Senator Cramer's Weekly Newsletter February 17 - 28

My Recent Injury in North Dakota

See below my message from Facebook about my injury in Bismarck.

Jason Bohrer Named Communications Director

I announced Jason Bohrer, outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lignite Energy Council, to serve as Communications Director in my office.

My team and I started working with Jason shortly after we went to Congress. He was working for Congressman Raul Labrador, who is now Idaho’s Attorney General and a good friend of mine. We worked closely together on natural resources and energy issues, but many others as well. When Jason came to North Dakota to be president of the Lignite Energy Council I was happy to be a strong advocate for that.

Jason is leaving the Lignite Energy Council after nearly 12 years with the trade association headquartered in Bismarck, N.D. A graduate of North Dakota State University and the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, he previously held Capitol Hill positions as a Chief of Staff, Legislative Counsel/Director and Director of Constituent Communications for members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Now, after 12 years in the state, I’m thrilled he’s coming back to Washington and will continue working for North Dakota and North Dakotans in my office. He’s a great communicator, organizer, and manager. He’s also a team leader and will be a tremendous asset to the people of North Dakota. I’m honored he’s chosen to come to work for us and help us in this very new and important session of Congress.

"I met Senator Cramer when he was first elected to Congress in 2012,” said Jason. “I was impressed by his authenticity, consistency and dedication to his principles. Obviously, from my work at the Lignite Energy Council I am familiar with his national leadership on energy policy. But I have also watched him rise to become one of the nation’s strongest voices for other common sense and constitutionally-consistent solutions. Senator Cramer has been a huge part of the North Dakota success story, and I’m excited to join him as he continues to take proven North Dakota policies to Washington, D.C., to unleash American energy and return to sound federalist principles of law and order."

He will begin his position on April 7.

Senate Republicans Take First Step to Pass President Trump’s Agenda

Resolution curbs illegal immigration, secures the border, rebuilds national defense, and cuts wasteful spending

The United States Senate passed its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Resolution by a vote of 52 to 48. This is the first step in the expedited budget process, known as budget reconciliation, setting the parameters for Congress to craft and pass a budget. The House of Representatives must now pass its version of a resolution to keep the process moving.

The Senate FY 2025 Budget Resolution lays the groundwork for funding to be distributed to several of President Donald Trump’s priorities, including securing the border, revitalizing the military, and unleashing American energy production, all while cutting wasteful spending. The resolution allocates $175 billion to be spent on border security and curbing illegal immigration; invests $150 billion to rebuild military capabilities; raises federal revenue by requiring the increased production of American energy; and instructs committees to offset spending with cuts.

It’s pretty clear the American people delivered a mandate for change on Election Day. Our resolution brings us a step closer to achieving President Trump’s top priorities starting with securing our borders, re-establishing American strength by bolstering national defense, and unlocking America’s full energy potential. Increasing energy production helps pay for the bill while growing our economy at the same time.

Bill Introduced to Help Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Acquire Artifacts

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora is slated to open the summer of 2026. To allow the library to acquire personal artifacts from the nation’s 26th president highlighting President Roosevelt’s personal connection to North Dakota, I joined U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Museum Artifacts Act.

The bill draws on existing law allowing presidential libraries to receive federal funding through the Congressional appropriations process, as well as to receive artifacts from the federal government. It also authorizes funding for the library’s continued construction in Medora, and ensures the preservation of President Roosevelt’s history and legacy.

Teddy Roosevelt’s life was so much more than his presidency. Our bill will help bring artifacts held by the federal government to Medora. Visitors from around the world will be immersed in the life of our favorite Rough Rider and experience firsthand the Badlands that shaped him.

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Prevent Taxation of Rural Broadband Grants

Under existing law, federal broadband deployment grants are subject to federal taxation, limiting the funds available for recipients to use.

I joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act to ensure federal broadband deployment grants are excluded from taxable income, allowing recipients to maximize investments in broadband expansion.

It certainly won’t surprise North Dakotans to know that reliable, high-speed broadband brings our country together in many respects. Much like our integrated highway system, broadband connects large, rural states like ours to essential services like telemedicine, educational opportunities, and strengthens our small businesses with e-commerce opportunities. By making every dollar for broadband expansion count, this bill really does pave the way for a much more connected future.

Legislation Introduced to Support Adoptive Children and Families

In Fiscal Year 2022, over 100,000 children were awaiting adoption. To better support adoptive children and families, I joined U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing two pieces of legislation.

Pre- and post-adoption services are essential to supporting adoptive families, and the Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act (SACFA) enhances pre- and post-adoption support services by expanding eligible uses of federal adoption funding.

The Safe Home Act defines and provides federal resources to spread awareness of the practice of unregulated custody transfers (UCTs), also referred to as rehoming, in which the child is given to a caregiver who does not have legal custody.

Giving a child a stable home through adoption is one of the greatest joys for a parent, and I can attest to it. Our bills ensure children are not neglected and families have the support services they need throughout the adoption process.

