Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update

Senate Advances Bill to Fund Homeland Security

After nearly six weeks, the Senate took decisive action by passing legislation to reopen the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and restore funding for the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency—despite obstruction from Democrats. It’s time to work with the House on a plan to fully fund these crucial national security and emergency response missions.

Bill Introduced to Support Outdoor Rehabilitation for Veterans

Veterans have increasingly pointed to outdoor recreation as a tool for recovery and reintegration after leaving military service, noting time in nature and shared activities can help rebuild community, reduce stress, and support long-term mental health. U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and I, along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), are proposing a new effort to expand veteran access to structured outdoor recreation programs across the country. The effort comes as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, highlighting persistent struggles with anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among former service members.

My bill, the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, aims to help veterans reconnect with community and improve their well-being through outdoor recreation. Early studies show these programs are an effective tool in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among veterans.

The bill would create a federal grant program for state veterans’ agencies to develop or expand outdoor recreation opportunities for former service members. Under the proposal, states could run programs directly or partner with local outfitters and recreation providers to offer nature-based activities. States and contracted partners are encouraged to coordinate with relevant federal land management agencies to utilize these spaces for the outdoor programs. Each state would recieve a minimum of $200,000 upon application to deliver services for veterans.

Let’s face it, for a lot of veterans, healing doesn’t happen in a doctor’s office. Sometimes healing begins in places like a quiet trail, by the water, or under an open sky. Our bill helps state veterans’ agencies expand outdoor recreation opportunities, so more of the men and women who served our country can find their healing, hope, and a sense of calm in the outdoors once again, much like Theodore Roosevelt did.

The program is designed to let states tailor programs to the interests and physical abilities of the veterans in their communities. States are responsible to collect and report data on participation and impacts on mental health and overall well-being. This effort builds on progress made through the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020, which established a task force to provide recommendations regarding the benefit of outdoor recreation activities for veterans and the use of federal lands to support these activities.

The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act is supported by the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA), American Legion, Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group, the Action Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Association of State Park Directors, and the Action Foundation.

Senate Banking Committee Discusses My Legislation to Reauthorize EXIM Bank

The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee kicked off negotiations to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank and turn it into an even more powerful tool to spur domestic manufacturing. Last month, I introduced legislation, along with U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), to reauthorize the bank for 10 years, the longest reauthorization of the bank in history. This is my second time leading the charge to reauthorize the bank.

John Jovanovic, Chairman of the EXIM Bank, testified before the committee and provided recommendations for the bank’s reauthorization.

In my eight years in the Senate, reauthorizing EXIM has been “as high a priority on this committee for me as any.” I pointed to my past leadership in securing its then-record seven-year reauthorization and highlighted my current work with Warner to extend it to ten years. This kind of long-term certainty is essential, not just for the bank, but for the American companies depend on it. I’m very encouraged by the enthusiasm on both sides of the aisle.

I also pressed EXIM leadership on how Congress might responsibly provide more flexibility within the bank’s risk constraints. I asked for a menu of ideas on how to ease pressure from the 2% default rate cap so the bank can take on some of the greater risks while protecting the funds.

Jovanovic emphasized EXIM’s strong track record and argued the issue isn’t the benchmark itself, but how it is applied. He noted the bank is not asking to move the goalposts, but instead is seeking a return to a system which has worked for decades.

"I think the best thing that we could do on the risk management provisions is go back to the system that worked so well for 81 plus years, that's reasonable, that's accountable," responded Jovanovic. "Notice we're not asking to move the goalposts. We're not asking to be judged by different metrics. We're simply saying that over the course of the past few years, we've had provisions put on the bank that weren't meant to set it up for success. They were meant to suffocate it. And so what we're asking for is, bring us back to the system that works so well, for 81 plus years, and allow us to pursue the transactions that we're all describing, that we want to pursue. And that's really what we need, and that's what we're asking for today.”

