked power and the ability to conduct vicious attacks on our allies. I support a stronger more proactive approach to protecting the United States and our allies.

Two Pieces of Legislation Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease Signed into Law

Two critical pieces of legislation in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease were signed into law this week. I cosponsored both pieces of legislation, the National Alzheimer's Project (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act. These bills are meaningful advancements in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives and essential research pursuant to the National Alzheimer's Project. The NAPA Reauthorization Act extends the National Alzheimer’s Project to 2035. The project was first authorized in 2011 and supports coordination of federal planning, programs, and research to support efforts addressing Alzheimer's disease and dementia such as healthy aging and cognitive decline.

Like many others, Alzheimer’s has a personal connection to me and my family. I am committed to doing everything I can to support those that are affected by the disease while at the same time, working toward treatments that work and ultimately, a cure. I believe we can get there. There’s a lot to be done, but I am heartened by the progress of these bills that are being signed into law.

Interview with Tom Basile on Newsmax Discusses Ways to Support Israel, FEMA Diverting Disaster Funds to Migrants

I joined Tom Basile on Newsmax to discuss FEMA diverting disaster funds to migrants and ways the U.S. should help advance Israel's progress in the months ahead.

Letter to DOJ Highlights Concerns Over Non-Citizens Participating in Federal Elections

As concerns grow over non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections, reports in Virginia and Texas claim thousands of non-citizens were found on voter rolls. I joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in a bicameral letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking for stricter enforcement of federal laws prohibiting non-citizens from registering to vote or voting in federal elections.

The letter reiterates a previous request for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide details on enforcement actions taken since January 2021, including statistics on prosecutions and referrals related to non-citizen voting. It also demands accountability and immediate action to protect public confidence in the electoral process.

Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 36 days, your Department’s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming. [...] Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans’ trust and confidence in election results.

China Terminates Intercountry Adoption Program

In early September, the U.S. Department of State received notice from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Civil Affairs stating as of August 28, China is no longer carrying out foreign adoption work. All pending and future adoptions, except those among blood relatives, have been halted.

I joined my co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and Adam Smith (D-WA), in sending a joint letter to the U.S. Department of State Office of Children’s Issues, asking it seek further clarification on the details and reasoning for China’s decision to terminate foreign adoption work and halt pending adoptions.

I am disappointed by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program. The safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority, and the sudden termination of China’s adoption program has exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being.

Letter sent to Biden-Harris on Iran Policy Failures

I joined U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) in a letter regarding the Biden administration’s failure to prevent Iran from rushing towards nuclear breakout. This geopolitical disaster is a direct result of the Biden-Harris policy of appeasement.

Iran has waged a reign of terror against America and our allies for decades. But if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, one can only imagine how emboldened the ayatollahs would feel to spread even more death and terror around the world, especially in the Middle East. If that happens, history will judge you and your administration very harshly—as it should.

Happy Birthday President Jimmy Carter!

I joined the rest of America in sending 100th birthday wishes to former President Jimmy Carter on Oct. 1.

Happy 100th Birthday Mr. President. Thank you for being a Servant Leader all these years. You are a blessing to our nation and world.

Modern Firearm Safety Act Removes Barriers to Purchase Handguns

I joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) in introducing the Modern Firearms Safety Act, which reduces burdensome restrictions like handgun rosters.

Americans’ Second Amendment liberties do not come with a caveat for a liberal state’s pre-approved list of firearms. Unconstitutional handgun rosters need to go.

Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act Introduced

Under existing law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may only provide burial markers or headstones for spouses and dependent children who died after November 11, 1998, and before October 1, 2025. I introduced the Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act with U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) to eliminate this restriction and permanently authorize the VA to provide memorial headstones or markers for veterans, their spouses, and dependents.

An arbitrary, outdated restriction prohibits the VA from providing a memorial headstone or marker for military spouses and dependents if they passed away before 1998. Our bipartisan legislation removes this hurdle, giving families much-needed closure.

DOD Awards Contract for Construction of Emergency Fuel Storage Facility at Cavalier Space Force Station

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded a $19,129,000 contract to HCPA-GARCO for the construction of an Emergency Power Plant-Fuel Storage facility at Cavalier Space Force Station. The work is expected to be completed by Dec. 9, 2026, and will be performed in Cavalier. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District is the contracting activity.

It’s certainly no secret that tensions across the world are heightened, and installations like Cavalier Space Force Station are as important or more important than ever. This fuel storage facility is going to help build out the infrastructure at the Cavalier station, which is not just an essential piece of North Dakota’s defense ecosystem but a critical national defense asset. Maintaining America’s advantage in space over potential adversaries depends on our willingness to expand our defense assets in places like Cavalier.

U.S. EDA Invests $3.9 Million for Bismarck Riverfront Infrastructure Improvements

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an award of $3.9 million to the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation in Bismarck. This funding will support infrastructure improvements to develop Bismarck Riverfront Park and Festival Grounds, attracting tourism and strengthening the local economy.

North Dakota’s capital city is a beautiful city, and the Missouri River is a spectacular historical and recreational resource for our state. These funds will improve the infrastructure so more people can have access to it and enjoy it.

USDA Rural Development Awards More Than $9 Million to North Dakota for Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced an investment of $9,685,000 for the following infrastructure projects across North Dakota:

• $4,446,000 loan to Cavalier Rural Electrical Cooperative to support a project to build and improve 37 miles of line connecting 85 consumers.
• $1,202,000 grant to the City of New Salem to replace and upsize the aged cast-iron main and sanitary sewer pipe.
• $780,000 loan and $620,000 grant to the City of Buffalo to install a new 6” PVC force main from the city’s lift station to the lagoons.
• $432,000 loan and $320,000 grant to the City of Mayville to replace approximately 12 blocks of asbestos cement pipe on the water distribution system, install seven fire hydrants, and repair or replace 15 gate valves throughout the city.

NPS Awards Over $1.2 Million to Support Project at Sully Creek State Park in Medora

The National Park Service (NPS) announced the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation (NDDPR) received an award of $1,262,300 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund supporting the construction of additional campsites at Sully Creek State Park, located near Medora. The funding will allow the NDDPR to renovate and reconfigure the road network at Sully Creek State Park to increase the number of campsites, including the installation of 50-amp utilities and water.

Weekly Radio Town Hall Schedule

Jay Thomas

Every other Tuesday from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. CT

"Mitchell in the Morning" with Todd Mitchell

Every Wednesday from 8:15 to 8:50 a.m. CT

KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck

Noah Chelliah

Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. CT

KNOX 1310 AM - Grand Forks

Rick Jensen

Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. CT

KHND 1470 AM - Harvey

"What's On Your Mind" with Scott Hennen

Every Friday from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. CT

AM 1100 The Flag - Fargo

WDAY 970 AM - Fargo

KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga

Michael Bell

Every Friday from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. CT

KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck

Contact Me

My offices are open in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Williston, and Washington, D.C. To request an appointment, call any of the offices below or visit my website at www.cramer.senate.gov.

Bismarck

328 Federal Building, 220 East Rosser Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501

701-204-0500

Grand Forks

114 Federal Building, 102 North 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58203

701-402-4540

Minot

105 Federal Building, 100 First Street SW, Minot, ND 58701

701-837-6141

Fargo

306 Federal Building, 657 Second Avenue N, Fargo, ND 58102

701-232-5094

Williston

125 Main Street, Suite #217, Williston, ND 58801

701-441-7230

Washington, D.C.

313 Hart Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

202-224-2043