Senator Cramer's Weekly Update February 2 - 7

Fair Access to Banking Act Reintroduced to Protect Legal Industries from Debanking

I reintroduced my Fair Access to Banking Act, which would protect fair access to financial services and ensure banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism.

When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is turn to weaponizing banks as a backdoor to carry out their activist goals. Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers. They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner.

Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.

The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. I helped craft the rule, and this legislation codifies these protections. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.

In the years since I first introduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, support has grown every Congress. At the state level, Florida and Tennessee passed Fair Access laws and similar legislation was introduced in Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Dakota. Banks have dropped membership in discriminatory groups which were aimed at starving specific industries.

Senate Banking Committee Hearing Examines Impacts of Debanking

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Banking) Committee held an oversight hearing regarding the “Real Impacts of Debanking in America.” In recent years, prominent American banks have used their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This practice is known as debanking and has impacted industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, and energy producers.

Prior to the hearing, I reintroduced my Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires lending and services decisions to be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism.

I explained my legislation does not require banks to take specific actions, but rather prohibits them from categorically discriminating against legal industries. I noted the reason “some of the bank presidents, who have never dared say it out loud, tell me they support [the Fair Access to Banking Act] is because they want this burden removed from them. They want this political pressure from their 30-year-old staff or the regulator they fear, or the political movement of the day, or the activist investors trying to impose their values, they want it removed from them.”

IRON DOME Act Introduced in the Senate

Missile defense plays a key role in deterring and defeating adversary ballistic missiles and other threats against the United States, its allies, and American military forces overseas. In January, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) to build an Iron Dome for America, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. The EO directs the implementation of a “next-generation missile defense shield for the United States against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks.”

I joined U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a fellow SASC member, in introducing the Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements (IRON DOME) Act. The legislation will improve the missile defense capabilities of the United States.

Among other provisions, the bill requires the acceleration of the modernization and digitization of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS), located at North Dakota’s Cavalier Space Force Station. PARCS is a single-faced, multi-function, UHF-Band, phased-array radar system which tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects. The modernization of PARCS improves detection of intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats, as well as improve space domain awareness capabilities.

Now more than ever, we have to ensure the United States is properly equipped to address the pressing threats posed by our very capable adversaries. Protecting the homeland is our first Constitutional duty. The IRON DOME Act forces modernization of our missile defense systems from Alaska to North Dakota to Maine to Florida to California and back up to Alaska. This will ensure we’re never caught off guard from a modern missile attack on our homeland.

FHWA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule Defeated in Sixth Circuit

In November 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. Congress has never granted the Department of Transportation this authority.

Shortly after the rule was finalized, attorneys general from 21 states, including North Dakota, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky found the rule illegal, but the Biden FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In October, I led a bicameral amicus brief in opposition to the rule. I was joined by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee; U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO-6), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rick Crawford (R-AR-1), former Chairman of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee and 26 other senators. I led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in opposition to the rule. I led a separate bicameral amicus brief requesting the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals uphold the District Court decision.

Last week, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case with prejudice at the request of the Trump administration, ending the year-long court battle.

This is really big news, and this dismissal reinforces the fundamental principle: federal agencies do not have authority Congress doesn’t grant them. The Biden Federal Highway Administration tried to pull a regulation out of thin air to pursue its radical, crazy, bizarro climate agenda, deliberately ignoring the legal boundaries of the law and our Constitution.

States and my colleagues in Congress were right to push back against this unlawful mandate. I’m grateful the Trump administration changed course and for the Court’s requisite dismissal.

Doug Collins Sworn in as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

The United States Senate confirmed Doug Collins as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs by a vote of 77 to 23. He was sworn in Wednesday.

I served with Doug in the House of Representatives for six years, introduced him at his confirmation hearing and celebrated the bipartisan passage of his nomination from the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Additionally, I had the honor of penning an op-ed in the Washington Examiner highlighting how Doug will restore America’s promise to veterans.

Doug puts our veterans first and fights for their access to timely and quality local healthcare. His commitment to the law and servant leadership is exactly what the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to stay on mission. I look forward to working with Doug in his new position.

Scott Turner Sworn in as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

The United States Senate confirmed Scott Turner to serve as the 19th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by a vote of 54 to 44 last week.

Scott Turner is first and foremost a leader, and he will be an excellent Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He has a fundamental understanding of supply-side policies, and he knows what landlords need to provide affordable housing options where they’re needed most. Local and tribal communities across North Dakota will benefit from his expertise as a builder and developer.

Pam Bondi Sworn in as U.S. Attorney General

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was confirmed by the United States Senate as U.S. Attorney General by a vote of 54 to 46, Tuesday. She was sworn in Wednesday.

The Justice Department has drifted from the fair, equal application of the law. Pam Bondi will right the ship and refocus the department on its law-and-order mission. I’m honored to join my colleagues in confirming her.

Russ Vought Sworn in as Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Russ Vought was confirmed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 53 to 47.

Chris Wright Sworn in as Secretary of Energy

Chris Wright was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the 17th Secretary of Energy by a vote of 59 to 38.

