Fireside Chat Keynote Highlights the Interdependence Between Defense Communities and the Missions They Support
I sat down with Grand Forks County Administrator Tom Ford for his keynote address to the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), highlighting how policy changes, modernization and oversight are improving our military capabilities and the communities around them. In the detailed discussion, I talked about how Congress, the U.S. military, educational institutions, and defense industry partners are aligning policy, technology, and on-the-ground power to counter the growing capabilities of our adversaries.
We discussed how creating a shared ecosystem of excellence around military bases, like leaders have done in Grand Forks, provides an example of how to leverage civilian infrastructure to achieve U.S. Department of War (DOW) objectives and build strong, lasting communities which become indispensable partners in America’s national defense mission.
In North Dakota, the Grand Forks region has built a world-class ecosystem around Grand Forks Air Force Base, the University of North Dakota, and Grand Sky, bringing together local leaders, private industry, research institutions, and the DOW to accelerate innovation in aerospace, unmanned systems, hypersonic testing, and satellite technology. This framework demonstrates how communities surrounding military infrastructure can create opportunities to leverage their own unique attributes. This crucial interface between the nation’s military might and its volunteer manpower is a competitive advantage U.S. adversaries cannot match. I have encouraged communities and base leadership to build strong relationships as a component of long-term economic growth in the community, but also as an incubator for innovative private sector ideas which make their way into the defense industry.
The ADC is made up of nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and organizations and acts as a connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military, and industry on community-military issues by enhancing knowledge, information sharing, and best practices. It annually recognizes great defense communities like Minot, which was a 2025 awardee. North Dakota is also well represented by having Tom Ford as the ADC’s President.
Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Air Force Modernization
The future of U.S. airpower was on full display at a Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee hearing. As the Chairman, I led a review of Air Force modernization priorities tied to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Defense Authorization Request and Future Years Defense Program. We examined how the Air Force is racing to sharpen its technological edge and strengthen readiness against rapidly evolving global threats. “I want to start by saying how much I appreciate the work you have all done and the work that went into this budget request,” I said in my opening remarks. “Putting together an Air Force budget in this environment is no small task, even with a pretty good topline number. You’re balancing today’s threats with tomorrow’s challenges, and you’re doing it while the world seems to get more dangerous by the day, hour, and week. From my perspective, I think this is a thoughtful budget that clearly puts an emphasis on modernization. I think that’s the right direction.” “We can’t deter China, support our allies, and maintain air superiority with aging equipment and good intentions,” I continued. “The investments in next-generation capabilities, advanced munitions, command-and-control, and collaborative combat aircraft show the Air Force understands where the fight is headed. That doesn’t mean Congress shouldn’t ask some tough questions—I expect we will—because that’s our job. […] At the end of the day, the Air Force is being asked to do a lot with pressure coming from every direction. This subcommittee understands that.”
I warned about reductions in the MQ-9 fleet, saying current numbers are falling well below levels needed to meet operational requirements. The issue is especially significant for the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” whose MQ-9 Reapers continue supporting global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike missions. The aircraft have played a key role in counterterrorism operations, maritime surveillance, force protection, and regional deterrence, although recent operations have also highlighted vulnerabilities against advanced air defenses and electronic warfare capabilities. I asked Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs Lt. Gen. David Tabor and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi how the service plans to sustain and eventually replace the MQ-9 fleet without creating capability gaps for the warfighter. Lt. Gen. Tabor said the Air Force is monitoring the MQ-9 “very, very closely.” He said Operation Epic Fury has demonstrated the value of the MQ-9 and its impact has been “remarkable.” “We’re still able to fulfill our contract of 56 combat lines worldwide,” said Lt. Gen. Tabor. “With that said, we are concerned about how they’ve attrited and we’re looking at options to buy back as many of the MQ-9As as we possibly can right now.” He said this is a short-term goal that’s transitioning to a longer-term goal. Maj. Gen. Niemi said the MQ-9 is serving the nation well in the conflict in the Middle East but noted the advantages of modular packages to reducing costs.
