{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"ND\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7B4F5F7A-E603-45A8-9DFD-552CD8FEB362", "Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Support Native Youth Education Passes in the U.S. Senate & U.S. House, Headed to Get Signed into Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Approximately 500,000 Eligible Native American & Alaska Native Students Are Excluded from Education Resources they are Promised Under Federal Law\r\nSenator's Bipartisan Legislation Will Require an Accurate Count of All Eligible Students, Push for Greater Access to Culturally Relevant Learning Programs\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan bill to make sure Native American students receive the federal education support they need has now passed in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. The legislation will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nAccording to recent Census Bureau estimates, about 500,000 potentially eligible Native American students are excluded from accessing federal resources to address their academic needs. Heitkamp's bill would make sure more Native American students can receive federal learning resources that they are eligible to obtain under law.\r\nStudies have indicated that culturally relevant learning programs help Native students perform better in the classroom\" said Heitkamp. \"But too often, these federal programs meant to address the specific needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students are underfunded or poorly implemented. It's a huge deal that my bipartisan bill -- that just passed in Congress and will soon be signed into law -- willrequire that accurate counts of Native American students are performed, so that these underserved students and schools can receive the support they deserve. This important and needed legislation continues my decades-long work to stand up for Native children and families, and it comes soon after my bill, Savanna's Act also passed in Senate and we're trying to get it across the finish line in the U.S. House to help address the crisis of missing and murderedNative women. Congress must continue to pass critical legislation to support tribal communities and I'll continue to advocate to help make that happen.\r\nCurrently, the federal government relies on two-decade old Bureau of Indian Affairs' (BIA) data to determine Native students' eligibility for federal funding needs and distribution for the Johnson-O'Malley (JOM) program  a federal cultural educational support program that works to boost academic achievement among underserved students in Native populations. Heitkamp's bipartisan Johnson O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act  which she introduced alongside U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Steve Daines (R-MT)  would work to change that by requiring the federal government to accurately count all Native students who could be served under the program. By providing accurate eligibility data, Heitkamp aims to narrow the significant achievement gaps among Native students and make sure they are able to access programs that help them improve academically.\r\nDuring a time when Native students graduate from high school at a rate far lower than any other racial or ethnic demographic in the country, Heitkamp is working to make sure that the cultural programs in public schools that have been linked to boosting Native students' morale, as well as academic performance and attendance, are readily available in classrooms. Despite the stark need for such programs, the last official count in 1995 by BIA identified 271,884 Native students eligible for such resources. Since that time, the BIA has attempted to officially verify Native students eligible for the program without success, while the National Congress of American Indians has recently indicated a large gap in access to these programs  with a marked increase of more than 500,000 Native young people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which means there were close to 800,000 students nationwide in 2010 that could be eligible for JOM cultural resources.\r\nHeitkamp's bipartisan bill, which unanimously passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in October, would call on the U.S. Department of the Interior to update its severely outdated count of Native students in a timely manner by using existing public information from various data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), to show underserved students who are potentially eligible under the program. This data is crucial for making sure Native students in public schools can access the cultural and educational investments critical to their success. By providing more accurate and updated eligibility data, this bipartisan bill aims to help close significant achievement gaps among Native students and make sure they are able to access programs that help them improve academically.\r\nIn a U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing last May, Heitkamp reinforced the need to pass her bipartisan bill to make sure programs designed to enrich the academic performance among Native students are reaching students as intended.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to make sure Native young people living in Indian Country have access to the quality educational opportunities and resources they need to succeed by:\r\n \r\nIdentifying challenges faced by Native young people: Heitkamp's top priorities include comprehensively addressing the challenges Native children face. Her first bill introduced as a U.S. Senator, a bipartisan bill to create a Commission on Native Children, was signed into law in 2016.\r\nProtecting and strengthening Native languages and cultures: Building on her work to reauthorize legislation to help preserve endangered Native languages, Heitkamp encouraged Congressional leaders in November 2015 to protect cultural language enrichment and immersion programs in the U.S. Senate's K-12 education reform bill that boosts pride and morale in Native communities and improves students' academic performance and attendance.\r\nImproving access to educational resources for Native youth: Heitkamp has long promoted safe after-school programs like 21st Century Community Learning Centers for vulnerable and at-risk youth in Indian Country, and pushed to include provisions reinstating resources dedicated to such programs in the U.S. Senate's K-12 education reform bill in April 2015. Heitkamp also convened North Dakota educators to discuss challenges Native students in rural areas face in accessing academic opportunities, and met with the head of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in 2014 on improving connectivity to make sure Native students in rural areas can access technology for educational and economic opportunities.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0BB79682-EF50-4297-9A95-4261F6E81C73", "Heitkamp Releases Final Podcast as U.S. Senator, Answers Questions from former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad about Her Time Serving North Dakota", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last Week, Heitkamp Delivered her Farewell Speech on the Floor of the U.S. Senate \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the latest episode of her podcast, The Hotdish,' in which she was interviewed by former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad. This episode is Heitkamp's seventeenth and final podcast as a U.S. senator.\r\nIn this episode, the tables were turned and Conrad interviews Heitkamp about her time serving the people of North Dakota, her legislative accomplishments and legacy, and the future of bipartisanship.\r\nConrad served North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2013, where he twice served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Prior to his time in the U.S. Senate, Conrad served as Tax Commissioner of North Dakota. Heitkamp followed Conrad as Tax Commissioner in 1986, and she succeeded him as a United States Senator in 2013 following his retirement.\r\nThe Hotdish is available on Spotify, iTunes and Anchor. Current episodes are also available on Soundcloud.\r\nWhen I began my career in public service, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of North Dakota leaders who had demonstrated a commitment to getting things done for our state, no matter how tough the task may have seemed and one of those elected officials was Kent Conrad. Over the years, Senator Conrad has been an invaluable political mentor, confidant, and friend, and I'm honored to have him join me on this episode of The Hotdish,' to talk about the importance of public service and the need to work with those on both sides of the aisle to get results which is particularly important during these divisive times, said Heitkamp. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I've tried to see the world through the eyes of those I am here to serve working families, Native youth, those with chronic health conditions, retirees, and many more. And I decided from the get-go that I wouldn't be afraid to roll up my sleeves and help address the challenges they face every day. This podcast has been an insightful way of diving deeper into issues affecting North Dakotans, and I hope listeners have benefited from my conversations with experts, reporters, and fellow lawmakers on topics ranging from human trafficking to affordable health care. These are the issues that have motivated me, and I'm not done fighting for the people of North Dakota, especially the children I meet across our state. As I discuss with Senator Conrad, they are our future leaders and I'm determined to help make their futures stronger, healthier, and safer.\r\nLast week, Heitkamp delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber. Click hereto watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube.Click hereto watch her full remarks on Facebook.\r\nAbout The Hotdish\r\nHeitkampkicked off her podcast in February 2017with an episode on her efforts to combat human trafficking, interviewing anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain and North Dakota journalist Kevin Wallevand. Since then, Heitkamp's podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including negotiations for the nextFarm Bill, the role ofmoderates in Congress,U.S.-Russia relations,health care, her bipartisan bill that wouldpromote carbon capture, therole of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thethreat posed by North Korea, andtackling the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, tax reform, an update on her effort to combat human trafficking, the importance of smart trade policies and NAFTA, Capitol Hill interns, Vietnam veterans, and the Farm Bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0BB79682-EF50-4297-9A95-4261F6E81C73", "Heitkamp Releases Final Podcast as U.S. Senator, Answers Questions from former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad about Her Time Serving North Dakota", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last Week, Heitkamp Delivered her Farewell Speech on the Floor of the U.S. Senate \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the latest episode of her podcast, The Hotdish,' in which she was interviewed by former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad. This episode is Heitkamp's seventeenth and final podcast as a U.S. senator.\r\nIn this episode, the tables were turned and Conrad interviews Heitkamp about her time serving the people of North Dakota, her legislative accomplishments and legacy, and the future of bipartisanship.\r\nConrad served North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2013, where he twice served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Prior to his time in the U.S. Senate, Conrad served as Tax Commissioner of North Dakota. Heitkamp followed Conrad as Tax Commissioner in 1986, and she succeeded him as a United States Senator in 2013 following his retirement.\r\nThe Hotdish is available on Spotify, iTunes and Anchor. Current episodes are also available on Soundcloud.\r\nWhen I began my career in public service, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of North Dakota leaders who had demonstrated a commitment to getting things done for our state, no matter how tough the task may have seemed and one of those elected officials was Kent Conrad. Over the years, Senator Conrad has been an invaluable political mentor, confidant, and friend, and I'm honored to have him join me on this episode of The Hotdish,' to talk about the importance of public service and the need to work with those on both sides of the aisle to get results which is particularly important during these divisive times, said Heitkamp. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I've tried to see the world through the eyes of those I am here to serve working families, Native youth, those with chronic health conditions, retirees, and many more. And I decided from the get-go that I wouldn't be afraid to roll up my sleeves and help address the challenges they face every day. This podcast has been an insightful way of diving deeper into issues affecting North Dakotans, and I hope listeners have benefited from my conversations with experts, reporters, and fellow lawmakers on topics ranging from human trafficking to affordable health care. These are the issues that have motivated me, and I'm not done fighting for the people of North Dakota, especially the children I meet across our state. As I discuss with Senator Conrad, they are our future leaders and I'm determined to help make their futures stronger, healthier, and safer.\r\nLast week, Heitkamp delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber. Click hereto watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube.Click hereto watch her full remarks on Facebook.\r\nAbout The Hotdish\r\nHeitkampkicked off her podcast in February 2017with an episode on her efforts to combat human trafficking, interviewing anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain and North Dakota journalist Kevin Wallevand. Since then, Heitkamp's podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including negotiations for the nextFarm Bill, the role ofmoderates in Congress,U.S.-Russia relations,health care, her bipartisan bill that wouldpromote carbon capture, therole of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thethreat posed by North Korea, andtackling the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, tax reform, an update on her effort to combat human trafficking, the importance of smart trade policies and NAFTA, Capitol Hill interns, Vietnam veterans, and the Farm Bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77B1F498-EC80-4C54-A2DA-77DC2F84F885", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heitkamps Bill to Help Lower U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates; Legislation Heads to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Legislation Would Encourage Additional Research into Maternal Death Cases & Seek Local Solutions to Curtail an Increase in Preventable Deaths \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan legislation to examine and combat the escalating maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Her bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nMore women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nationsand the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United States increased by 250 percent from 1987-2014. And to highlight the urgent need to tackle this problem, another study found that 60 percent of the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.\r\nHeitkamp's bipartisan bill would strengthen on-the-ground resources to combat this growing crisis by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that study and address the causes of maternal death cases and work to increase the number of safe and successful pregnancies. MMRCs do not exist in 18 states, including North Dakota.\r\nEspecially in an industrialized country like the United States, no mother should have to worry about life-threatening complications during childbirth. Rising maternal mortality rates are simply unacceptable, and we need to develop a better understanding of this crisis, so that we can effectively identify risk factors and prevent further deaths, said Heitkamp. The U.S. Senate passing my legislation is a major step toward averting these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting the next generation of mothers and infants. By investing in cutting-edge research, giving physicians the tools they need to protect patients, and beefing up information sharing, my bill would help facilitate healthier pregnancies for so many moms and families in North Dakota and across the country. We are in the midst of a nationwide maternal health crisis including in our rural and tribal communities, and Congress has answered the call to action. We urgently need to develop a strategy to combat this epidemic, and I will continue to push for my bill to be signed into law.\r\nBy strengthening support for existing MMRCs and helping additional states create MMRCs, Heitkamp's legislation would examine the causes of U.S. deaths due to pregnancy complications and would help find feasible solutions to address the ongoing crisis in local communities. With additional research into this growing epidemic, the bipartisan bill would help expecting mothers access critical health care resources like hospital facilities, so they can experience healthier pregnancies.\r\nHeitkamp's bill is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstrecticians and Gynecologists and the Preeclampsia Foundation. Click here for a full list of the more than 40 organizations supporting this bill.\r\nIn September 2018, Heitkamp convened health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks to examine the causes of rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to discuss ideas, like this bill, to better support the health and well-being of mothers and newborn children across North Dakota. During the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications either during pregnancy or after the birth of their children.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77B1F498-EC80-4C54-A2DA-77DC2F84F885", "U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heitkamps Bill to Help Lower U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates; Legislation Heads to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Legislation Would Encourage Additional Research into Maternal Death Cases & Seek Local Solutions to Curtail an Increase in Preventable Deaths \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan legislation to examine and combat the escalating maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Her bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nMore women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nationsand the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United States increased by 250 percent from 1987-2014. And to highlight the urgent need to tackle this problem, another study found that 60 percent of the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.\r\nHeitkamp's bipartisan bill would strengthen on-the-ground resources to combat this growing crisis by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that study and address the causes of maternal death cases and work to increase the number of safe and successful pregnancies. MMRCs do not exist in 18 states, including North Dakota.\r\nEspecially in an industrialized country like the United States, no mother should have to worry about life-threatening complications during childbirth. Rising maternal mortality rates are simply unacceptable, and we need to develop a better understanding of this crisis, so that we can effectively identify risk factors and prevent further deaths, said Heitkamp. The U.S. Senate passing my legislation is a major step toward averting these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting the next generation of mothers and infants. By investing in cutting-edge research, giving physicians the tools they need to protect patients, and beefing up information sharing, my bill would help facilitate healthier pregnancies for so many moms and families in North Dakota and across the country. We are in the midst of a nationwide maternal health crisis including in our rural and tribal communities, and Congress has answered the call to action. We urgently need to develop a strategy to combat this epidemic, and I will continue to push for my bill to be signed into law.