Senator Cramer's Weekly Update January 13 - 21

Inauguration Ceremony Held for President Donald J. Trump

Welcome back, Mr. President.

Marco Rubio Confirmed by Senate to become Secretary of State

Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), was confirmed by the Senate unanimously to become the Secretary of State.

No one is more qualified and prepared to be the face of America on the global stage than Secretary of State Marco Rubio. We need his leadership now more than ever to ensure our nation is positioned to protect itself and its allies. Congratulations Marco on your unanimous confirmation and being sworn into office today. Let’s get to work!

Governor Doug Burgum Introduced During Senate ENR Committee Confirmation Hearing

I introduced former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum during his Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Confirmation Hearing to become the next Secretary of the Interior.

Governor Burgum is not just an oil man from an oil and gas producing state. He is first and foremost a conservationist from the land of Roosevelt.

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Defense, Testifies at Senate Armed Services Committee Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing to hear testimony from Pete Hegseth regarding his expected nomination to be the 29th Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee a U.S. Department of Defense of over 3 million people and a yearly budget of almost $900 billion, while also acting as the principal defense policymaker and adviser to the President.

During the hearing, I thanked Hegseth for the strong and unapologetic proclamation of faith in his opening statement.

First, I want to say thank you for your strong proclamation, unapologetic proclamation, of faith in Jesus Christ. I sat here and listened to your opening statement and thought, 'Wow, this is a guy who, in today’s culture, is willing to stand up say the first thing is first: faith in Jesus Christ.'

Hegseth received a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University in 2003 and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University in 2013 before serving as the co-host of FOX & Friends Weekend from 2016 to 2024. He served nearly 15 years in uniform and deployed as an Army Combat Veteran who toured in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth has pledged to focus on rebuilding peace through strength, prioritizing America’s military readiness by replenishing its supply of ammunition, restoring the Warrior Ethos to the U.S. military, and reestablishing deterrence by focusing on lethality and maintaining America’s competitive edge.

Pete is going to have a great future as our Secretary of Defense, and I look forward to that day happening.

Governor Kristi Noem Introduced During Senate HSGAC Committee Confirmation Hearing

I introduced South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem during her Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of Homeland Security.

Securing the homeland is our first Constitutional priority. It is the number one priority of the voters, and it is the top priority for President Donald J. Trump. Naturally, he asked the toughest, smartest, most capable protector he knows, Governor Kristi Noem, to lead DHS. She’s a rancher, mom, and grandmother from the prairies who knows how to protect her own.

Former Representative Lee Zeldin Questioned During EPW Committee Confirmation Hearing

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If confirmed, Zeldin would be at the forefront of President Donald Trump’s promises to roll back energy and environmental regulations to unleash American energy development and production.

Zeldin served in the Army from 2003 to 2007, then began his service in the Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, where I served with him for two terms.

I questioned Zeldin on the role of cooperative federalism, particularly as it relates to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA.

North Dakota is a semi-arid state, with badlands and big prairies. Should you be confirmed, it would be really good if the administrator took this decision [Sackett], and the legislative history behind it, and start a rule-making process post-Sackett with the assumption that states have primacy and primary responsibility for water within their states, not the federal government.

Senate Passes Legislation to Strengthen Enforcement of Immigration Laws

The United States Senate passed the Laken Riley Act by a bipartisan vote of 64 to 35. Earlier this month, I joined U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) in reintroducing the legislation.

Upon implementation, the Laken Riley Act would require the detention of illegal immigrants charged with property-related crimes and provide states with the tools to hold federal officials accountable for failing to enforce immigration laws. The Senate adopted an amendment by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) requiring ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily harm. This amendment included a provision by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) requiring ICE to detain illegal immigrants who assaulted a law enforcement officer.

The amended legislation, which previously passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 264 to 159, will now head back to the House for consideration.

Every crime committed by illegal immigrants is preventable because they should not be here in the first place. I commend the Senate for passing this legislation so we can give immigration authorities the tools they need to detain and deport those who break our laws to ensure atrocities like Laken Riley’s murder don’t happen again.

The legislation was named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student tragically killed by an illegal immigrant while jogging in Athens, Ga. Her killer, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, had been released into the United States in 2022 by the Biden administration, despite violating immigration parole and detention requirements under federal immigration law. Before committing this heinous act, he had been convicted of theft in Georgia but was not detained or deported due to gaps in enforcement. This legislation directly addresses these failures by ensuring individuals like her killer, who commit theft and other serious crimes, are detained and deported before they can cause further harm. If the Laken Riley Act had been law, he would have been detained and deported prior to committing murder.

Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Members of the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team Introduced

In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the semifinals of the 1980 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, comprised of 20 amateur collegiate hockey players, including former University of North Dakota hockey player Dave Christian, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.” At a time when the United States was struggling with rampant stagflation, high gas prices, hostages held in Iran, and increased tensions with the Soviets after their invasion of Afghanistan, the Miracle on Ice was a turning point for American hockey and American patriotism.

To recognize the 45th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice game, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and I introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation will award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. A companion measure of the legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08).

The three awards will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York.

Not only is the ‘Miracle on Ice’ game a symbol of great teamwork and determination, but it really symbolizes the unity of our nation at the height of the Cold War, at a time when we really needed unity. I’m deeply honored to introduce the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize this historic and extraordinary achievement of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team.

Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act Introduced

While Medicare has covered some chiropractic services since 1972, outdated provisions require beneficiaries to seek diagnostic tests elsewhere and then return to the chiropractor for covered care.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and I reintroduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, which would expand Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to ensure patients enrolled in the program can access care as a non-drug alternative for pain management. Additionally, it would expand Medicare coverage to include x-rays and other diagnostic services needed to determine and prescribe appropriate chiropractic treatments.

Medicare restrictions prevent chiropractors from offering patients a full scope of treatments or ordering diagnostic services for those who need them the most. This bipartisan legislation reduces barriers to care and supports access to non-drug treatment options for our seniors.

Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act Introduced

I joined U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in introducing legislation to mandate Senate approval for the United States to enter into any agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Any binding agreement with the WHO should require Senate ratification as a treaty. Relinquishing U.S. sovereignty to an international entity like this would dilute American excellence.

Pro-Life Organization Gives A+ Rating

The pro-Life organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America gave me an A+ on its Scorecard for the 118th Congress.

We are all made in God’s image and each life deserves the chance to live. These principles are common sense and SBA Pro-Life America is a great partner. Thank you!

Increased Eligibility Sought through introduction of VA Home Loan Awareness Act

Our veterans exemplify the sacrifice, determination, and bravery of America. I joined my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to ensure veterans know they are eligible for the VA Home Loan benefits they earned.

Restore VA Accountability Act Introduced

I joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Restore VA Accountability Act to reinstate the tools to hold the bureaucracy and bad actors accountable. The bill empowers the Department of Veterans Affairs to hold poor-performing employees accountable.

Our nation’s veterans deserve a Department of Veterans Affairs that delivers quality, efficient care, benefits, and services. The bureaucracy often stands in the way of its own mission.

Bureau of Land Management Publishes Ridiculous Update to North Dakota Resource Management Plan

The Bureau of Land Management released an updated Resource Management Plan for North Dakota, but calling the preservationist blueprint a resource management plan is ridiculous.

I led a letter from our federal delegation to the Department of the Interior echoing the concerns of North Dakotans who actually use the land. It’s obvious these objections fell on deaf ears at BLM. Whether through Congress or the Trump administration, this will be fixed.

Discussing Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation Hearing to be Secretary of Defense on Newsmax

I joined Newsmax on Wednesday to talk about Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Pete is a warrior with dust on his boots, as well as a Princeton and Harvard graduate. This dynamic is exactly what we need in the Department of Defense.

Interview with Larry Kudlow Regarding Pete Hegseth's Secretary of Defense Confirmation Hearing

In an interview with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business, I talked about how deterrence is not just a weapons system. It’s not just a nuclear triad. It’s an attitude where you back up your words with actions and your words mean something to both your adversaries and allies. President Trump and Pete Hegseth have that.

Loren Steinberg

I was a wonderful surprise to meet Loren Steinberg on my way to President Trump's Inauguration. This year, I was honored to nominate Loren to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Nominee for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be the steady hand who President Trump trusts to lead our Intelligence Community. I appreciate her transparency and willingness to serve as Director of National Intelligence!

Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick

Our next Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, will cut federal bureaucracy, focus on our workers, leverage clean American energy, and hold foreign adversaries accountable! We’re singing from the same sheet of music. Let’s get to work.

Deputy Attorney General Nominee Todd Blanche

Todd Blanche, President Trump’s pick for Deputy Attorney General, brings a refreshing and much-needed outsider perspective. The Department of Justice is too big, too intrusive, too political, and too dismissive of the people it's suppose to serve. It needs to change!