I followed up by questioning whether the 2% cap is truly the problem, pointing out EXIM’s default rate is already significantly lower than private lenders. Jovanovic agreed, reiterating the bank can work within the 2% standard, but needs a very reasonable opportunity to manage through it. He stressed how uncertainty—particularly the threat of sudden operational constraints—has had a chilling effect, adding EXIM needs a clear signal from Congress it is stable and here to stay, especially for long-term, strategic deals.

I closed by expressing appreciation for the testimony and the bank’s mission, while also calling out what I see as a contradiction in current policy debates. Even as there is bipartisan support for strengthening EXIM and expanding U.S. trade, some efforts in Congress would undercut the very infrastructure which makes trade possible, an approach I described as kind of unbelievable.

Watch our full exchange below:

Legislation Aims to Expand Indo-Pacific Space Cooperation

The Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD), a U.S.-led partnership with Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is focused on strengthening coordination in space. It improves interoperability, enhances space domain awareness, addresses orbital debris, and deters hostile activity. In 2025, the coalition demonstrated two successful bilateral maneuvers alongside partner nations.

Now, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and I are looking to build on this momentum. We introduced the Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 which would require the U.S. Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations to evaluate expanding MNF-OOD to include additional allies such as Japan and South Korea. Increasing the size of the partnership signals a broader push to deepen cooperation and strengthen deterrence in an increasingly contested space domain.

Expanding Operation Olympic Defender with allies like Japan and the Republic of Korea makes us stronger together. Our coalition boosts deterrence, reinforces resilience, and protects our space infrastructure. By expanding the network to include allies in the same region as some of greatest adversaries and competitors, we are much more capable of countering hostile actions in space.

Op-Ed: The Highway Trust Fund Drives Our Economy

For over 25 years, expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund have exceeded its revenues. In 2024, there were $57 billion in expenditures, but only $43 billion in incoming revenues. Over the last 15 years, Congress has transferred money from the Treasury General Fund – to the tune of $275 billion – while punting on the source of the problem. Offloading the burden on all taxpayers in the form of federal debt – rather than sticking with the “user pays” model Eisenhower envisioned – is not a solution.

As Congress prepares to debate and negotiate the surface transportation reauthorization, I penned an op-ed in The Washington Times to suggest a solution to the Highway Trust Fund shortfall.

We have become way too familiar with robbing Peter to pay Paul in Washington, and it’s time to put Highway Trust Fund bailouts in the rearview mirror.

Markwayne Mullin Sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security

The U.S. Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by a vote of 54 to 45. Prior to his confirmation as Secretary, Mullin served the people of Oklahoma in the Senate for three years and in the United States House of Representatives for 10 years. Mullin was sworn in on March 24 during a White House ceremony.

Markwayne Mullin is dedicated to President Trump's promise to secure our borders and tackling illegal immigration. His commitment to the mission and experience as a legislator will be strong assets to the Department of Homeland Security and the thousands of patriots who work every day to keep our country safe. I look forward to working with him in his new role to deliver results at the northern and southern borders and for every American who relies on the Department of Homeland Security.

Before entering Congress, Mullin built a successful career in business. He grew his family’s company, Mullin Plumbing, into the largest service provider in the region over nearly three decades, while also launching and leading several other ventures, including Mullin Environmental and Rowan’s Steakhouse.

Micah Chambers Named as Chief of Staff, Mary Silverthorn as Legislative Director

Chief of Staff Mark Gruman will depart my office on April 3, after accepting a position in the private sector. Micah Chambers will take over as Chief of Staff after serving as my Legislative Director, a position Mary Silverthorn will assume.

Gruman has served as Chief of Staff since 2013, overseeing operations in my Washington, D.C., office and helping implement my legislative and communications strategy. Gruman also worked for me when I served as public service commissioner.