\r\nBy strengthening support for existing MMRCs and helping additional states create MMRCs, Heitkamp's legislation would examine the causes of U.S. deaths due to pregnancy complications and would help find feasible solutions to address the ongoing crisis in local communities. With additional research into this growing epidemic, the bipartisan bill would help expecting mothers access critical health care resources like hospital facilities, so they can experience healthier pregnancies.\r\nHeitkamp's bill is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstrecticians and Gynecologists and the Preeclampsia Foundation. Click here for a full list of the more than 40 organizations supporting this bill.\r\nIn September 2018, Heitkamp convened health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks to examine the causes of rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to discuss ideas, like this bill, to better support the health and well-being of mothers and newborn children across North Dakota. During the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications either during pregnancy or after the birth of their children.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=61EC0FD9-436D-40D9-BBFE-294E4677FD33", "Heitkamp Delivers Farewell Speech on Floor of U.S. Senate", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During Her Six Years in the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has Fought for the Priorities of Rural America, Children, Working Families & Indian Country \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber.\r\nClick here to watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube. Click here to watch her full remarks on Facebook.\r\nBelow are excerpts from Heitkamp's U.S. Senate farewell address:\r\nBeating the Odds\r\nIn 2000, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My oncologists told me you have a 28 percent chance of living more than ten years. Think about that. So I knew right away that I had a chance to use what time God gave me for good and noble purposes. To try and do the things that I always thought needed to be done in this country. It's an important lesson for all of you. The greatest gift you have is not your bank account. Your greatest gift that you have is the amount of time you have left on this earth and what you do with that time. And I chose for good or for bad to come to the United States Senate.\r\n\r\nMy family struggled to get by and when you look at it, you think about this, you think about a country where somebody from my background could actually become a United States Senator. I'm a Democrat from a very conservative state, but against all odds, in fact the prediction was only 8 percent, I got elected to the Senate.\r\nA Legacy of Bipartisan Achievement\r\nWhen you look at the time and the opportunity to rise above partisanship and rancor, I have found so much common ground with so many members of this body. I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to accomplish. I've advocated for Native American communities in my bill to stand up for Native American children, which I did with Lisa [Murkowski] from the very beginning. The first bill I introduced and it was symbolic for me because we have to do better. And I found great partnerships with Lisa not just on this, but on other issues. But I know her heart. And I know that she cares. And when you find people who care the way you care, you can do amazing things.\r\n\r\nMy legislation to create an Amber Alert with our colleague John McCain in Indian Country became law. We're on our way to passing Savanna's Act, which is going to recognize for the first time the challenge and the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women.\r\n[We passed] bipartisan legislation to help crack down on human trafficking online. We shut down Backpage. We shut down people who were in fact selling children for sex. You think about that. That's a noble act that we took and the challenge continues.\r\nCongress passed my bill to give first responders more training and resources to keep our communities strong and safe.\r\nI've led a successful effort again with my colleague from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, to lift the age-old ban on exporting oil and pairing it with renewables that we did with my other colleagues on this side of the aisle when we looked at enhancing renewable energy. A flaming success on both sides. We are exporting literally millions of barrels of oil resulting in energy independence and helping our allies, but we also are growing our renewable energy industry because of that effort.\r\nI secured a Vet Center in Grand Forks and a CBOC. Might be small to this body, but huge to the veterans it serves.\r\nI got needed funds for flood protection across North Dakota working with Senator Hoeven.\r\nI passed my bill to secure the Northern Border working with Kelly Ayotte.\r\nLegislation I helped to provide relief to community banks with Senator Crapo, Senator Donnelly, Senator Tester, and Senator Warner. Recognizing the challenges, no one thought we could get that done but we did because we believed we could. Think about that.\r\nI worked with the Republicans and Democrats probably the crowning achievement together in terms of bipartisanship to deal with carbon capture. The first major piece of carbon legislation that's been passed since I've been here. I can't speak to other pieces. How did that happen? It happened when Senator Barrasso and Senator Capito and I and, by the way, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse collaborated and said we can't agree on climate, but we will agree on development of technology that will change outcomes. This technology is absolutely essential to tackling problems of carbon emissions in this country. So don't say it can't be done. If you can get Sheldon Whitehouse and Mitch McConnell on a bill that involves carbon and the coal industry, that's a good day here. That's a really good day here.\r\nIn six years, I've held over 3,400 meetings in North Dakota, both in Washington and in North Dakota. My office has provided responses to over 204,000 North Dakotans who reached out to me on various issues. And my office has helped over 18,000 North Dakotans with federal agencies getting their V.A. benefits, fixing social security, helping resolve immigrations and much, much more.\r\nSounding the Alarm on Trade\r\nThe administration's trade war not something I have been shy talking about is causing an emergency in rural America. But I think it is going to cascade into a challenge, and it's going to domino into an economic peril for this country. I'm not saying that we don't need to address disparities, inequities in trade agreements I am saying that you don't need a 17th century solution, which is called a tariff, to deal with a 21st century problem.\r\nThe Need for Political Courage in Congress\r\nThere are many around here on both sides of the aisle who know how to get results. And I encourage them to speak loudly, work clearly, seek compromise, and continue to do great and good works. And I hope more Senators will join them. We also need more political courage in Congress. We need members of Congress who are willing to take tough votes because it's the right thing to do, even if it puts their reelection in jeopardy. We need more members who are not too scared to stand up when someone in their party uses fear and lies to win support.\r\nChallenges on the Horizon\r\nI want to tell you about a Native American principle called seven generations. It urges decision-making in any way to look at how the current decisions that are made in this generation will affect the next seven generations. And to think about how you can look to a much broader purpose. I had a thing I did in my office when people could come in and they would have the issue of the day. I would say, Look up. What is on the horizon? Debt and Deficit, a looming retirement crisis, a crisis in education, a crisis in addiction. Look up. What do we need to do today that seven generations of people will look back and don't worry about a public opinion poll. Because you're making decisions for the next seven generations, and they have to be the right decisions.'\r\nEnding a Culture of Failure\r\nWe have to get out of the shared culture of failure believing it can't happen. It can happen. We can do really big and great things when we believe we can, and when we refuse to accept failure, when we refuse to believe that we are somehow limited. No one's tying you, no one's limiting you.\r\nThank You\r\nI want to just also thank other people. First is the Capitol Police. Some of my best friends here are Capitol Police. Some of the nicest people you're going to meet serve you in the dining room. Some of the greatest people are painting the walls out there. Say Hello. Don't just walk by them. They serve you, and they're proud. They're proud of the work that they do. And so they are wonderful people. And I want to thank them for their friendship. I want to thank so many more who cared about this place.\r\nI also wanted to thank my staff which are all here. Many of them are amazing people, and they're going to go on to do amazing things. I have a thing that I do when I sign things. I say, Go do great and good things.' We've seen that throughout history. Go do great and good things and they will. They are amazing. They've given so much, and I know you all think that you have the best staff. Unfortunately, I do. A lot of them, you know, are available just want to say. So I want them to take what they've learned into their future endeavors. And I want to make sure that the legacy that we leave is a legacy of service, of who we serve, and who we stand for.\r\nFinally, I want to thank my family. My husband, Darwin, who's toiling away in the clinic as we speak. My daughter, Althea, and my son, Nathan. My six brothers and sisters who are fairly famous all across North Dakota. I would like to just say they've been my rock. Finally, I want to thank my mom and dad, because they taught me and my siblings to stand up for what is right. To have our voices heard, and I know they're watching me from above, and I wanted to thank them for raising a rowdy, boisterous, and determined crew who made each other's best friends. My mother and father made us strong.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=61EC0FD9-436D-40D9-BBFE-294E4677FD33", "Heitkamp Delivers Farewell Speech on Floor of U.S. Senate", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During Her Six Years in the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has Fought for the Priorities of Rural America, Children, Working Families & Indian Country \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber.\r\nClick here to watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube. Click here to watch her full remarks on Facebook.\r\nBelow are excerpts from Heitkamp's U.S. Senate farewell address:\r\nBeating the Odds\r\nIn 2000, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My oncologists told me you have a 28 percent chance of living more than ten years. Think about that. So I knew right away that I had a chance to use what time God gave me for good and noble purposes. To try and do the things that I always thought needed to be done in this country. It's an important lesson for all of you. The greatest gift you have is not your bank account. Your greatest gift that you have is the amount of time you have left on this earth and what you do with that time. And I chose for good or for bad to come to the United States Senate.\r\n\r\nMy family struggled to get by and when you look at it, you think about this, you think about a country where somebody from my background could actually become a United States Senator. I'm a Democrat from a very conservative state, but against all odds, in fact the prediction was only 8 percent, I got elected to the Senate.\r\nA Legacy of Bipartisan Achievement\r\nWhen you look at the time and the opportunity to rise above partisanship and rancor, I have found so much common ground with so many members of this body. I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to accomplish. I've advocated for Native American communities in my bill to stand up for Native American children, which I did with Lisa [Murkowski] from the very beginning. The first bill I introduced and it was symbolic for me because we have to do better. And I found great partnerships with Lisa not just on this, but on other issues. But I know her heart. And I know that she cares. And when you find people who care the way you care, you can do amazing things.\r\n\r\nMy legislation to create an Amber Alert with our colleague John McCain in Indian Country became law. We're on our way to passing Savanna's Act, which is going to recognize for the first time the challenge and the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women.\r\n[We passed] bipartisan legislation to help crack down on human trafficking online. We shut down Backpage. We shut down people who were in fact selling children for sex. You think about that. That's a noble act that we took and the challenge continues.\r\nCongress passed my bill to give first responders more training and resources to keep our communities strong and safe.\r\nI've led a successful effort again with my colleague from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, to lift the age-old ban on exporting oil and pairing it with renewables that we did with my other colleagues on this side of the aisle when we looked at enhancing renewable energy. A flaming success on both sides. We are exporting literally millions of barrels of oil resulting in energy independence and helping our allies, but we also are growing our renewable energy industry because of that effort.\r\nI secured a Vet Center in Grand Forks and a CBOC. Might be small to this body, but huge to the veterans it serves.\r\nI got needed funds for flood protection across North Dakota working with Senator Hoeven.\r\nI passed my bill to secure the Northern Border working with Kelly Ayotte.\r\nLegislation I helped to provide relief to community banks with Senator Crapo, Senator Donnelly, Senator Tester, and Senator Warner. Recognizing the challenges, no one thought we could get that done but we did because we believed we could. Think about that.\r\nI worked with the Republicans and Democrats probably the crowning achievement together in terms of bipartisanship to deal with carbon capture. The first major piece of carbon legislation that's been passed since I've been here. I can't speak to other pieces. How did that happen? It happened when Senator Barrasso and Senator Capito and I and, by the way, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse collaborated and said we can't agree on climate, but we will agree on development of technology that will change outcomes. This technology is absolutely essential to tackling problems of carbon emissions in this country. So don't say it can't be done. If you can get Sheldon Whitehouse and Mitch McConnell on a bill that involves carbon and the coal industry, that's a good day here. That's a really good day here.\r\nIn six years, I've held over 3,400 meetings in North Dakota, both in Washington and in North Dakota. My office has provided responses to over 204,000 North Dakotans who reached out to me on various issues. And my office has helped over 18,000 North Dakotans with federal agencies getting their V.A. benefits, fixing social security, helping resolve immigrations and much, much more.\r\nSounding the Alarm on Trade\r\nThe administration's trade war not something I have been shy talking about is causing an emergency in rural America. But I think it is going to cascade into a challenge, and it's going to domino into an economic peril for this country. I'm not saying that we don't need to address disparities, inequities in trade agreements I am saying that you don't need a 17th century solution, which is called a tariff, to deal with a 21st century problem.\r\nThe Need for Political Courage in Congress\r\nThere are many around here on both sides of the aisle who know how to get results. And I encourage them to speak loudly, work clearly, seek compromise, and continue to do great and good works. And I hope more Senators will join them. We also need more political courage in Congress. We need members of Congress who are willing to take tough votes because it's the right thing to do, even if it puts their reelection in jeopardy. We need more members who are not too scared to stand up when someone in their party uses fear and lies to win support.\r\nChallenges on the Horizon\r\nI want to tell you about a Native American principle called seven generations. It urges decision-making in any way to look at how the current decisions that are made in this generation will affect the next seven generations. And to think about how you can look to a much broader purpose. I had a thing I did in my office when people could come in and they would have the issue of the day. I would say, Look up. What is on the horizon? Debt and Deficit, a looming retirement crisis, a crisis in education, a crisis in addiction. Look up. What do we need to do today that seven generations of people will look back and don't worry about a public opinion poll. Because you're making decisions for the next seven generations, and they have to be the right decisions.'\r\nEnding a Culture of Failure\r\nWe have to get out of the shared culture of failure believing it can't happen. It can happen. We can do really big and great things when we believe we can, and when we refuse to accept failure, when we refuse to believe that we are somehow limited. No one's tying you, no one's limiting you.\r\nThank You\r\nI want to just also thank other people. First is the Capitol Police. Some of my best friends here are Capitol Police. Some of the nicest people you're going to meet serve you in the dining room. Some of the greatest people are painting the walls out there. Say Hello. Don't just walk by them. They serve you, and they're proud. They're proud of the work that they do. And so they are wonderful people. And I want to thank them for their friendship. I want to thank so many more who cared about this place.\r\nI also wanted to thank my staff which are all here. Many of them are amazing people, and they're going to go on to do amazing things. I have a thing that I do when I sign things. I say, Go do great and good things.' We've seen that throughout history. Go do great and good things and they will. They are amazing. They've given so much, and I know you all think that you have the best staff. Unfortunately, I do. A lot of them, you know, are available just want to say. So I want them to take what they've learned into their future endeavors. And I want to make sure that the legacy that we leave is a legacy of service, of who we serve, and who we stand for.\r\nFinally, I want to thank my family. My husband, Darwin, who's toiling away in the clinic as we speak. My daughter, Althea, and my son, Nathan. My six brothers and sisters who are fairly famous all across North Dakota. I would like to just say they've been my rock. Finally, I want to thank my mom and dad, because they taught me and my siblings to stand up for what is right. To have our voices heard, and I know they're watching me from above, and I wanted to thank them for raising a rowdy, boisterous, and determined crew who made each other's best friends. My mother and father made us strong.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63E7D184-040B-4195-A8D0-E980C46E4A8B", "Heitkamp Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today issued the following statement after leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\nOne of my top priorities during my time in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a strong Farm Bill that strengthens support for North Dakota crop and livestock producers. In 2014, I helped write, negotiate, and pass a Farm Bill that did just that and I've been working on the Farm Bill conference committee to make sure the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill reflects the strong, bipartisan bill that was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate earlier this year, said Heitkamp. Fundamentally, this final legislation is the Senate Farm Bill with a few minor tweaks  and it rebuffs many of the purely partisan provisions in the House version. I'm proud that priorities I fought to include  such as programming for young and beginning farmers, trade promotion dollars for Cuba, commonsense fixes to ARC-CO, and the elimination of permanent easements have all been included in the final version of the bill. Particularly during a time of uncertainty in farm country due to the administration's ongoing trade war, it's critical that we get this important piece of legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress to provide much-needed peace of mind for the rural economy, a robust safety net for growers, and expanded not limited access to important global markets for our producers.