Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update

Senate Votes Against War Powers Resolution

The Senate voted against a War Powers Resolution which would have required President Trump to seek Congressional approval for further strikes against Iran.

Secretary Kennedy Recognizes Medical Schools Adding Nutrition Education to Make America Healthy Again

The Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda marked another milestone this week at an event spotlighting a renewed effort to make nutrition a core element of the nation’s medical training curriculum. The initiative, which launched earlier this year, will give medical professionals a more complete understanding of the role nutrition plays in disease prevention and health outcomes. I was pleased, but not surprised, to hear the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences is ahead of the curve, having already met the agency’s recommendation for nutrition education, thanks to proactive state and University leaders.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education, launched reforms aimed at integrating comprehensive nutrition education across every stage of medical training. The effort is designed to hold institutions accountable and better equip future physicians to prevent chronic disease rather than simply treat it. Despite longstanding research showing nutrition is a cornerstone of disease prevention, most medical students graduate with little formal training in nutrition counseling. I attended an event hosted by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Education Secretary Linda McMahon recognizing institutions like UND leading the charge and building momentum behind the reforms.

For decades, chronic diseases have placed this enormous burden on families and our entire health care system. And despite the strong correlation with an individual’s diet, most physicians receive little or really no training for the most part on nutrition while they’re in medical school. This education gap undermines our ability to address preventable illnesses. The Make America Healthy Again movement really is holding institutions accountable and affirming a simple truth that food is foundational to health. I commend Secretary Kennedy and Secretary McMahon for their work in advancing nutrition education in medical training to improve health care outcomes and to reduce preventable disease for all Americans with a focus on health before illness.

Secretary Kennedy said the transformative breakthrough in medical education will reshape the way the United States trains doctors and deliver on President Trump’s promise to end the chronic disease epidemic in America. “Chronic disease is bankrupting our health system, and poor nutrition sits at the center of that crisis,” said Secretary Kennedy. “Today medical schools are committing to change how America trains its doctors — by putting nutrition back where it belongs: at the heart of patient care.” North Dakota has already aligned with the initiative. The state’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Fund included nutrition-focused reforms, such as legislation adding nutrition education to physicians’ continuing education requirements. Lawmakers also directed $85 million toward the “Make North Dakota Healthy Again” effort through the Eat Well ND and ND Moves Together initiatives, which promote evidence-based nutrition and physical activity practices.

PROVE IT Act Language Highlighted at Bipartisan Policy Center Briefing

Speaking at a Bipartisan Policy Center briefing on foreign pollution, I outlined the long-term value of my recently-passed PROVE IT Act language. I highlighted the need for official data from the study to equip the United States with information the administration needs to advance an America First trade agenda.

Two months after the European Union’s (EU) implementation of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the United States Congress gave the federal government the authority to gather the data necessary to defend its industrial base against attacks from European climate technocrats. This is made possible, thanks to my legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory to conduct a comprehensive study comparing the emissions intensity of certain goods produced in the United States to the emissions of those same goods produced in other countries. The study must include all items covered by the EU’s CBAM, beginning with iron, cement, fertilizer, hydrogen, and electricity. The language was included as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 82 to 15 and was signed into law by President Trump. It created a new tool to counter the EU’s emission calculations of American producers and manufacturers. The data shows the United States’ standards meet or exceed global competitors. Rather than relying on private or disparate sources of data, the PROVE IT Act empowers the DOE to compile all this data on behalf of American industry to defend against unfair trade practices.

The EU will widen the scope of the CBAM at its discretion, with steel, aluminum and associated downstream products being added in January 2028. Other countries, including Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are preparing similar measures.

Op-Ed: Why America Should Measure its Environmental Performance

My commonsense effort to acknowledge the environmental performance of America’s workers and industry has been met with breathless hysteria. As a result, this straightforward directive for the federal government to compare U.S.-made goods with those produced abroad has been mischaracterized as an “energy tax” destined to devastate American families and shutter factories. This claim is false. The bipartisan PROVE IT Act acknowledges American excellence while protecting workers and businesses. The Trump administration can use the data to address unfair trade practices or as a shield against other countries that refuse to give us proper credit. This matters now more than ever, as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will soon impose emissions-based charges on certain American exports using Europe’s own assumptions and calculations. Without our own authoritative data, U.S. businesses will be subject to whatever numbers Brussels decides to apply. I penned an op-ed in the Washington Times pushing back on the backwards, hysterical response to the passage of my PROVE IT Act language.

The language in question directs the Department of Energy to conduct a transparent study comparing the environmental footprints of American products (such as steel, cement and aluminum) with those of foreign producers. It requires consultation with experts, clear documentation of methodology and a public report. That’s it. No taxes. No fees. No mandates. It’s about data to prove American production is the most efficient in the world. Why take my or their word for it? Read it for yourself:

The language in question directs the Department of Energy to conduct a transparent study comparing the environmental footprints of American products (such as steel, cement and aluminum) with those of foreign producers. It requires consultation with experts, clear documentation of methodology and a public report. That’s it. No taxes. No fees. No mandates. It’s about data to prove American production is the most efficient in the world.

