NEWS
Fargo's Public Transportation System Discussed at Senate Banking Committee Hearing
Restrictions on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Urbanized Area Formula Grants negatively impacted Fargo’s Fiscal Year 2024 funding for its public transportation system. The restrictions now apply to Fargo because of the region’s population growth to over 200,000 people, which graduated the city from a Metropolitan Planning Organization to a Transportation Management Agency. Unfortunately, this designation has removed a large degree of Fargo’s flexibility in using these funds, resulting in a budget shortfall for the city.
During a Senate Banking Committee Hearing, I questioned Christopher Coes, DOT Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, on the restrictions impacting Fargo’s transportation budget.
North Dakota Soybean Processors Celebrate Ribbon Cutting at Casselton Facility
The North Dakota Soybean Processors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the grand opening of its new facility in Casselton. Building new domestic markets for our commodities rather than agricultural dependence on foreign adversaries is of the utmost importance.
8th Circuit's Ruling on Pistol Braces
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Biden administration’s attempt to illegally ban pistol braces is “arbitrary and capricious.” On Friday, the court found the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule lacked clear standards, making it nearly impossible for law-abiding citizens to determine whether their firearms were in compliance with these regulations.
The Eighth Circuit’s ruling reversed U.S. District Court of North Dakota Judge Daniel Hovland's decision in Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc. v. Garland, which denied a preliminary injunction against the ATF’s rule on pistol stabilizing braces.
Today’s ruling by the Eighth Circuit is a major victory for the United States Constitution and another major blow to this overbearing federal bureaucracy, particularly the Biden-Harris administration that tramples on our rights every single day. Congratulations to Attorney General Drew Wrigley on carrying this ball across the finish line for law abiding North Dakotans. It is an honor to be able to block for him, just a little bit, and for our citizens. Way to go, Team Wrigley and North Dakota, and all the other states that stood up for our Constitution, for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens of North Dakota and the great country that we are a part of.
LEGISLATION
Senate Passes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
Every two years we pass a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act to authorize Army Corps of Engineers projects and reform existing programs. From flood control to recreational access, North Dakotans are acutely aware of the importance of the Corps to our state. I am thankful for the partnership of my EPW colleagues who help make WRDA one of the few bills which is both bipartisan and passed through regular order. The unanimous passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act in the Senate is a win for regular order and for communities across North Dakota and the country which interact with or even depend on Army Corps operations.
Senate Passes Bills Aiding in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease
The National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) is a interagency program to best direct funding for Alzheimer's research. I cosponsored two bills aimed at growing this project.
NAPA Reauthorization Act:
The bill makes changes to the National Alzheimer's Project, extending funding through 2035. This project supports coordination of federal planning, programs, and other efforts to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act:
This bill requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit, beginning in the fiscal year 2024, an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives pursuant to the National Alzheimer's Project directly to the President for review and transmittal to Congress.
Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act
Anti-gun activists know our right to bear arms is constitutionally protected and have tried everything under the sun to circumvent it. I joined U.S. Senator Risch (R-ID) in this effort to block states from executing excise taxes on firearms and protect our Second Amendment rights.
Resolution Nullifies Biden-Harris Gas Car Ban
I joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing a disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn a new Biden-Harris administration regulation that would effectively ban gas-powered automobiles and force American consumers to buy electric vehicles.
My Vote Against Advancing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act
The House passed this tax package in January, and the Senate has not held a single hearing on the legislation in the last six months. This is an unserious political ploy by Chuck Schumer, Chairman Wyden, and Senate Democrats to ram the bill through and once again circumvent regular order. All 100 Senators should have an opportunity to provide our input, not just the Chairmen of two committees.
Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Condemning the Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump
I joined U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to formally condemn the attempted assassination of former President Trump, honor the victims, call on all people of the United States to unite in the face of violence, and to stand in solidarity with those who were injured or killed during this tragic event. The bipartisan resolution passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent.
Political violence has no place in our society and it should be condemned whenever it surfaces. The attempted assassination of President Trump was a vile and senseless act, leaving two critically injured and one dead. Our resolution is a testament to our hope and resilience, and an unyielding call for the nation to reject violence, stand together, and uphold our shared American values.