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.\r\nThe final 2018 Farm Bill includes many key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota farmers,ranchers, and families, including her fix to the ARC-County program, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, her priority to protect and improve crop insurance, and her proposal to help farmers and ranchers handle the stress of working in an industry as volatile as agriculture.\r\nProvisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:\r\n \r\nHer bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHer priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most or all of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to support rural Native American communities.Heitkamp successfully included an amendment to establish a permanent Rural Development Tribal Technical Assistance Office to provide technical assistance across all areas of rural development funding. The provision, part of herTribal Food and Housing Security Actto ensure Native American communities are supported in the 2018 Farm Bill, would support rural business and community development, housing, rural infrastructure like electric and telecommunications services, and rural hospitals and health care.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B64E4C25-5F0B-4189-B897-76FB2D60D7A3", "Heitkamp Helps U.S. Senate Pass Strong, Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill; Legislation Includes Major Wins Heitkamp Fought for to Support North Dakotas Farm Economy", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today voted with a bipartisan majority to pass the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of the U.S. Senate. The legislation will now head to the U.S. House and will thenif passed proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nAs one of nine senators on the bipartisan Farm Bill Conference Committee, Heitkamp fought to include several provisions to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Among other wins, Heitkamp successfully worked to include her fix to the ARC-County program, her amendment to boost agricultural exports to Cuba, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, and her priority to protect and expand crop insurance.\r\nThe North Dakota agricultural economy is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty and one of my top priorities since arriving in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a robust Farm Bill that gives farm and ranch families the peace of mind they need during times like these, said Heitkamp. This final bill largely reflects the strongly bipartisan bill I helped craft and pass in the Senate earlier this year and it rejects many of the partisan provisions found in the House version of the bill. The legislation passed in the Senate today includes major victories I fought to include to strengthen support for North Dakota's crop and livestock producers, including fixes to ARC-County, expanded Tribal Promise Zones, the elimination of permanent easements, and trade promotion resources for U.S.-Cuba trade. Every day I wake up thinking about rural America, and this Farm Bill would give our rural communities additional opportunities for economic growth. Now, it's critical that the House votes to push this bill across the finish line before the close of this Congress.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.\r\nProvisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:\r\n \r\nHer bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHer priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63E7D184-040B-4195-A8D0-E980C46E4A8B", "Heitkamp Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today issued the following statement after leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\nOne of my top priorities during my time in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a strong Farm Bill that strengthens support for North Dakota crop and livestock producers. In 2014, I helped write, negotiate, and pass a Farm Bill that did just that and I've been working on the Farm Bill conference committee to make sure the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill reflects the strong, bipartisan bill that was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate earlier this year, said Heitkamp. Fundamentally, this final legislation is the Senate Farm Bill with a few minor tweaks  and it rebuffs many of the purely partisan provisions in the House version. I'm proud that priorities I fought to include  such as programming for young and beginning farmers, trade promotion dollars for Cuba, commonsense fixes to ARC-CO, and the elimination of permanent easements have all been included in the final version of the bill. Particularly during a time of uncertainty in farm country due to the administration's ongoing trade war, it's critical that we get this important piece of legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress to provide much-needed peace of mind for the rural economy, a robust safety net for growers, and expanded not limited access to important global markets for our producers.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.\r\nThe final 2018 Farm Bill includes many key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota farmers,ranchers, and families, including her fix to the ARC-County program, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, her priority to protect and improve crop insurance, and her proposal to help farmers and ranchers handle the stress of working in an industry as volatile as agriculture.\r\nProvisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:\r\n \r\nHer bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHer priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most or all of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to support rural Native American communities.Heitkamp successfully included an amendment to establish a permanent Rural Development Tribal Technical Assistance Office to provide technical assistance across all areas of rural development funding. The provision, part of herTribal Food and Housing Security Actto ensure Native American communities are supported in the 2018 Farm Bill, would support rural business and community development, housing, rural infrastructure like electric and telecommunications services, and rural hospitals and health care.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B64E4C25-5F0B-4189-B897-76FB2D60D7A3", "Heitkamp Helps U.S. Senate Pass Strong, Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill; Legislation Includes Major Wins Heitkamp Fought for to Support North Dakotas Farm Economy", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today voted with a bipartisan majority to pass the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of the U.S. Senate. The legislation will now head to the U.S. House and will thenif passed proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nAs one of nine senators on the bipartisan Farm Bill Conference Committee, Heitkamp fought to include several provisions to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Among other wins, Heitkamp successfully worked to include her fix to the ARC-County program, her amendment to boost agricultural exports to Cuba, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, and her priority to protect and expand crop insurance.\r\nThe North Dakota agricultural economy is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty and one of my top priorities since arriving in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a robust Farm Bill that gives farm and ranch families the peace of mind they need during times like these, said Heitkamp. This final bill largely reflects the strongly bipartisan bill I helped craft and pass in the Senate earlier this year and it rejects many of the partisan provisions found in the House version of the bill. The legislation passed in the Senate today includes major victories I fought to include to strengthen support for North Dakota's crop and livestock producers, including fixes to ARC-County, expanded Tribal Promise Zones, the elimination of permanent easements, and trade promotion resources for U.S.-Cuba trade. Every day I wake up thinking about rural America, and this Farm Bill would give our rural communities additional opportunities for economic growth. Now, it's critical that the House votes to push this bill across the finish line before the close of this Congress.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.\r\nProvisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:\r\n \r\nHer bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHer priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE552A51-E9AE-4DAA-A942-14C1DE7D2371", "U.S. Senate Passes Heitkamps Savannas Act to Shed Light on Nationwide Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heitkamp Named the Legislation in Memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, Who Was Tragically Killed Last Year in North Dakota \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to pass Savanna's Act, a landmark bill she introduced to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women.\r\nOn some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.\r\nNamed for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.\r\nWhen I introduced this bill last year, I wanted to honor the memory of Savanna and spark a nationwide call to action against the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. For tar too long, this crisis in our Native American communities has been unnoticed, ignored, and unreported, said Heitkamp. Today's unanimous passage of Savanna's Act in the U.S. Senate is a major step in raising awareness about this growing epidemic. By improving tribal access to federal law enforcement databases, we are protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens and putting guidelines in place to potentially save lives. And as we remember the life of Savanna and the unimaginable pain of those eight days of friends and family searching for her, this legislation will help law enforcement agencies better collect and maintain data on those missing and help our criminal justice system take stronger action against those who traffic in exploitation, abuse, and murder. When I first came to the U.S. Senate, one of my top priorities was to build stronger and safer futures for kids across North Dakota's reservationsand earlier this year, I was proud to watch my AMBER Alert in Indian County Act become law. With Savanna's Act moving one step closer to being signed into law, I hope my colleagues will take up this mantle and continue to fight for legislative action that protects all women and children and promotes safety and healing across Indian Country. And the U.S. House should immediately pass my bill.\r\nIn October 2017, Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate as she introduced Savanna's Act, where she shared the stories from families of missing and murdered Native women. Click here to watch her full remarks.\r\nAnd in November 2017, Heitkamp launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.\r\nLast month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs voted to advance Savanna's Act just as a report from the Urban Indian Health Institute found extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it. Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.\r\nClick here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.\r\nSpecifically, Savanna's Act would:\r\n \r\nImprove data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.\r\n \r\nClick here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:\r\n\r\n \r\nCombating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.\r\n \r\n \r\nKeeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE552A51-E9AE-4DAA-A942-14C1DE7D2371", "U.S. Senate Passes Heitkamps Savannas Act to Shed Light on Nationwide Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heitkamp Named the Legislation in Memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, Who Was Tragically Killed Last Year in North Dakota \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to pass Savanna's Act, a landmark bill she introduced to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women.\r\nOn some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.\r\nNamed for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.\r\nWhen I introduced this bill last year, I wanted to honor the memory of Savanna and spark a nationwide call to action against the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. For tar too long, this crisis in our Native American communities has been unnoticed, ignored, and unreported, said Heitkamp. Today's unanimous passage of Savanna's Act in the U.S. Senate is a major step in raising awareness about this growing epidemic. By improving tribal access to federal law enforcement databases, we are protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens and putting guidelines in place to potentially save lives. And as we remember the life of Savanna and the unimaginable pain of those eight days of friends and family searching for her, this legislation will help law enforcement agencies better collect and maintain data on those missing and help our criminal justice system take stronger action against those who traffic in exploitation, abuse, and murder. When I first came to the U.S. Senate, one of my top priorities was to build stronger and safer futures for kids across North Dakota's reservationsand earlier this year, I was proud to watch my AMBER Alert in Indian County Act become law. With Savanna's Act moving one step closer to being signed into law, I hope my colleagues will take up this mantle and continue to fight for legislative action that protects all women and children and promotes safety and healing across Indian Country. And the U.S. House should immediately pass my bill.\r\nIn October 2017, Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate as she introduced Savanna's Act, where she shared the stories from families of missing and murdered Native women. Click here to watch her full remarks.\r\nAnd in November 2017, Heitkamp launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.\r\nLast month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs voted to advance Savanna's Act just as a report from the Urban Indian Health Institute found extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it. Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.\r\nClick here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.\r\nSpecifically, Savanna's Act would:\r\n \r\nImprove data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.\r\n \r\nClick here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:\r\n\r\n \r\nCombating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.\r\n \r\n \r\nKeeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=53D6B25D-4726-4B4C-A830-6878D35F407C", "Heitkamp Nominates Six ND Students to Military Service Academies", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated six outstanding North Dakota students to the nation's military service academies.\r\nHeitkamp nominated Ian Pytlik of Horace, Ruby Romsland from a North Dakota military family, Spencer Weisgram of West Fargo, Colton Willits of Walhalla, Morgan Adams of Richland County, and London Lambrecht of Bismarck.\r\nNorth Dakota knows how to honor service to our nation and raise outstanding leaders for our military, Heitkamp said. This impressive group of nominees should be applauded for their desire to serve, and I know they'll represent North Dakota and our nation well.\r\nMembers of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nBelow are further details on the students Heitkamp has nominated:\r\nIan Pytlik  United States Naval Academy\r\nIan, from Horace, is active in various athletics, clubs and organizations, including student council, Key Club, hockey, football, baseball, and the Boy Scouts. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project.\r\nRuby Romsland - United States Military Academy, West Point\r\nRuby is from a North Dakota military family, and her dad is a Navy Seal. She aspires to attend medical school and continue her family's tradition of military service.\r\nSpencer Weisgram  United States Military Academy, West Point\r\nSpencer, from West Fargo, currently attends Culver Academies in Indiana. Spencer is on Honor Council, plays in the Culver hockey program, and is a member of the Culver Cadet Club and drill team.\r\nColton Willits  United States Air Force Academy\r\nColton, from Walhalla, attends North Border Walhalla High School. He serves as Secretary of State and is on the Color Guard for North Dakota Boys State, participated in the North Dakota Leadership Seminar, in on the North Dakota Student Cabinet, National Honor Society, is a church school leader, and plays basketball, track, and served as captain of the varsity football team.\r\nMorgan Adams  United States Air Force Academy\r\nMorgan, from Richland County, is enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard. She graduated from Richland 44 High School where she was involved with varsity softball, rifle team, and FFA. Morgan has begun taking college courses with Community College of the Air Force.\r\nLondon Lambrecht United States Merchant Marine Academy\r\nLondon, from Bismarck, is a senior at Shiloh Christian School. She is a member of Student Council, runs varsity track, cross country, and plays basketball.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=53D6B25D-4726-4B4C-A830-6878D35F407C", "Heitkamp Nominates Six ND Students to Military Service Academies", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated six outstanding North Dakota students to the nation's military service academies.\r\nHeitkamp nominated Ian Pytlik of Horace, Ruby Romsland from a North Dakota military family, Spencer Weisgram of West Fargo, Colton Willits of Walhalla, Morgan Adams of Richland County, and London Lambrecht of Bismarck.\r\nNorth Dakota knows how to honor service to our nation and raise outstanding leaders for our military, Heitkamp said. This impressive group of nominees should be applauded for their desire to serve, and I know they'll represent North Dakota and our nation well.\r\nMembers of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.\r\nBelow are further details on the students Heitkamp has nominated:\r\nIan Pytlik  United States Naval Academy\r\nIan, from Horace, is a senior at NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL. Ian is active in various athletics, clubs and organizations, including student council, Key Club, hockey, football, baseball, and the Boy Scouts. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project.\r\nRuby Romsland - United States Military Academy, West Point\r\nRuby is from a North Dakota military family, and her dad is a Navy Seal. She aspires to attend medical school and continue her family's tradition of military service.\r\nSpencer Weisgram  United States Military Academy, West Point\r\nSpencer, from West Fargo, currently attends Culver Academies in Indiana. Spencer is on Honor Council, plays in the Culver hockey program, and is a member of the Culver Cadet Club and drill team.\r\nColton Willits  United States Air Force Academy\r\nColton, from Walhalla, attends North Border Walhalla High School. He has participated in Boys State and the North Dakota Leadership Seminar, and served as captain of the varsity football team.\r\nMorgan Adams  United States Air Force Academy\r\nMorgan, from Richland County, is enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard. She graduated from Richland 44 High School where she was involved with varsity softball, rifle team, and FFA. Morgan has begun taking college courses with Community College of the Air Force.\r\nLondon Lambrecht United States Merchant Marine Academy\r\nLondon, from Bismarck, is a senior at Shiloh Christian School. She is a member of Student Council, runs varsity track, cross country, and plays basketball.