Bipartisan Legislation to Help Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life Access Health Care and Benefits

Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians. I joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) in introducing the Servicemember to Veteran Health Care Connection Act.

The legislation would codify and build upon the existing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pre-transition health care registration process for all service members transitioning to civilian life, ensuring they have more timely access to mental and physical care upon separation.

As service members in North Dakota and across the U.S. return to civilian life, we must ensure they have access to critical health care services and resources before a time of crisis. Our bipartisan legislation will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect with service members as they transition to civilian life, allowing them to more proactively use the benefits they’ve earned.

Legislation Introduced to Support North Dakota Bus Manufacturing

In recent years, several prominent bus manufacturers have declared bankruptcy. Outdated payment practices from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are contributing to the challenging business environment and unnecessarily raising costs for bus manufacturers and their customers. Amendments to the FTA are referred to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Development (Banking) Committee, which has jurisdiction.

I joined U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Katie Britt (R-AL), and John Fetterman (D-PA) in introducing the Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act. The bill modernizes the 40-year-old structure for bus payments, allowing transit agencies to make advance payments of up to 20% for bus rolling stock purchased using federal funds. This simple reform provides flexibility and cost savings for both local transit agencies and manufacturers. These savings free up much-needed capital for bus manufacturers, allowing for more significant investments in their operations to meet customer demand.

Our legislation cuts unnecessary red tape, allowing bus manufacturers across America to invest in their production capacity. This commonsense change provides greater flexibility for North Dakota’s local transit agencies and directly benefits manufacturers like Motor Coach Industries in Pembina.

Kash Patel Confirmed as FBI Director

The United States Senate confirmed Kash Patel to become the as Director of the FBI by a vote of 51 to 49. Kash visited my office prior to his confirmation vote.

Kash Patel is a proven reformer and trailblazer whose background as a prosecutor and investigator have earned President Trump’s trust to bring much-needed transparency and accountability at the FBI. As Director, he will put America First and restore public confidence in the institution’s core mission, law and order.

Howard Lutnick Confirmed as Commerce Secretary

The United States Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick to become as Secretary of Commerce by a vote of 51 to 45. I met with Howard personally prior to the Senate vote.

Howard Lutnick is a champion for American workers and businesses. As Secretary of Commerce, he is focused on ensuring they get a fair deal.

Kelly Loeffler Confirmed as SBA Administrator

The United States Senate confirmed former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) by a vote of 52 to 46.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Main Street representing 99.9% of businesses in the U.S. and employing nearly half of the American workforce. President Trump made a great pick for Small Business Administrator when he chose Kelly Loeffler! A businesswoman herself, and former Senate colleague of mine, Kelly will eliminate bureaucratic hurdles to promote growth and innovation.

North Dakota Hero Clint Hill Passes Away

North Dakota native Clint Hill was an American hero. As the Secret Service Agent who rushed to the presidential limo during the Kennedy assassination, he risked his life to shield both the First Lady and President Kennedy. North Dakota proudly honored him with the Rough Rider Award—our highest distinction—for his extraordinary dedication to our nation. Clint served our nation well.

Letter to Acting ATF Director Calls for Second Amendment Protections

Under President Biden the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) adopted numerous rules that infringed Americans’ Second Amendment protections. I joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in a letter requesting ATF align its policies with President Trump's strong support for Second Amendment and rescind unlawful firearms regulations.

National FFA Week Highlights Our Nation's Next Generation of Leaders

Last week was National FFA Week! FFA equips its young members with essential skills in business and agriculture to become the bright leaders of our nation’s future.

2025 Marks 80 years Since Historic World War II Battle

The members of our Armed Forces sacrifice work around the clock to defend our freedoms and homeland. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice 80 years ago during the Battle of Iwo Jima. As part of the Greatest Generation, these Marines at Iwo Jima serve as a reminder of the bravery and dedication rendered to keep America prosperous and safe.

EPW Hearing Discusses WOTUS

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing to discuss how to improve the federal permitting process, which has long been a frustration for those trying to build infrastructure, housing, energy, and transportation projects. Recent efforts to streamline and reform the process have been unsuccessful, but the EPW Committee is exploring bipartisan solutions to provide clarity and consistency in the permitting process.

I questioned witnesses on the 2023 Supreme Court decision, Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Sackett ruling explicitly defined Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and significantly narrowed the scope of federal regulation over jurisdictional waters. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett, paired with West Virginia v. EPA and the overturning of the Chevron Doctrine in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo which peeled back bureaucratic overreach, I reiterated my frustration the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still has not adequately responded to the ruling.

Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire

From infrastructure challenges to issues facing tribal education and healthcare, Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire always brings a smile to her work. Glad to have the opportunity to sit down with her.

Three Affiliated Tribes Councilman Robert White

Always a joy to meet with my friend, Councilman Robert White of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Tribal infrastructure projects, housing resources, and higher education programs must have our serious support.

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