I raised concerns about the Air Force’s future airborne ISR posture as legacy surveillance platforms face retirement without a clearly defined replacement strategy. The RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet based at Grand Forks Air Force Base has played a major role in recent ISR operations, including Operation Epic Fury, but the Air Force plans to retire its remaining RQ-4 aircraft by the end of FY 2027. I asked Lt. Gen. Tabor about plans for the RQ-4 and its replacement capability to avoid any gaps. “It is our eventual plan to retire those,” said Lt. Gen. Tabor. He said the Air Force has worked hard over the last eight months to articulate a road map showing where it can make trade-offs from some of the “older, less productive systems into some of the new systems that we’re looking at, as well as some of the space-based capabilities.” I also asked Lt. Gen. Tabor how space assets have performed in modern conflicts. He responded by noting space has been “impressive” and there are more military successes due to space than generally known. Because a layered defense begins at the closest level by protecting U.S. bases with counter small-UAS systems, I asked whether Air Force bases across the United States are protected with the tools and authorities in the Air Force’s arsenal against such attacks. Lt. Gen. Tabor said they are “bullish” on the promise of Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 and are actively looking into incorporating those capabilities. Maj. Gen. Niemi agreed the Air Force recognizes the need to bolster capabilities to protect assets against drone threats from adversaries.
Breakfast Celebrates North Dakota Guardsmen Serving in Washington, D.C.
North Dakota’s Guardsmen punch above their weight class, and it’s well known and appreciated. After President Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital, it didn’t take long for the city to feel safer. Thank you for everything you do for North Dakota, our country, and our communities.
Kevin Warsh Confirmed to Lead Federal Reserve
Kevin Warsh will be an excellent Chair of the Federal Reserve. He has the knowledge and background, but also the courage to stand alone when necessary—the Board can benefit from philosophical diversity. He also understands the mission of the Board is not ideological—ever—and when financial activists attempt to twist monetary tools to penalize industries or put a thumb on the scale, he won’t bow to their pressure. He’s the right man for the job and will put America, and its economic health, first.
Legislation Introduced to Expand Options for Retirement Charitable Contributions
As seniors and retirees across America consider estate planning for retirement, they have more options than ever before. In 2022, I successfully led an effort to include the Legacy IRA Act as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act, allowing seniors to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and deduct up to $100,000 in QCDs from their gross income each year. However, other types of retirement accounts are restricted from making tax-free charitable distributions. To make charitable distributions from non-IRA employer-sponsored retirement accounts, like a 401(k), existing law requires seniors to first roll over funds to an IRA. I introduced the Charity Parity Act with U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) to expand the Legacy IRA program to include common employer-sponsored retirement accounts. These include private sector 401(k)s, public school 403(b)s, and government 457 plans. Making this change means previously idle retirement money can be donated to charities to do beneficial work in local economies and communities.
U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Mark Warner (D-VA) cosponsored the legislation, and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Charity Parity Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Charity Parity Act is supported by the American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP); Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; and Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.
Senate Banking Committee Passes Clarity Act
After months of negotiations, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (Clarity Act) today. This legislation establishes regulatory parameters for digital assets, eliminating the unclear framework which has long plagued the industry. The bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Expands Healthcare Training at Williston State College
For nearly 15 years, Williston has stood at the forefront of North Dakota’s energy expansion, driving significant growth and development across the state’s northwest region. Alongside the surge in oil production has come rapid population growth. While Williston’s population is currently just over 30,000, it is expected to keep rising in the coming years, underscoring the increasing demand for essential services throughout the region, including healthcare and education. To better serve the growing community, I joined area leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating Williston State College’s (WSC) new Healthcare Training Facility. This facility was created to help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals by providing hands-on, career-focused training opportunities in Williston while addressing workforce shortages across the state. The project received support from every regional healthcare provider across northwestern North Dakota and eastern Montana.
This event marks a major milestone in expanding WSC’s healthcare programs and strengthening the workforce pipeline for Williston and northwestern North Dakota. WSC broke ground on the Healthcare Training Facility in May 2024, opened the facility in January, and launched its first courses during the spring semester. The college’s expanded training capacity will help meet regional workforce demands by preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals to support local hospitals, clinics, and other providers.
While WSC has long offered nursing and massage therapy programs, the new Healthcare Training Facility has allowed the college to introduce additional career-focused programs, including medical assistant, EMT, and paramedic training. More healthcare programs are planned for this year and beyond, with partnerships across the North Dakota University System expected to further expand educational opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.
Grand Forks Air Force Base Selected for Advanced Counter-Drone Defense Pilot Program
Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) has been named by the U.S. Department of War (DOW) as one of four sites nationwide for a new pilot program testing advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies designed to detect, disable, and destroy hostile drones. The program was authorized in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which I helped craft as chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee. The cutting-edge systems include high-powered microwave, laser, and similar technologies aimed at strengthening protections for critical military facilities and assets against growing unmanned aircraft threats.