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C9E2737-4D92-4CAA-A651-425DA2EEFB03", "Heitkamps Savannas Act Advances in Senate Committee as New Report Sheds Light on Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today voted to advance Savanna's Act, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp's legislation to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women. Today's hearing comes as a new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute finds extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it.\r\nNamed for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.\r\nWhen I introduced Savanna's Act, one of the main goals was to raise the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women to a national level and begin the conversation of how to address it. Today's passage of Savanna's Act in the Indian Affairs Committee is another important step forward, and a sign that this issue is closer to gaining the attention it deserves, Heitkamp said. Not only will the bill help make sure law enforcement has guidelines in place to respond to cases of those who go missing or are murdered, but it will also encourage law enforcement agencies to submit data on those cases annually to the Department of Justice. I was proud to help pass the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act into law earlier this year to help protect Native children, and through Savanna's Act and the #NotInvisible campaign the effort to give these issues the attention they deserve will continue.\r\nAlso today, Heitkamp helped introduce a Senate resolution designating this November as National Native American Heritage Month. Last November, Heitkamp she launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.\r\nHeitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference today in Washington. She was joined by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with advocates for Native women and families. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.\r\nOn some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.\r\nClick here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.\r\nSpecifically, Savanna's Act would:\r\n \r\nImprove data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.\r\n \r\nClick here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:\r\n\r\n \r\nCombating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.\r\n \r\n \r\nKeeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C9E2737-4D92-4CAA-A651-425DA2EEFB03", "Heitkamps Savannas Act Advances in Senate Committee as New Report Sheds Light on Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today voted to advance Savanna's Act, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp's legislation to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women. Today's hearing comes as a new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute finds extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it.\r\nNamed for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.\r\nWhen I introduced Savanna's Act, one of the main goals was to raise the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women to a national level and begin the conversation of how to address it. Today's passage of Savanna's Act in the Indian Affairs Committee is another important step forward, and a sign that this issue is closer to gaining the attention it deserves, Heitkamp said. Not only will the bill help make sure law enforcement has guidelines in place to respond to cases of those who go missing or are murdered, but it will also encourage law enforcement agencies to submit data on those cases annually to the Department of Justice. I was proud to help pass the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act into law earlier this year to help protect Native children, and through Savanna's Act and the #NotInvisible campaign the effort to give these issues the attention they deserve will continue.\r\nAlso today, Heitkamp helped introduce a Senate resolution designating this November as National Native American Heritage Month. Last November, Heitkamp she launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.\r\nHeitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference today in Washington. She was joined by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with advocates for Native women and families. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.\r\nOn some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.\r\nClick here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.\r\nSpecifically, Savanna's Act would:\r\n \r\nImprove data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.\r\n \r\nClick here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:\r\n\r\n \r\nCombating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.\r\n \r\n \r\nKeeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E14D1C10-3365-4036-9AF8-0235A310719B", "New USDA Data Show No U.S. Soybean Exports to China Last Week; Exports Down 97% This Marketing Year", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Data released today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the administration's trade war is creating an increasingly critical situation for U.S. soybean growers, with zero exports to China last week in what is typically the peak season for shipments. During the same week last year, the U.S. exported 1.74 million metric tons of soybeans to China. About 70 percent of North Dakota soybeans are typically exported to Asia, primarily China.\r\nU.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1, total 201,685 metric tons, compared to 6.4 million metric tons at this time last year, a 97 percent decrease. According to reports this week, in response to the trade war, China is moving to cut U.S. soybeans out of their market, shifting their supply chain to U.S. competitors like Brazil and cutting soybeans out of animal feed.\r\nThese numbers are staggering and unprecedented since North Dakota farmers have spent decades developing the Chinese market for their soybeans. The loss of the Chinese market due to the administration's trade war is an unfolding disaster for North Dakota soybean farmers, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers work hard all season and take huge financial risks to get their crops from seed to the combine. But instead of a payday, they're facing financial hardship and uncertainty as they struggle to store their beans. It's time for the administration to realize that there are no winners in a trade war. \r\nThe decline in U.S. soybean exports to China is illustrated in the following graph:\r\nWeekly Exports of U.S. Soybeans to China\r\nSource: USDA/FAS/Export Sales Reporting, 10/25/2018\r\nAs North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving unsold beans occupying grain elevators and bins rather than heading overseas.\r\nThe trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. According to Wilson, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel. In some areas of North Dakota cash bids for soybeans have fallen below $7 per bushel, as North Dakota grain buyers struggle to find markets for refugee soybeans that don't really have a home anymore due to the trade war.\r\nSoybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:\r\n\r\nWhile some markets like the European Union increasing their purchases of U.S. soybeans, it's not nearly enough to make up for the decline of the Chinese market. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.\r\nSoybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed USDA for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Earlier this year Heitkamp brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E14D1C10-3365-4036-9AF8-0235A310719B", "New USDA Data Show No U.S. Soybean Exports to China Last Week; Exports Down 97% This Marketing Year", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Data released today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the administration's trade war is creating an increasingly critical situation for U.S. soybean growers, with zero exports to China last week in what is typically the peak season for shipments. During the same week last year, the U.S. exported 1.74 million metric tons of soybeans to China. About 70 percent of North Dakota soybeans are typically exported to Asia, primarily China.\r\nU.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1, total 201,685 metric tons, compared to 6.4 million metric tons at this time last year, a 97 percent decrease. According to reports this week, in response to the trade war, China is moving to cut U.S. soybeans out of their market, shifting their supply chain to U.S. competitors like Brazil and cutting soybeans out of animal feed.\r\nThese numbers are staggering and unprecedented since North Dakota farmers have spent decades developing the Chinese market for their soybeans. The loss of the Chinese market due to the administration's trade war is an unfolding disaster for North Dakota soybean farmers, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers work hard all season and take huge financial risks to get their crops from seed to the combine. But instead of a payday, they're facing financial hardship and uncertainty as they struggle to store their beans. It's time for the administration to realize that there are no winners in a trade war. \r\nThe decline in U.S. soybean exports to China is illustrated in the following graph:\r\nWeekly Exports of U.S. Soybeans to China\r\nSource: USDA/FAS/Export Sales Reporting, 10/25/2018\r\nAs North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving unsold beans occupying grain elevators and bins rather than heading overseas.\r\nThe trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. According to Wilson, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel. In some areas of North Dakota cash bids for soybeans have fallen below $7 per bushel, as North Dakota grain buyers struggle to find markets for refugee soybeans that don't really have a home anymore due to the trade war.\r\nSoybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:\r\n\r\nWhile some markets like the European Union increasing their purchases of U.S. soybeans, it's not nearly enough to make up for the decline of the Chinese market. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.\r\nSoybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed USDA for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Earlier this year Heitkamp brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4A464AB8-4596-4094-8F8E-4B40A41FA0FF", "Heitkamp: With Exports Plummeting, ND Edible Bean Growers Need Relief from Trade War", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heitkamp Urging Administration to Address Agriculture Issues in Talks with EU Over New Free Trade Agreement  \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the administration to push the European Union (EU) to drop retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like edible beans as they move forward with negotiations for a new free trade agreement.\r\nThe EU declared that it doesn't intend to address agriculture in any new trade agreement as long as the administration's tariffs on EU goods, imposed in June, are in place. After the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from the EU, the EU enacted retaliatory tariffs that are hurting North Dakota farmers like edible bean producers  a predictable consequence of the administration's trade war. North Dakota farmers suffering losses may have to decrease production due to the trade war's impact on their markets.\r\nThe administration's trade war isn't just hurting soybean farmers  retaliatory tariffs are putting North Dakota edible bean producers at risk and decreasing their exports, a bad sign for our weakening farm economy, Heitkamp said. As the administration begins the process of negotiating a new trade agreement with the EU, they must do so in a way that addresses the concerns of agriculture and protects American workers. With farmers already looking with concern toward 2019, there's no time to waste  we need these issues addressed quickly to protect our farmers, markets for our goods, and the rural communities that rely on a strong ag economy.\r\nHeitkamp pointed to data showing a 23 percent decrease in edible bean exports to the EU this year compared to 2017. North Dakota farmers grew 35 percent of total U.S. edible bean production in 2017, and lead the nation in the production of navy and pinto beans, underscoring how vulnerable North Dakota farmers are to the downturn in agriculture caused by the trade war. Last year, the value of U.S. edible bean exports to the EU was $170.6 million.\r\nClick here to read Heitkamp's letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62F4D3AA-26BF-483F-9A33-4A026E87B40D", "President Signs into Law Comprehensive Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Combat Childhood Trauma, Fight Addiction Crisis in Rural America", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation she helped pass to address the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic in North Dakota and across the country. The comprehensive bill includes several of Heitkamp's provisions that will help mitigate the detrimental effects exposure to trauma, like a parent's drug abuse, can have on children.\r\nTraumatic experiences such as those related to addiction can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can negatively impact children throughout their lives, especially in rural or underserved areas. Young people who experiencefour or moretraumatic eventsarethree times more at riskof heart disease or lung cancer, while those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare30 times more likelyto attempt suicide.\r\nHeitkamp's trauma-related provisions in the opioid law will establish a task force to identify the best ways to combat trauma, boost awareness about the prevalence of trauma, give North Dakota schools the mental health resources they need, and address shortages of trauma-informed workers in rural America.\r\nAs more North Dakota families are devastated by the scourge of addiction, we need to dramatically increase our support for prevention, treatment, and first responder effortsand this bill is a major step in that fight, said Heitkamp. As part of a full-court press against this public health crisis, I've long pushed for legislation that addresses the impacts of childhood exposure to trauma, because we have far too many kids who could be scarred for life due to this epidemic. With this bipartisan bill now signed into law, my provisions will help promote successful interventions and boost the mental and behavioral health workforce in Indian Country and rural areas. By putting more kids and families on the road to recovery and improved mental health, we are building stronger and safer communities long into the future.\r\nOver the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deathsincreased by nearly 400 percentfrom 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupledamong 18-25 year olds.\r\nTo help address these rising rates of overdose deaths, the bill includes Heitkamp's provisions to improve the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grant program, which she proposedin legislation she introduced earlier this year. The legislation will increase flexibility for local communities to address the addiction crisis, enable tribes to apply directly for grants, and create a tribal set-aside.\r\nThe provisions from Heitkamp'sTrauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Actshe fought to include in the law will help combat the crisis and boost access to trauma-informed treatment by:\r\n \r\nEstablishing an interagency task force to identify best practices.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant tribal agency professionals will work to identify a set of best practices that improve capacity and coordination for the identification, referral, and support of children and families that have experienced or at risk of experiencing trauma.\r\n \r\n \r\nUnderstanding the prevalence of trauma.Data collection and reporting by states will be expanded to include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in behavioral health surveys.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncreasing funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.Funding will provide technical assistance, direct services to communities, and will support evaluations and dissemination of best practices in trauma-informed care for children and families.\r\n \r\n \r\nIntegrating mental health practices in schools.Grants will link educational agencies with mental health systems to increase student access to evidence-based trauma support services to help prevent and mitigate trauma that children and youth experience due to substance abuse.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing workforce shortages.Health professionals in the National Health Service Corps will be able to provide behavioral and mental health services in schools or other community-based settings. Additionally, trauma-informed training will be included as part of graduate education and training programs.\r\n \r\nHeitkamp has long been a leader in drawing attention and proposing solutions to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts. In August,Heitkamp met with several grandparentswho have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies. During their discussion, she discussed with the families the impact of$20 million in federal funding she helped secureto support family caretakers of vulnerable children.\r\nLast month, Heitkamp held a roundtable discussionon combating the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.\r\nAnd as a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Heitkamp earlier this week participated in a hearing on combatting the trafficking of illegal fentanyl from China. The hearing included testimony from administration officials, including from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to discuss the development and implementation of new strategies to crack down on fentanyl produced in China and shipped to the United States.\r\nAs part of herStrong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota over the past few years on combating opioid and other substance abuse. These have included meetings inBismarck,Grand Forks,Minot, Fargo, Jamestown, Dickinson,and Hazen.\r\nBackground\r\nSince fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.\r\nHeitkamp has worked to combat North Dakota's opioid abuse crisis through intervention and treatment, including by introducing a bill called theLifeBOAT Actto provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.Additionally, she helpedpass legislationin 2016, which became law, which offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has consistently fought to prioritize robust, direct funding to tribal communities as they address the drug abuse and addiction crisis in Indian Country. In March 2018,Heitkamp participated in a hearingin the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on combating the opioid addiction epidemic in Indian Country. While grilling a U.S. Department of Justice official, Heitkamp stressed the serious need for more federal law enforcement agents on reservations to provide quality criminal investigations and crack down on illegal narcotics trafficking.Click hereto see the full video from the hearing.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4A464AB8-4596-4094-8F8E-4B40A41FA0FF", "Heitkamp: With Exports Plummeting, ND Edible Bean Growers Need Relief from Trade War", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heitkamp Urging Administration to Address Agriculture Issues in Talks with EU Over New Free Trade Agreement  \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the administration to push the European Union (EU) to drop retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like edible beans as they move forward with negotiations for a new free trade agreement.\r\nThe EU declared that it doesn't intend to address agriculture in any new trade agreement as long as the administration's tariffs on EU goods, imposed in June, are in place. After the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from the EU, the EU enacted retaliatory tariffs that are hurting North Dakota farmers like edible bean producers  a predictable consequence of the administration's trade war. North Dakota farmers suffering losses may have to decrease production due to the trade war's impact on their markets.