Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update September 9 - 13

Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks Observed

Twenty three years ago, our nation was attacked by the unspeakable hate that still exists in Hamas, ISIS, Hezbollah, and others. We honor all 9/11 first responders and innocent victims. Our freedom isn’t free and must be vigilantly protected.

Senate Defense Modernization Caucus Launched

I joined Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in a panel discussion on defense modernization and announced the launch of our bipartisan Senate Defense Modernization Caucus. The mission of the caucus is to foster defense investments and innovative capabilities to deter and counter foreign adversaries.

The security of the United States is dependent on a modern, lethal, and nimble national defense. We can’t just keep pace with our adversaries, we must beat them.

We established the Defense Modernization Caucus to spur real investment in our capabilities and foster a culture of innovation and ingenuity to meet the threats we face. I look forward to working with my co-chairs to drive the necessary modernization of the joint force.

Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program Director Discusses USDA Tribal Food Delivery Delays

For several months, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) has been experiencing significant issues with delivery delays across the country. FDPIR is utilized by low-income families on reservations to receive fresh food. Due to USDA consolidating the program into a single distributor, incomplete, delayed, and missed deliveries have left families without a vital source of food. Including those in North Dakota, the program serves 276 tribes.

I met with Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program Director and President of the National Association of FDIPR Mary Greene-Trottier, to talk about how the delays have impacted the Spirit Lake Tribe. Prior to our meeting, she testified before a Joint House Agriculture and Appropriations Subcommittee to discuss the critical role the program plays in the Spirit Lake Tribe’s food security safety net.

Despite warnings from tribal partners about the implementation timeline for distributor consolidation, USDA ignored them and proceeded anyway. I appreciate Ms. Greene-Trottier taking the time to testify before Congress and shed light on this shortcoming. USDA needs to step in to rectify these delivery problems, and ensure families can depend on FDPIR.

North Dakota Files Final Brief on DAPL Trial Case

North Dakota filed its final response brief in its Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) case against the federal government for its abdication of duty during the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests. The filing of this brief marks one of the few remaining procedural steps before the final ruling, which is expected later this year.

This brief outlines what North Dakotans know: our state paid the price for the federal government’s facilitation of illegal protests.

North Dakota Delegation Introduces Amendments to Dakota Water Resources Act

In exchange for flooding nearly 550,000 acres of North Dakota farmland to create the Garrison and Oahe Reservoir systems, the federal government promised over a million acres of irrigation as compensation to the state. Given a number of issues inhibiting irrigation development, Congress first authorized funding for municipal, rural, and industrial (MR&I) water supply projects in North Dakota through the 1986 Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act. The Dakota Water Resources Development Act (DWRA), which passed in 2000, later provided additional changes and funding authorization for the MR&I program. However, the State of North Dakota and five Tribal Nations are set to reach the MR&I authorization ceiling at the end of Fiscal Year 2024 without meeting their water resource needs.

To meet the needs of North Dakota, I joined U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) in introducing amendments to the DWRA. This legislation provides necessary authorization ceiling increases to provide more reliable, drought-resilient water supplies for North Dakota and five Tribal Nations. U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) introduced a companion measure in the House of Representatives.

This legislation is crucial for securing safe and dependable water supplies for North Dakota’s communities and Tribal Nations. These amendments will fulfill a debt owed to North Dakota by the federal government for damming up the Missouri River. It will also help ensure we can complete critical water infrastructure projects and address pressing needs across the state.

Army Budget Office Director of Operations and Support Brigadier General Rebecca McElwain

It's always a joy to see a fellow North Dakotan in the office. Originally from Minot, Brigadier General Rebecca McElwain now serves as the Director of Operations and Support for the Army Budget Office.

Nominee for SOUTHCOM Commander, Vice Admiral Alvin Hosley

The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is charged with U.S. military operations in Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean. I had a productive conversation with SOUTHCOM commander nominee, Vice Admiral Alvin Hosley, on the importance of keeping our continent’s southern backyard stable.

New Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Huitfeldt

The first ship set off from Norway filled with passengers en route to America nearly 200 years ago.

The relationship between Norway and our great state runs deep, and it was a joy to be the first member of Congress to meet with the new Norwegian Ambassador Anniken Huitfeldt.

National Guard Bureau Chief nominee, Lieutenant General Steven Nordhaus

Our National Guard is deployed throughout the world and needs the best support and logistics to be successful. I had a good conversation with Lieutenant General Steven Nordhaus, the nominee for National Guard Bureau Chief.