The announcement marks another major milestone for North Dakota’s growing role in national defense, unmanned aerial systems innovation, and next-generation military technology development.
Distinguished Service Award From North Dakota Long Term Care Association
I joined the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) for its 49th Annual Convention and Expo, where I received the Distinguished Service Award. In a letter notifying me of the honor, the association said it is one of its highest distinctions and “recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service in support of long term care and the residents, tenants, families, and professionals we serve across North Dakota.” Since 1977, only 38 individuals have received the award. The event brought together providers, caregivers, and healthcare leaders in Bismarck to highlight the evolving landscape of long-term care in the state. Centered on the theme “The Magic of Caring…Celebrating the Everyday Moments that Matter Most,” this year’s gathering emphasized the compassion, innovation, and day-to-day dedication defining long-term care across North Dakota.
“In North Dakota, we prioritize compassion and I see this compassion in action every time I visit facilities and work with caretakers and leaders. Caregiving is a privilege and compassion is the North Dakota way. Such compassionate caregiving should not be subject to bureaucratic bullies. I am grateful for this recognition and will continue to fight the bullies, so our caregivers can do what they do best, provide compassionate care to our fellow North Dakotans.”
I am a vocal opponent of the Biden-era federal nursing home staffing requirements and led efforts to repeal them. These standards exacerbated workforce shortages and reduced access to care, particularly in rural areas and for veterans. I amplified the concerns of long-term care facilities facing cumbersome Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and penalties, meeting with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz to discuss how increasingly burdensome regulations have exacerbated staffing and access challenges for nursing home facilities. I highlighted the rule’s flaws in a speech on the Senate floor. Since then, I've met with multiple senior CMS officials, while cosponsoring legislation to repeal the minimum staffing mandate and leading a measure to assess its impact on veterans’ access to care. I am actively working with the Trump administration to address outstanding issues with excessive fines, strict liability for facilities, outdated reporting requirements, and to enhance flexibility for state surveyors. I've supported initiatives to address workforce shortages, a persistent challenge in long-term care, through measures such as the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act and expanded training and recruitment programs. I also advocated for greater regulatory flexibility, arguing overly prescriptive federal mandates can strain already limited staffing capacity. Additionally, I co-signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requesting an exemption from the $100,000 fee for H-1B visas for healthcare workers.
University of Mary President Monsignor Shea Receives Honorary Doctorate, Speaks at Catholic University of America Commencement
It was pure joy for Kris and me to join in celebrating our friend Msgr. James Shea of the University of Mary as he received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, the Catholic University of America, and delivered an incredible message at commencement. God is good!
Department of War Awards Nearly $10 Million for Work at Fargo-Based Packet Digital
The U.S. Department of War (DOW) has awarded a $9,799,991 order to Packet Digital in Fargo, advancing efforts to onshore battery manufacturing for military drones and autonomous systems. The award supports the domestic production of lithium-based battery cells and battery packs under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding Innovative Technologies program, which is designed to move emerging technologies from development into operational use.
Work will be performed in Fargo and is expected to be completed in November 2027.
Department of Energy Awards $36 Million to EERC for Enhanced Oil Recovery Program
Abundant oil and gas reserves, paired with first industry-leading fracking technology and affordable, reliable electricity, has put North Dakota at the forefront of U.S. energy dominance. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is capitalizing on this advantage by investing $36 million to support the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center’s (EERC) work improving enhanced oil recovery technologies in the Bakken formation.
Initial Bakken development only recovers approximately 10-15% of the oil in place. While partnerships between North Dakota and industry have made progress toward recovering additional oil, I led efforts to correct leftist narratives regarding Bakken crude and leverage DOE dollars toward recovering the residual oil. This federal investment includes $36 million from DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, along with $9 million in cost-share funding from the EERC and project partners for one of the six pilot projects.
Faith and Law Dinner
It was another inspiring event with my friends at a Faith and Law dinner. It’s refreshing to ‘trim my wick and refill my oil’ with colleagues and discuss how much people of faith have in common with each other. Most importantly, events like this serve as a necessary reminder: our cause is always greater than right vs. left.