\r\nThe administration's trade war isn't just hurting soybean farmers  retaliatory tariffs are putting North Dakota edible bean producers at risk and decreasing their exports, a bad sign for our weakening farm economy, Heitkamp said. As the administration begins the process of negotiating a new trade agreement with the EU, they must do so in a way that addresses the concerns of agriculture and protects American workers. With farmers already looking with concern toward 2019, there's no time to waste  we need these issues addressed quickly to protect our farmers, markets for our goods, and the rural communities that rely on a strong ag economy.\r\nHeitkamp pointed to data showing a 23 percent decrease in edible bean exports to the EU this year compared to 2017. North Dakota farmers grew 35 percent of total U.S. edible bean production in 2017, and lead the nation in the production of navy and pinto beans, underscoring how vulnerable North Dakota farmers are to the downturn in agriculture caused by the trade war. Last year, the value of U.S. edible bean exports to the EU was $170.6 million.\r\nClick here to read Heitkamp's letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62F4D3AA-26BF-483F-9A33-4A026E87B40D", "President Signs into Law Comprehensive Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Combat Childhood Trauma, Fight Addiction Crisis in Rural America", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation she helped pass to address the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic in North Dakota and across the country. The comprehensive bill includes several of Heitkamp's provisions that will help mitigate the detrimental effects exposure to trauma, like a parent's drug abuse, can have on children.\r\nTraumatic experiences such as those related to addiction can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can negatively impact children throughout their lives, especially in rural or underserved areas. Young people who experiencefour or moretraumatic eventsarethree times more at riskof heart disease or lung cancer, while those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare30 times more likelyto attempt suicide.\r\nHeitkamp's trauma-related provisions in the opioid law will establish a task force to identify the best ways to combat trauma, boost awareness about the prevalence of trauma, give North Dakota schools the mental health resources they need, and address shortages of trauma-informed workers in rural America.\r\nAs more North Dakota families are devastated by the scourge of addiction, we need to dramatically increase our support for prevention, treatment, and first responder effortsand this bill is a major step in that fight, said Heitkamp. As part of a full-court press against this public health crisis, I've long pushed for legislation that addresses the impacts of childhood exposure to trauma, because we have far too many kids who could be scarred for life due to this epidemic. With this bipartisan bill now signed into law, my provisions will help promote successful interventions and boost the mental and behavioral health workforce in Indian Country and rural areas. By putting more kids and families on the road to recovery and improved mental health, we are building stronger and safer communities long into the future.\r\nOver the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deathsincreased by nearly 400 percentfrom 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupledamong 18-25 year olds.\r\nTo help address these rising rates of overdose deaths, the bill includes Heitkamp's provisions to improve the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grant program, which she proposedin legislation she introduced earlier this year. The legislation will increase flexibility for local communities to address the addiction crisis, enable tribes to apply directly for grants, and create a tribal set-aside.\r\nThe provisions from Heitkamp'sTrauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Actshe fought to include in the law will help combat the crisis and boost access to trauma-informed treatment by:\r\n \r\nEstablishing an interagency task force to identify best practices.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant tribal agency professionals will work to identify a set of best practices that improve capacity and coordination for the identification, referral, and support of children and families that have experienced or at risk of experiencing trauma.\r\n \r\n \r\nUnderstanding the prevalence of trauma.Data collection and reporting by states will be expanded to include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in behavioral health surveys.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncreasing funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.Funding will provide technical assistance, direct services to communities, and will support evaluations and dissemination of best practices in trauma-informed care for children and families.\r\n \r\n \r\nIntegrating mental health practices in schools.Grants will link educational agencies with mental health systems to increase student access to evidence-based trauma support services to help prevent and mitigate trauma that children and youth experience due to substance abuse.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing workforce shortages.Health professionals in the National Health Service Corps will be able to provide behavioral and mental health services in schools or other community-based settings. Additionally, trauma-informed training will be included as part of graduate education and training programs.\r\n \r\nHeitkamp has long been a leader in drawing attention and proposing solutions to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts. In August,Heitkamp met with several grandparentswho have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies. During their discussion, she discussed with the families the impact of$20 million in federal funding she helped secureto support family caretakers of vulnerable children.\r\nLast month, Heitkamp held a roundtable discussionon combating the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.\r\nAnd as a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Heitkamp earlier this week participated in a hearing on combatting the trafficking of illegal fentanyl from China. The hearing included testimony from administration officials, including from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to discuss the development and implementation of new strategies to crack down on fentanyl produced in China and shipped to the United States.\r\nAs part of herStrong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota over the past few years on combating opioid and other substance abuse. These have included meetings inBismarck,Grand Forks,Minot, Fargo, Jamestown, Dickinson,and Hazen.\r\nBackground\r\nSince fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.\r\nHeitkamp has worked to combat North Dakota's opioid abuse crisis through intervention and treatment, including by introducing a bill called theLifeBOAT Actto provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.Additionally, she helpedpass legislationin 2016, which became law, which offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has consistently fought to prioritize robust, direct funding to tribal communities as they address the drug abuse and addiction crisis in Indian Country. In March 2018,Heitkamp participated in a hearingin the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on combating the opioid addiction epidemic in Indian Country. While grilling a U.S. Department of Justice official, Heitkamp stressed the serious need for more federal law enforcement agents on reservations to provide quality criminal investigations and crack down on illegal narcotics trafficking.Click hereto see the full video from the hearing.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A725A64E-01D9-4631-896E-39AC413ED24B", "President Signs Bipartisan Water Resources Bill into Law, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Support Devils Lake Flood Protection & FM Diversion", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Includes Support for FM Diversion, Heitkamp's Legislation to Help Small and Rural Water Systems Meet Federal Wastewater Rules \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law a comprehensive water infrastructure bill that includes several provisions she fought for, including strengthened support for critical water projects in Devils Lake, Fargo, and across rural North Dakota.\r\nThe bipartisan legislation includes Heitkamp's provision to provide federal funding for long-term maintenance and operation costs related to the permanent levee protecting the City of Devils Lake and the surrounding area from flood waters.Additionally, the bill includes a provision that provides authority to build flood protections on several deed-restricted properties as part of the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project.\r\nNorth Dakota is no stranger to devastating floods, and families in the Lake Region and the Red River Valley are rightfully concerned about the life-threatening dangers they could face from the next major flood event. That's why we need to advance smart, cost-effective, and permanent flood protection that keeps our communities strong and safe, said Heitkamp. As President Trump signs this bipartisan water infrastructure bill into law today, we are another step closer to making sure the federal government pays its fair share to operate and maintain the Devils Lake Embankment a critical component of the area's resiliency against flooding. And this bill also includes an amendment I fought to include, which would allow the Fargo-Moorhead area to overcome burdensome federal restrictions, build important infrastructure, and sufficiently protect homes and businesses in the region. I'll keep fighting to strengthen our defenses against flooding and to keep our rural water clean, because all North Dakotans deserve that peace of mind.\r\nFrom 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake rose more than 30 feet and quadrupled in size, underscoring the urgent need to maintain the levee protecting the city. Under Heitkamp's provision, the federal government could cover up to 100 percent of the embankment's associated operations and maintenance costs, preventing the city from needing to use local tax dollars to fund all necessary upkeep costs. Her legislative fix will also help pay for future repairs, such as the replacement of aging water pumps along the embankment.\r\nIn February, Heitkamp wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee urging them to prioritize long-term maintenance costs of the Devils Lake levee in the upcoming water resources bill. Heitkamp requested that the federal government assist the community in covering the extraordinary burden of long-term maintenance, particularly as the project built under emergency conditions and is now permanent.\r\nThebipartisanbillalso includes Heitkamp's provision to allow the construction of flood protections on several deed-restricted properties in the Fargo area. Due to recent changes made to the FM Diversion Project following the work of the Governors' Task Force, it was determined that several properties that were otherwise deed-restricted now were necessary to construct the project. Heitkamp's fix is broad enough to cover other Fargo properties needed for permanent protections that are currently deed-restricted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the potential sites of future levees.\r\nHeitkamp crafted and fought for this provision following discussions with Fargo-Moorhead community leaders, who strongly advocated for this proposed authority. Heitkamp has also held calls this month with Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works R.D. James, the top civilian official overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding funding for the diversion project in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2018 work plan.\r\nAnd the2018 Water Resources Development Act also includes provisions from Heitkamp's bill to fund training and assistance to improve wastewater treatment in small and rural communities. Heitkamp's provision would provide up to $25 million a year over five years to provide wastewater technical assistance to community water systems serving small, rural, and tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp introduced theSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actlast yearwith U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).The bipartisan bill builds on theirlegislation that was signed into lawto make sure rural towns have federal assistance to offset the cost of complying with federal rules under the Clean Water Act.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists the Fargo area in recovering from past flooding, while also helping protect communities throughout North Dakota, like Devils Lake, from future floods.\r\nIn July 2018, Heitkamp convened Ramsey Country officials and Devils Lake community leaders to discuss ongoing flood protection efforts in the Lake Region, and she also highlighted her provision to fund maintenance and operation costs of the Devils Lake embankment.\r\nIn April 2017, Heitkamp joined Fargo leaders, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, and the Army Corps tocelebrate the groundbreakingof the F-M Diversion. The Army Corpsawarded its first construction contract for the diversion in2016 after Heitkampsuccessfully secured federal support fromOMB and Army Corps leaders fora Fargo construction start, in addition to critical federal funding.\r\nIn October 2016, Heitkampmet with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protectionsthe area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. In July 2016, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for theFargo-Moorhead diversion.\r\nHeitkamp has also consistently worked with FEMA to resolve issues impacting North Dakota flood protection infrastructure. In April,Heitkamp announced that the FEMA officially stated that Valley City can maintain its floodwall. The decision from FEMA was the result of a fix Heitkamp wrote andsuccessfully includedin the funding bill Congress passed in March 2018 that allowed Valley City to keep in place the existing floodwall.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAF394C1-C530-490C-BF23-1E4AB251EAA4", "New Report: 21,000 U.S. Wind Energy Jobs at Risk from Administrations Trade War", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the risk to jobs and economic growth in North Dakota's wind energy industry posed by the administration's trade war.\r\nWind energy is part of North Dakota's all-of-the-above energy success story  but that success is at risk by the administration's trade war, Heitkamp said. Rising input costs are hurting manufacturers and putting future wind projects in doubt, which is bad news for workers in manufacturing and trucking. The trade war could stifle the serious growth our state has seen in wind energy development and jobs after Congress passed a deal I negotiated in 2015 to provide a long-term extension of a tax credit to support wind energy, providing needed certain for producers and workers. And North Dakota farmers and ranchers who benefit from lease payments  especially at a time of reduced commodity prices and uncertainty due to the trade war  could also feel the pain if the trade war continues and new projects are delayed or cancelled.\r\nSteel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for manufacturers, clouding the outlook for the wind energy industry. According to a recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) report, the administration's trade war has put up to 25 percent of future U.S. wind projects at risk. Nationwide, 21,000 jobs in the industry are at risk from the trade war. In North Dakota, nearly 3,000 jobs are supported by the industry, according to the report.\r\nAccording to a recent report in Bloomberg, the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and parts like blades, gearboxes, and crank shafts will ultimately lead to higher energy costs for consumers.\r\nHeitkamp helped negotiate a long-term extension of federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy in 2015 as part of her successful effort to build a bipartisan coalition around her plan to lift the ban on exporting domestic oil. That effort boosted wind energy development jobs across the state in the past several years, and in August, AWEA presented Heitkamp with the Wind Champion Award at Geronimo's wind farm near Courtenay.\r\nNorth Dakota was the No. 1 state in the nation in 2017 for wind energy jobs per capita. This translates into thousands of wind jobs in North Dakota that support families and powers businesses that is critical to growing the economy.\r\nThe trade war is having a ripple effect across the economy, according to the AWEA report, threatening jobs in manufacturing and trucking industries, and putting farmers and ranchers who rely on lease payments at risk.\r\nThe administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the oil and gas industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. CNBC recently reported that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.\r\nHeitkamp is helping to lead a bipartisan effort to reverse the tariffs that put the wind energy industry at risk. She joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the steel and aluminum tariffs.\r\nHeitkamp has a long record of supporting North Dakota's energy workers, including wind. In August, Heitkamp spoke at the groundbreaking of Excel Energy's Foxtail Wind Farm near Ellendale. In April 2017, she visited LM Wind in Grand Forks to reinforce the importance of supporting wind energy development. In July 2016, she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Energy's Border Wind Farm. In April 2015, Heitkamp toured Fargo's 70-year-old Ulteig Engineers to discuss the direly needed build-out of North Dakota's energy infrastructure with a particular focus on providing certainty to wind energy industry workers. In January 2014, Heitkamp toured Iberdrola Wind Farm near Rugby and in May 2013, Heitkamp attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bison Wind Energy Center near New Salem. She also visited an Otter Tail Power Company and NextEra Energy Resources wind farm near Edgeley in October 2014.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A725A64E-01D9-4631-896E-39AC413ED24B", "President Signs Bipartisan Water Resources Bill into Law, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Support Devils Lake Flood Protection & FM Diversion", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Includes Support for FM Diversion, Heitkamp's Legislation to Help Small and Rural Water Systems Meet Federal Wastewater Rules \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law a comprehensive water infrastructure bill that includes several provisions she fought for, including strengthened support for critical water projects in Devils Lake, Fargo, and across rural North Dakota.\r\nThe bipartisan legislation includes Heitkamp's provision to provide federal funding for long-term maintenance and operation costs related to the permanent levee protecting the City of Devils Lake and the surrounding area from flood waters.Additionally, the bill includes a provision that provides authority to build flood protections on several deed-restricted properties as part of the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project.\r\nNorth Dakota is no stranger to devastating floods, and families in the Lake Region and the Red River Valley are rightfully concerned about the life-threatening dangers they could face from the next major flood event. That's why we need to advance smart, cost-effective, and permanent flood protection that keeps our communities strong and safe, said Heitkamp. As President Trump signs this bipartisan water infrastructure bill into law today, we are another step closer to making sure the federal government pays its fair share to operate and maintain the Devils Lake Embankment a critical component of the area's resiliency against flooding. And this bill also includes an amendment I fought to include, which would allow the Fargo-Moorhead area to overcome burdensome federal restrictions, build important infrastructure, and sufficiently protect homes and businesses in the region. I'll keep fighting to strengthen our defenses against flooding and to keep our rural water clean, because all North Dakotans deserve that peace of mind.