President Trump Delivers Joint Address to Congress
President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress last week in his first major address since his inauguration in January. His speech outlined his return to the presidency and his plans to secure the southern border, promote peace and strength abroad, and invest in the American economy.
President Trump said it all when proclaiming, "AMERICA IS BACK!" From there he delivered the evidence of accomplishments like securing our southern border, facilitating peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, bringing violent immigrants to justice, relieving us of woke insanity and so much more, all in a few weeks’ time. Then he cast a vision for a stronger, freer, more prosperous and respected nation.
It was inspiring and believable, because it is true. He spoke to the hearts and minds of everyday Americans, and highlighted heroes and grieving families in the audience. All the while Democrats in the Chamber sneered, heckled and booed.
They were unable to even stand for parents who lost children and loved ones to violent illegal aliens, a small boy with cancer who wants to be a police officer, a citizen unjustly imprisoned in Russia whose freedom President Trump helped secure, or even a fireman who saved his family from an assassin’s bullet at the Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by shielding them with his body, sacrificing his own life. You don’t have to hate America because you hate President Trump, and you don’t have to love Trump because you love America. As for me and my family, we love both.
Miracle on Ice Hockey Team Hosted at Republican Policy Committee Lunch
It’s not every day U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and I get to host members of the 1980 Olympics Miracle on Ice Team in Congress. Their story is pure Americana, inspiring and uniting in every way. My Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) recognizes their historic and extraordinary achievement.
Senate Confirms Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education
The United States Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as Education Secretary by a vote of 51 to 45.
As Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon will correct the course at the Department of Education. She is the skilled leader we need to rid the Department of woke, DEI nonsense while restoring states’ and parental rights in the education system.
LEGISLATION
Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Northern Border Security
The United States and Canada share the longest international border in the world, spanning 5,525 miles. The two countries are also economically tied, fostering nearly $1 trillion in bilateral trade. To ensure secure and efficient operation of the shared border, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with updating the Northern Border Threat Analysis every three years and the Northern Border Strategy every five years to safeguard it.
The last Northern Border Threat Analysis was completed in 2017 and has not been updated since.
I joined U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act. Specifically, the legislation strengthens DHS efforts to monitor and manage northern border threats by requiring an updated Northern Border Threat Analysis every three years and an updated Northern Border Strategy every five years.
With the United States and Canada sharing the world’s longest border, our economic and national security interests are intertwined. National security threats are not restricted to the southern border so a comprehensive approach is necessary. I joined Senator Hassan in introducing the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act to ensure the dependability and safety of our shared border for the families and communities who live on both sides of the border.
Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Increase Affordable Housing
Recent declines in the number of landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8 vouchers, have made it more difficult for renters to find housing.
I joined U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the Choice in Affordable Housing Act to help expand the HCV program. U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
The bill includes funding to create the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund, named after the former state senator, Fargo mayor, and affordable housing advocate. It will improve the federal government’s largest rental assistance program by attracting and retaining participating landlords. Additionally, it increases funding to the Tribal Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, uses neighborhood-specific data to set rents fairly, reduces inspection delays, and refocuses HUD’s evaluation of housing agencies. Together, these changes reduce barriers to low-income housing.
Increases in housing costs mean millions of renters struggle to find affordable places to live. The success of the Housing Choice Voucher program is contingent on landlords providing adequate housing options. Herschel Lashkowitz’s legacy of affordable housing advocacy lives on through this commonsense bill by boosting the supply of options for renters to use their vouchers.
Legislation Introduced to Identify and Plug Orphaned Wells
I joined U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D- NM) in introducing the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) which would identify and remediate abandoned gas and oil wells, which have the potential to leak methane, groundwater contamination, and create further risks to community safety.
North Dakota is a leader in remediating abandoned wells. Our legislation builds on the successes of REGROW and keeps the momentum going. It invests in new and innovative ways to track the problem, mitigate any damage, and hopefully prevent degradation in the future. This will help more land be returned to productive use and address safety issues.
ACRE Act Introduced to Further Credit Lines to Farmers and Rural Americans
I introduced the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to offer greater flexibility to more financial institutions to provide affordable lines of credit to rural and agricultural borrowers.
Farmers and ranchers need large swaths of land to grow crops and raise livestock to feed and fuel the world. The ACRE act is a straightforward solution to promote competition among lenders by lowering interest rates for farmland purchases.
Legislation Introduced to Reauthorize VA Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program provides free transportation services to VA-authorized healthcare appointments for veterans living in highly rural areas. Roughly 2.7 million veterans reside in highly rural areas across the country.