Calling this a tax is fearmongering. It’s part of a broader pattern of deliberate mischaracterization and ad hominem attacks meant to distract from the substance of the policy. It’s a classic Washington play for when you’re losing: Invent an argument not based on reality and caricature the winning side’s motives to inflame rather than inform. When facts are inconvenient, distortion becomes the way.

The president has been crystal clear: America must stop tolerating one-sided trade relationships and emissions havens that undercut our workers. For decades, foreign competitors manipulated standards, erected barriers and benefited from America’s passivity, hollowing out U.S. manufacturing while flooding our markets with cheaper goods that do not meet the standards we impose on ourselves.

This study is not environmental activism; it’s economic intelligence. It gives America the hard facts needed to defend our industries, negotiate from a position of strength and resist unjustified taxes.

America should never fear facts, especially when those facts prove our strength. From the environment to labor and the finished product, our manufacturing and industrial base is without peer. We should be proud to prove it.

Adoption Tax Credit Carryforward Now Refundable

In a victory for adoptive families across the nation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) corrected its interpretation of the partially refundable adoption tax credit included in recently-implemented Working Families Tax Cuts. Previously, the IRS interpreted the law to conclude the carryforward was not eligible for refundability, affecting adoptive families who filed taxes from 2020-2024. The resulting interpretation prevented those families from accessing part of the credit. I questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about this interpretation at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing. During a hearing in the House Ways & Means Committee, IRS announced the change in policy. “After reviewing this issue, I am pleased to announce that for tax year 2025, carryforward amounts of the adoption tax credit for prior years are refundable up to $5000 per qualifying child and the IRS is implementing this policy as expeditiously as possible without disrupting the current filing season,” said Frank Bisignano, the CEO of the IRS. “The IRS will publish additional information on this very soon. Taxpayers should continue to claim the credit as directed by the current forms and instructions during tax season, since the IRS is pursuing post-filing remedies to resolve this issue."

For over a decade, I have been on a mission to increase support for adoptive children and families. As an adoptive parent I have long advocated to restore refundability to the adoption tax credit. The credit was briefly refundable in 2010 and 2011, and I secured inclusion of partial refundability in the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, which passed last summer. This will allow up to $5,000 of the $17,280 credit to be refundable as a cash payment for families with no tax liability and allow unused funds to offset tax liability and carryforward for up to five years.

Letter Calls on EPA to Reverse Biden-era Vapor Testing Requirements

Fuel marketers who are responsible for transporting gasoline from the supply terminal to local gas stations will see regulatory relief if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes steps outlined in a letter I sent to the EPA. Despite existing regulations governing the annual vapor testing requirements for gasoline cargo tanks, the Biden administration chose to force the rest of the nation to meet California’s overzealous regulatory standards, leading to disproportionate impacts on small business fuel marketers. The early implementation of the Biden rule is causing confusion and unexpected costs for small businesses with little to no expected benefit. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee I led 10 of my colleagues in a letter to the EPA calling for the repeal of the Biden-era regulations and return to the previous standards.

Matt Bjornson of Bjornson Oil Company in Cavalier applauded the effort, saying “Senator Cramer’s leadership and support of our industry’s attempts to roll back unnecessary and burdensome changes by the Biden administration concerning cargo tank vapor tightness testing have been invaluable. The increased testing thresholds provide no benefit for the environment in states like North Dakota, yet if upheld would increase the cost of transporting petroleum, disproportionally impacting small business, and in the end costing consumers money at the pump.”

Space Force Begins Sweeping Overhaul of Missile-Warning Radars Ahead of Schedule

The U.S. Space Force began its overhaul of missile-warning radars ahead of schedule by publishing its request for industry feedback on Ground Based Radar Digitization Plus, or GBRD+.

HUD Closes Taxpayer-Funded Housing Loophole

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a change to eliminate a loophole which allows illegal immigrants to live in taxpayer funded housing.

Legislation Introduced to Expand GI Bill Benefits for Apprenticeships

U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) introduced the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act to increase access to GI Bill benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships. I cosponsored this legislation to allow Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries pursuing On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Apprenticeship (APP) programs to have access to the full monthly housing allowance (MHA) amount without a semiannual reduction and without a monthly work hour requirement.

New Law Benefitting North Dakotans Ignored by Local Media

If the Fargo Forum is your main news source, you may not know about bills we've recently passed, so I'm stepping in to deliver the facts.

Assistance for Americans in the Middle East

The State Department is helping Americans departing the Middle East, with teams working around the clock to provide information, support, and coordination. Our priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas, and we remain committed to helping Americans who need assistance. If you are trying to get home from the Middle East, complete this form to request a government facilitated departure: http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake

Announcing Ribbon Cutting for Point Defense Battle Lab

On April 9, I will attend the ribbon cutting for the Point Defense Battle Lab at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. The Point Defense Battle Lab will play a major part in the service’s efforts to develop and test advanced technologies to defend military installations from threats of UAS.

"Washington Watch"

I joined Tony Perkins on "Washington Watch" to discuss Wednesday's vote in the Senate on the misguided War Powers Resolution and the latest on the U.S. military operation in Iran. The United States is no longer the peacekeeper, but the peacemaker. And I rather like that position.