\r\nFrom 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake rose more than 30 feet and quadrupled in size, underscoring the urgent need to maintain the levee protecting the city. Under Heitkamp's provision, the federal government could cover up to 100 percent of the embankment's associated operations and maintenance costs, preventing the city from needing to use local tax dollars to fund all necessary upkeep costs. Her legislative fix will also help pay for future repairs, such as the replacement of aging water pumps along the embankment.\r\nIn February, Heitkamp wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee urging them to prioritize long-term maintenance costs of the Devils Lake levee in the upcoming water resources bill. Heitkamp requested that the federal government assist the community in covering the extraordinary burden of long-term maintenance, particularly as the project built under emergency conditions and is now permanent.\r\nThebipartisanbillalso includes Heitkamp's provision to allow the construction of flood protections on several deed-restricted properties in the Fargo area. Due to recent changes made to the FM Diversion Project following the work of the Governors' Task Force, it was determined that several properties that were otherwise deed-restricted now were necessary to construct the project. Heitkamp's fix is broad enough to cover other Fargo properties needed for permanent protections that are currently deed-restricted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the potential sites of future levees.\r\nHeitkamp crafted and fought for this provision following discussions with Fargo-Moorhead community leaders, who strongly advocated for this proposed authority. Heitkamp has also held calls this month with Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works R.D. James, the top civilian official overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding funding for the diversion project in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2018 work plan.\r\nAnd the2018 Water Resources Development Act also includes provisions from Heitkamp's bill to fund training and assistance to improve wastewater treatment in small and rural communities. Heitkamp's provision would provide up to $25 million a year over five years to provide wastewater technical assistance to community water systems serving small, rural, and tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp introduced theSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actlast yearwith U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).The bipartisan bill builds on theirlegislation that was signed into lawto make sure rural towns have federal assistance to offset the cost of complying with federal rules under the Clean Water Act.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists the Fargo area in recovering from past flooding, while also helping protect communities throughout North Dakota, like Devils Lake, from future floods.\r\nIn July 2018, Heitkamp convened Ramsey Country officials and Devils Lake community leaders to discuss ongoing flood protection efforts in the Lake Region, and she also highlighted her provision to fund maintenance and operation costs of the Devils Lake embankment.\r\nIn April 2017, Heitkamp joined Fargo leaders, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, and the Army Corps tocelebrate the groundbreakingof the F-M Diversion. The Army Corpsawarded its first construction contract for the diversion in2016 after Heitkampsuccessfully secured federal support fromOMB and Army Corps leaders fora Fargo construction start, in addition to critical federal funding.\r\nIn October 2016, Heitkampmet with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protectionsthe area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. In July 2016, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for theFargo-Moorhead diversion.\r\nHeitkamp has also consistently worked with FEMA to resolve issues impacting North Dakota flood protection infrastructure. In April,Heitkamp announced that the FEMA officially stated that Valley City can maintain its floodwall. The decision from FEMA was the result of a fix Heitkamp wrote andsuccessfully includedin the funding bill Congress passed in March 2018 that allowed Valley City to keep in place the existing floodwall.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAF394C1-C530-490C-BF23-1E4AB251EAA4", "New Report: 21,000 U.S. Wind Energy Jobs at Risk from Administrations Trade War", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the risk to jobs and economic growth in North Dakota's wind energy industry posed by the administration's trade war.\r\nWind energy is part of North Dakota's all-of-the-above energy success story  but that success is at risk by the administration's trade war, Heitkamp said. Rising input costs are hurting manufacturers and putting future wind projects in doubt, which is bad news for workers in manufacturing and trucking. The trade war could stifle the serious growth our state has seen in wind energy development and jobs after Congress passed a deal I negotiated in 2015 to provide a long-term extension of a tax credit to support wind energy, providing needed certain for producers and workers. And North Dakota farmers and ranchers who benefit from lease payments  especially at a time of reduced commodity prices and uncertainty due to the trade war  could also feel the pain if the trade war continues and new projects are delayed or cancelled.\r\nSteel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for manufacturers, clouding the outlook for the wind energy industry. According to a recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) report, the administration's trade war has put up to 25 percent of future U.S. wind projects at risk. Nationwide, 21,000 jobs in the industry are at risk from the trade war. In North Dakota, nearly 3,000 jobs are supported by the industry, according to the report.\r\nAccording to a recent report in Bloomberg, the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and parts like blades, gearboxes, and crank shafts will ultimately lead to higher energy costs for consumers.\r\nHeitkamp helped negotiate a long-term extension of federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy in 2015 as part of her successful effort to build a bipartisan coalition around her plan to lift the ban on exporting domestic oil. That effort boosted wind energy development jobs across the state in the past several years, and in August, AWEA presented Heitkamp with the Wind Champion Award at Geronimo's wind farm near Courtenay.\r\nNorth Dakota was the No. 1 state in the nation in 2017 for wind energy jobs per capita. This translates into thousands of wind jobs in North Dakota that support families and powers businesses that is critical to growing the economy.\r\nThe trade war is having a ripple effect across the economy, according to the AWEA report, threatening jobs in manufacturing and trucking industries, and putting farmers and ranchers who rely on lease payments at risk.\r\nThe administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the oil and gas industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. CNBC recently reported that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.\r\nHeitkamp is helping to lead a bipartisan effort to reverse the tariffs that put the wind energy industry at risk. She joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the steel and aluminum tariffs.\r\nHeitkamp has a long record of supporting North Dakota's energy workers, including wind. In August, Heitkamp spoke at the groundbreaking of Excel Energy's Foxtail Wind Farm near Ellendale. In April 2017, she visited LM Wind in Grand Forks to reinforce the importance of supporting wind energy development. In July 2016, she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Energy's Border Wind Farm. In April 2015, Heitkamp toured Fargo's 70-year-old Ulteig Engineers to discuss the direly needed build-out of North Dakota's energy infrastructure with a particular focus on providing certainty to wind energy industry workers. In January 2014, Heitkamp toured Iberdrola Wind Farm near Rugby and in May 2013, Heitkamp attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bison Wind Energy Center near New Salem. She also visited an Otter Tail Power Company and NextEra Energy Resources wind farm near Edgeley in October 2014.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E8153147-3E1B-40B2-A981-3694709279A6", "Administrations Trade War Already Dampening Farm Forecast for 2019 Growing Season", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on new reports that the administration's trade war is already dampening prospects for North Dakota farmers in 2019, as commodity prices slump and access to the critical Chinese market for important crops like soybeans has been essentially cut off.\r\nAccording to an article from Politico this morning, The Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service has estimated that 2018 net farm income will be $9.8 billion, or 13 percent, lower than the year before. Adjusting for inflation, farm income is barely above the lowest level since 2002. If current trends continue, some agriculture economists predict that farm income will fall again in 2019.\r\nThere's no such thing as short term pain for farmers in a trade war, and new predictions for 2019 are very worrying for our ag economy and the communities that depend on this vital industry, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers spent decades building a market for soybeans in China, and they're seeing it evaporate before their eyes because of the administration's shortsighted trade policies. We can't be silent in the face of this self-inflicted wound to North Dakota's largest industries, and I'll keep fighting smart trade policies that protect workers and expand markets for the goods we proudly grow and produce for the world.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently predicted that the pullback in U.S. soybean sales to China appears likely to continue well into 2018/19 as China shifts its purchases to U.S. competitors like Brazil. North Dakota had been exporting nearly 70 percent of its soybeans to Asia, primarily China, but U.S. growers have effectively been shut out of the world's largest soy market in China since those retaliatory tariffs went into effect in July, according to a recent report in Politico.\r\nAccording to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis recently reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current price around $8 a bushel. \r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E8153147-3E1B-40B2-A981-3694709279A6", "Administrations Trade War Already Dampening Farm Forecast for 2019 Growing Season", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on new reports that the administration's trade war is already dampening prospects for North Dakota farmers in 2019, as commodity prices slump and access to the critical Chinese market for important crops like soybeans has been essentially cut off.\r\nAccording to an article from Politico this morning, The Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service has estimated that 2018 net farm income will be $9.8 billion, or 13 percent, lower than the year before. Adjusting for inflation, farm income is barely above the lowest level since 2002. If current trends continue, some agriculture economists predict that farm income will fall again in 2019.\r\nThere's no such thing as short term pain for farmers in a trade war, and new predictions for 2019 are very worrying for our ag economy and the communities that depend on this vital industry, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers spent decades building a market for soybeans in China, and they're seeing it evaporate before their eyes because of the administration's shortsighted trade policies. We can't be silent in the face of this self-inflicted wound to North Dakota's largest industries, and I'll keep fighting smart trade policies that protect workers and expand markets for the goods we proudly grow and produce for the world.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently predicted that the pullback in U.S. soybean sales to China appears likely to continue well into 2018/19 as China shifts its purchases to U.S. competitors like Brazil. North Dakota had been exporting nearly 70 percent of its soybeans to Asia, primarily China, but U.S. growers have effectively been shut out of the world's largest soy market in China since those retaliatory tariffs went into effect in July, according to a recent report in Politico.\r\nAccording to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis recently reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current price around $8 a bushel. \r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D69EBD64-D560-4FBD-8D6F-97FDEB8F7FC6", "Heitkamp: Administrations Proposed Cuts to USDA Put Crop Insurance at Risk", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced he'd seek to cut the agency's budget by five percent, despite a farm economy at risk from the administration's trade war.\r\nThe administration has proposed steep cuts to crop insurance in recent budgets, an indication that USDA may look to cut safety net programs to achieve the five percent cut. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, fought against those proposed cuts, which received bipartisan criticism.\r\nWith a trade war threatening farm country and an anemic bailout package that doesn't take into account North Dakota's needs and geography, it's shameful to consider throwing our farmers yet another wrench of uncertainty, Heitkamp said. If past budgets from this administration are any indication of what they'll cut, then crop insurance is at risk, which should worry everyone. It's not only bad policy, it sends the wrong message to the farmers who are already bearing the brunt of the administration's reckless trade war. USDA needs to respect rural America and reject these harmful and unnecessary cuts.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp spoke out against the administration's proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year, which would have reduced the average premium subsidy for crop insurance from 62 percent to 48 percent and put an income cap on commodity, conservation, and crop insurance subsidies.\r\nHeitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the2014 Farm Bill, which strengthened crop insurance while reducing the deficit by $23 billion and providing five years of certainty for farmers.When crop insurance faced dramatic cuts as part of a budget deal 2015, Heitkamp worked with members of the Agriculture Committee to reverse the cuts and helped pass a bipartisan fix to protect crop insurance and other agricultural programs.\r\nHeitkamp fought to protect crop insurance in the Senate's bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, and successfully included her provisions to improve other safety net programs like ARC-County.\r\nA member of the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp is pushing to get a bipartisan bill to the president's desk as soon as possible to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D69EBD64-D560-4FBD-8D6F-97FDEB8F7FC6", "Heitkamp: Administrations Proposed Cuts to USDA Put Crop Insurance at Risk", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced he'd seek to cut the agency's budget by five percent, despite a farm economy at risk from the administration's trade war.\r\nThe administration has proposed steep cuts to crop insurance in recent budgets, an indication that USDA may look to cut safety net programs to achieve the five percent cut. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, fought against those proposed cuts, which received bipartisan criticism.\r\nWith a trade war threatening farm country and an anemic bailout package that doesn't take into account North Dakota's needs and geography, it's shameful to consider throwing our farmers yet another wrench of uncertainty, Heitkamp said. If past budgets from this administration are any indication of what they'll cut, then crop insurance is at risk, which should worry everyone. It's not only bad policy, it sends the wrong message to the farmers who are already bearing the brunt of the administration's reckless trade war. USDA needs to respect rural America and reject these harmful and unnecessary cuts.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp spoke out against the administration's proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year, which would have reduced the average premium subsidy for crop insurance from 62 percent to 48 percent and put an income cap on commodity, conservation, and crop insurance subsidies.\r\nHeitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the2014 Farm Bill, which strengthened crop insurance while reducing the deficit by $23 billion and providing five years of certainty for farmers.When crop insurance faced dramatic cuts as part of a budget deal 2015, Heitkamp worked with members of the Agriculture Committee to reverse the cuts and helped pass a bipartisan fix to protect crop insurance and other agricultural programs.\r\nHeitkamp fought to protect crop insurance in the Senate's bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, and successfully included her provisions to improve other safety net programs like ARC-County.\r\nA member of the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp is pushing to get a bipartisan bill to the president's desk as soon as possible to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1BB0A881-9564-43BF-8538-9CB863BACA87", "Pace of Soybean Exports to China Down Nearly 96% in New Marketing Year Amid Administrations Damaging Trade War", "2018-10-18", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Risk: 71% of North Dakota Soybeans are Typically Exported to Asia, Primarily China, Bringing $1.5 Billion in Revenue to North Dakota Farmers Last Year\r\nUSDA Data Show U.S. Soybean Farmers Struggling to Find Markets to Fill Void Left by China\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after new USDA data show a nearly 96 percent drop in the pace of U.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1. About 70 percent of North Dakota's soybeans have typically been exported to Asia, primarily China, but the administration's trade war has crippled this important market for North Dakota farmers.\r\nNorth Dakota farmers are not at fault for China's unfair trade practices, yet they're being asked to bear the brunt of the pain caused by the administration's trade war. That's not fair to our farmers or to our rural communities who rely on agriculture to keep them strong, Heitkamp said. North Dakota soybean farmers have all but been cut off from the Chinese soybean market, the outcome farmers have been warning about for months. It's a shame the administration didn't listen to North Dakota farmers, who know their business and the importance of exports far better than anyone in Washington. From day one, I've been echoing the concerns I'm hearing from farmers and pushing for smart trade policies that hold China accountable while preserving markets for North Dakota goods. That's the responsible approach the administration should take to protect our farmers, workers, and rural economy. \r\nAt this time last year, the U.S. had exported 4.66 million metric tons of soybeans to China since September 1, according to USDA. This marketing year, a mere 201,700 metric tons of U.S. soybeans have been exported to China, a nearly 96 percent drop  illustrating the damaging impact that the administration's trade war is already having on North Dakota agriculture.\r\nWhile a small amount of U.S. soybeans were exported to China last week, the total  134,700 metric tons  paled in comparison to the same week last year, when 1.37 million metric tons were exported, according to USDA data.\r\nThe steep decline of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans has contributed to a decline of global U.S. soybean exports. While some nations are buying more U.S. soybeans than in previous years, it's not enough to make up for the market share lost in China. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.