Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update September 22 - October 3

Senate Democrats Block Clean Funding Measure, Causing Government Shutdown

Repeatedly over the last couple of weeks, Senate Democrats blocked a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through Nov. 21, causing a government shutdown and cutting off access to many programs and services. Because the CR previously passed the House of Representatives, the bill would immediately become law and fund the government upon Senate passage and being signed by President Trump.

I issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Republicans' clean CR, and against the Democrats’ partisan bill:

Rather than support the clean short-term extension, Senate Democrats instead proposed an alternate CR, which included more than $1 trillion in unrelated spending. The alternate proposal, which also failed to pass, reflects spending demands and priorities already soundly rejected by the American people, including cutting $50 billion for America’s rural hospitals and providing free health care to illegal immigrants.

General Kenneth Wilsbach Nominated to Serve as Next Air Force Chief of Staff

The U.S. Air Force announced the nomination of General Kenneth Wilsbach, a former Air Combat Command leader and fighter pilot, to serve as its next Chief of Staff.

General Wilsbach joined me in visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base to discuss base quality of life, current and future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the growth of the Space Development Agency, and other potential missions. We also visited the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo.

As the 24th service chief, General Wilsbach will be responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving both in the United States and abroad. Through this position, he will serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and act as a military adviser to the Secretary of War, National Security Council, and the President.

General Wilsbach’s nomination will advance to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If confirmed, he will succeed General David Allvin, who is set to retire once General Wilsbach is confirmed.

HUD-VA Veteran Housing Grants Awarded to Standing Rock and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner and I announced Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) grants for two North Dakota Tribes totaling $608,450. The Tribal HUD-VASH program combines rental assistance and administrative fees from HUD with case management, clinical and supportive services provided by the VA. Funding through the Tribal HUD-VASH program is specifically for Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Native Americans serve in the military at five times the national average and have the highest per-capita service of any ethnic group.

The Tribal HUD-VASH funding will be distributed as follows:

• $348,194 to the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority
• $260,256 to the Standing Rock Housing Authority

As a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, I have been a strong proponent for HUD-VASH funding and consistently advocated for robust annual appropriations. See my full statement below:

Secretary Turner was previously scheduled to be in North Dakota for the grant announcement at Standing Rock but was unable to attend. I am a strong proponent for HUD-VASH funding and have consistently advocated for robust annual appropriations.

Department of War Awards $19 Million Contract for Runway Repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base

The U.S. Department of War awarded a $19,817,205 task order contract to United Crane and Excavation for runway repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB). Due to cracking and weathering, the runway has deteriorated over time and degraded pavement sections require repair. This task order will provide the necessary materials, plans, travel, labor, and equipment for the construction. The work is expected to be completed by next September.

Through my position on SASC, I have advocated for funding to repair and restore the runway at GFAFB. My efforts include securing planning and design funding in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act to begin the process of maintenance for the runway, and meeting with Air Force officials to discuss runway conditions and the vision for the future of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions out of Grand Forks.

Trump Administration Takes Bold Action to Restore American Energy Dominance, Unleash Coal Power 

The Trump administration announced several key actions to reinvigorate the American coal industry and provide affordable energy to families and communities across the nation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced two major actions the agency is taking to further ramp up dispatchable power in America. Both announcements work to advance President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order and Power the Great American Comeback.

President Trump is keeping the promises he made to the American people to lower energy prices and end the war on coal. Way to go, Administrator Zeldin! The Regional Haze Rule has been weaponized for far too long, and I urge North Dakotans to submit comments to have their voices heard.

First, the EPA will provide steam electric power generation with an extension to comply with existing effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) in order to affordably meet the nation’s growing electricity demand, including for data centers and manufacturing. Through a proposed rule and a companion direct final rule, the agency said it would give coal-fired power plants compliance extensions for seven deadlines in the 2024 ELG rule. The EPA will also request information on the viability of compliance pathways which may disincentivize continued coal combustion, and technology-based implementation challenges related to the 2024 ELG rule to inform potential future rulemaking to support practical, feasible, on-the-ground implementation of wastewater pollution discharge limits.

