SENATOR CRAMER'S WEEKLY UPDATE November 4 - 18

President Donald J. Trump Wins Historic Second Term As President

President Donald J. Trump was elected the nation’s 47th president, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in a staggering victory. Winning both the electoral college and the popular vote, the American people resoundingly declared their intent for a Republican White House.

It is a great day to be an American! Congratulations to President-elect Trump and my fellow members of Congress on their election. The nation has granted us a historic mandate. I am ready to work with the President-elect to deliver real results to North Dakotans and all Americans. Our country has a bright future.

Burgum Nominated to Serve as Secretary of the Interior and Head of National Energy Council

President-elect Donald Trump nominated North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to serve as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on Friday. The President-elect also announced Burgum will Chair the newly-formed National Energy Council in addition to sitting on the National Security Council.

The best pick yet! Congratulations Governor Burgum and President Trump!

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) Elected as next Senate Majority Leader

Congratulations to Senator John Thune on your election to be Senate Majority Leader! It’s time to hit the ground running with President Donald Trump to bring real, conservative results to Americans in North Dakota and the nation.

North Dakota Family Receives Purple Heart

I presented a replacement Purple Heart medal to the family of Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame, who gave his life in service to the nation in World War II. This replaces a previous Purple Heart awarded to Pvt. DuFrame, which had been lost.

I conferred the Purple Heart medal to Pvt. DuFrame’s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame of Lincoln, also a veteran, who enlisted in the Navy Reserve at 18 as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1967. I also presented the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Pvt. DuFrame’s heroic service.

The Purple Heart is a tangible legacy to the heroic service and selfless sacrifice of Franklin DuFrame during WWII. It was important that we obtain this replacement medal that Franklin earned and Don desperately sought as a tribute and connection to the father he never knew. The medal symbolizes incredible sacrifice, and it is important we never forget the gravity of that sacrifice and ensure that future generations know the real price of freedom.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame’s service, and a Quilt of Valor made by MRQV members. A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt awarded to a service member or veteran who has been “touched by war.”

Second Bicameral Amicus Brief Written to Overturn FHWA’s Unlawful Emissions Rule

In November 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. I led a bipartisan Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in April by a vote of 53 to 47, reiterating Congress’ opposition to FHWA’s overreach. In a speech on the Senate floor, I committed to leading an amicus brief in support of overturning the rule in court.

Shortly after the rule was finalized, 21 state attorneys general, including North Dakota, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky found the Biden administration rule to be illegal, but FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and it remains under further consideration. In October, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and I, led our colleagues in filing an amicus brief supporting North Dakota’s efforts to overturn the rule.

Similarly, the state of Texas filed a separate suit against FHWA, and the District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated the Biden rule. The Department of Transportation appealed the ruling. Senator Capito and I led their colleagues in filing a separate bicameral amicus brief requesting the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals uphold the District Court decision.

The brief argues Congress debated and rejected granting FHWA the authority to issue GHG performance measure rules and the FHWA then intentionally misconstrued Congressional intent to justify its improper exercise of authority. It also argues the rulemaking is not consistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back Executive Branch overreach, and FHWA is bypassing principles of federalism to further its own policy agenda.

Put simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Credit Monitoring Services for All Service Members

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act on Wednesday. The legislation, which will now head to the House, expands free credit monitoring for all service members including non-active duty reservists and traditional National Guard members. Current eligibility is limited to active-duty service members and full-time National Guard members.

I joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the Service Members’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act in April 2023.

Look, our service members put so much on the line to protect us and our way of life. And yet, it’s actually their sacrifices that leave them more vulnerable to financial fraud. We just want to ensure the men and women of the military have full access to credit monitoring services that will certainly help keep their information secure. The passage of the Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act is an important step to protecting the financial security of the members of our armed forces. I urge the House to pass this legislation before the end of the Congress.

Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony in Bismarck Honors Veterans and Service Members

I attended a ceremony at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck recognizing veterans for their heroic service and sacrifice in the defense of our nation.

This ceremony honored the generations of North Dakota veterans who have protected America’s freedoms around the world, as well as the service members who carry on this proud tradition today. North Dakota consistently ranks among the states with the highest concentration of military service members and veterans per capita. More than 56,000 veterans reside in North Dakota.

We honor veterans across our state and nation for their incredible service and contributions to the security of the world. It is easy to take their service for granted because we live so well and have the luxury of peace every single day. We will never forget the heroic sacrifice of our veterans and will work to ensure their legacy of excellence and North Dakota’s culture of readiness translate into policy that supports and advances our military dominance across the globe.