Mark has been with me since my days on the Public Service Commission and has been my Chief of Staff ever since we got fully staffed up in the House. He helped create a culture in our office of hard work and dedication to serving North Dakotans and advancing our priorities in Washington. Mark has been an invaluable advisor and leader and I’m grateful for the many years he’s spent with me at the PSC and in Congress.

Chambers has served as my Legislative Director since 2019, managing the policy team and legislative portfolio. Prior to joining the office, he worked at the Department of Interior during the first Trump administration. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01).

Micah has an incredible track record as my Legislative Director and it has prepared him to seamlessly step up and serve as my Chief of Staff. He has an intuitive understanding of how to talk about and implement North Dakota-first policies and shares my commitment to providing top-notch constituent service in our state office.

Silverthorn is a North Dakota native who has been with my office since 2019. She has focused primarily on banking and financial policies, as well as tax and budget issues. She came to Washington, D.C. in 2017, where she began working for U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in Political Science.

Mary is not just my trusted advisor on complex banking issues, she is also a mentor to those around her. She has developed a well-earned reputation for hard work and steady leadership on Capitol Hill and throughout the financial services industry, but her heart and soul remain grounded in reality thanks to her North Dakota roots.

Close Up

Fourteen schools from across North Dakota gathered on the Senate steps for a great conversation about ways Congress is addressing issues in their communities. Safe to say meeting with these Close Up students was a highlight of my week!

Defence Imperative for North America Roundtable

I took part in the Embassy of Canada to the United States' Defence Imperative for North America Roundtable to talk about innovation, the future of defense investment, and how we keep building a strong, resilient North American industrial base.

The U.S.–Canada partnership is a big part of that. Canada is stepping up its defense commitments, and I look forward to deepening our collaboration and collective strength.

Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs Keith Bass and Director of the Defense Health Agency Vice Admiral Darin Via

During my meeting with Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs Keith Bass and Director of the Defense Health Agency Vice Admiral Darin Via, I stressed the importance of timely access to mental health care for service members and their families—especially those in rural communities.

Failure to deliver these services is not an option since they can mean the difference between life and death.

4-H Students

Thanks to Cooper, Emma, and Benjamin - 4-H leaders from North Dakota - for stopping by and telling me about your experiences in Washington this week.

Admiral Richard Correll, STRATCOM Commander

I always appreciate catching up with U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Commander Admiral Richard Correll, especially hearing how B-52s are supporting Operation Epic Fury, alongside updates on Minuteman III sustainment and Sentinel deployment. What’s happening at Minot Air Force Base isn’t abstract, it’s a direct reflection of North Dakota’s frontline role in keeping America secure.

Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

I valued my conversation with Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We focused on strengthening energy security across Southeastern Europe, with an emphasis on the U.S.-backed Southern Interconnection gas pipeline.

I highlighted North Dakota’s role as a leading energy-producing state and the geopolitical importance of our energy exports.

Mark Bohrer, Ground Water Protection Council

I enjoyed a good conversation about strengthening federal and state government partnerships and unleashing North Dakota’s energy dominance with Mark Bohrer from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources.

Wahid Nawabi, CEO of AeroVironment

Defense tech leader AeroVironment is a driving force in the c-UAS fight. It’s leveraging the cutting-edge innovation ecosystem built around Grand Forks Air Force Base to drive the mission forward.

I appreciated the update from CEO Wahid Nawabi on the team’s latest work and his vision for strengthening the company’s partnership with North Dakota.

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier

Nobody better to discuss returning education to the states than with North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier. I appreciated him stopping by during his visit to Washington.

Phoenix Energy

It was good catching up with Phoenix Energy's CEO Adam Ferrari and Chief Financial Officer Curtis Allen to hear about the company's growing production in North Dakota.

DOT Awards $2.4 Million to Dickinson Airport

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration awarded  $2,425,000 to the Dickinson Municipal Airport Authority through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program. This award supports the expansion of an existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building.

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 $61 million in program funding.