Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update May 19 - 30

Whitet House Unveils Golden Dome for America

I attended the event and applauded President Trump’s innovative and bold vision

As the U.S. faces evolving and pressing threats, missile defense plays an essential role in deterring and defeating adversary missiles and other threats against the nation. Days after his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.

As chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, I joined U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a fellow SASC member, President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Vice Chief of Space Operations General Michael Guetlein at the White House to announce the administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America.

Providing for the common defense of American citizens is our first Constitutional responsibility. Over the last couple of decades, adversaries have sharpened their capabilities and threats are no longer far off in the distance. We need to modernize our missile defense infrastructure so we can protect our homeland from catastrophic, modern missile attacks. I applaud President Trump’s innovative and bold vision to create a safer, more secure America and Congress is ready to work with him to make it a reality.

The president also announced the nomination of General Guetlein to lead the implementation of this effort. Last month, General Guetlein joined SDA Director Derek Tournear and I to visit the University of North Dakota and tour the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the National Security Corridor at the College of Engineering & Mines. The group also visited Grand Forks Air Force Base, Cavalier Space Force Station and viewed ongoing U.S. Space Force activities in North Dakota.

I strongly endorse General Guetlein for the role in leading the Golden Dome project. I don’t know anyone better equipped to do it than him.

Trip to Ottawa with Bipartisan Delegation Includes Visit with Canadian Leadership

Last week, I joined a bipartisan group of senators in Ottawa to reaffirm and strengthen the partnership between the United States and Canada. Our two countries have fostered one of the most significant bilateral relationships in the world, one characterized by their close economic and national security ties. During the trip, we met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Foreign Minister Anita Anand, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, Canada’s Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, and representatives from industry and business groups.

The overarching theme of the visit centered around advancing mutual priorities such as defense and security cooperation through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Arctic readiness, cross-border economic integration, addressing trade disruptions, and coordinated responses to global challenges.

The United States and Canada share more than a border. From national security to commerce, we have both interests and challenges in common, working through them with open, frank dialogue. It was an honor to join my colleagues as part of this delegation to Ottawa.

In addition to meeting with government officials, we participated in a roundtable with the Business Council of Canada, American Chamber of Commerce, and other leading Canadian companies.

I was encouraged by the meetings, and the Prime Minister’s transparent and thoughtful words were smart and instructive. I look forward to working with our friends, business partners, and neighbors in Canada to strengthen our relationship and address mutual issues facing our great countries.

The visit to Canada is a continuation of my efforts to support the American-Canadian relationship. I recently introduced a bipartisan resolution with fellow Senate American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus co-chair U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME). The resolution recognizes the U.S.-Canada partnership and its shared interests in economic, energy and critical minerals, and national security. Among other provisions, it reaffirms the bilateral and international alliance between the two countries, which allows both countries to face common threats together and uphold common values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Representing a Northern border state, I recognize the importance of the unique partnership between the United States and Canada. Not only are our neighbors to the north crucial economic and national security partners, but they are literally our closest ally. This resolution celebrates our closeness and is a testament to the enduring strength, friendship, and importance of the U.S.-Canada alliance across the country and the globe.

Appointment to Serve as Co-Chair of Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group

Established in 1959, the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is tasked with promoting better understanding and cooperation between Canadian parliamentarians and U.S. members of Congress. The association is comprised of nearly 90 members and serves as a forum to discuss key bilateral and multilateral issues impacting both countries.

I was appointed as co-chair of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). I served as a member of the association from 2013 to 2019 when I was in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is a strategic venue for legislators in Washington and Ottawa to engage on the shared issues our nations face. Just like iron sharpens iron, the alliance between Canada and the United States is dependent on open, honest dialogue on what binds us together and where improvements are needed. I’m honored to be appointed as co-chair of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group and look forward to strengthening our alliance and working on resolving mutual concerns.

The association holds a meeting each year, alternating between Canada and the United States to address priorities and policy differences on issues such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense. During the event, attendees seek to identify shared values and find possible solutions to a variety of concerns to both countries.

