Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update

Bilateral Conference Highlights Strength of North Dakota-Norway Defense Partnership

North Dakota’s deep Norwegian roots reflect the broad, long-standing relationship between the United States and Norway, one built on shared values, cultural ties, and security cooperation. I spoke about the connection between the two countries at the 12th annual Norwegian-American Defense Conference, where I delivered the Congressional keynote address.

The bond between North Dakota and Norway is historic and strategic, but also personal. My great-great-great grandfather, Erik Hjelden, fought in the Norwegian War of Independence prior to Norway adopting a constitution on May 17, 1814, Norway’s Independence Day known as Syttende Mai.

Starting in the 1870s, Scandinavian immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland settled across what is now North Dakota. Today, one-third of the state’s population is of Norwegian descent, and North Dakota has the highest percentage of citizens with Norwegian ancestry of any state in the nation.

The United States and Norway are working together on Arctic security, aiming to strengthen interoperability and improve readiness across multi-domain operations. This alliance plays a key role in addressing today’s international security challenges. I discussed how U.S.-Norway partnership through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as the history between the two countries.

Throughout my years in Congress, I have been active in the House and Senate Friends of Norway caucuses. I hosted former Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Krutnes when she visited North Dakota in 2024, highlighting the state’s Norwegian heritage, economic strength, and its role in advancing U.S.-Norway defense and national security cooperation. During the visit, we emphasized the importance of strong alliances and the longstanding partnership between the two nations during various community stops, including events at the Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge and First Lutheran Church. The visit also focused on defense priorities, with a briefing at the North Dakota National Guard’s 119th Wing regarding the mission of the “Happy Hooligans,” before concluding with a public reception ahead of the Fargo premiere of the Norwegian film Songs of Earth.

Letter to USTR Greer Emphasizes Support for USMCA, Ensuring Agricultural Market Access

Six years after the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), its mandatory Joint Review is quickly approaching. Under its terms, the United States, Mexico, and Canada are required to complete an assessment of the trade agreement by July 1 and jointly decide whether to extend it through 2042.

I joined U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Boozman (R-AR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), along with 36 of our Senate colleagues, in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer emphasizing our commitment to securing an agreement to more strongly support American agriculture.

The letter to USTR Greer noted the United States' position as the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with total agricultural exports valued at $176 billion in 2024. Since the USMCA's entry-into-force, U.S. agricultural exports have increased substantially, particularly those destined for Canada and Mexico. For many states, Canada and Mexico represent the largest and second-largest export markets.

We also highlighted how family farmers and ranchers depend on the certainty afforded by a stable agreement between our three countries. The integrated supply chains facilitated by streamlined compliance requirements, effective rules governing food safety measures, and intellectual property protections have allowed the U.S. to build a fortified trading network here in the Western Hemisphere.

Tax Day Delivers Bigger Refunds for Americans Under Working Families Tax Cuts

On this year's Tax Day, tens of millions of American families, workers, and small businesses are reaping the benefits of President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts. In households across America, over 53 million filers claimed at least one of President Trump's signature new tax cuts. The average refund this filing season is over $3,400, an increase of 11 percent compared to last filing season.

Thanks to President Trump's WFTC – the largest tax cut in American history – millions of Americans are seeing increased tax returns and more money in their pockets.

Fox Business Highlights Air Traffic Controller Training at UND

Fox Business’ "Mornings with Maria" highlighted the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) push to fast-track the next generation of air traffic controllers. Reporting from the University of North Dakota (UND), the segment highlighted how the university's program is aligned with the FAA, allowing students to earn their degree while completing required training and bypassing the traditional Air Traffic Control Academy in favor of immediate, on-the-job placement in towers and facilities.

Since President Trump took office, the FAA has expanded the initiative to 11 partner schools nationwide. Yet again, the excellence of University of North Dakota (UND) is on full display.

Thanks to Fox Business for coming to Grand Forks to see how UND’s partnership with the FAA is leading the way in ensuring we have high-quality air traffic controllers at airports across the nation.

"Good Morning America" Highlights North Dakota

Will Reeve of ABC News’ "Good Morning America" delivered a live report from Medora as part of a segment titled "North Dakota in 90 Seconds." The piece spotlighted the upcoming grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 4 and noted Theodore Roosevelt National Park stands alone as the only national park in the country named after a person.

Will Reeve is spot on – the best part of North Dakota is the people who live here!

"Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business

I joined Cheryl Casone on Fox Business' "Mornings with Maria" to talk about Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing, the status of the CLARITY Act, the latest on negotiations to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the budget reconciliation package.  

On Kevin Warsh's Confirmation Hearing:

I’m glad we’re having a confirmation hearing for Kevin Warsh because I want the public to see how outstanding he is.

On May 15, we should have Kevin Warsh in the seat as Fed Reserve Chairman. That should be our first priority.

On the CLARITY Act:

We’re closer to agreement on the CLARITY Act than many realize.

If Congress can get the legislative framework in place—and give regulators the flexibility to respond to the immediacy of issues—we can get this across the finish line.

On Funding DHS, Status of Budget Reconciliation Bill:

We need to keep this simple: fund DHS, fully back enforcement at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and secure the border—priorities Democrats refuse to support.

Democrats hate law enforcement and they love a wide-open border. We’ve got to fix that. Everything else we can do through the normal process.

Watch the full interview below:

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman

Back to back meetings with two good friends overlapped in my office last week: former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman. The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S.-Canadian relations are in good hands.

Prison Fellowship Breakfast Program

I joined Prison Fellowship's breakfast as they celebrated their 50th anniversary of ministry, coinciding with the introduction of my resolution with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) designating April as Second Chance Month. It matters that you're here. It matters to your cause, to your community, and to your country. It matters to your legacy!

NGAUS Congressional Reception

There was no better way to end my day on Tuesday than visiting with Captain Christopher Spangler, Director of North Dakota National Guard's 164th Engineer Battalion, and National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) leadership during their annual Capitol Summit. I'm grateful for their leadership and the work they do every day!

Close Up

Meeting with North Dakota Close Up students is always a highlight of the week! It was great hearing about what they’ve learned during their trip to Washington.

North Dakota 4-H Students

I enjoyed hearing from North Dakota 4-H students about their time at this year’s national conference. We had great discussions about the impressive policy solutions they developed with federal agencies and presented earlier this week.

General Dale White, Direct Reporting Program Manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems

General Dale White, Direct Reporting Program Manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems, understands modernizing our capabilities today is key to staying ahead tomorrow. We talked about the impressive progress the Sentinel program is making as well as the future of B-21s.

General White was at Minot Air Force Base recently, where he witnessed the exceptional work our airmen are doing. I always enjoy highlighting North Dakota’s role in the mission.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

I hosted gun and shooting sports enthusiasts from the National Shooting Sports Foundation during their annual visit to our nation’s capital. We discussed my work to ensure financial service providers can’t discriminate against the firearm industry and the importance of respecting the Founding Fathers’ vision for the Second Amendment.

Independent Petroleum Association of America

I met with the Independent Petroleum Association of America and had a good conversation about the critical need for permitting reform for American oil and gas producers.

Dr. David Herman, CEO of Essentia Health

From talking about the importance of telemedicine for rural communities to how AI is reshaping care delivery, Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman and I covered a lot of ground in our meeting. We discussed real challenges and ideas to improve the experience for patients and clinicians.

Jay Faison, ClearPath Founder

The Export–Import Bank needs to be reauthorized with reforms to make U.S. innovators even more competitive across the globe. Jay Faison, ClearPath founder, brought some great points for us to consider on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.