Department of Interior Attempts to Overturn Preliminary Injunction on Venting, Flaring Rule

In September, North Dakota won a preliminary injunction against the U.S. Department of the Interior to block the Biden administration venting and flaring rule in North Dakota v. U.S. Department of the Interior. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) venting and flaring rule establishes a new royalty on flared gas, institutes monthly limits on allowable flaring, and adds new application requirements for operators regarding their ability to capture natural gas before obtaining a drilling permit. North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Wyoming filed a lawsuit in North Dakota Federal District Court to challenge the rule and protect their interests.

This appeal is a last-ditch effort to force the swamp’s punitive, anti-domestic energy agenda. BLM’s rule oversteps the Department of Interior’s authority and strangles oil and gas producers with more red tape. The Trump administration will take a markedly different approach, making this appeal desperate and dilatory at best. The court should maintain the injunction.

Biden-Harris Administration Implements Natural Gas Tax

Democrats’ partisan Inflation Reduction Act included a nonsensical tax on natural gas production, and the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency finalized the rule to implement it. The rule implements a fee on oil and gas companies for releasing methane gas emissions.

American oil and gas producers are the cleanest, most efficient in the world, yet this rule penalizes them and saddles consumers with an even higher bill. It makes no sense. Thankfully, change is coming.

Letter Confronts Media Bias of Broadcast News Networks

Media coverage of the 2024 United States presidential election by national broadcast networks was the “most lopsided in history,” according to a recent report published by the Media Research Center. Since July, the report states ABC, CBS, and NBC gave Vice President Kamala Harris 78% positive coverage, while now-President-elect Donald Trump received 85% negative coverage. In October, trust in mass media hit an all-time low, with only 31% of Americans expressing confidence in media integrity and 12% of Republicans maintaining any trust in the fairness of national news coverage.

Eight years ago, when I served in the House on its Energy and Commerce Committee, I sent a letter to the broadcast networks requesting a hearing to explore network media bias in coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign. To date, none of the networks have responded.

Following this election, I sent a follow up letter to the four major broadcast networks urging them to prioritize balanced national news coverage. The letter underscored my concerns pertaining to media bias, noting the networks operate on a federally allocated spectrum, a privilege granted by the Federal Communications Commission to serve the public interest. I concluded the letter with a series of direct oversight questions on the networks’ news coverage practices and requested responses within 30 days.

The editorial slant of your national news programming not only betrays the trust of Americans, but also undermines the exceptional work of local affiliates. These affiliates, especially those serving rural communities, work tirelessly to provide fair and valuable reporting, but their credibility is eroded by association with biased national coverage. I do not support reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, but when publicly-owned prime spectrum is given for the public’s benefit, you have a higher standard to bear. For the sake of its credibility among the American public, national news operations and programming must uphold the core tenets of journalism—objectivity, fairness, and impartiality in all coverage—regardless of the issue, party, or subject.

CNN Interview Highlights Majority Leader Vote and More

I joined Boris Sanchez on CNN to discuss the vote for Senate Majority Leader, President-elect Trump’s recent cabinet appointments, and wokeness in the military.

Washington Post Interview Writes About President Trump Naming Governor Burgum as Energy Czar

I spoke with The Washington Post about Governor Doug Burgum's appointment as President Trump's Energy Czar, a position I advocated for him to take up. The President also nominated Burgu, to become Secretary of the Interior and chair President Trump's new National Energy Council.

The idea is to help coordinate policy for the White House ... whether it’s land use, whether it’s environmental regulation. There are just a lot of places where you want everybody in sync with a bigger strategy, especially considering that Donald Trump has made energy really the hallmark of his economic policy, and rightfully so.

Interview with Wall Street on Fox Business Speaks on Senate Majority Leader Vote and Trump Nominations

I joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business to discuss the vote for Senate Majority Leader and President Trump's potential for Supreme Court nominations in his second term.

Discussion with Newsmax Talks About Re-election and Senate Leadership Race

I joined Newsmax to talk about my recent re-election and the Senate Majority Leadership Race.

Interview on Mornings with Maria Discusses Senate Majority Leader Vote

I joined Maria Bartiromo on her Fox Business show Mornings with Maria, to discuss the Senate Majority Leader Vote, President-elect Trump's nominations, and current Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's plan to fast track pending nominations from President Biden.

Newsmax Interview Examines the Senate Majority Leader Race

I joined Newsmax to have a discussion on the Senate Leadership Race.

Interview with NBC News Highlights the Importance of the Filibuster

I spoke with NBC News on keeping the filibuster and why it is vital to the checks and balances our nation was founded upon.

Senators have a tendency to defend their power, just like everybody else does. I don’t know a lot of wimps in the United States Senate. I think we’ve all lived through the possibility of losing the filibuster as a tool to defend. And I would be surprised if there were enough Republicans who thought that we should change it now.

Interview with Fox Business' Neil Cavuto discusses President-elect Trump's nominees

I joined Cavuto on Fox Business to discuss the President-elect's nominees.

