Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Unveils Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forks Air Force Base

From adversaries overseas to incursions into military installations, small drones have changed warfare and espionage. Grand Forks Air Force Base's (GFAFB) leadership in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is proving itself indispensable in countering emerging drone threats and bolstering America’s national defense. The 319th Reconnaissance Wing at GFAFB officially unveiled the Air Combat Command’s (ACC) Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL), a premier hub for testing, tactics development, and real-world experimentation. The PDBL will conduct monthly exercises to grow the knowledge and capabilities needed to defend all installations against small drone threats.

I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the PDBL after advocating for the site's selection in Grand Forks through my role on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). GFAFB’s designation as the home of ACC’s PDBL cements the base’s role in shaping the future of force protection and reflects years of advocacy to bring next-generation missions to North Dakota.

“We can’t even talk about all the stuff going on in Grand Forks because it would be too long of a ceremony. But it’s good to be us. The Point Defense Battle Lab is a bunch of patriotic Americans with resources, governance, and world class talent. At the end of the day, all the technology in the world doesn’t get the job done without the people behind it.”

I also stopped by the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) operations center, before visiting the Disaster Resiliency Program building at GFAFB and being briefed by Air Force leadership regarding updates on the base’s runway construction.

Minuteman III ICBM to Be Exhibited at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

North Dakota has long played a central role in the nation’s nuclear enterprise. The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will soon be displaying a powerful tribute to the state’s enduring role in America’s nuclear deterrence. Working with the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman, I secured a decommissioned Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which will be a prominent addition to the museum’s new Military Gallery, which is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

In addition to celebrating the acquisition of the Minuteman III during an event in Grand Forks, I was honored to join the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota National Guard for another announcement at the Heritage Center. It has been a privilege to be a part of this project that features this important piece of our history for future generations.

The Minuteman III, one of the most recognizable symbols of the nation’s strategic nuclear arsenal, strengthens the museum’s mission to tell the story of North Dakota’s contributions to national defense through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

First deployed in the 1960s, the Minuteman III has undergone nearly six decades of continuous service and modernization. Approximately 400 Minuteman III missiles remain operational across three U.S. bases, including Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Minuteman IIIs will begin to be replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel in 2030, modernizing the nation’s land-based nuclear deterrent.

During the Cold War, the state was home to one of the largest concentrations of nuclear weapons in the world. Today, Minot Air Force Base remains the only installation in the United States to support two legs of the nuclear triad, with the 91st Missile Wing overseeing one-third of the nation’s Minuteman III ICBMs alongside the 5th Bomb Wing’s B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Grand Forks Air Force Base also served as a cornerstone of national security throughout the Cold War. Home to the 321st Strategic Missile Wing, the base oversaw a vast network of 150 Minuteman missile silos and 15 launch control centers strategically positioned across the region.

Artemis II Mission Completes Historic Journey to the Moon

The Artemis II crew launched for the moon on April 1, marking a historic journey in human space exploration. Over a 10-day period, the crew carried out its mission with precision, traveling farther from Earth than any humans in history. This milestone underscores a new era of exploration beyond our planet, and paves the way for a new wave of crewed lunar expeditions expected in the coming years.

Grand Force Air Force Base State of the Base Address

It was great to see so many friends in Grand Forks. I can attest the state of the Grand Forks Air Force Base is strong. Welcome to Grand Forks, Col. and Michaela Rosales. Our airmen are in good hands.

Statement on Temporary Ceasefire Agreement with Iran, Strait of Hormuz

After weeks of U.S. pressure and diplomatic efforts led by President Trump, the Iranian regime has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will reopen the Strait of Hormuz. I applaud President Trump for securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

LAND Association Meeting

Nobody has a greater incentive to do good by their land than the people who make a living out of it for generation after generation after generation. I spoke to the LAND Association Annual Meeting about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service easement fight in DC. I’m still in this fight with you.

North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing Visit Highlights Key ISR Mission Supporting U.S. Airpower

The North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, nicknamed the "Happy Hooligans," is flying global missions from the plains of North Dakota. Flying MQ-9 Reaper missions around the clock, the unit delivers real-time intelligence and precision strike capability to commanders across the globe. From surveillance to combat support, its work sits at the heart of modern warfare and is quietly shaping outcomes far beyond U.S. borders.   I met with airmen during a visit which included operational briefings and updates on the wing’s expanding Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission.