"Mornings with Maria"

On the conflict in Iran:

The air dominance achieved over Iran, creating uncontested airspace, is truly a game changer. These strikes sent a message loud and clear that America’s capabilities exceed expectations and we’re willing to use them effectively.

Our adversaries are watching. Today is not their day. It’s not just our superior technology, it’s our Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Guardians, and Soldiers. They are simply better. And that strength delivers a decisive geopolitical advantage. Not just for the region, but for the world.

On the War Powers Resolution:

The Senate will reject the War Powers Resolution — again. It’s disappointing Democrats are so anti-Trump to the point where they're going to hold up the certainty of American dominance and floor time in the United States Senate. It's time to stop this nonsense.

On the CLARITY Act:

We have to have the appropriate guardrails to protect Main Street, our banks, and our credit unions, but we also have to protect the United States from all of this business going offshore. We need to get there.

"The Big Take"

I joined Ed Henry on NEWSMAX to talk about who will lead Iran next. The Iranian people deserve a real election where they choose their leaders, not one where the regime picks the winner ahead of time. We also highlighted North Dakota’s critical role in deterring nuclear threats and why preventing nuclear proliferation remains essential to keeping the world safe. Always appreciate the opportunity to shine a light on the important work happening back home.

"Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street"

I joined Maria Bartiromo to talk defense funding. It’s not that we’re leapfrogging into a new sphere of spending. We’re filling in from years of neglect. The peace dividend that this country has taken is going to cost us a lot to rebuild. The B-52s and Minute Man IIIs at Minot Air Force Base are nearly 70 years old. We have been holding onto legacy systems while our adversaries have been investing heavily in new systems.

You can’t overstate the geopolitical and economic ramifications of what’s happening in Iran right now. You cannot put these conflicts into a silo; you must put them in the context of what’s happening politically.   Leaders around the world are paying attention. Xi Jinping is waking up today realizing they’re not quite ready for a fight with the United States.

Mark Wiseman, Canadian Ambassador to the United States

Mark Wiseman has big shoes to fill as the new Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., but his business background will benefit both our countries. We talked about North Dakota’s strong trade ties with Canada, particularly in energy and agriculture, and our countries’ shared commitment to strengthening the industrial base and Arctic security.

Valerie Wagner, North Dakota Farm Bureau President

I met with Valerie Wagner, the new President of the North Dakota Farm Bureau, and had a great conversation about U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement of easements, the Farm Bill, and reducing barriers for young farmers, including the costs of doing business.

North Dakota American Legion

The American Legion is a powerful voice for veterans, service members, and their families, ensuring every generation who served our country gets the support they’ve earned. I appreciated hearing from the North Dakota delegation on their top priorities and the challenges they’re facing.

Barry Vculek, National Onion Association President

Barry Vculek serves as President of the National Onion Association and owns Four Star Ag in Oakes, one of the only onion operations in North Dakota. Thanks for stopping by to talk about maintaining a healthy farm workforce and opportunities to level the playing field for domestic growers in the USMCA renewal.

General Shawn Bratton, Vice Chief of Space Operations

North Dakota’s defense ecosystem was front and center in my meeting with General Shawn Bratton, Vice Chief of Space Operations. We must prioritize training, infrastructure, and the modernization of PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.

General John Lamontagne, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force

During my meeting with Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force General John Lamontagne, we focused on modernizing America’s nuclear deterrent. North Dakota is a cornerstone of our nation’s nuclear deterrence, making it all the more important to replace Minot Air Force Base’s aging Minuteman III ICBMs and modernize the B-52.

General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Christopher LaNeve spoke with me about America's overwhelming military strength in Iran. I also highlighted how Grand Forks Air Force Base will host the new Point Defense Battle Lab where our military will develop tactics to counter small-drone threats from our adversaries. This mission-critical work is in Grand Forks for one reason—unmatched expertise is already on the ground.

Steve Sitting Bear, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman

I enjoyed meeting Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Steve Sitting Bear. He’s a focused leader and I look forward to working together.

Kyle Haustveit, Undersecretary of Energy Nominee

The shale revolution began a stone’s throw from where nominee to be Undersecretary of Energy Kyle Haustveit grew up near Tioga, giving him an up-close view of North Dakota’s energy dominance. I am looking forward to working with him to demonstrate enhanced oil recovery in the Bakken, extend the life of our coal plants and implement my PROVE IT legislation to quantify our emissions excellence.

FEMA Awards Nearly $6 Million to North Dakota for Flood Mitigation, Storm Shelter Projects

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a total of $5,984,738 in federal funding for two projects in North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $3,122,738 to fund Phase II of the Boom Lake flood mitigation project in Marion, focusing on construction to address persistent flooding risks. Phase II will implement final construction engineering to protect critical infrastructure, including a sanitary sewer lift station and nearby buildings, while reducing reliance on emergency levees. This project enhances community resilience, safeguards infrastructure, and mitigates flood risks for long-term protection.
• $2,862,000 to fund the design and construction of four storm shelters located in state parks. Each shelter will be designed for windspeeds rated to at least 250 mph (EF-5).