I led my Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) colleagues, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), in introducing the bipartisan Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act. The legislation would reauthorize the VA HRTG Program for five years and add Tribal Organizations as entities eligible to apply directly for the program.
According to Lonnie Wangen, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, “The number one reason our veterans have for missing a medical appointment is their lack of transportation. The Highly Rural Transportation Grant has provided hundreds of North Dakota’s highly rural veterans transportation to their VA medical appointments. This program has greatly improved the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable veterans.”
The bill ensures transportation assistance for veterans living in rural areas with less than seven people per square mile. Eligible counties in North Dakota include Adams, Benson, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Cavalier, Dickey, Divide, Dunn, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Golden Valley, Grant, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, Lamoure, Logan, McHenry, Mcintosh, McKenzie, McLean, Nelson, Oliver, Pierce, Renville, Sargent, Sheridan, Sioux, Slope, Steele, Towner, and Wells Counties.
North Dakota is home to many veterans who rely on transportation assistance to access their healthcare services. Reauthorizing the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program will ensure veterans can travel to their medical appointments, whether in the community or at a VA facility directly facilitating access to the care they’ve earned.
North Dakota Delegation Introduces Legislation in the Senate, House to Honor Casselton’s Commander Olson
I joined fellow North Dakotans, U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and U.S. Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), in introducing bicameral legislation in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to rename the Casselton post office after hometown hero Commander Delbert Austin Olson. Located at 840 Front Street, the post office would be designated as the Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.
Commander Olson served honorably in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was a member of Observation Squadron 67 during the Vietnam War, which flew low-flying missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos to place sensors to monitor hostile movements and listen in on conversations during the Vietnam War. On January 11, 1968, Commander Olson and his crewmen were killed in action when their plane went down. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in 2003.
He earned multiple awards for his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal with valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar. His name is also inscribed along with all fallen comrades on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. This legislation will memorialize his service and sacrifice, while recognizing his connection to Casselton and his contributions to the nation. Last Congress, the bill passed the Senate unanimously.
I’m honored to join the effort to rename the post office in Casselton after Commander Delbert Austin Olson. This renaming is not merely a gesture, but a lasting affirmation of Commander Olson’s indelible legacy—crafted through his selfless dedication during pivotal times in our history, including WWII, the Korean War, and his heroic sacrifice in the Vietnam War. This tribute is a testament to the profound bond between Commander Olson and the Casselton community, illuminating a solemn promise that his extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered. It’s time to get this bill passed to honor Commander Olson’s service and sacrifice.
HEARINGS
Importance of Nuclear Triad Modernization, Airborne ISR Emphasized During Senate Committee Hearing
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to consider the nomination of Elbridge Colby to be the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, a key position responsible for shaping U.S. defense strategy and guiding the Pentagon's policy priorities.
During the hearing, I questioned Colby on the importance of modernizing the nation’s nuclear triad and deterrence, and maintaining airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Nominees Questioned on American Excellence Compared to Global Polluters at EPW Hearing
The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to consider the nominations of David Fotouhi to serve as Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Aaron Szabo to serve as Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation of the EPA.
Fotouhi served in the EPA as Acting General Counsel during the first Trump administration. Szabo previously served on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Council on Environmental Quality.
I questioned the witnesses on the difference between the United States’ leadership in emission reductions compared to the rest of the world. Even as the U.S. grows its economy, manufacturing base, and energy sector, emissions have been reduced. In particular, emissions from the energy sector over the last 20 years have sharply decreased. As Szabo explained in his opening statement, since the enactment of Clean Air Act in 1970, “the United States has made remarkable progress in reducing air pollution. We have seen significant decreases in carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, ground level, ozone, particulate matter, and other hazardous air pollutants.”
MEETINGS
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
SUPER TALK 1270 - Bismarck, Mandan
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
Credits:
Created with images by Aaron - "spring crocus flowers" • Sam Foster - "Aerial Houses Residential British England Drone Above View Summer Blue Sky Estate Agent." • vvvita - "Rural landscape with beautiful gradient evening sky at sunset. Green field and village on horizon " • weyo - "USA flag. American flag. American flag blowing in the wind" • Web - "North Dakota Farm Landscape. Panoramic View of Great Plains Agricultural Field and Meadow under Sky" • SDF_QWE - "Straight section of gas pipeline before the gas volume regulating valve" • zhu difeng - "modern equipment in broadcast studio" • UnPinky - "Group of jet fighters make a figure in air during airshow. Aerobatic formation " • yelantsevv - "distribution electric substation with power lines and transformers." • aapsky - "Four fighter jets in the shape of a diamond in the sky beautiful sunset." • Artsiom P - "Rocket launch. Elements of this image furnished by NASA"