Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update May 12 - 16

Space Development Agency, University of North Dakota Finalize Educational Partnership Agreement

Leadership at the University of North Dakota (UND) and the Space Development Agency (SDA) officially signed an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA), showcasing the pivotal role the university and Grand Forks play in space development and the security of the nation.

During a recent visit to Grand Forks, SDA Director Dr. Derek Tournear announced the then-pending partnership agreement. As Chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, I have championed this partnership to provide educational and workforce development opportunities at UND.

This collaboration between the University of North Dakota and the Space Development Agency is a testament to the transformational capabilities Grand Forks has to offer. The long-term partnership will make a huge difference, not just for the university but for the security of the world. This is another opportunity for UND to demonstrate its leadership in bolstering our nation’s space capabilities, and I look forward to working with them to see Grand Forks grow and thrive.

Through this agreement, SDA will provide educational opportunities to students at UND, enhancing science, mathematics, and engineering courses. The collaboration permits SDA to loan defense laboratory equipment and surplus computers and equipment to UND and allows SDA personnel to teach or assist in the development of science courses.

The agreement will also provide sabbatical opportunities for faculty and internship opportunities for students and include them in SDA projects. Students can then receive credit for participation in these projects, along with academic and career advice and assistance from authorized SDA staff.

In April, Tournear and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, joined me in visiting UND and touring the John D. Odegard School Of Aerospace Sciences and the National Security Corridor at the College of Engineering & Mines. We also visited Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station. During the visit, we viewed on-going U.S. Space Force activities throughout the state and North Dakota’s defense capabilities.

EPA Announces Proposed Approval of North Dakota Coal Combustion Residual Program

After two years of delay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed approval of North Dakota’s Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) Permit Program. States are authorized to apply for primacy to operate their own permit programs as long as such programs meet federal baseline standards. CCRs consist of solid byproducts from coal-based power plants, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization solids like synthetic gypsum.

Despite clear statutory language requiring a decision in less than 180 days, the EPA kept the application in limbo for more than two years. Only after direct involvement from President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin did EPA reengage with North Dakota to announce the proposed approval of the application.

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bipartisan Bill to Support Firefighters Diagnosed with Occupationally-Connected Cancers

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act last week. The bipartisan bill, which I introduced with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers.

As of now, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.

Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty and lingering health risks associated with their service. The exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing the bill. It's time to pass it on the Senate floor.

Shortly after we introduced the bill, Klobuchar and I joined "Common Ground" on Fox News to discuss the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act.

Bill Introduced to Improve Highway Funding Transferability, Give Greater Flexibility to States

Each year, roughly 90% of federal highway program dollars are distributed to states through a set formula. This approach provides funding certainty for all 50 states nationwide, rather than solely funneling money toward population hubs. Funds delivered via formula are allocated to state Departments of Transportation (DOT) across different accounts such as the National Highway Performance Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program, Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program, Carbon Reduction Program, and PROTECT Formula Program.

Under current law, state DOTs can transfer up to 50% of their funding annually between these accounts to better meet the needs of their state.

As Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee, I led U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Ranking Member of EPW T&I Subcommittee, in introducing the Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act. The bill raises the cap to 75%, giving state DOTs more flexibility to direct funds to high-priority infrastructure projects in their states. The enhanced transferability allows state DOTs to make investments better reflecting local needs and deliver results for constituents.

This is certainly one of the shortest, simplest bills I’ve ever introduced, in fact, that I’ve ever read. But it will have one of the most significant impacts on the day-to-day lives of North Dakotans. We all know that states know their needs better than any bureaucrat in Washington, so it only makes sense to let the states determine how to maximize the federal formula funds that they receive. North Dakota, Maryland, and every state in between all have very different transportation needs and our bill recognizes that one-size-fits-all simply does not work and it lets states decide what works best for their constituents.

Legislation Introduced to Improve Vision Care Quality, Protect Consumer Choice

Two thirds of Americans with vision benefits receive coverage from one of two Vision Benefits Managers (VBMs). As a result, VBMs often own frame and lens manufacturers while also controlling the labs an optometrist can use.

To combat the potential for anti-competitive behavior and lower costs for patients and doctors, I led U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) in introducing the Vision Lab Choice Act. The bill prohibits insurance plans from requiring doctors to use labs owned by the insurer and provides additional contract flexibility for optometric practices.

Specifically, the Vision Lab Choice Act limits contracts between vision care providers and insurers for limited-scope vision benefits to two-year terms and prohibits health plans from restricting or limiting doctors’ choice of laboratories and sources or suppliers of vision materials provided to patients.

Vision Benefit Managers are often a hurdle to optometrists and eye care specialists providing the best care to their patients. Our bipartisan bill expands consumer choice for patients, ensures autonomy for providers, and allows optometrists to select the best labs and suppliers to meet the needs of their practice.

The bill is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, Patients Rising, and National Consumers League.

Senate Confirms Dr. Troy Meink as Secretary of the U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Troy Meink as the 27th Secretary of the U.S. Air Force by a vote of 74 to 25. His confirmation fills out the Department of the Air Force's highest-level civilian and military leadership. According to the service, Meink will move quickly to "begin shaping, modernizing and positioning the Air Force and Space Force as needed to defend the nation and its interests."

