Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update January 29 - february 4

Fox News, NBC Interviews Cover Senate Border Bill Talks, Drone Attacks in Jordan

On Friday morning, I joined Brian Kilmeade from “Fox & Friends” to discuss the status of the bipartisan border security deal and providing aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. I think the humanitarian aid needs to be supported by our European allies. We need to help Ukrainians beat back Vladimir Putin. We also spoke about the three United States servicemembers killed in Jordan following a drone attack.

Last week, I was also on NBC's "Meet the Press NOW" with Gabe Gutierrez to discuss how the United States should respond to Iran’s proxies. The swiftness of the response is part of the projection of strength we need. Right now, our weakness is the very thing escalating this war and this battle.

Senators Demand Answers on DOD’s Failure to Release 2023 Chinese Military Companies List

As required by Section 1260H of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Department of Defense (DOD) is obligated to annually publish the names of “Chinese military companies” operating directly or indirectly in the United States. Lawmakers passed this provision with bipartisan support to counter the People’s Republic of China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy, which eliminates barriers between China’s civilian research and commercial sectors, and its military and defense industrial sectors.

In response to the DOD failing to uphold the requirement by not producing the list in 2023, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, reiterating the importance of releasing the list and requesting a briefing on why the law was not followed.

“In a secretive and exploitative manner, China is acquiring the intellectual property, key research, and technological advancements of the world’s citizens, researchers, scholars, and private industry in order to advance its military aims. […] To counter that effort, it is imperative that the Department of Defense continues to release the 'Chinese military companies' list,” we wrote in our letter. “The public release of this list ensures that U.S. and international companies are aware of specific Chinese entities that are supporting China’s military ambitions.”

Following our letter to Secretary Austin, the DOD released the 2023 list of Chinese military companies, as directed by the FY2021 NDAA.

Senators Call for Transparency, Accountability Regarding FBI’s Handling of Richmond Memo

Last year, a leaked document from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Richmond Field Office attempted to tie “radical-traditionalist Catholics” to violent extremism. Following a thorough investigation, the House Judiciary Committee released a report detailing the extent of the FBI’s weaponization of law enforcement against Catholics.

Since the memorandum was leaked, the FBI has disregarded congressional requests for records which would assist Congress in conducting its own investigation, including the agency’s failure to meet the March 1, 2023 request made by the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Additionally, the FBI’s internal review of the memo revealed the agency deleted crucial records pertaining to the memo once it became public.

I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, expressing key concerns regarding the agency’s actions and transparency regarding the Richmond memorandum case. We argued this broader crisis of FBI leadership is part of an ongoing pattern of weaponization of federal law enforcement against ordinary citizens, which the agency must address.

I wholeheartedly condemn the FBI's egregious mishandling of the Richmond memorandum and Director Christopher Wray's woefully inadequate response to this grave matter. The leaked document, which unfairly linked "radical-traditionalist Catholics" to violent extremism, sparked serious concerns and warranted a rigorous investigation. The FBI's blatant disregard for congressional requests and the deliberate deletion of crucial records have shattered our confidence in the agency's actions.

This profoundly troubling incident and distressing pattern of federal law enforcement overreach against ordinary citizens compelled me to stand with my fellow senators in sending a clear message to Director Wray.

We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible use of law enforcement powers. The FBI must promptly address these unacceptable failures to begin rebuilding the trust of the American people.

Amicus Brief in Key Gun Rights Case Expresses Concern with Chevron Doctrine

In 2018, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took the unprecedented step of classifying bump stocks as machineguns, thereby criminalizing their possession. According to the Chevron doctrine, agencies are given deference in how they interpret statutes under their jurisdiction, too often disregarding Congressional intent and lending itself to activist mischief.

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear argument in Garland v. Cargill, a case questioning whether a “bump stock” is truly a “machinegun” as defined in 26 U.S.C. 5845(b) due to its ability to significantly increase the firing speed of a rifle. I joined an amicus brief asserting the ATF’s ban on bump stocks weaponizes the Chevron doctrine and is an egregious violation of the Second Amendment.