\r\nThe chart below shows the dramatic decline of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans this year:\r\n\r\nAs North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving the beans occupying grain elevators and bins. Elevators are holding 68 percent more of the previous season's crop than at this time last year, limiting space available to store the 2018 crop.\r\nSoybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.\r\nCompounding the loss of the Chinese market, the recent snowstorm in eastern North Dakota has set harvest back, delaying possible payments to farmers seeking assistance through the administration's trade mitigation program. Heitkamp has repeatedly pushed the administration to improve the assistance package to make it more equitable for North Dakota farmers, and last week reiterated her request to allow farmers to apply for assistance before their crops come off the field due to the added hardship caused by the snowstorm, which dumped up to 19 inches in some areas.\r\nAccording to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel.\r\nThe trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. Soybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1BB0A881-9564-43BF-8538-9CB863BACA87", "Pace of Soybean Exports to China Down Nearly 96% in New Marketing Year Amid Administrations Damaging Trade War", "2018-10-18", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Risk: 71% of North Dakota Soybeans are Typically Exported to Asia, Primarily China, Bringing $1.5 Billion in Revenue to North Dakota Farmers Last Year\r\nUSDA Data Show U.S. Soybean Farmers Struggling to Find Markets to Fill Void Left by China\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after new USDA data show a nearly 96 percent drop in the pace of U.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1. About 70 percent of North Dakota's soybeans have typically been exported to Asia, primarily China, but the administration's trade war has crippled this important market for North Dakota farmers.\r\nNorth Dakota farmers are not at fault for China's unfair trade practices, yet they're being asked to bear the brunt of the pain caused by the administration's trade war. That's not fair to our farmers or to our rural communities who rely on agriculture to keep them strong, Heitkamp said. North Dakota soybean farmers have all but been cut off from the Chinese soybean market, the outcome farmers have been warning about for months. It's a shame the administration didn't listen to North Dakota farmers, who know their business and the importance of exports far better than anyone in Washington. From day one, I've been echoing the concerns I'm hearing from farmers and pushing for smart trade policies that hold China accountable while preserving markets for North Dakota goods. That's the responsible approach the administration should take to protect our farmers, workers, and rural economy. \r\nAt this time last year, the U.S. had exported 4.66 million metric tons of soybeans to China since September 1, according to USDA. This marketing year, a mere 201,700 metric tons of U.S. soybeans have been exported to China, a nearly 96 percent drop  illustrating the damaging impact that the administration's trade war is already having on North Dakota agriculture.\r\nWhile a small amount of U.S. soybeans were exported to China last week, the total  134,700 metric tons  paled in comparison to the same week last year, when 1.37 million metric tons were exported, according to USDA data.\r\nThe steep decline of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans has contributed to a decline of global U.S. soybean exports. While some nations are buying more U.S. soybeans than in previous years, it's not enough to make up for the market share lost in China. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.\r\nThe chart below shows the dramatic decline of the Chinese market for U.S. soybeans this year:\r\n\r\nAs North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving the beans occupying grain elevators and bins. Elevators are holding 68 percent more of the previous season's crop than at this time last year, limiting space available to store the 2018 crop.\r\nSoybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.\r\nCompounding the loss of the Chinese market, the recent snowstorm in eastern North Dakota has set harvest back, delaying possible payments to farmers seeking assistance through the administration's trade mitigation program. Heitkamp has repeatedly pushed the administration to improve the assistance package to make it more equitable for North Dakota farmers, and last week reiterated her request to allow farmers to apply for assistance before their crops come off the field due to the added hardship caused by the snowstorm, which dumped up to 19 inches in some areas.\r\nAccording to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel.\r\nThe trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. Soybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B7477523-95F5-4051-B72C-12E4D6221FFE", "Heitkamp Introduces New Bill to Support Healthier Moms & Families in North Dakota & across Rural America", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last Month, Heitkamp Met with Mothers & Maternal Health Advocates in Grand Forks to Discuss New Ways to Protect Mothers & Infants \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she introduced wide-ranging legislation to help address rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to strengthen access to maternal health resources and data in rural communities.\r\nMorewomen in the United States diefrom pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nations and the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United Statesincreased by 250 percentfrom 1987-2014. And another study found that60 percentof the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.\r\nHeitkamp's Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act would improve maternal health data sharing in rural communities and promote successful delivery models for North Dakota's rural health care providers, including through the creation of regional Rural Obstetric Collaborative Improvement & Innovation Networks (COIINs). Additionally, her legislation would help train the next generation of rural maternal and obstetric care providers and would require a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on ways to improve rural maternal health outcomes.\r\nAt a discussion in Grand Forks last month, I heard from several North Dakota mothers who have experienced complications either during their pregnancies, during childbirth, or during their post-partum periods. Their stories were harrowing, and no mother no matter their zip code should have to experience the physical and emotional distress of preventable pregnancy complications, said Heitkamp. To help combat the growing maternal mortality crisis in rural America and Indian Country, my bill would prioritize collecting rural maternal health data, expanding information-sharing between rural obstetricians, and increasing access to high-quality training and guidance for rural nurses, midwives, and physicians in these communities. This needed legislation also builds on my bipartisan bill to boost our research efforts to understand why we're seeing rising maternal deaths in a nation as advanced as the United States. By preventing these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting North Dakota mothers and infants, we are giving ourselves the research, skills, and best practices to build stronger, safer, and healthier rural and tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp's legislation builds on meetings she has held with North Dakotans over the years, including a roundtable discussion with health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks last month. Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications during pregnancy or following the birth of their children.\r\nOver the past two decades, maternal mortality rates have doubled in the United States. In rural communities, this tragic pattern is happening alongside hospital closures, longer travel times, and racial disparities in underserved areas, like Indian Country,said Katy Kozhimannil, a maternal and rural health researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.Senator Heitkamp's bill would take strong action on many of our research findings, including building the data infrastructure urgently needed to improve maternal health outcomes in rural communities. This bill responds directly to gaps in care for rural families that our research has revealed. It would address barriers to healthy pregnancies in rural and areas and states with smaller populations, like North Dakota, and it ensure that information from rural communities informs efforts tofind solutions to mitigate this crisis.\r\nHeitkamp's Rural MOMS Act is supported by the National March of Dimes and the National Rural Health Association. Click here for a summary of the bill.\r\nAll pregnant women deserve quality health care, regardless of where they live, said March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart. We just released a nationwide report that shows that more than 5 million women live in maternity care deserts, counties with no hospital offering obstetric care and no obstetric providers. Of those women, 80 percent live in rural areas. March of Dimes commends Senator Heitkamp for recognizing the challenges faced by pregnant women in rural areas and working to ensure healthy moms and strong babies.\r\n18 million reproductive-age women live in rural communities across the United States, and half a million babies are born in rural hospitals every year. The number of rural hospitals without an obstetrics unit or any obstetrics care is growing at an alarming rate, placing expecting mothers at risk, said Diane Calmus, Regulatory Counsel, National Rural Health Association. Senator Heitkamp's Rural MOMS Act will help rural communities struggling with rising maternal mortality rates and disappearing care by improving data, addressing workforce shortages, and supporting increased services.\r\nAcross the country, maternal mortality rates have been particularly dire in rural America and minority communities. For example, a recent study showed that American Indian and Alaska Native mothers in certain states were more than4.5 times more likelyto die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes than non-Hispanic, white mothers.\r\nHeitkamp's bill would address rising rates of maternal mortality in these communities and would improve access to resources that promote best practices for rural health care providers as they improve their maternal health services. Specifically, Heitkamp's bill would:\r\n \r\nExpand rural maternal and obstetric health research and data by strengthening National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC activities that actively address maternal mortality and by improving monitoring of maternal and obstetric health services in rural areas.\r\n \r\n \r\nHelp women in rural areas connect to maternal and obstetric care by establishing Rural Obstetric Health Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Networks (CoIINs) to identify successful delivery models, provide guidance to rural hospitals, and improve outcomes in rural areas, including Indian Country and frontier areas.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove the rural telehealth services for maternal care by extending telehealth network and telehealth resources programs to include maternal and obstetric care providers in telehealth networks.\r\n \r\n \r\nBuild a stronger rural maternal and obstetric workforce by developing resident programs or fellowships to include rural obstetric tracks for family physicians and by improving current training programs to include rural-specific obstetric training for health care professionals. Additionally, her legislation would require a GAO report to address gaps in the maternal care workforce in rural communities.\r\n \r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked in the U.S. Senate to strengthen support for obstetric providers and patients in North Dakota's rural communities. In June 2018, Heitkamp's bipartisan bill to combat the ongoing maternal mortality crisis passed out of a key Senate committee. This legislation would strengthen on-the-ground resources by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that identify contributing factors to maternal deaths and offer recommendations to improve outcomes for expecting mothers. MMRCs currently do not exist in 15 states, including North Dakota.\r\nAnd last month, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B7477523-95F5-4051-B72C-12E4D6221FFE", "Heitkamp Introduces New Bill to Support Healthier Moms & Families in North Dakota & across Rural America", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last Month, Heitkamp Met with Mothers & Maternal Health Advocates in Grand Forks to Discuss New Ways to Protect Mothers & Infants \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she introduced wide-ranging legislation to help address rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to strengthen access to maternal health resources and data in rural communities.\r\nMorewomen in the United States diefrom pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nations and the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United Statesincreased by 250 percentfrom 1987-2014. And another study found that60 percentof the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.\r\nHeitkamp's Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act would improve maternal health data sharing in rural communities and promote successful delivery models for North Dakota's rural health care providers, including through the creation of regional Rural Obstetric Collaborative Improvement & Innovation Networks (COIINs). Additionally, her legislation would help train the next generation of rural maternal and obstetric care providers and would require a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on ways to improve rural maternal health outcomes.\r\nAt a discussion in Grand Forks last month, I heard from several North Dakota mothers who have experienced complications either during their pregnancies, during childbirth, or during their post-partum periods. Their stories were harrowing, and no mother no matter their zip code should have to experience the physical and emotional distress of preventable pregnancy complications, said Heitkamp. To help combat the growing maternal mortality crisis in rural America and Indian Country, my bill would prioritize collecting rural maternal health data, expanding information-sharing between rural obstetricians, and increasing access to high-quality training and guidance for rural nurses, midwives, and physicians in these communities. This needed legislation also builds on my bipartisan bill to boost our research efforts to understand why we're seeing rising maternal deaths in a nation as advanced as the United States. By preventing these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting North Dakota mothers and infants, we are giving ourselves the research, skills, and best practices to build stronger, safer, and healthier rural and tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp's legislation builds on meetings she has held with North Dakotans over the years, including a roundtable discussion with health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks last month. Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications during pregnancy or following the birth of their children.\r\nOver the past two decades, maternal mortality rates have doubled in the United States. In rural communities, this tragic pattern is happening alongside hospital closures, longer travel times, and racial disparities in underserved areas, like Indian Country,said Katy Kozhimannil, a maternal and rural health researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.Senator Heitkamp's bill would take strong action on many of our research findings, including building the data infrastructure urgently needed to improve maternal health outcomes in rural communities. This bill responds directly to gaps in care for rural families that our research has revealed. It would address barriers to healthy pregnancies in rural and areas and states with smaller populations, like North Dakota, and it ensure that information from rural communities informs efforts tofind solutions to mitigate this crisis.\r\nHeitkamp's Rural MOMS Act is supported by the National March of Dimes and the National Rural Health Association. Click here for a summary of the bill.\r\nAll pregnant women deserve quality health care, regardless of where they live, said March of Dimes President Stacey D. Stewart. We just released a nationwide report that shows that more than 5 million women live in maternity care deserts, counties with no hospital offering obstetric care and no obstetric providers. Of those women, 80 percent live in rural areas. March of Dimes commends Senator Heitkamp for recognizing the challenges faced by pregnant women in rural areas and working to ensure healthy moms and strong babies.\r\n18 million reproductive-age women live in rural communities across the United States, and half a million babies are born in rural hospitals every year. The number of rural hospitals without an obstetrics unit or any obstetrics care is growing at an alarming rate, placing expecting mothers at risk, said Diane Calmus, Regulatory Counsel, National Rural Health Association. Senator Heitkamp's Rural MOMS Act will help rural communities struggling with rising maternal mortality rates and disappearing care by improving data, addressing workforce shortages, and supporting increased services.\r\nAcross the country, maternal mortality rates have been particularly dire in rural America and minority communities. For example, a recent study showed that American Indian and Alaska Native mothers in certain states were more than4.5 times more likelyto die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes than non-Hispanic, white mothers.\r\nHeitkamp's bill would address rising rates of maternal mortality in these communities and would improve access to resources that promote best practices for rural health care providers as they improve their maternal health services. Specifically, Heitkamp's bill would:\r\n \r\nExpand rural maternal and obstetric health research and data by strengthening National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC activities that actively address maternal mortality and by improving monitoring of maternal and obstetric health services in rural areas.\r\n \r\n \r\nHelp women in rural areas connect to maternal and obstetric care by establishing Rural Obstetric Health Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Networks (CoIINs) to identify successful delivery models, provide guidance to rural hospitals, and improve outcomes in rural areas, including Indian Country and frontier areas.\r\n \r\n \r\nImprove the rural telehealth services for maternal care by extending telehealth network and telehealth resources programs to include maternal and obstetric care providers in telehealth networks.\r\n \r\n \r\nBuild a stronger rural maternal and obstetric workforce by developing resident programs or fellowships to include rural obstetric tracks for family physicians and by improving current training programs to include rural-specific obstetric training for health care professionals. Additionally, her legislation would require a GAO report to address gaps in the maternal care workforce in rural communities.\r\n \r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked in the U.S. Senate to strengthen support for obstetric providers and patients in North Dakota's rural communities. In June 2018, Heitkamp's bipartisan bill to combat the ongoing maternal mortality crisis passed out of a key Senate committee. This legislation would strengthen on-the-ground resources by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that identify contributing factors to maternal deaths and offer recommendations to improve outcomes for expecting mothers. MMRCs currently do not exist in 15 states, including North Dakota.