Now more than ever, our success as a joint force rests upon our Airmen and Guardians. North Dakota’s military assets are critical to President Trump’s peace through strength approach, and Dr. Troy Meink understands this. As a Lemmon, S.D. native, he realizes the need for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force to innovate and evolve faster than America's competitors.

Senate Confirms Kate MacGregor as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kate MacGregor as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior by a vote of 54 to 40. MacGregor also served as Deputy Secretary of the Interior during the first Trump administration

Kate MacGregor is my friend and a friend to North Dakota. She has the right experience to work alongside Secretary Burgum to lead the Department of Interior and get things done. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in particular has been inflexible to North Dakota landowners. We need to see a change.

Senators Introduce Bill to Support Families of Victims Killed by Illegal Aliens

I joined U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) in introducing the Justice for Angel Families Act. The bill would amend the Crime Victims Fund to expand financial coverage for Angel Families – the immediate relatives of victims killed by illegal aliens, including in drunk driving accidents. This legislation would allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on grieving families.

Additionally, the bill would codify the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, originally established by President Donald Trump in 2017. The office was reopened last month by the Trump administration after the Biden administration shuttered it.

Families of victims murdered by illegal immigrants are forced to face unimaginable grief. This bicameral bill supports Angel Families by ensuring they have the help and resources they need.

The legislation is also supported by Advocates for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime, NumbersUSA, and National Immigration Center for Enforcement. Members who cosponsored the bill include U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Recognizing National Police Week

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating May 12 through May 17 as National Police Week. The resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States.

Every year, for more than six decades, Congress has passed a resolution in honor of law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, Americans pay special tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous officers and their families, especially our nation’s fallen heroes.

Celebrating National Charter School Week

North Dakota was one of only four states not to allow public charter schools until last month, when Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a bill to create a framework for establishing public charter schools. North Dakota became the 47th state to allow public charter schools.

As we celebrate the recent approval of charter schools in North Dakota, this year’s National Charter School Week is extra special! Every student deserves a good education and parents deserve the right to choose what’s best for their kids.

Interview with "Varney & Co." on Fox Business

I went on "Varney & Co." to discuss President Trump's trip to the Middle East and Congress' work to deliver pro-growth policies to the American people.

Interview with "Allen Jackson NOW" on Trinity Broadcasting Network

I joined "Allen Jackson NOW" on Trinity Broadcasting Network to discuss a wide range of topics including the future of President Donald Trump's one "big, beautiful bill," the importance of free and fair trade, and more.

Interview with American Ag Network

I joined Susan Littlefield with American Ag Network to discuss my thoughts on the future of the Farm Bill. 

Sean McMaster, Nominee for Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration

I met with Sean McMaster, nominee for Administrator of FHWA, and had a good discussion about the upcoming highway reauthorization bill and its importance for North Dakota. I’m looking forward to working with him to get a big bill done right!

Dr. Robert Kadlec

Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs

With 40 years of leadership in national security, biodefense, and public health, Dr. Robert Kadlec is prepared and trained for the task at hand. North Dakota plays a key role in U.S. nuclear deterrence, and I look forward to working with him to prioritize the modernization of our nuclear capabilities.

Kevin Oberlander, Owner of Dakota Pharmacy

I met with Kevin Oberlander, owner of Dakota Pharmacy, to talk about the legislative and regulatory environment impacting compounding pharmacies and the patients they serve.

Dan Jablonsky, CEO of Ursa Major

Aerospace company Ursa Major does groundbreaking work to advance hypersonic capabilities. I enjoyed connecting with North Dakota native, CEO Dan Jablonsky, to hear about its latest innovations.

FAA Announces $5.8 Million for Projects at North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $5,844,554 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following:

• $2,491,667 for the Bismarck Municipal Airport to expand the existing General Aviation Apron by adding 5,340 square yards to meet FAA standards and to reconstruct 8,090 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement.
• $2,200,000 to the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority to expand an existing 9,450 square foot snow removal equipment and sand storage building by 1,500 square feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
• $552,962 to the Mercer County Regional Airport Authority to reseal 1,420 feet of the existing Taxiway A and B pavement and joints, reseal 13,708 square yards of the existing North and South Apron pavement and joints, and reseal 5,000 feet of existing Runway 15/33 pavement and joints, and reseal 530 feet of the existing Taxilane pavement and joints.
• $171,000 to the Bottineau Municipal Airport Authority to rehabilitate one existing airport rotating beacon.
• $137,000 to the Mandan Airport Authority to construct new airport underdrains for drainage and erosion control.
• $120,000 to the Crosby Municipal Airport Authority to construct a new 4,800 square foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage and maintenance which will assist the airport in being self-sustaining.
• $86,925 to the Glen Ullin Regional Airport Authority to reseal 2,985 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and joints, to reseal 3,800 feet of existing Runway 11/29 pavement and joints, to reseal 488 feet of the existing Taxilane East, West, and South pavement and joints, and to reseal 550 feet of the existing Taxiway A pavement and joints.
• $85,000 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to rehabilitate 3,700 feet of existing paved Runway 14/32 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris, rehabilitate 4,700 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris, and rehabilitate 550 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.

The AIG Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide airports with funding for modernization and safety projects. Since its creation, airports in North Dakota have received over $49 million in program funding.