Mifepristone Amicus Brief Filed to Protect Women and Unborn Children
Defending the sanctity of life means protecting both unborn babies and their mothers. Chemical abortion drugs are dangerous, and eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement puts the health of women who take them at risk. I again joined Senator Bill Cassidy, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and over 100 of my colleagues in the House and Senate in filing an amicus brief to reinstate the in-person requirement and ensure no woman is left vulnerable to the dangers of unsupervised chemical abortions.
National Police Week
I was honored to support a resolution designating this week as #NationalPoliceWeek, recognizing the men and women who wear the badge with courage and integrity.
Officers who answer the call and stand watch in our communities often toil in the background. They provide a peace of mind for our communities the rest of the world envies. Those who work behind the thin blue line need to know your commitment to public safety and service deserves our gratitude not just this week, but every day. We appreciate all you do.
Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and selfless service of the men and women who have defended our country in uniform. To our service members, veterans, and military families: thank you for all you do to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy every day. Your dedication to our nation does not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice.
Former Bank of North Dakota CEO Todd Steinwand Passes Away
I was saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and former Bank of North Dakota CEO Todd Steinwand. He was a joyful man who loved his family, his work, the State of North Dakota and the Lord. Kris and I are praying for his family and friends.
Interview
"Washington Watch"
I joined Tony Perkins on "Washington Watch" to discuss border security, reconciliation and President Trump’s trip to China.
On Border Security:
It’s hard to believe Democrats have become so hostile toward law enforcement and so lenient toward violent crime that they don’t want to keep the border or our citizens protected. Republicans will ensure ICE and border agents are funded well into the next 3 years so they’re not shut down again.
On Reconciliation:
Given Democrats’ reluctance to fund the country’s core priorities, we’d almost be negligent not to pursue a third round of reconciliation. There’s still more we can do on both defense and healthcare. We’ve spent decades underinvesting in national defense and modernization, and there’s more work ahead to ensure the people who truly need help are getting it.
On President Trump's trip to China:
Everything should be on the table during President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping — including trade. For states like North Dakota that produce far more food than we can consume ourselves, access to major markets like China matters. But at the same time, we need to be strategic about decoupling key supply chains from China. We must ensure American interests come first.
Watch the full interview below:
Meetings
Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins
The Missile Defense Agency is the backbone of America’s layered missile defense shield for tracking, detecting, and intercepting threats before they ever reach the homeland. MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins and I talked about modernizing and digitizing the PARCS radar system at Cavalier and making sure the agency has the resources needed to keep America’s defense edge unmatched.
Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration Nominee Dr. Erich Hernandez-Baquero
Dr. Erich Hernandez-Baquero understands the risks and opportunities associated with defense modernization. Through the free market, spiral development, and constant iteration, we can turn the process into a competitive advantage our adversaries cannot match. He’ll be a great Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Eckroth Music Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brad Shaw
Music enriches our lives and our souls. I told Brad Shaw, with Eckroth Music, how much my own music teacher, Myron Dybing, influenced me when I was growing up. We also discussed what can be done to give students access to music education.
Knife River Corporation
Headquartered in Bismarck, Knife River Corporation is helping build stronger communities across the nation from the ground up. I was able to catch up with CEO Brian Gray and CFO Nathan Ring to discuss our work in Congress developing the surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Federal Reserve Inspector General Michael Horowitz
Whether it was arrogance or incompetence, it’s long-past time to get to the bottom of the Federal Reserve renovation cost overrun. I appreciate Inspector General Horowitz working to deliver transparency and accountability for the taxpayers concerned about this ballooning $2.5 billion price tag.
Grant Announcement
EPA Awards $16.6 Million to NDDEQ for Clean Water Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a total of $16,644,000 to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). This funding includes three separate CWSRF capitalization grants which will support the planning, design, and construction of water quality improvement projects across the state.
Weekly Radio Town Hall Schedule
Jay Thomas
Every other Tuesday from 2:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. CT
WDAY 970 AM - Fargo
"Mitchell in the Morning" with Todd Mitchell
Every Wednesday from 8:15 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. CT
KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck
Noah Chelliah
Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CT
KNOX 1310 AM - Grand Forks
Rick Jensen
Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT
KHND 1470 AM - Harvey
Michael Bell
Every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CT
KFYR 550 AM / 99.7 FM - Bismarck
"What's On Your Mind" with Scott Hennen
Every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT
AM 1100 The Flag - Fargo
WDAY 970 AM - Fargo
KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga
SUPER TALK 1270 - Bismarck, Mandan
BEK TV - 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