Additionally, Administrator Zeldin announced EPA is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit information from the public to assist in the development of regulatory changes on the implementation and structure of the Clean Air Act’s Regional Haze Rule. The agency is seeking input regarding how it can meaningfully revise the Regional Haze Rule to streamline regulatory requirements while reflecting Congressional intent and recent improvements in air quality.

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the opening of 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leasing and lowering royalty rates to strengthen competitiveness. These actions follow passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which directed the Department to make additional acres of coal available for development and provide regulatory certainty for producers. Lease sales at Freedom Mine and Falkirk Mine in North Dakota have already been announced as a result of the One Big Beautiful Act.

This announcement will strengthen domestic supply chains and provides affordable, reliable power for the consumers who depend on it.

North Dakota’s coal producers have been unfairly subjected to legal uncertainty following President Biden’s attack on the industry. President Trump and Secretary Burgum are taking bold action to restore our energy dominance and unleash the coal industry.

United Nations Continues its Slide Toward Irrelevance

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage to address diplomats in the in the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly Hall, dozens of representatives and officials walked out in protest.

According to Fox News, Netanyahu spoke to a nearly empty hall and its unclear exactly which delegations remained in the chamber with all U.S. delegates. The news outlet stated the response to Netanyahu was a stark contrast to the loud applause Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas received when he virtually addressed the international body.

Watch U.N. delegates protest Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to the General Assembly:

Microsoft’s Partnership with Pentagon in Doubt

Microsoft announced it ended some of its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense. The decision follows an investigation conducted by Microsoft examining allegations claiming the Israeli military was using its products for expansive surveillance of Palestinians.

Michigan Church Shooting, Fire Kill at Least Five People

A gunman crashed a vehicle into the Sunday services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Mich., then began shooting at worshipers. At least five people were killed, and eight others were wounded.

The FBI opened an inquiry and called the attack “an act of targeted violence.” Officials are still determining a motive.

Shooting at Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office

A gunman opened fire at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, killing one detainee immediately and wounding two others, one who later passed away. No ICE officers were harmed during the shooting, and the shooter was found dead with a self-inflicted gun wound. Joe Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Office, said one bullet was found near the shooter containing "anti-ICE in nature" messages and called the attack an act of "targeted violence."

"Erin Burnett OutFront" on CNN

I joined Erin Burnett on CNN to discuss the government shutdown. We had an opportunity to keep the government open and continue negotiating by passing the bill the House already sent us. Instead, Democrats have chosen a Schumer Shutdown.

It's not complicated, it's a clean continuing resolution, something Democrats voted for 13 times during the Biden administration.

"Balance of Power" with Bloomberg

I joined Joe Mathieu on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power" to discuss the status of negotiations to reopen the government. While there's a lot of animosity in Washington, there's a lot of Democrats who think a clean CR is not an unreasonable thing. We are talking across the aisle to fund the government while continuing negotiations over the big topics.

Healthcare Workforce Coalition

The Healthcare Workforce Coalition plays an invaluable role in addressing the nursing shortage felt across the country. Recognizing we have a universal challenge motivates me, and hearing the personal stories inspires me. We need to reform immigration policy to better reflect labor market demands.

American Optometric Association Breakfast

It was an honor to meet with North Dakota optometrists and their national colleagues as I received this year’s American Optometric Association Health Care Leadership Award. I discussed my bipartisan bill, the Vision Lab Choice Act, and many other topics at their breakfast.

Better in Our Back Yard Mining and Energy Expo

Thank you to the Better In Our Back Yard coalition for the invitation to speak at the Mining and Energy Expo. Global demand for natural resources is soaring and our national and energy security depends on us being the supplier! Everyone who wants clean air and water should thank every American miner for abiding by the highest standards in the world.

Kendall Bergrud, 2025 North Dakota State Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to North Dakota Teacher of the Year Kendall Bergrud, who teaches math at Wachter Middle School. It was great to meet you and thank you for your service to the next generation!

Electric Cooperatives

Our hard-working electric co-ops are capitalizing on President Donald Trump, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's regulatory reforms, returning America to energy dominance and providing the nation’s most affordable electricity to North Dakotans.

Lt. Colonel Derek Kuntz and Dr. Bill Peterson

I enjoyed meeting with Bill Peterson, Director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and representatives from the North Dakota National Guard regarding the progress of the North Dakota Military Gallery. Thank you for your commitment to ensure North Dakota’s rich history and continued legacy of service are honored for generations to come.

