Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update October 21 -27

Wildfires Fully Contained in North Dakota

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the North Dakota National Guard, our firefighters, first responders, and emergency managers the wildfires ravaging western North Dakota have been 100% contained.

As Autumn stays dry and the winds blow, we all must remain prayerful and diligent. Recovery requires all of us, and I am honored to be on the team.

Soldiers From the North Dakota National Guard Return Home

Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment held a returning home ceremony Sunday. The 1-188th is the most deployed unit in North Dakota. This was their 13th deployment since 2004.

We are reminded in a moment like this what is great about America. You remind us of our strengths. Today, as we welcome you home we couldn’t be more grateful. To the soldiers of the 1-188th and their families we cannot say thank you enough.

Israel Launches Targeted Strikes Against Tehran

Israel confirmed Friday it launched several airstrikes against Iran in its capital city of Tehran. The overnight strike targeted Iranian defense systems, airports, and military bases.

Israel has every right to defend itself against those who seek to destroy it. The United States must stand with Israel as it fights back against the terror inflicted by Tehran.

Stand with Israel Act

I joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in announcing our intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act once the Senate and House reconvene.

During a United Nations (U.N.) emergency special session in May, the General Assembly adopted a resolution upgrading Palestine to a “Permanent Observer State.” This allows Palestine to participate in all U.N. proceedings, increasing the Palestinian Authority’s ability to deny or dilute Israel’s status in the organization.

This legislation prohibits U.S. funding to U.N. agencies which expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. In a September speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas indicated the Palestinian Authority would attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the U.N.

The United States must unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself. If the United Nations moves to expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel’s participation in any way, it should not receive a cent from the American taxpayer. We have to stand by our strongest ally in the Middle East and really push back against these deliberate, antisemitic attempts to punish Israel for simply defending its own existence.

Visit to the Minnkota and Milton R. Young Station Highlights North Dakota Energy Industry

I visited the Milton R. Young Station, a coal-fired powerplant in Center North Dakota and the primary source of electricity for the Minnkota Power Cooperative.

Minnkota serves nearly a dozen local member-owned distribution co-ops across eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, including Cass County Electric in Fargo and NoDak Electric in Grand Forks. Retail customers own their local co-ops, providing incentives for reliable, affordable electricity. Minnkota and the Milton R. Young Station provide low-cost power to over 137,000 homes, businesses, and schools.

As we head into winter, North Dakotans know better than most the importance of reliable, affordable electricity. When it’s -20 in February and the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining, lignite coal is what keeps our lights on and thermostats up. The team at the Milton R. Young Station are unsung heroes and the pioneering work of Project Tundra is putting this station at the forefront of energy innovation.

Project Tundra is a partnership between Minnkota, TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Kiewit, which will add a carbon capture facility at the station.

Huckabee Interview Focuses on Republican Issues Before the November Election

I joined former Governor Mike Huckabee to discuss issues like illegal immigration, sanctuary cities, and more.

Interview with Tony Perkins Discusses the Filibuster and the Stand with Israel Act

I joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watch to discuss Vice President Harris' comments on ending the filibuster, the Stand with Israel Act, and more.

Oversight Letter to Army Corps Requests Update on Status of the Western Water Cooperative Committee

My bipartisan language with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish the Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC) became law as part of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022.

The purpose of the WWCC is to ensure the USACE flood control projects in western states are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws. The legislation was signed into law December 2022, and in March, Congress fully funded the committee. However, more than half a year later, it has not been established by the USACE.

Merkley and I sent a letter last week to the USACE requesting an update on the WWCC.

Within 30 days, we request an update on the implementation of the directive outlined in WRDA 2022 as well as a specific timeline for when the Committee will be formally established and conduct its first meeting.

Speaking at the Retired Men's Breakfast

I met with the Retired Men's Breakfast in Bismarck to talk about my service in the Senate and the issues facing North Dakotans.

The best part of my job is spending time with North Dakotans. I had a great breakfast meeting with veterans and retired community and business leaders discussing topics important to them, including the economy, national debt, military readiness, and immigration.

Video Highlights Real Results from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in North Dakota

From airports and bridges to highways and water treatment plants, funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering real results across North Dakota. From agriculture to energy, these projects help our state feed and fuel the world.

Meeting with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Covers Industry Issues

I met with North Dakota representatives from National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies regarding issues affecting their industry. I appreciate their efforts to keep insurance reliable and premium costs affordable.

Department of Energy Awards Nearly $49 Million for Project Tundra Construction

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announced the award of nearly $49 million to DCC East Project LLC in Grand Forks to construct a large-scale geologic carbon storage facility in support of Project Tundra. The project will add full-time equivalent jobs to the already existing 360 jobs at Minnkota’s Milton R. Young Station and the adjacent coal mine.

Project Tundra really is the embodiment of North Dakota’s energy dominance and, more importantly, innovation, and the state’s commitment to lignite coal always being available, low-cost, reliable, abundant and a chosen, clean form of generating electricity. This award recognizes that leadership in responsible energy development and it gets this important project one step closer to completion.

FAA Awards Nearly $3 Million for Terminal Expansion Projects at North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $2,950,000 to support terminal expansion projects at the following North Dakota airports:

• $2,000,000 to Hector International Airport for Phase 3 of a project to construct four new gates, rehabilitate holding rooms, and expand ticket and baggage handling areas. In August, the North Dakota delegation wrote a letter to DOT in support of the project.
• $950,000 to Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field for a new 650-square-foot general aviation terminal building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

This award is a step toward the completion of the expansion projects at Hector International Airport, giving Fargo residents and visitors coming to North Dakota a better, safer travel experience. Enhanced infrastructure projects like these help improve safety, increase air service capacity, and support economic growth in North Dakota.

U.S. Department of Education Awards $1.9 Million to Turtle Mountain Community College

The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $1,922,389 to Turtle Mountain Community College for a research and development infrastructure project. Specifically, this project will improve research and development activities, including infrastructure, faculty development, and undergraduate research opportunities.

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