The demand for MQ-9 capabilities is only accelerating. Throughout Operation Epic Fury, the aircraft has provided persistent ISR coverage, tracking adversary activity, monitoring maritime movement, and executing precision strikes in high-risk environments.   I have advocated to strengthen the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission in Washington, and I introduced the CARE for RPA Crews Act to ensure remotely piloted aircraft crews receive formal recognition for combat operations, helping improve access to vital mental health services as airmen transition within or beyond military service.  I also secured report language in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the U.S. Department of War to outline a plan to establish a combat status identifier or equivalent recognition for RPA crewmembers, reinforcing their role in the fight.

Irene Sprague's 100th Birthday

The best part of my job is introducing my friends to each other. This celebration was more special by a phone call between Donald Trump and Irene Sprague, otherwise known as POTUS and Rosie the Riveter.

I was honored to attend a special 100th birthday celebration recognizing Irene Sprague of Steele and joined Senator Hoeven in presenting her with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. She is believed to be the last living “Rosie” in North Dakota and was presented with a Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal to honor that service. Her work during World War II helped power America’s victory, and her strength and grit left a lasting mark on our nation.

What a meaningful way to celebrate her extraordinary legacy. Happy 100th birthday, Irene!

New Laws Benefitting North Dakotans Ignored by Local Media

If the Fargo Forum is your main news source, you may not know about the many bills we've recently passed, so I'm stepping in to deliver the facts.

"Mornings with Maria" on FOX Business

On funding the Department of Homeland Security:

The sooner we can get the bulk of Department of Homeland Security funded and operating normally, the faster we can get to funding Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through budget reconciliation. We need to fund them well into the future to make sure Democrats can’t do this to our country again.

On the filibuster:

I am among the small state senators who value the filibuster so much because the Senate itself is designed to level the playing field and distribute power equally, state to state. Democrats are trying to bait us into blowing up the filibuster to blame Republicans for ruining the United States Senate. I think we need to stand bigger and taller than that.

On the CLARITY Act:

Our diversified system of financial services is the engine of democracy and capitalism in the United States. We have to protect that.

On the nomination of Kevin Warsh to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve:

Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing doesn’t need to be held up by the shortage of one vote. We have to be ready so there’s not a gap between the expiration of Jerome Powell’s term and the beginning of Kevin Warsh’s term.

"Inside Politics" on CNN

I joined Manu Raju on CNN to talk about Department of Homeland Security funding, NATO, the conflict in Iran, and more.

"Meet the Press NOW" on NBC

I joined Kirsten Welker on Meet The Press NOW to talk about the status of Department of Homeland Security funding. Somebody has to step in and be the adult. We cannot simply leave the majority of DHS unfunded, and Democrats have chosen to do that.

When President Trump speaks in a primetime address, he’s not just talking to Americans. He’s talking to Iranians, our allies, and our adversaries. He’s been consistent with the timeline, but he’s not going to walk away before the job is completely done.

National Science Foundation Awards $625,244 to NDSU

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded $625,244 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) through the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) Directorate for Engineering. The award will fund a project entitled “MRI: Track 1 Acquisition of PSV QTEC H 3D - Scanning Vibrometer.” This project will allow NDSU to acquire a PSV QTEC H 3D Scanning Vibrometer to expand its research capabilities and allow researchers to precisely measure vibrations and sound in a wide range of systems.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $350,769 to UND

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $350,769 to the University of North Dakota (UND). The funding will support allergy, immunology, and transplantation research to examine the role of peripheral immune cell activity in food-allergy-induced neuroinflammation and demyelination.

HUD Awards $9.4 Million to North Dakota Communities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced awards totaling $9,444,315 to Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and the state of North Dakota. The funding will be distributed through the following programs: The Community Development Block Grant Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, for low- and moderate-income persons.

• $3,559,742 to the state of North Dakota
• $828,465 to Fargo
• $425,671 to Grand Forks
• $405,839 to Bismarck
• $287,456 to Minot

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program is designed to assist people with quickly regaining stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

• $489,698 to the state of North Dakota

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides formula grants to states and localities to be used in partnership with local nonprofit groups to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people.

• $3,000,000 to the state of North Dakota
• $447,443 to Fargo

DOT Awards Over $2.3 Million to North Dakota Tribal Nations

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $2,333,044 to two North Dakota tribal nations through the Build America Bureau Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• $1,583,044 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians to support the Gordon Lake Road Infrastructure Enhancement Project. This award will fund planning, design, and engineering activities for the project. The initiative focuses on the reconstruction of approximately 19.4 miles of gravel roadway near Belcourt within the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.
• $750,000 to the Three Affiliated Tribes for the White Shield Transportation Safety Improvements for Son of Star Casino along Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 1. This award will support planning, design, and engineering activities to alleviate anticipated safety concerns stemming from the construction of Son of Star Casino. This includes pavement reclamation and resurfacing, turn lane construction, shared use path installation, lighting, roadway striping, and roadway signing.