The ATF’s 2018 decision to ban bump stocks exemplifies the federal overreach the Chevron doctrine enables. It is a well-known fact, even by ATF’s own admission, the installation of a bump stock does not magically turn a rifle into a machinegun. Nevertheless, their stance shifted overnight, leading to an outright ban.

The Supreme Court should reaffirm the Second Amendment and put an end to agencies’ ability to use Chevron as a shield for their activist ambitions.

The amicus brief states the Court should hold Chevron deference inapplicable to the interpretation of criminal statutes, including the National Firearms Act’s definition of “machinegun” at issue in this case.

North Dakota Delegation Calls for Uninterrupted Operation of the Dakota Access Pipeline

Despite operating safely and securely for over six years, the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) was required to complete a supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 0.21-mile easement which crosses under the Oahe Reservoir. This marks the third time DAPL has been examined under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including a 1,261-page Environmental Assessment from 2016 which found no significant impact and a 2017 court-ordered remand analysis.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), U.S. Representative Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and I sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, requesting the uninterrupted operation of DAPL. We explained it is in the state and nation’s best interests to conclude this “seemingly endless” EIS process.

If the pipeline is closed, North Dakota could lose approximately $1.2 billion in the first year and $116 million each year following. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation has indicated a more-than $160 million loss over a one-year period due to about 60% of its oil production relying on DAPL for transportation. Further, the Bakken could lose up to 750 full-time jobs in the near-term and 3,000 jobs in the long-term. As we noted in our letter, both the state of North Dakota and the MHA Nation are cooperating agencies in the USACE’s environmental review, meaning their input must be accounted for in any final decision from the USACE.

Senate Considers Joseph Goffman for EPA Assistant Adminstrator

Last week, I voted against Joseph Goffman to be Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. During Mr. Goffman’s initial hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, he committed to meet with North Dakota regulators. Nine months later during his next hearing, Mr. Goffman admitted he had still not met with North Dakota officials.

North Dakota State University Announced as National Science Foundation Engine Awardee

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced North Dakota State University (NDSU) is one of its first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines). The North Dakota Advanced Agriculture Technology Engine, led by Northern Plains AgTech Engine for Food systems Adapted for Resiliency and Maximized Security (FARMS) coalition, will optimize and leverage the existing agricultural opportunities and support NDSU’s AgTech ecosystem to best address global food challenges. The project will also improve farm operations by increasing efficiencies and yields while reducing environmental impacts.

Congratulations to NDSU on being selected as an NSF Engine! This FARMS award comes as no surprise as it is indicative of the school’s excellence in agriculture innovation. The partnership will build on their success by helping producers across the state and country find better, more efficient ways to fuel and feed the world.

In August, NDSU was selected as one of the 16 finalists for the first-ever NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition. The NSF Engines feature partnerships with local and regional institutions and organizations to expand innovation across the nation and create collaborative and inclusive technology-driven innovation ecosystems.

1st Battalion 112th Aviation Regiment Returns Home From Deployment

On Sunday, I welcomed home members of the 1st Battalion 112th Aviation Regiment (1-112) “Rough Riders” at a ceremony at Bismarck’s Army Aviation Support Facility. The unit returned home from deployment to secure the southwest border, stop illegal immigration, and interdict drug and human trafficking.

Thank you to the soldiers, spouses, families, and employers for their selfless sacrifices on our behalf. I believe the children make the greatest sacrifice when a parent is far from home for so long.

Congratulations on a successful mission. Deterrence at the border, like deterrence around the world, is about having the capability to project strength, but it also is about the will to project strength through appropriate policy enforcement. They demonstrate their capabilities, and it is up to the political leadership of this nation to project the will, and right now, our nation’s leader projects weakness. We will continue to work on that will in Washington. Welcome home, and God bless them all.

The "Rough Riders” are known for having the finest safety record in army aviation the last 60 years, having zero major accidents and a 99% aircraft maintenance availability rate. The unit flies and maintains the UH-72A Lakota, which supports utility helicopter missions in non-combat, non-hostile environments.

