Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update June 16-20

United States Launches Airstrikes on Three Iranian Nuclear Sites

On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced his decision for the United States to take military action against Iran in its ongoing conflict with Israel. The president said the United States successfully attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

When the United States alone is able to do what others cannot, we must do what needs to be done, and that is exactly what President Trump ordered. Iran must be prevented from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Islamic Republic of Iran is more than a nuisance, it is a dangerous animal that must be stopped, and the firepower of the United States military was up to the task.

President Trump is living up to his promise to end wars, which sometimes requires a show of strength. The world has seen our strength on full display, and the world is safer for it. God Bless the United States Military and bring peace to our world.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth Testifies Before Senate Armed Services Committee on Base Defense and the Importance of Air Superiority in Conflicts

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to review the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget request for Fiscal Year 2026. During the hearing, members received testimony from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine; and Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who is performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer.

As Chairman of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, I questioned the witnesses on the importance of protecting U.S. military bases from attacks and the strategic role air superiority plays in modern conflicts.

The Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran licensed its nuclear aspirations, creating a serious problem still affecting our nation. I asked Gen. Caine about the importance of air superiority over Iran and in future fights, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

I also asked witnesses about recent examples of covert operations where drones act deep within enemy territory to destroy critical capabilities which were previously considered safe from harm.

We've seen some pretty spectacular displays of the ability to go […] covertly, deep within the enemy's territory, and take out some pretty significant assets, both in Russia and in Iran. A lot of us fear we're vulnerable, as well. You spoke very briefly, a reference, I think, in response to one of Senator Gillibrand’s questions about the importance of policy. So, when we talk about the United States itself and our bases here in the country, policy is a bigger challenge than weapons, to be honest. But what about responsibility?

Legislation Introduced to Expand CFIUS Jurisdiction

In 2021, the Chinese Fufeng Group purchased 370 acres of land for a wet-corn milling plant 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), alarming the community. I was a vocal opponent of the purchase due to national security concerns, given the food manufacturer’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and the sensitive work performed at the base. I requested the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review the investment. The committee ultimately concluded it lacked the legal jurisdiction to make a determination, regardless of the merits of the case. In a January 2023 letter, the U.S. Air Force officially asserted the Fufeng project “presents a significant threat to national security with both near- and long-term risks of significant impacts to our operations in the area.”

I joined fellow Senate Banking Committee members U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Banks (R-IN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Dave McCormick (R-PA) in introducing the Protect Our Bases Act to update records of military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities, which should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes.

The Protect Our Bases Act provides CFIUS with streamlined authority to address foreign adversary investment near sensitive national security sites in the United States rather than rely on member agencies to maintain updated lists of sensitive sites. These lists are used as the basis to review transactions. The legislation will consolidate statutory authorities for CFIUS to utilize its list of sensitive national security sites, including U.S. military installations, intelligence facilities, and national laboratories. It also requires committee members to update their equities on the list annually and reporting to Congress on CFIUS actions and reviews related to listed sites.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., a victory for liberty made possible by courageous leaders like President Abraham Lincoln who signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

We celebrate freedom as we continually strive to form a more perfect union.

"Faulkner Report" on Fox News

I joined Harris Faulkner on Fox News to discuss the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The decision for us to engage ultimately belongs to President Trump, and I trust him to pursue the best interests of freedom and peace for our country and our allies.

"National Report" on Newsmax

I joined Shaun Kraisman and Emma Rechenberg on Newsmax to discuss how Iran enriches uranium and prepares nuclear weapons while negotiating terms of a nuclear deal. I don't think Prime Minister Netanyahu had any other choice but to launch a preliminary strike. Peace through strength is not just a bumper sticker. It is a strategy that works.

"Varney & Co." on Fox Business

I joined Fox Business to discuss the U.S. staying out of the war between Israel and Iran unless Iran targets Americans.

We also spoke about the Senate's reconciliation bill. We have an opportunity to find real, substantive cuts to get our books in order and reduce our debt.

"Washington Watch" with Tony Perkins

I joined Tony Perkins to discuss the latest developments in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Students

There’s nothing better than meeting bright, young leaders in our nation’s capital! I enjoyed talking with North Dakota Youth Tour delegates from NDAREC about my dad, who was a rural electric lineman, and what it’s like to live and work in Washington, D.C.

Keith Rothfus and Enterprise Bank of Pittsburgh CEO, Chuck Leyh

Good to see my friend, Keith Rothfus, and Enterprise Bank CEO Chuck Leyh, to discuss transparency in bank exams.

Spirit Lake Tribe Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street and Vice Chairman Darren Walking Eagle

I appreciate Spirit Lake Tribe Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street and Vice Chairman Darren Walking Eagle for meeting with me to discuss law enforcement, tribal agricultural operations, and road infrastructure projects.

Cando and Hillsboro Students

Students from Cando and Hillsboro weathered the subtropical climate of Washington, D.C.! They had great questions about my service in the House and Senate.

CBYX Exchange Student

Met with Malory from Cavalier after her year in Germany with the CBYX program. It was wonderful to hear about her experiences from studying abroad!

Army War College Students

The Army War College plays a pivotal role in developing innovative, adaptable, highly-skilled, and strategic leadership. I enjoyed meeting with student-officers from the Class of 2026 during their visit to Capitol Hill. They are the future and will set the standard for years to come.

FIFA Club World Cup

It was a big night for soccer in the USA as the ⁦FIFA Club World Cup ⁩kicked off at Audi Field in D.C. with Juventus defeating Al Ain. ⁦FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ⁦Secretary of Defense Pete ⁩Hegseth joined the fans watching the competition and celebrating an incredible global game!

FAA Announces $1.9 Million for Projects at North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $1,906,102 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $1,000,000 to the City of Minot to reconstruct 1,500 feet of the existing airport firefighting, rescue building, and hangar access road.
• $322,254 to the Washburn Municipal Airport Authority for a new 200-foot Taxilane midfield to provide airfield access to a nonexclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
• $250,000 to the Barnes County Municipal Airport Authority to fund the final reconstruction of an existing lighting vault building and equipment.
• $225,000 to the Oakes Municipal Airport Authority to replace one existing airport rotating beacon.
• $108,848 to the Cando Municipal Airport Authority to reseal 4,433 square yards of existing North Apron pavement and pavement joints, reseal 450 feet of existing Taxiway A pavement and pavement joints, and reseal 466 feet of existing Taxilane East pavement and pavement joints to extend its useful life.

The AIG Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide airports with funding for modernization and safety projects. Since its creation, airports in North Dakota have received over $49 million in program funding.