Talon Metals Celebrate Advanced Nickel, Copper Minerals Processing Facility in Beulah

Project to advance American mineral production

Talon Metals leadership celebrated the securement of a former Westmoreland Mining site where the company will develop its Beulah Minerals Processing Facility (BMPF). This facility is slated to be the world’s most advanced nickel and copper minerals processor.

The BMPF will process nickel and copper, utilizing nickel ore from a Talon mine in Minnesota and the fly ash byproduct of Mercer County coal-fired power stations. The nickel concentrate processed at the Beulah facility will be used for batteries, stainless steel, and defense technologies, and the fly ash will help chemically neutralize and harden the tailings. The nickel concentrate and other byproducts, including cobalt and iron, from the Beulah facility will be used by Tesla for its EV batteries.

You could not over exaggerate the significance of what's about to happen at the Westmoreland site. Its contribution to economic opportunity will be significant to national security, global security, and domestic supply chain development. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded nearly $115 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Talon Metals for the construction of this facility, and Talon will provide a recipient cost share of nearly $320 million. This project includes workforce training in Mercer County and will offer employment opportunities to nearby communities and tribal members. The U.S. Department of Defense also awarded Talon over $20 million in Defense Production Act funding to increase exploration and development of domestic nickel.

As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I have been a longtime advocate for domestic critical minerals production, stressing the superiority of American labor and environmental standards and the importance of strategically decoupling supply chains from adversaries like China. I co-led a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) to express our concerns regarding a potential critical mineral free trade agreement with Indonesia for the procurement of nickel. In 2022, I also wrote a letter of support on behalf of Talon’s application to then-DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

SCOTUS Unanimously Rules to Limit Scope of Environmental Reviews

The Supreme Court issued a unanimous 8–0 ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, narrowing the scope of environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects.

Justice Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, held that agencies only need to evaluate environmental impacts of the project itself—not indirect effects from upstream or downstream third-party activity. He said the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a procedural cross-check, not a substantive roadblock. Kavanaugh said, "the goal of the law is to inform agency decision-making, not to paralyze it.”

This ruling strengthens the legal footing for North Dakota infrastructure projects, such as oil and natural gas pipeline expansions, by limiting NEPA’s reach to the actual project.

Energy Secretary Issues Emergency Order to Secure Grid Reliability Ahead of Summer Months

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has warned that the region served by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), including North Dakota, "is at elevated risk of operating reserve shortfalls during periods of high demand,” particularly during the summer months.

More than 100,000 customers in and around New Orleans went without power on May 25 as a result of MISO rotating outages in the state to preserve the stability of the grid. Two days prior, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order to minimize the risk of blackouts and address critical grid security issues in the Midwestern region of the United States ahead of the high electricity demand expected this summer. The order directs the MISO to ensure the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan remains available for operation, minimizing the risk of unnecessary power outages. The Campbell Plant was scheduled to shut down on May 31, which is 15 years before the end of its scheduled design life.

The chickens are coming home to roost. Decades of nonsensical energy policy and subsidies for intermittent power are contributing to an ongoing grid emergency, weeks before the peak summer season arrives. Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy's emergency order can help in the short term, but long-term reform is needed. A good start would be eliminating subsidies for intermittent energy.

Op-Ed: If Countries Want Access to Our Markets, They Must Abide By Our Standards

On President Trump’s “Liberation Day” last month, he argued non-tariff trade barriers are often more damaging to America’s competitiveness than actual tariffs imposed by foreign governments. He rightly called out unfair practices like currency manipulation, export subsidies, and intellectual property theft. But one often-overlooked offense stands out: lax environmental standards, enforcement, and compliance.

In his remarks, the President blasted other countries for accusing America of committing environmental crimes and demanding that our producers pay for damages for which they were not responsible.

As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I penned an op-ed in RealClearEnergy, arguing for an America First approach to foreign pollution and the rules we impose on ourselves reflect our stewardship values. If countries want access to our markets they should abide by our standards, and we shouldn’t devolve to theirs.