Chris Wright’s Liberty Energy company has been integral to the growth of North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields. From our shale play to carbon capture development, Chris knows the importance of energy innovation to POTUS’ America First agenda.

Mexico Reverses Ban on Genetically Engineered Corn

A U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement panel ruled Mexico cannot ban genetically engineered corn (GE). The Mexican president banned GE corn imports in 2023.

I’m happy to see Mexico come into alignment with the USMCA Dispute Settlement Panel’s ruling. Mexico can’t deny the science behind this biotechnology, which is used in over 90% of all the corn we grow in the U.S.

Biden NEPA Rule Overturned by North Dakota Judge

U.S. District Judge Dan Traynor threw out the Biden Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rule, which governs the environmental review process for infrastructure projects. In his ruling, Judge Traynor said the CEQ lacked the authority to issue regulations.

Another major victory in court for the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. AG Drew Wrigley was right to sue the Biden administration’s biased NEPA rule and Judge Traynor’s decision put the nail in the coffin. SCOTUS’ landmark decision on the Major Questions Doctrine and overturning Chevron can’t be overstated. The separation of powers matters. The White House Council on Environmental Quality does not have authority Congress doesn’t give it and this rule came nowhere close to the intent of the law.

Senate Introduces REINS Act to Put Power Back in the People’s Hands

In recent decades, Congress has largely abdicated its duty and deferred major policy decisions to federal agencies and unelected bureaucrats. This has created significant problems for our constituents and made Washington less accountable to the people its serve.

Under the REINS Act, once major rules are drafted, they must then be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the President, satisfying the bicameralism and presentment requirements of the Constitution. Currently, regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves.

The bill defines a “major” rule as one which the Office of Management and Budget determines may result in an economic impact of $100 million or greater each year; “a major increase in costs or prices” for American consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries; or “significant adverse effects” on the economy.

Letter to VA Calls for Improved Mental Health and Addiction Care for Veterans

I joined a letter urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to "leverage every available resource and authority to improve access to care for veterans in need of mental health, addiction, suicide prevention, and other critical services."

After last week’s hearing on life-threatening barriers to care, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS), U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and I urged the VA to immediately take action to increase access to care for veterans, especially those struggling with mental health or addiction.

President Trump Signs Executive Order Preventing Men from Competing in Women's Sports

Last week, we celebrated the accomplishments of women and girls in athletics on National Girl and Women in Sports Day. President Trump signed an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports because women deserve fairness and an even playing field.

President Trump Secures Win For American Trade with Panama

Panama's President Mulino said the country would not renew an earlier agreement with China to join their Belt and Road global development initiative and promised to work more closely with the United States in the future. This comes after President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio put pressure on the country.

Two weeks on the job and President Trump is already making America stronger on the international stage. Great work!

President Trump Gains Win for America Against Mexico on Key Border Security Deal

Mexico has agreed to send 10,000 troops to the U.S. southern border in a deal to delay President Trump's tariff threat for one month.

National Security is our Federal Government’s primary responsibility. President Trump delivers.

Cost-Saving Public Building Reforms Highlighted in Bicameral Letter to OMB and GSA

In 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a review of the actual utilization of 24 agency headquarters buildings to better understand how the federal government is utilizing its real estate portfolio. On average, 17 of the 24 agency headquarters reviewed were at 25 percent or less utilization, with some agencies as low as nine percent.

As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee, I joined EPW Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), House T&I Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-06), and House T&I Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA-10) in sending a letter to the Trump administration highlighting provisions included in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which provided new authority for the administration to rightsize the federal real estate portfolio and save taxpayers billions of dollars.

Even if 100 percent of the federal employees returned to the office, the taxpayer would still be paying for excess space. For example, one agency was the subject of GAO’s 2023 review reported, even if all their employees came into the office on the same day, only 67 percent of their headquarters building would be utilized.

It is unacceptable for American taxpayers to pay for space which is sitting empty, and we urge you to utilize these new authorities to consolidate federal space and support your efforts to direct employees to return to work in-person.

Keep Nine Act Introduced to Prevent Court-Packing

I joined fellow U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing a constitutional amendment to keep the Supreme Court at nine justices, preventing court-packing.

The integrity of our Supreme Court should not be subject to political whiplash. This constitutional amendment is an institutional safeguard against radical left-wing overreach, ensuring SCOTUS remains a pillar of justice, not a rubber stamp for partisan ambitions.

Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act Establishes Federal Funding Minimum for DSHs

I joined U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to ensure hospitals caring for large numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients in rural states receive their fair share of federal funding. The Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act would establish a nationwide federal funding minimum for disproportionate share hospitals (DSH). Current payment levels are based on a 1992 formula which has seen few updates.

I joined my colleagues in introducing the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act to ensure hospitals receive appropriate support to care for Medicaid and uninsured patients. By establishing a new federal floor for rural states like North Dakota, this legislation will support access to care for our state’s most vulnerable patients.

Letter Urges Disposal of Unused Federal Buildings Under New Authority

The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 included my legislation with U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a fellow member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, to rightsize the federal government’s real estate portfolio and ensure taxpayer-funded buildings do not sit empty. Their legislation, the Federal Assets and Transfers Act (FASTA) Reform Act, builds on the success of FASTA, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2016.