Kudlow Interview Discusses Senate Majority Leader Vote and President-elect Trump's Nominations

I joined U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) on Kudlow to talk Trump nominees, government efficiency, and the depoliticization of government.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman

It was good to catch up with Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman to discuss regulation reform and solutions to housing affordability including my bill, the Choice in Affordable Housing Act.

Representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes

It’s always a privilege to meet with representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes. We discussed ways to reform the federal bureaucracy and remove red tape hindering tribal projects.

Receiving the Pioneer for Prosperity Award

It is an honor to receive Americans for Prosperity’s Pioneer for Prosperity Award for defending liberty and supporting pro-growth policies. We need to do the hard work of balancing our federal budget, getting our national debt under control, and reducing bureaucracy.

Diwali Celebrated in Bismarck

Kris and I celebrated Diwali with about 300 friends in Bismarck. Thank you ⁦Parag Kumar for your gracious invitation and generous hospitality. We will definitely be bringing our grandchildren next year to dance to the Festival of Lights! Blessings!

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) Nominated for Secretary of State

No one is more qualified and prepared to be the face & voice of the United States than Marco Rubio⁩! Another great pick by ⁦Donald Trump⁩ to serve in his cabinet. Confirmation is a layup. Make America Respected Again.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security

The reputation of ⁦Governor Kristi Noem alone will deter illegal immigration. She has Dakota common sense and fights fearlessly for the right things. Her confirmation should be easy. Way to go ⁦President Trump! Make America Safe Again!

Former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Nominated for Director of National Security

I agree with ⁦President Donald Trump, ⁦Tulsi Gabbard is fearless and is a solid patriot and accomplished hero. She doesn’t need the bureaucracy’s approval, but she has mine. Congrats Tulsi! Make America Strong Again.

Combat Veteran and Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Nominated for Secretary of Defense

Pete Hegseth is a strong and qualified pick!! Peace through strength is coming back to the global community. Now we are cooking with gas! Make America Safe Again.

Florida Congressman Mike Waltz Named National Security Advisor

Rep. Mike Waltz has been tapped to become President Trump's National Security Advisor. Our next Commander in Chief has selected an experienced and wise advisor to aid him. Make America Strong Again.

Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin Nominated for Director of the Environmental Protection Agency

Congratulations to my friend and former colleague Lee Zeldin and President Donald Trump on this great appointment. I look forward to a very fast hearing and vote of confirmation on the EPW Committee early in 2025! Make American Energy Dominant Again!

Former Congressman from Georgia Doug Collins nominated for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Congratulations friend! I look forward to working toward an easy confirmation in committee. It will be an honor working with you to provide high quality services for our heroes. You will be a great Secretary of an important agency.

Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe nominated for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

They don’t get better than John Ratcliffe! If President Donald Trump couldn’t get him for CIA, he’d have to ask Elon Musk to invent him. Congrats on the perfect fit! Make America Safe Again.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr nominated for chair of FCC

President Trump made the perfect choice for Chairman. It is time to look out for the people, not the Democrat Party. I look forward to working with Commissioner Carr on his confirmation and his transformation of the FCC.

Mobile Office Hours Announced in Cando and Towner

Members of my staff will hold mobile office hours in Cando and Towner on Tuesday, November 19.

Individuals from the Cando and Towner areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office for help with benefits regarding both veterans and Social Security, Medicare difficulties, immigration issues, military records or medals, or other assistance with federal agencies.

Since it’s not always possible for people to travel to my in-state offices, these mobile office opportunities help bring the services we offer closer to the constituents who need them. Having members of my staff in Cando and Towner will give North Dakotans more chances to explore solutions to the problems they face with people who are in a position to help.”

CANDO: Towner County Courthouse 301 2nd St.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CST

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TOWNER: McHenry County Courthouse 407 S Main St.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST

Army Corps Allocates $22 Million for Dredging of Garrison Dam Spillway Approach

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a contract announcement of $22,019,171 to HSG Park Joint Venture 2, LLC, for dredging of the spillway approach at Garrison Dam near Riverdale. The work is expected to be completed by August 27, 2027.

Built in 1953, the Garrison Dam is the second-most upstream project of six which were built on the mainstem of the upper Missouri River and has the largest reservoir storage capacity of all USACE projects in the nation. When combined with dams on the river’s tributaries, the projects reduce the risk of downstream flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This mainstem system of dams is managed to balance hydropower generation, water supply, water quality, irrigation, fish and wildlife conservation, navigation, and recreation benefits.

USDA Awards $250,000 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced a New Beginning For Tribal Students (NBTS) award of $250,000 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC). This funding will allow the college to provide laptops to students and amplify the expanded student services being developed through other grant programming.

The NBTS program is intended to increase the retention and graduation rate of Tribal students attending 1194, 1862, and 1890 land-grant universities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CCCC began distributing laptops to students. The college saw a 400% increase in summer enrollment and 260% increase in graduation rates since the start of the laptop distribution program.

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

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