LETTERS
Letter Requests Oversight Hearing on $15 Billion VA Budget Shortfall
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced a budget shortfall of nearly $15 billion. This includes $2.88 billion relating to compensation, pension, and readjustment benefit payments at the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA), and another $11.97 billion in medical care accounts at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
This represents the largest budget shortfall the VA has experienced, and is a clear departure from the FY 2025 budget request the Biden-Harris administration presented to Congress just four months ago. The projected VHA deficit alone is greater than the entire annual budget of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Our Committee is directly responsible for conducting rigorous oversight and this budget shortfall proves that VA is in desperate need of scrutiny and accountability. Our obligation is not absolved because the Senate is departing for a five-week recess. […] The VA Secretary needs to immediately testify in-person before the Committee to answer the nearly $15 billion question before a supplemental is considered. The American people, and especially our veterans, deserve a government operating with full transparency and integrity. They expect results, not a blank check to further bureaucratic mismanagement.
Letter Condemns Paris Olympic Last Supper Parody
As a member of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I joined U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in sending a letter condemning the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the horrid and offensive parody of Christ's Last Supper during the 2024 Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The Olympic Games are for unity, not scoring cheap points on Christians under the guise of “artistic liberty.” It was beyond disappointing to see the Paris Opening Ceremony be divisive and insulting.
Letter Sent to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President on Protecting Women's Sports
Women deserve an even playing field and a chance to compete fairly, which can be achieved by ensuring only biological females compete in women’s sports. I joined U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in sending a letter to NCAA President Baker calling on the NCAA calling to adopt policies protecting women’s sports.
MEETINGS
Bismarck Memory Cafe
The Bismarck Memory Cafe, a resource support group for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia and their loved ones, meets every month for fellowship and resource sharing, and features guest speakers to share their knowledge and experience with this disease. Alzheimer's affects more than 13,000 North Dakotans, with 19,000 unpaid caregivers shouldering the responsibility of care.
I’m always impressed by the community of people who experience Alzheimer’s disease including their families, their loved ones, and their medical care teams. You can take your struggles and you can wallow, or you can take your struggles and turn them into a ministry. Today’s experience at the Bismarck Memory Cafe was more about what I gained from them than what I could possibly give them.
North Dakota Hospital Association and North Dakota Medical Association
I met with representatives of the North Dakota Medical Association and the North Dakota Hospital Association. We discussed various health care issues impacting providers and hospitals across the state. Ensuring North Dakotans have access to quality health care remains one of my top legislative priorities.
Japanese Consul-General Jun Yanagi
I met with Japanese Consul-General Jun Yanagi to discuss agriculture and North Dakota's contributions to Japan's national security. This includes the nuclear umbrella and Global Hawk ISR, along with future space operations at Grand Forks Air Force Base. We have no more important Ally in the Indo-Pacific.
GRANTS
UND’s EERC Receives Award for Williston Basin Technical Assistance Partnership
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced an award to the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). This funding will allow the EERC to leverage the experience gained through past and ongoing efforts to build a Williston Basin partnership by providing technical assistance to project developers, regulators, and community stakeholders.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Gives Award to North Dakota
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an award to North Dakota. The award will be distributed to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through the HHS Center for Mental Health Services and the University of North Dakota through the HHS National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Federal Aviation Administration Grants Award to North Dakota Airports
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program for projects at eight airports across North Dakota.
FAA Grants Award to Lakota Airport Authority
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award given to the Lakota Airport Authority through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This funding will support the final phase of a project to rehabilitate 3,500 feet of existing paved Runway 15/33 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Gives Award to University of North Dakota
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an award to the University of North Dakota (UND) through its Medicare Rural Hospital to Flexibility Program (Flex). Flex funding assists rural hospitals to stabilize and sustain their local healthcare infrastructure.
FAA Grants Award to North Dakota Airports
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a set of various awards through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for projects at several airports across North Dakota.
National Science Foundation Gives Awards to North Dakota State University
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced an award to North Dakota State University through the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI). The award will fund a project entitled “High-Yield Core Luminescent Silicon-Carbide Nanocrystals from Mixed Liquid Precursors.” This project will focus on researching manufacturing challenges associated with the synthesis and processing of state-of-the-art fluorescent silicon carbide (SiC) quantum dots, from precursor to final product.
Weekly Radio Town Hall Schedule
Jay Thomas
Every other Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 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 other Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. CT
AM 1100 The Flag - Fargo
WDAY 970 AM - Fargo
KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga
Michael Bell
Every other Friday from 10:00 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
Photo credits: the Office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer