Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update JULY 21-25

EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Hearing Discusses Regulatory Reforms and Safe Routes to School

As Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I held a hearing on the development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. The hearing focused specifically on three bipartisan bills I led with colleagues on the EPW committee, the: Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act, Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act, and Safe Routes Improvement Act.

As I like to say, without well-maintained routes like Interstate 94, which is made possible because of formula funding, durum wheat from North Dakota would never become pasta in New York or Los Angeles. North Dakota is a low population state, but the number one producer of many commodities. Our roads can’t be relegated to gravel and expect interstate commerce to thrive. The formula system works and this committee has demonstrated a strong commitment to it over the years.

I introduced Chad Orn, who serves as the Deputy Director for Planning at the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Chad knows firsthand how critical transportation infrastructure is to everyday life in North Dakota. He literally works every day to ensure our roads and bridges meet the needs of communities across the state. I also introduced Marisa Jones from the Safe Routes Partnership. She highlighted the successes of Safe Routes to School Program, which has supported safety projects in North Dakota towns like Gwinner, Medora, and Minot.

I asked Orn and Samantha Biddle, the Maryland Deputy Secretary of Transportation, about specific suggestions for accelerating the delivery of infrastructure projects. Both witnesses highlighted a need to allow more projects to qualify for an expedited environmental review process. This goal aligns with the intent of the One Federal Decision framework which was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and a reform I have championed.

We also discussed the Safe Routes to School Program and Jones explained how communities, especially in rural areas, can learn more about the program and ultimately access funds to move forward with safety projects. Finally, Orn and Biddle offered their suggestions to improve safety in construction work zones.

DOD Raises Ceiling of Contract with General Dynamics for Vital Work in Grand Forks

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced it has increased the size of its contract with General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, by $34,273,921 to reflect growing numbers of test activities and missile track fusion work performed at Grand Forks and other sites for the Space Development Agency (SDA). This announcement brings the total cumulative value of the contract, which is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2029, to $1,106,722,296.

As chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, I have led efforts to advance space-based capabilities and missions, both in North Dakota and across the nation.

With the 319th Reconnaissance Wing flying RQ-4 Global Hawks and providing vital warfighting and ground-based capabilities, the innovative defense ecosystem at Grand Forks Air Force Base is unmatched. Raising the contract ceiling will allow General Dynamics to better support our Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture ground management, integration, operation, and sustainment efforts. This crucial investment is proof of the global expertise that resides right here in Grand Forks.

Op-Ed with Senator Amy Klobuchar to Honor the 1980 Miracle on Ice U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

Forty-five years ago, at the Lake Placid Olympic Games, a team of young American hockey players took the ice and achieved the impossible, winning against the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union National Team. The Soviets were four-time defending Olympic gold medalists, stacked with seasoned professionals. Team USA, both the youngest-ever U.S. national team and the youngest in the tournament, stunned the world with a 4-3 victory in what became known as the “Miracle on Ice.”

Now, a congressional effort is underway to recognize these players with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. I introduced and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) cosponsored legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal earlier this year. In April, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the legislation, with over 300 cosponsors. Together, we penned an op-ed in The Hill urging our Senate colleagues to pass the legislation to honor this historic team.

In 1980, the world was fraught with political division, economic shifts, and global conflict. The Cold War loomed large, American hostages were being held in Iran, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan had stoked international anxiety, and the United States was in the midst of a painful recession at home.

Yet at this time of uncertainty, a single hockey game brought us together as Americans. On February 22, 1980, a team of young athletes, mostly college students, took the ice in Lake Placid and achieved the impossible against the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union National Team. The Soviets were four-time defending Olympic gold medalists, stacked with seasoned professionals. Team USA, both the youngest-ever U.S. national team and the youngest in the tournament, stunned the world with a 4-3 victory in what became known as the “Miracle on Ice.”

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of this iconic moment, we introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team.

It is only fitting that we honor this team’s achievement. It had a lasting impact on American history and the game of hockey in the United States. Once enacted, three medals will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York, commemorating this greatest sports moment of the 20th century.

North Dakota Delegation Sends Letter of Support for Disaster Declaration After June Storms

U.S. Senator John Hoeven, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak and I sent a letter in support of Governor Kelly Armstrong's request for a major disaster declaration after tornadoes and straight-line winds caused unavoidable damages last month to infrastructure and property and tragically took the lives of 4 North Dakotans.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Prohibits Men From Women's Sports

This week, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee updated its eligibility rules to bar men from competing in women's events and bringing the organization into compliance with President Trump's Executive Order.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Tonix CEO Dr. Seth Lederman. This pharmaceutical company is working to improve access to non-opioid therapies for pain management, and I enjoyed receiving an update about its work.

Canadian Members of Parliament

The U.S. and Canada share more than the world’s longest border—we share a bond forged in commerce and secured by common defense. Canadian MPs James Bezan, Michael Chong, and Jacob Mantle were in the Capitol last week to discuss how we strengthen our economic and security bonds.

Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc

I'm grateful Canadian Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, and Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Marc-Andre Blanchard provided an update on trade negotiations during their visit to Washington. Their input is greatly appreciated.

Rocket Lab

Aerospace companies like Rocket Lab play a significant role in enhancing our national security posture in space. It was great to meet with Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck and hear about the company's ongoing work with the Space Force.

Boys and Girls Nation Students

I kicked off Thursday morning with Kellen, Zuan, Jhosthine, and Lengueth who are in Washington for American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation. As a Senator at Boys State many years ago, I love meeting with today’s young North Dakotans and future leaders.

Danaher

I enjoyed meeting with Danaher CEO Rainer Blair. Aldevron, located in Fargo, operates within Danaher's Life Sciences division. The United States is a global leader in developing life-saving medications and it’s important we build and maintain manufacturing supply chains here at home.

Judge Jeanine Pirro

Judge Jeanine Pirro is sharp, bold, and a prosecutor’s prosecutor who will fight to make our nation's Capital safe and secure. She will make an excellent U.S. Attorney for D.C., and I look forward to supporting her nomination.