Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update March 10-14

Senate Advances Continuing Resolution, Avoiding Government Shutdown

Despite Democrats fanning the flames of a government shutdown, both chambers worked with President Donald Trump to pass a continuing resolution (CR), extending government funding through Sept. 30. The Senate passed the CR by a vote of 54 to 46, and the House of Representatives passed it by a vote of 217 to 213.

This legislation makes the best of a bad situation by providing a much-needed boost to our defense and homeland security accounts and a substantial pay raise for junior enlisted troops. This is not the way to piece together a budget. Despite the Appropriations Committee passing nearly every full-year funding bill last July, Senator Schumer sat on them, leading to a logjam halfway through the fiscal year. It’s time to put Fiscal Year 2025 in the rearview mirror and I appreciate Leader Thune’s commitment to make funding the government through regular order a top priority.

President Trump Announces Strikes Targeting Houthis in Yemen

President Donald Trump announced he ordered the U.S. military to launch strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, stating they have "waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones."

It is time to establish American strength again. The world is safer when the United States is stronger.

U.S. EPA to Revise Waters of the United States Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to revise the definition of Waters of the United States. I joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), and Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall at a press conference for the announcement.

Administrator Zeldin issued new guidance clarifying wetlands will only fall under federal jurisdiction if they abut a traditional navigable water and have a continuous connection of surface water to it. This aligns with the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA, which stated the Clean Water Act encompasses only relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes. EPA also announced its intent to begin a rulemaking process to fully bring WOTUS in line with Sackett.

Our farmers, ranchers, and landowners in North Dakota have always managed their water with the same respect as their land. There are a lot of people in the previous administration who just ignored the Sackett decision.

The Clean Water Act was intended to clarify which bodies of water fall under federal water regulations. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. EPA significantly narrowed the scope of federal oversight. In response, the Biden administration’s EPA and USACE finalized a rule, but it did not adhere to the limitations within the Sackett decision. Rather than establishing clear, consistent standards, the Biden administration took a case-by-case approach, still requiring landowners to ask the federal government for permission before managing the water on their property.

The Biden rule was like putting a highway patrolman on every car, to seek their permission to go 65. This is a great new day, and I think you’ll be overwhelmed with good comments from Midwestern farmers. I look forward to participating and finding common ground based on common sense.

Punchbowl News Conference Highlights the Future of Small Businesses in Rural America

During a Punchbowl News conference, I joined a fireside chat with Punchbowl co-founder, CEO, and Kindred native Anna Palmer. We discussed a variety of topics, including the future of small businesses in rural America, the key to small business growth, government funding, and more.

America is worth it. Hang in there. The American dream is alive and well, as much as it's ever been. With regard to the uncertainty, timing is everything, and it’s the most common denominator. My point is to hang in there. Ride out the cycle if you can, and ask for help. I think there are some things we can do better, like providing more angel capital opportunities.

Palmer highlighted a survey from Goldman Sachs which found 76% of small businesses were concerned about access to capital. She asked me how the government could help facilitate the access.

Having nimbleness and knowing how to use those federal tools, along with a state bank and somebody like Goldman Sachs, as well as our community banks and credit unions presents an ecosystem that can be very, very rich.

Students, Leaders Visit During University of North Dakota on Capitol Hill Event

I enjoyed visiting with University of North Dakota (UND) leadership and students from the UND Nistler College of Business and Public Administration during their trip to Washington. These outstanding scholars are proof of UND’s culture of excellence and innovation. It’s an honor of a lifetime to represent North Dakota in the Senate.

EPA Moves to Roll Back Heavy-Handed Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the "most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history," stating it will undertake 31 historic actions to protect the environment, unleash American energy, lower cost of living for Americans, revitalize the American auto industry, and restore the rule of law.

In addition to the Waters of the United States guidance announcement, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency will reconsider the Biden administration's "Clean Power Plan 2.0" rule, its Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), and the 2009 Endangerment Finding. I issued the following statements on the EPA's recent deregulation efforts:

Reconsideration of Endangerment Finding:

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is right to revisit the endangerment finding. It hasn’t been updated since 2009, but has been the justification for so many of the heavy-handed regulations designed to upend American energy dominance.

Reconsideration of Biden-Harris MATS Regulation:

EPA's reversal of the Biden administration’s Mercury and Air Toxic Standards is a giant victory for North Dakota’s coal industry and consumers who depend on affordable, reliable energy.

Reconsideration of "Clean Power Plan 2.0" Rule:

The Biden administration outsourced its policy making decisions to radical environmentalists. The Clean Power Plan 2.0 rule was intended to regulate North Dakota’s fossil fuel industries out of existence at the expense of American consumers and reliable power generation. Good riddance!

Senate Confirms Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor

By a vote of 67 to 32, the United States Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the next Secretary of Labor.

America’s job creators and workforce drive our economy. As Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer will implement President Trump's agenda of getting rid of Biden’s burdensome regulations, enacting pro-growth policies, and focusing workforce training and apprenticeships to meet our skilled labor needs.

Interview with "The Bottom Line" on Fox Business

There’s so much to be done in such a short time and President Trump is up to doing it. I joined Dagen McDowell and David Webb on "The Bottom Line" to discuss cutting government waste, reforming entitlements, and increasing transparency.

Interview with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business

I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tariffs, and Elon Musk's vow to rescue astronauts stranded on the International Space Station.

Lt. General Dan “Razin” Caine, Nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Lt. General Dan “Razin” Caine, nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brings an extensive and diverse background to the table. His vast military and national security experience makes him an excellent pick for this position, and the leader we need to achieve Peace through Strength. I enjoyed meeting with him, and look forward to supporting his nomination.

AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) is responsible for all U.S. military operations to advance our national interests in Africa. During a meeting with AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley we discussed China’s activity in Africa, as well as airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) needs of the command.

Jessica Kramer, Nominee for EPA Assistant Administrator for Water

Thanks to Jessica Kramer, nominee for EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, for stopping by before her confirmation hearing. The need for a clear, durable WOTUS rule can’t be understated, especially following the Supreme Court’s landmark Sackett decision. Her understanding of the law, the bureaucracy’s limitation, and the importance of private property rights is refreshing.

Fargo-Moorhead Metro Flood Diversion Authority

Jason Benson along with others from the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Diversion Authority board provided an update on construction progress. This project is a model for other public private infrastructure projects and is critically important to the Fargo community.

Workday

In today's rapidly changing landscape, innovation is critical to the success of our country. I applaud the brainpower and service of disruptive companies like Workday, who embrace innovation to drive success for educational institutions, companies, and government agencies.

American Carbon Alliance

American Carbon Alliance is a leading advocate for carbon capture as a tool to strengthen American energy security, advance agriculture, and drive economic growth. I enjoyed our conversation on our shared vision of getting America building again!

Association for Prescription Psychedelics

Folks from the Association for Prescription Psychedelics came by to talk about the promise of alternative therapies to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and the regulatory challenges for emerging treatments. Thanks for stopping by!