Airgility, Inc.

I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Airgility leadership and discuss the company’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and Counter-UAS technologies, and the role they can play in advancing national security.

FEMA Awards More Than $2.8 Million to Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a total of $2,860,827 to Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative for repairs due to wildfires and straight-line winds on Oct. 5 and 6, 2024.

Prior to the wildfires, portions of western North Dakota were suffering from severe or extreme drought. Damages from the wildfires and straight-line winds caused distribution and transmission utility poles to burn, break, and damage sub-assemblies, resulting in a county-wide power outage period. In response, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative replaced utility poles of varying heights and class sizes, powerline conductors, along with all burnt electrical component sub-assemblies.

Last November, U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), former U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and I sent a letter of support to former President Joe Biden requesting he approve a major disaster declaration submitted by then-Governor Doug Burgum. The disaster declaration was approved and is being distributed by FEMA under the Trump administration.

Read the full letter below:

Army Corps of Engineers Awards $13 Million Contract for FM Diversion

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded a contract of $13,377,389 to R.J. Zavoral & Sons Inc. for construction of the Southern Reach SE-2B section in support of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

These funds were provided by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which I helped craft and shepherd through Congress. The USACE received $437 million in funding under the BIL to complete all remaining federal work for the diversion project.

DOT Awards Over $9 Million to North Dakota Department of Transportation For Roadway Repairs

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $9,413,942 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program. The FHWA’s ER Program provides grants to repair eligible roads, bridges, and infrastructure after natural disasters such as flooding.

Department of Education Awards Nearly $1.4 Million to North Dakota Colleges

The U.S. Department of Education announced $1,397,350 for three North Dakota colleges for Indian education and professional development. This funding comes from the Indian Education Professional Development Grants, which train Native students to become teachers and administrators and help students at tribal colleges and universities pursue careers serving native communities. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $500,000 to the University of Mary
• $472,340 to Sitting Bull College
• $425,010 to Turtle Mountain College

DOT Awards $260,009 to Two North Dakota Agencies for Pipeline Safety

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an award of $260,009 to North Dakota agencies.

• $211,834 to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to complete 395 emergency responder trainings through various HAZMAT courses and full-scale and table-top exercises. This funding comes through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant.
• $48,175 to the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop and implement the PSC’s damage prevention program. This funding is distributed through the FY 2025 Pipeline One Call Grant.

EPA Awards Over $1.3 Million to North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $1,015,893 to North Dakota agencies and $317,957 to the Three Affiliated Tribes. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $517,810 to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for statewide programs to develop and maintain a comprehensive pesticide program which addresses all aspects of pesticide-related enforcement, initiatives, and implementation.
• $498,083 to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for development and implementation of an EPA-approved coal combustion residual program.
• $317,957 to the Three Affiliated Tribes for implementing tribal environmental programs for air, water, land, and data quality; pollution prevention; brownfields; and chemical safety.

HHS Awards $1,635,823 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1,635,823 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten. These funds are distributed through the Tribal College and University Head Start Partnership Program, which seeks to increase the number of qualified staff working in Native American Head Start programs within tribal nations.

North Dakota Museums Receive $111,208 in Federal Funding

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced $111,208 for two museums in North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $86,208 for the Cass County Historical Society to enhance access to historical collections, archives, and educational programs. This Museums for America grant will allow the Cass County Historical Society to hire additional staff who will inventory, assess, and catalog close to 30,000 artifacts over three years.
• $25,000 for the Ward County Historical Society to inventory, organize, and digitize its collections of over 2,000 objects, photographs, and North Dakota books. This Inspire! Grants for Small Museums funding will allow the Ward County Historical Society to produce an easily accessible archive as the museum grows.

U.S. Department of Education Awards $2.1 Million to North Dakota Colleges

The U.S. Department of Education announced $2,139,556 for student support services at six colleges across North Dakota. The Student Support Services Program provides funding to assist students with basic college requirements and motivate them toward degree completion. The funds will be distributed as follows:

• $523,609 to North Dakota State University
• $416,200 to the University of North Dakota
• $348,514 to the University of Mary
• $306,505 to Lake Region State College
• $272,364 to Minot State University
• $272,364 to Turtle Mountain Community College