Deputy Secretary of Defense Nominee Stephen Feinberg

We need a transparent, modern, Department of Defense and this requires leaders dedicated to innovation, talent, and accountability. Stephen Feinberg will do this as Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Secretary of the Army Nominee Dan Driscoll

Any nominee seeking office in our military should be prepared to make modernization one of their highest priorities. Dan Driscoll served in the Army, is a modern entrepreneur, and is ready to empower innovators in the military. He will be an excellent Secretary of the Army.

Nominee for SEC Chair Paul Atkins

President Trump’s pick for SEC Chair, Paul Atkins, stopped by to chat about cutting bureaucracy, eliminating ESG policies, and keeping the free market free.

Salem Media Group Representative Nic Anderson

Nic Anderson with the Salem Media Group visited me to talk about the vital role local radio and digital media play in the national conversation. Salem is a leader in Christian and conservative broadcasting, operating throughout the nation, with more than 42 stations across North Dakota.

Nexstar Media Founder and Chairman Perry Sook

Nexstar media founder Perry Sook understands rampant media bias must be addressed. Local media are pivotal platforms for informing and engaging the communities they serve.

Admiral Stu Munsch

Many people do not realize the important role the coasts of Europe and Africa play in protecting and defending U.S. and Allied interests abroad. North Dakota native, Admiral Munsch, stopped by to discuss the significance of the Black Sea in today’s geopolitical climate.

Canadian Minister for Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson

The United States’ energy relationship with Canada is linked. Canadian Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson came to see me while he was in D.C. to discuss how we can better work together.

EDA Invests $3.2 Million to Boost Grand Forks Agricultural Processing

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $3.2 million grant to Grand Forks to accommodate the expansion of a soybean processing facility and allow for new industrial development in the area. This award will be matched with $798,342 in local funds.

North Dakota is an agriculture powerhouse, and our commodities rely on infrastructure networks to get our products to market. This project adds value to the Grand Forks community, helping to improve the movement and processing of soybeans in the region, while boosting economic growth.

USDA Awards $4 Million to Turtle Mountain Public Utilities Commission

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA) awarded $4,000,000 to the Turtle Mountain Public Utilities Commission to expand and improve the existing Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians water distribution system in the rural Dunseith area.

Specifically, this grant will expand services to 32 additional users to provide them a safe and reliable source of water. Of these users, 15 of them have no water source and haul their water. The completion of this project will bring the service area up to current standards and increase the quality of service to customers.

NTIA Awards $2.5 Million to Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an award of $2,464,533 to Standing Rock Telecommunications, Inc. through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). This funding will pre-pay broadband services for tribal homes as well as purchase end user equipment for those that require it. Additionally, this project will collaborate with a tribal college to provide a student with the opportunity to intern while in school.

North Dakotans are more connected than ever before, but gaps still exist in remote areas. This grant will go a long way to help reduce some of the remaining lapses in connectivity for the Standing Rock area, and I commend Chairwoman Alkire for working to bring more residents online with reliable, high-speed internet.

NTIA Awards $2.7 Million to Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an award of $2,713,979 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). This project will pre-pay qualifying broadband service for 200 Tribal households, provide end-user devices to 100 community members and small businesses, and expand digital Tribal government services.

The TBCP is a nearly $3 billion grant program offering grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for high-speed internet deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning. The funds are made available through the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Chairman Jamie Azure has made great strides in bringing critical economic opportunities and healthcare facilities to the Turtle Mountain Reservation. This investment will build on his successes and enhance the quality of life for 200 Tribal households by increasing their access to high-speed, reliable internet.

FAA Awards $1.9 Million for Projects at North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $1,969,720 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for several projects across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following:

• $585,000 for Grafton Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 4,828 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage to assist the airport to be self-sustaining by generating revenue.
• $421,800 for the Minot International Airport to construct a new storm sewer to improve airfield drainage to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
• $444,000 for the state of North Dakota to rehabilitate 5,400 square yards of the existing International Peace Garden South Apron pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.
• $200,000 for Devils Lake Municipal Airport Authority to reconstruct existing airfield storm sewer inlets to improve drainage structures, rehabilitate 5,615 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris, reseal 4,314 feet of existing Runway 3/21 pavement and joints at a non-primary airport, and reseal 6,400 feet of existing Runway 13/31 pavement and joints at a non-primary airport.
• $199,500 for Carrington Airport Authority for a project to reconstruct the existing lighting on Runway 13/31, reconstruct the existing lighting on Taxiway A, reconstruct the precision approach path indicator system for existing Runway 13/31, replace an existing airport rotating beacon, and replace the existing wind cone.
• $119,420 for Walhalla Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 5,600 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage and maintenance to assist the airport to be self-sustaining by generating revenue.

The AIG Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide airports with funding for modernization and safety projects.

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