FASTA established a six-year pilot program overseen by the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) to recommend the disposal of unused federal properties in three rounds. The PBRB began operating in 2019, and its work resulted in the sale of 10 buildings, generating over $193 million in revenue. However, as of 2022, the federal government still had 7,697 vacant buildings. Over the past two years, this problem has worsened with the federal agencies’ embrace of remote and telework policies. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study from October 2023 found 17 of 24 surveyed federal agencies, on average, used an estimated 25 percent or less of the capacity of their headquarters buildings. The GAO study also estimated over $81 million is wasted each year due to this underutilization of office space.

Cramer and Kelly sent a letter to PBRB requesting it complete the final round of disposals required under FASTA and FASTA Reform Act to bring “tangible benefits” to the taxpayer.

The Public Building Reform Board (PBRB) must build on this success by taking a comprehensive approach aimed at maximizing savings and reducing waste. It is critical the PBRB and OMB collaborate to ensure this round delivers the best possible result.

Congress and taxpayers alike recognize the urgent need to address our government’s inefficient real estate portfolio. We look forward to the completion of the third round and the tangible benefits it will bring.

Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act Aims to Return States' Oil and Gas Revenue

Federal and state governments used to evenly split royalties from federal oil and gas leases until the Obama administration siphoned part of the state’s share.

These revenues directly support infrastructure and schools in North Dakota. I joined U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), in introducing the Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act to fix it.

Congressional Review Act Reintroduced to Block Biden Natural Gas Tax

I joined U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX-11) in reintroducing a bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block implementation of the Biden administration’s natural gas tax, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend legislation in 2022.

The Biden administration’s natural gas tax penalizes American energy production and punishes consumers suffering from Bidenflation. The American people want American energy dominance. It’s time to deliver by putting policies like this where they belong, in the garbage!

Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services visited my office last week.

Thank you Robert Kennedy, Jr., for your willingness to serve as HHS Secretary. From repairing Indian Health Service facilities to making sure Americans have access to supplements and preventative care, your commitment to Making America Healthy Again is welcome. I look forward to voting for you!

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell

The U.S. has the best economy in the world, but we are still recovering from the last four years. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell visited my office for an honest discussion about economic growth and workforce challenges facing our nation.

Native American Faith Leaders

Always my honor to see native faith leaders like Ken Hall, his wife Cara, and Bob GreyEagle, who were in DC for the National Prayer Breakfast. We were all encouraged by President Trump's speech.

North Dakota Tribal College Students and Faculty

It was a pleasure meeting with North Dakota’s tribal college students, presidents, and faculty, especially during National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week! The students and their stories serve as testaments to the positive impact Indian higher education has on lives and communities.

Cadets from West Point Military Academy

This was the best start to my Tuesday morning. These West Point cadets were insightful, smart, and extremely faith filled. Our military’s future is bright with these up-and-coming courageous leaders.

Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka

The Indo-Pacific region is vital to our national interests and security. This means we must further our partnerships with countries in Oceania. I met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Fiji.

North Dakota Rural Water Systems Associations

The North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association has been a great partner, making sure policymakers know what’s working and what’s not. Their insight is always welcome and appreciated.

North Dakota Department of Transportation

It’s impressive how much North Dakota Department of Transportation has done with its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, delivering real results across the state. I enjoyed my time with them and highlighted my efforts as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee to help get the next highway bill done on time.

Nominee for Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown

Honoring the memory of our veterans is one of our most sacred duties. Our veterans cemeteries in Fargo and Mandan fill this role with distinction. Sam Brown is uniquely qualified to serve as VA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs, and I appreciate his willingness to fill the gap.

Nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey

The Department of Defense needs to get its bureaucracy out of the way. I spoke with Michael Duffey, nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, on the need for the Space Development Agency and the Space Force to spur innovation to counter China.

Nutrien CEO Ken Seitz

Nutrien CEO Ken Seitz met with me to discuss trade relations and the company’s footprint in the United States. Nutrien, headquartered in Saskatoon, Canada, is the world’s largest producer of potash, a critical input for North Dakota farmers.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Good to see my friend and former colleague Rodney Davis from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Rolling back Biden-era regulations, reforming our tax system, and investing in hard infrastructure are all vital to our economic growth.

NARUC President Tricia Pridemore

President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and Georgia Utility Commissioner Tricia Pridemore met with me last week.

Getting to chat about utility regulations is my kind of nerd talk. Georgia Utility Commissioner Tricia Pridemore has some big shoes to fill at NAURC after Congresswoman Fedorchak's election to Congress, but she’s off to a great start!

Lebanese Member of Parliament Neemat Frem

It was a pleasure sitting down with Neemat Frem, a member of the Lebanese Parliament. President Trump's Abraham Accords must be the framework of our policy in the region.

Interview with Larry Kudlow Discusses Tariffs and Tax Cuts

It was good to join U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) on Fox Business. We must prevent a $4.3 trillion tax increase, get President Trump's nominees confirmed, and implement an America-First trade agenda.

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