Dakota Credit Union Association

I met with the Dakota Credit Union Association to discuss how to best help them serve North Dakotans who rely on credit unions to make the big decisions in life stay affordable.

Constellation Brands CEO Bill Newlands

It was good to hear from the CEO of Constellation Brands about its footprint in North Dakota. Constellation buys its barley in our state and knows when you invest in North Dakota, everyone in the supply chain is a winner.

DaVita CEO Javier Rodriguez

Dialysis is a vital treatment for over a thousand North Dakotans living with kidney failure. I met with the CEO of DaVita Kidney Care to discuss how we can continue to support those receiving renal care.

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

I joined Tony Perkins on his show to discuss the Biden-Harris administration's Afghanistan withdrawal.

It began the decline of America's reputation... that projection of weakness, that reputational harm that happened with the withdrawal of Afghanistan is exactly what we are struggling with now, the consequences of that.

MORE NEWS

Road to Housing Act Introduced

It’s time to prioritize solutions over rhetoric to help communities throughout the nation. I joined Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing the ROAD to Housing Act to provide targeted solutions for renters, homeowners, and the homeless.

Court Ruling Blocks Bureau of Land Management Rule on Venting and Flaring from Taking Effect

The Biden-Harris administration has taken every opportunity to discourage domestic production of oil and gas. Great job, North Dakota. Now let’s make it permanent.

North Dakota Native Mary Pat Jahner Nominated as 2024 Angels in Adoption Honoree

I nominated Mary Pat Jahner as my Angels in Adoption honoree to recognize her 20 years of supporting women with crisis pregnancies. The St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Home she founded in Warsaw, N.D., has welcomed over 150 babies!

Local Mother Writes Fox News Op-Ed on St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home in Warsaw, N.D.

In North Dakota, we are blessed to have many who choose life and adoption. The St. Gianna and Pietro Molla Maternity Home gives pregnant women and adoptive parents hope for the future.

USDA Responds to Letter on Potato Wart in Prince Edward Island Canada

It is good to see the USDA take our concerns seriously and emphasize to its Canadian counterpart the need to prevent the introduction of potato wart into the U.S.

Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan for North Dakota Announced

The Bureau of Land Management final Resource Management Plan for North Dakota stifles our energy development and production, and I commend Governor Doug Burgum for leading our state in protesting it. We must select an alternative plan to protect responsible development of federal energy resources.

USDA Puts Politics over Producers

My colleague, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and I are in agreement. The USDA needs to re-evaluate its priorities. Democrats claim to advocate for the future of our planet, but they neglect the gapingly large issues affecting Americans at present.

Department of Education Awards More Than $17 Million to Bismarck State College, Minot State University

The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $17,369,002 to Bismarck State College and Minot State University through the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Program. The DIF program supports innovative activities aimed at improving the outcomes of individuals with disabilities. The award will be distributed to the following universities and colleges in North Dakota:

• $9,886,512 to Bismarck State College
• $7,482,490 to Minot State University

FAA Awards More Than $24 Million for Projects at North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the award of $24,499,236 through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following locations:

• $9,814,070 for the Bismarck Municipal Airport to reconstruct and reseal sections of its paved taxiways to extend their useful life.
• $8,538,478 for the Hector International Airport to construct a new 87,202 square foot public use deicing pad with a containment facility and expand the existing Terminal Apron. This award further supports its terminal expansion project, which the North Dakota delegation supported and secured a $10 million grant for earlier this year.
• $6,146,688 for the Minot International Airport to rehabilitate portions of its paved taxiways and replace taxiway lighting.

EDA Awards $506,000 to Support Economic Development Initiatives in North Dakota

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the award of $506,000 for several initiatives in North Dakota. The award will be distributed to the following applicants:

• $153,000 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
• $153,000 to the Three Affiliated Tribes to support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
• $100,000 to the Immigrant Development Center to support economic development in Fargo.
• $100,000 to the Roosevelt-Custer Regional Council for Development to support the development of a Regional Tourism Vision Plan for southwest North Dakota.

HHS Awards $2 Million to North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $2,153,971 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen public health infrastructure, workforce, and data systems. The grant is administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services.

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 Friday from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. CT

AM 1100 The Flag - Fargo

WDAY 970 AM - Fargo

KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga

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