'Free-trade-at-any-cost' idealogues portend all commodities are created equal, as if there isn’t intrinsic value in where a product is made. In their mind, a barrel of Russian or Iranian oil is the same as one out of North Dakota or Alaska, or a rod of Chinese steel is no different than one out of Cleveland or Pittsburgh. Never mind these foreign producers are dirtier, use their profits to promulgate foreign wars, and exploit abhorrent labor standards.

The President is right to focus on the effects of unfair trade practices to level the playing field. An America First approach on foreign pollution, however, can do much more – it can rewrite the script on how conservatives view U.S. environmental progress.

Global demand for virtually everything is growing. If we want cleaner, more secure supply chains, we won’t get there by punishing ourselves. The solution is recognizing our excellence and making more in America!

Senate Overturns Harmful California EV Mandates

In the final days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Clean Air Act waivers for a number of California electric vehicle (EV) mandates. These waivers would allow California to force a shift to EVs by 2035, imposing unrealistic standards on automakers and restricting consumer choice for millions of Americans.

California set the strictest levels in the nation, requiring all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles sold to be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035. As of 2023, 17 states chose to mimic California's standards including Minnesota. California is also the most populous state. Automakers and dealers cannot have a patchwork of standards that switches back and forth across state lines, so they are forced to default to the unrealistic bar California imposes. EVs are more expensive than gas or hybrid-powered cars, cater to wealthier customers, and have less range in cold climates.

As Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I cosponsored three Congressional Review Act joint resolutions of disapproval to overturn these waivers. Last week, I voted to overturn the waivers.

Bill Introduced to Improve Veterans Access to Timely, Local Health Care

Legislation streamlines health care access and creates new pathway for rural veterans within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital

Many of America’s veterans live in rural or highly rural areas and face major challenges to accessing quality and timely health care. To improve access to local rural care options, U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and I, members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. The bill would create a new option for veterans living in rural America, allowing them to seek health care services at their local rural hospital or clinic under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program.

Specifically, the legislation would amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to create a new category under which care is required to be furnished through community providers, specifically for care sought by a rural veteran residing with 35 miles of the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic.

While communities may lack a VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), they are often served by Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics. Critical Access Hospital is a designation given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As defined by federal statute, they are the sole provider within 35 miles, must have 25 or less inpatient beds, and provide 24/7 emergency care services. They are often the only available care in rural communities, but due to community care restrictions veterans can only access them with prior authorization from the VA.

There are 37 Critical Access Hospitals across North Dakota, five of which also have a VA CBOC. The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act would expand immediate access in the 32 other communities, as well as the few areas already served by a CBOC.

Many of our nation’s veterans live in rural areas and face significant barriers to getting the care they need. As a country, we have prioritized the preservation of Critical Access Hospitals to ensure rural America has readily available care. This designation has been a lifeline for so many, yet veterans in these communities do not have the same open access as their neighbors. Our bill removes the unnecessary roadblocks, allowing veterans to freely pursue care at their local hospital or clinics already serving those communities.

Additionally, the legislation:

• Prohibits VA from employing tactics like prior authorization, referrals, or other box checking activities which delay care and create unnecessary hurdles for veterans.
• Updates the payment methodology to match the cost-based reimbursement currently used in Medicare to ensure Critical Access Hospitals are not reimbursed less to treat veterans than other patients.
• Allows referrals originating from the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic to other providers within the same community.

The Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is supported by several groups in North Dakota, including Unity Medical Center in Grafton and First Care Health Center in Park River. The bill is also endorsed by America’s Warrior Partnership and the National Rural Health Association.

Legislation Introduced to Support Students Walking or Biking to School

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, established nearly two decades ago, was created to make it safer and easier for students who walk or bike to school. In addition to providing safety education to children and caregivers, it also funds infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have SRTS programs which serve millions of students across the nation.

I, along with my fellow Senate Environment and Public Works Committee member U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), introduced the Safe Routes Improvement Act to enhance program accessibility for communities in North Dakota and nationwide. Specifically, the bill requires state departments of transportation (DOT) to designate an SRTS program coordinator, which will serve as a point of contact for local governments, school districts, and others looking to navigate the SRTS Program and receive funds for projects in their communities.

This builds on my bipartisan efforts to expand program eligibility from elementary and middle school students to also include high school students, a policy change I secured in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Under the BIL, a dozen projects across North Dakota received over $3 million in SRTS funding. Communities including Minot, Bismarck, Horace, Milnor, Linton, Carson, Fargo, Bowman, and Belfield have used these funds for various pedestrian improvements such as installing speed limit signs, constructing sidewalks and shared use paths, and building ADA-compliant ramps.

As someone who walks to work every morning when I’m in Washington, I know how essential safe routes are for the kids who walk or bike to school. Over the last 20 years, the Safe Routes to School program has been instrumental in helping support infrastructure improvements to keep our kids safe. This legislation is a smart solution to make it easier for school districts and rural communities to access Safe Routes funding.

Bipartisan Push Renewed to Help Families Afford Medically Necessary Diapers

For babies and toddlers, diapers are essential for their health and well-being. However, nearly half of U.S. families with young children struggle to provide enough diapers to keep them clean, dry, and healthy, according to a report from the National Diaper Bank Network.

To assist low-income and middle-class families in addressing diaper needs, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and I introduced the bipartisan End Diaper Need Act. The legislation would make diapers qualified medical expenses for those who rely on them, allowing families to purchase them using their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

Further, it provides $200 million per year for fiscal years 2022 to 2025 for the Social Services Block Grant Program, to be used to provide diapers and diapering supplies for infants, toddlers, medically complex children, low-income adults, and adults with disabilities.

Diapers are a basic necessity for all babies and toddlers, but many families struggle to afford enough diapers for their children. Our bipartisan bill will increase access to diapers for children in need and deliver a commonsense tax policy update to ensure families can use their health savings in a way that works for them.

The End Diaper Need Act is endorsed by National Diaper Bank Network, Aeroflow, Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, Center for Law and Social Policy, Child Welfare League of America, Coalition for Human Needs, First Focus for Children, HDI Wholesale, HIPPY US, JSL, Kimberly-Clark, MomsRising, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund and ZERO TO THREE.

Legislation Introduced to Address Shortage of Mental Health Providers in Schools

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students. However, the national average ratio is approximately one school psychologist per 1,065 students, with wide variation among states. For the 2023-2024 school year, North Dakota schools averaged one school psychologist per 1,204 students.

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN), and I introduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address this shortage of mental health providers in schools. Specifically, the bill would boost the pipeline of individuals training to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers by authorizing the U.S. Department of Education to help cover students’ costs at certain graduate programs via partnerships with eligible academic institutions.

Like so many fields across the state, there simply aren’t enough school-based mental health professionals. Ensuring our kids’ well-being and academic success should be our first priority. Our bill will alleviate the financial strain of earning a graduate degree by encouraging more practitioners to work in schools across the state.

The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act is endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American School Counselor Association, the School Social Work Association of America, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association.

NCFA Calls on President Trump to Act on China Adoptions

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives, in August 2024. Approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families prior to the announcement. The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) called on President Trump to make a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping and unite the nearly 300 U.S. waiting families matched with an adoptive child in China.

The sudden termination of China’s adoption program in August 2024 only exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being. I urge President Trump to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalize pending adoption cases.

As co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and I, along with U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04) and Danny Davis (D-IL-07), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Trump requesting he engage the Chinese government to finalize the pending adoption cases.

Bill Unveiled to Improve Crop Insurance

I joined U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to introduce his Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act. The bill will strengthen crop insurance by making higher levels of coverage more affordable for producers.

Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Eliminate Taxes on Tips

By a vote of 100-0, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the No Tax on Tips Act to exempt “cash tips”—cash, credit and debit card charges, and checks—from federal income tax by allowing taxpayers to claim a 100% deduction at filing for tipped wages. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), also includes guardrails to ensure only traditionally tipped employees will benefit.

This is great news! Eliminating taxes on tips lets workers keep gratuities for good service and delivers on President Trump’s campaign promises.