Even though the 1-112th has participated in southwest border operations previously, this was the first time the 1st Battalion deployed as a fully staffed unit, spanning 11 states and territories. This includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and the Virgin Islands.

Rugby High School Student Body

Catching up with young North Dakotans is always a treat! On Monday, I traveled to Rugby – the center of the North American continent – to speak with students about civic engagement, career and technical education opportunities, and what an honor it is to represent them in Washington.

General Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with General Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to speak about our work to support a strong U.S. national security. We also discussed the collaboration between the Joint Staff and the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of this year's posture season.

Melissa Dalton, Nominee to be Under Secretary of the Air Force

I met with Melissa Dalton, the nominee to be Under Secretary of the Air Force, for a follow up interview to discuss her recent Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing. I appreciate her candor and emphasized the importance of direct, open dialogue to meet our common objectives.

Jewish Federations of North America

I was honored to speak with the Jewish Federations of North America about the special bond between the U.S. and Israel. We also discussed the critical importance of Congress passing funding for Israel and working to combat rising antisemitism in the U.S through legislation and education.

Israel Allies Foundation

It was a privilege to discuss U.S. support for Israel and the need to fight antisemitism with a group of pastors and rabbis from the Israel Allies Foundation during their visit to my office. Israel must be equipped to defend itself.

Members of the Parliament of Ukraine

I had a productive conversation with Ukrainian Members of Parliament to discuss our countries’ strategic relationship and hear their updates on the war in Ukraine.

Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank

I discussed the Federal Reserve's recent decision to leave interest rates unchanged and my work as a member of the Senate Banking Committee with Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, while he was in D.C.

Immigration Voice

I appreciated the chance to meet with Immigration Voice about the importance of Congress passing the EAGLE Act, legislation I introduced in the Senate with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

Department of Transportation Awards More Than $7 Million to North Dakota Airports

The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced an award of $3,984,102 to airports across the state of North Dakota. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act established the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, which provides funding to airports for modernization and safety projects. These funds will be distributed as follows:

• $2,566,048 to Bismarck Municipal Airport for the construction of a service road to the snow removal equipment building
• $728,354 to Minot International Airport for installation of 17,000 feet of drainage improvements
• $304,000 to the Devils Lake Airport Authority for the second phase of reconstructing 1,250 square yards of the existing aviation apron pavement
• $173,000 to Cando Municipal Airport Authority for the reconstruction of the existing runway lighting system
• $144,000 to the Bowman County Airport Authority to fund the final phase of construction on a new 8,000 square foot steel hanger for aircraft storage and maintenance service
• $38,700 to the Casselton Robert Miller Regional Airport Authority for the final phase of construction for a project rehabilitating 3,900 feet of runway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement
• $30,000 to the Mott Municipal Airport Authority to complete the final phase of septic system installation

The US DOT also announced an award of $3,645,750 to Minot International Airport, funded by FY 2022 supplemental discretionary grants. This award will go towards a wildlife hazard removal and drainage improvement project.

OSMRE Awards $3.1 Million to North Dakota to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) announced an award of more than $3.1 million to North Dakota in Fiscal Year 2023 funding through the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Program. This award, made available by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, helps the state reclaim abandoned and dangerous mine lands to eliminate safety hazards and allow for redevelopment uses.

This award is a reflection of North Dakota’s superb leadership in reclaiming mine lands. Reclamation is good stewardship, pure and simple, and our state does it better than anyone.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was fully paid for, is delivering real opportunities for North Dakota to meet the needs of our constituents.

This OSMRE’s announcement builds upon a grant of $3.1 million allocated in Fiscal Year 2022 to North Dakota. Authorized by the DOI in 1981, the North Dakota AML Program administers the federal funding from a fee on coal to address environmental hazards posed by abandoned coal mines.

National Science Foundation Awards Nearly $600,000 to the University of North Dakota

The National Science Foundation announced a BIORETS Site award of $599,997 to the University of North Dakota. This award will support a team of eight teachers as they participate in an intensive research experience for six weeks, followed by two weeks of curriculum development. This program ultimately aims to significantly increase the exposure of rural and tribal students to molecular biology and scientific research.