Statement on the Passing of North Dakota Representative Cindy Schreiber-Beck

On May 18, North Dakota state Representative Cindy Schreiber-Beck passed away at the age of 70. She served in the state House of Representatives for more than a decade. Schreiber-Beck also served as executive director of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association for nearly four decades and as a commissioner on the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission from 1997 to 2022.

"Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business

I joined "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business to discuss the status of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" in the Senate, a recent federal court ruling on tariffs, and more.

President Trump is looking out for America first, and foreign leaders know he is a serious player who will use every tool available to him.

"Power Play" on CTV

During a segment on CTV's "Power Play," I joined Colton Praill to discuss the state of Canada-U.S. relations when it comes issues like tariffs and the Golden Dome project.

The Hugh Hewitt Show

I joined Hugh Hewitt to discuss the Trump administration’s plan for a Golden Dome missile defense system for America. 

"The West Block" on Global News

During my recent trip to Ottawa, I joined Mercedes Stephenson on Global News' "The West Block" to discuss the Golden Dome for America and the security of Canada. 

Air Force Leadership Questioned on ISR, Weaponization of Space

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to review the posture of the Department of the Air Force, which encompasses both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Members heard testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman.

As chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, I questioned the witnesses about the weaponization of space. I also discussed concerns surrounding cuts to the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program and the Air Force’s plan for maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

FMWF Chamber and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

It was a great privilege to introduce my friend and fellow Dakotan DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to local business leaders from the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo (FMWF) Chamber while they were in DC. The Dakotas hold up the world, and I enjoyed hearing about the issues at the top of their minds.

Neal Blue, Chairman and CEO of General Atomics

General Atomics has been a key component to the Grand Forks UAS ecosystem. It was great to meet with CEO and Chairman Neal Blue to discuss America’s defense strategy and the innovative work they are doing to secure our nation.

NDSU President Dave Cook

I had a great meeting with North Dakota State University (NDSU) President Dave Cook to talk about NDSU enhancing its education and research programs. We also discussed the ongoing budget and reconciliation process and how NDSU can leverage its research and development through commercialization partnerships.

Ajit Pai, President and CEO of CTIA

It's always great meeting with my friend and fellow Midwesterner Ajit Pai, President and CEO of CTIA. We had a productive discussion on restoring Federal Communications Commission auction authority, building a strong mid-band spectrum pipeline, and ensuring America leads in wireless innovation. I appreciate his insights and leadership.

Rob Geckle, CEO and Chairman of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc.

It was good to meet with Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. CEO and Chairman Rob Geckle to discuss efforts to modernize helicopters used by the North Dakota National Guard, the UH-72 Lakota helicopter. We also discussed its work to support the Space Development Agency.

Nuclear Energy Institute

Energy demand is soaring, and it’s needed 24/7. Nuclear energy provides reliable, clean electricity for homes, businesses, and a growing data and AI ecosystem. We need NEI members now more than ever!

Col. Bobby Schmitt, Commander of Mission Delta 4

During his visit to D.C., Commander of Mission Delta 4 and University of North Dakota alumnus Col. Bobby Schmitt provided an update on missile warning operations. We also discussed how important Cavalier Space Force Station is to effectively defending our nation.

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, stopped by to discuss the Army’s transformation and modernization.

New York Life Insurance Company

As the third largest life insurance company in the United States, New York Life Insurance provides peace of mind to families and communities across the country. It was great to meet with some agents yesterday and hear about the importance of coverage for North Dakotans and their families.

DOT Awards $9.2 Million to North Dakota Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded two grants totaling $9,201,975 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. The ER Program supplements state and local resources to help pay for substantial expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions. The awards will go toward the following repairs following extreme weather events in North Dakota:

• $8,946,150 to address the severe flooding in Eastern North Dakota which occurred on April 12, 2022. The flooding resulted in widespread damage to culverts and roadway erosion on state and county roadways.
• $255,825 to address damages from an overland and riverine flooding event on April 10, 2023. The flooding led to a landslide, damage of culverts, and erosion of state and county roadways.