\r\nAnd last month, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4EB52213-A1B2-4DD1-965F-7A6E22FF3BEF", "Heitkamp Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Encourage More Employers to Hire Student Veterans", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Builds on Heitkamp's Work to Increase Education & Career Opportunities for Student Veterans following their Service \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow more student veterans in North Dakota and across the country to take advantage of paid internships and part-time work while furthering their educations after their military service.\r\nMany student veterans have difficulty finding educational opportunities, internships, and employment that correspond to skills they've gained while serving in the military. According to a 2016 survey, 62.5 percent of student veterans found that their current field of study was not similar to their specialization in the military. And another report found that more than 43 percent of veterans leave their first post-separation job in less than one year.\r\nTo increase student veterans' exposure to suitable careers, Heitkamp's bipartisan Hire Student Veterans Act would incentivize employers to hire student veterans by expanding a key tax credit. Her legislation would reduce the work hour requirement for businesses hiring student veterans, so that more veterans can be hired on a paid part-time or internship basis while pursuing their education.\r\nOnce a veteran takes off the uniform, they deserve the benefits they've earned through their selfless service and that includes making sure they have the skills and education they need to succeed in new careers, said Heitkamp. Internships and part-time work help student veterans determine which line of work is the right fit for their civilian career path. My bipartisan bill would incentivize businesses to hire North Dakota veterans, including for part-time work opportunities, allowing these dedicated men and women to take advantage of valuable work experience and help support businesses across our state and the country. This bill builds on my work to help veterans get internships at federal agencies at the end of their military service, so they can be set up for success when they move back into the civilian workforce. Our servicemembers and veterans put their lives on the line to protect us, and we can help make sure they are connected with good-paying jobs when they finish their service so they can take care of their families, save for their retirement, and keep our communities strong and safe long into the future.\r\nI deployed to Iraq for a year in 2006.When we returned, many of my fellow Soldiers ended up making career changes. It can be very challenging to transition from full time military service back into civilian life while trying to juggle a career, family obligations, and pursuing an education, said Amanda Engen, private business owner and North Dakota Army National Guard member.Because many servicemembers are older-than-average students and often have family obligations, they can't always take advantage of internship opportunities like other students can. They can't afford to go unpaid, despite the long-term benefits.As such, many servicemembers end up being at a competitive disadvantage.Internships, that provide valuable experience and often lead to employment, are not an option for many veterans.Under Senator Heitkamp's bill, more veterans would have the ability to pursue important opportunities outside of the classroom while also gaining the potential for long-term employment in a profession. As a small business owner who knows what it's like to be a student veteran, I'd like to thank Senator Heitkamp for introducing this common sense bill and for encouraging more employers to seriously consider veterans when making new hiring decisions.\r\nSpecifically, Heitkamp's bill would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers, so they are able to use it for the part time work of veterans who are using their education benefits they earned through the Post-911/GI Bill. The legislation would also reduce the WOTC 400-hour work requirement to 120 hours if a newly-hired employee is using their G.I. Bill benefits.\r\nHeitkamp introduced the bill with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The Hire Student Veterans Act is endorsed by the Student Veterans of America and Service-to-School. Click here for a summary of the bill.\r\nIn December 2017, the President signed into law legislation Heitkamp introduced to allow servicemembers to participate in an internship at a federal agency during their final 180 days of service, giving them additional skills to help them succeed in the workforce.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to guarantee North Dakota veterans have access to good, well-paid jobs when they leave the armed forces.\r\nIn July 2017,President Trump signed Heitkamp's bipartisan bill into lawto make sure veterans are prioritized in hiring and training at local and state career law enforcement offices. The new law requires law enforcement agencies receiving federal funds through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to do everything they can to connect veterans with roles in local and state law enforcement agencies as they transition back to civilian life.\r\nAnd in August 2014, Heitkampintroduced her bipartisanConnect with Veterans Actto better connect new veterans with services, resources, and benefits available in their home communities. The bill would create a directory of contact information for newly-separated veterans to allow local communities, as well as the VA and State Departments of Veterans Affairs, to better connect with veterans and provide them with information about services and other resources.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4EB52213-A1B2-4DD1-965F-7A6E22FF3BEF", "Heitkamp Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Encourage More Employers to Hire Student Veterans", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Builds on Heitkamp's Work to Increase Education & Career Opportunities for Student Veterans following their Service \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow more student veterans in North Dakota and across the country to take advantage of paid internships and part-time work while furthering their educations after their military service.\r\nMany student veterans have difficulty finding educational opportunities, internships, and employment that correspond to skills they've gained while serving in the military. According to a 2016 survey, 62.5 percent of student veterans found that their current field of study was not similar to their specialization in the military. And another report found that more than 43 percent of veterans leave their first post-separation job in less than one year.\r\nTo increase student veterans' exposure to suitable careers, Heitkamp's bipartisan Hire Student Veterans Act would incentivize employers to hire student veterans by expanding a key tax credit. Her legislation would reduce the work hour requirement for businesses hiring student veterans, so that more veterans can be hired on a paid part-time or internship basis while pursuing their education.\r\nOnce a veteran takes off the uniform, they deserve the benefits they've earned through their selfless service and that includes making sure they have the skills and education they need to succeed in new careers, said Heitkamp. Internships and part-time work help student veterans determine which line of work is the right fit for their civilian career path. My bipartisan bill would incentivize businesses to hire North Dakota veterans, including for part-time work opportunities, allowing these dedicated men and women to take advantage of valuable work experience and help support businesses across our state and the country. This bill builds on my work to help veterans get internships at federal agencies at the end of their military service, so they can be set up for success when they move back into the civilian workforce. Our servicemembers and veterans put their lives on the line to protect us, and we can help make sure they are connected with good-paying jobs when they finish their service so they can take care of their families, save for their retirement, and keep our communities strong and safe long into the future.\r\nI deployed to Iraq for a year in 2006.When we returned, many of my fellow Soldiers ended up making career changes. It can be very challenging to transition from full time military service back into civilian life while trying to juggle a career, family obligations, and pursuing an education, said Amanda Engen, private business owner and North Dakota Army National Guard member.Because many servicemembers are older-than-average students and often have family obligations, they can't always take advantage of internship opportunities like other students can. They can't afford to go unpaid, despite the long-term benefits.As such, many servicemembers end up being at a competitive disadvantage.Internships, that provide valuable experience and often lead to employment, are not an option for many veterans.Under Senator Heitkamp's bill, more veterans would have the ability to pursue important opportunities outside of the classroom while also gaining the potential for long-term employment in a profession. As a small business owner who knows what it's like to be a student veteran, I'd like to thank Senator Heitkamp for introducing this common sense bill and for encouraging more employers to seriously consider veterans when making new hiring decisions.\r\nSpecifically, Heitkamp's bill would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers, so they are able to use it for the part time work of veterans who are using their education benefits they earned through the Post-911/GI Bill. The legislation would also reduce the WOTC 400-hour work requirement to 120 hours if a newly-hired employee is using their G.I. Bill benefits.\r\nHeitkamp introduced the bill with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The Hire Student Veterans Act is endorsed by the Student Veterans of America and Service-to-School. Click here for a summary of the bill.\r\nIn December 2017, the President signed into law legislation Heitkamp introduced to allow servicemembers to participate in an internship at a federal agency during their final 180 days of service, giving them additional skills to help them succeed in the workforce.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to guarantee North Dakota veterans have access to good, well-paid jobs when they leave the armed forces.\r\nIn July 2017,President Trump signed Heitkamp's bipartisan bill into lawto make sure veterans are prioritized in hiring and training at local and state career law enforcement offices. The new law requires law enforcement agencies receiving federal funds through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to do everything they can to connect veterans with roles in local and state law enforcement agencies as they transition back to civilian life.\r\nAnd in August 2014, Heitkampintroduced her bipartisanConnect with Veterans Actto better connect new veterans with services, resources, and benefits available in their home communities. The bill would create a directory of contact information for newly-separated veterans to allow local communities, as well as the VA and State Departments of Veterans Affairs, to better connect with veterans and provide them with information about services and other resources.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5EFBEDFA-6CFA-42C3-8750-A8E6283FB800", "Heitkamp: Administrations Trade War Hurting U.S. Oil Exports", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "China  Second Largest Buyer of U.S. Crude  Stopped Importing U.S. Oil in August\r\n\r\nAfter Successfully Lifting 40-Year Old Oil Export Ban in 2015, Senator Pushing for Smart Trade Policies that Expand Markets for ND Products, Including Oil\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement amid reports that exports of U.S. crude oil to China have been dramatically reduced in the wake of the administrations' trade war.\r\nWith U.S oil production on the rise, our oil industry should be seeing a boon in exports to countries like China where demand is high, Heitkamp said. Instead, the administration's trade war has caused China to curtail imports of U.S. oil, and it is instead buying oil from our competitors and adversaries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. This isn't just a missed opportunity  it's a self-inflicted wound to one of the most important industries to North Dakota's economy. After I helped lead the fight to successfully lift the 40-year old ban on exporting U.S. oil, I'll continue to fight to protect access to markets for North Dakota's oil industry to protect jobs and prosperity in our state.\r\nCNBC reports that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.\r\nWith the U.S. refineries at capacity and unable to process much more crude oil, growth in the industry is dependent on exporting U.S. crude, and the Bakken is poised to help drive that growth  if there's a market for U.S. oil in countries like China.\r\nThe administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. Earlier this year Heitkamp cosponsored bipartisan legislation to repeal the steel and aluminum tariffs, and she helped introduce bipartisan legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs.\r\nHeitkamp played a central role in negotiating the bipartisan deal that led to the 40-year old ban on exporting oil being lifted in 2015, which led to record levels of U.S. crude oil exports earlier this year before the administration's trade war escalated. For more than a year and a half, Heitkamp worked with Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska to build support for lifting the ban, reach a deal to gain bipartisan support for it, and get enough votes to change this outdated policy. Click here for a timeline of her work to lift the ban.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton this summer and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3566BFD-EC23-42E2-BD8D-FE41BB3F669D", "Heitkamp Pushes USDA to Waive or Delay Interest on Crop Insurance Premiums Due to Snowstorm", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Interest on Premiums Began Incurring October 1, but Snowstorm Delaying Harvest & Causing Financial Hardship for Farmers\r\nSenator Also Urges USDA to Revise Eligibility for Market Facilitation Program in Wake of Weather and Trade War Disruptions\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive or at least delay interest on crop insurance premiums for farmers affected by this week's snowstorm, which dumped up to 19 inches of snow on parts of eastern North Dakota.\r\nInterest began incurring on Multiple-peril Crop Insurance (MCPI) premiums on October 1, but the delayed harvest due to the recent snowstorm will cause many producers financial hardship as they lack cash flow to pay their crop insurance premiums. Heitkamp asked USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to waive or at minimum extend the date for which interest incurs to give farmers more time to get their crops out of the field and to market.\r\nHeitkamp also urged Perdue to allow farmers who haven't been able to harvest their crop to participate in the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). MFP was intended to help producers impacted by depressed commodity prices due to the administration's trade war, but they can only apply for assistance after they've harvested their crop. Farmers who are unable to harvest or lose their crop due to weather face significant hardship, and the program should be designed to fulfill its purpose and help them, Heitkamp told Perdue.\r\nThe recent snowstorm and the administration's trade war have been a double whammy for farmers in eastern North Dakota, and USDA programs intended to help them need to be adjusted to take into account the difficult situation farmers have found themselves in, Heitkamp said. USDA needs to improve its assistance program for farmers affected by the trade war, and this snowstorm reinforces why farmers can't wait to harvest their crop to get assistance  they're hurting now, and their livelihoods depend on USDA getting this right.\r\nClick here to view Heitkamp's letter to Perdue.\r\nHeitkamp is also urging Perdue to make improvements to USDA's aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. Heitkamp is pushing for more support for soybean farmers, because the current reimbursement formula doesn't take into account the increase in basis  the cost of getting a crop to market  that farmers in North Dakota have faced as a result of the trade war. Basis varies by region, and North Dakota farmers have seen their basis increase more than farmers in other regions. Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to consider regional variations in price and the widening basis for soybean farmers when calculating how much assistance to provide.\r\nWhile canola has not yet been hit with retaliatory tariffs, the price of canola is closely tied to the price of soybeans, and Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to make canola an eligible commodity for assistance due to the depressed prices farmers are facing.\r\nHeitkamp also expressed concerns that corn growers will be inadequately compensated for their losses. The farmer aid package proposes to compensate corn growers at one cent per bushel, much less that the decrease in price for a bushel of corn since June 1.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5EFBEDFA-6CFA-42C3-8750-A8E6283FB800", "Heitkamp: Administrations Trade War Hurting U.S. Oil Exports", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "China  Second Largest Buyer of U.S. Crude  Stopped Importing U.S. Oil in August\r\n\r\nAfter Successfully Lifting 40-Year Old Oil Export Ban in 2015, Senator Pushing for Smart Trade Policies that Expand Markets for ND Products, Including Oil\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement amid reports that exports of U.S. crude oil to China have been dramatically reduced in the wake of the administrations' trade war.\r\nWith U.S oil production on the rise, our oil industry should be seeing a boon in exports to countries like China where demand is high, Heitkamp said. Instead, the administration's trade war has caused China to curtail imports of U.S. oil, and it is instead buying oil from our competitors and adversaries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. This isn't just a missed opportunity  it's a self-inflicted wound to one of the most important industries to North Dakota's economy. After I helped lead the fight to successfully lift the 40-year old ban on exporting U.S. oil, I'll continue to fight to protect access to markets for North Dakota's oil industry to protect jobs and prosperity in our state.\r\nCNBC reports that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.\r\nWith the U.S. refineries at capacity and unable to process much more crude oil, growth in the industry is dependent on exporting U.S. crude, and the Bakken is poised to help drive that growth  if there's a market for U.S. oil in countries like China.\r\nThe administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. Earlier this year Heitkamp cosponsored bipartisan legislation to repeal the steel and aluminum tariffs, and she helped introduce bipartisan legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs.\r\nHeitkamp played a central role in negotiating the bipartisan deal that led to the 40-year old ban on exporting oil being lifted in 2015, which led to record levels of U.S. crude oil exports earlier this year before the administration's trade war escalated. For more than a year and a half, Heitkamp worked with Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska to build support for lifting the ban, reach a deal to gain bipartisan support for it, and get enough votes to change this outdated policy. Click here for a timeline of her work to lift the ban.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton this summer and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3566BFD-EC23-42E2-BD8D-FE41BB3F669D", "Heitkamp Pushes USDA to Waive or Delay Interest on Crop Insurance Premiums Due to Snowstorm", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Interest on Premiums Began Incurring October 1, but Snowstorm Delaying Harvest & Causing Financial Hardship for Farmers\r\nSenator Also Urges USDA to Revise Eligibility for Market Facilitation Program in Wake of Weather and Trade War Disruptions\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive or at least delay interest on crop insurance premiums for farmers affected by this week's snowstorm, which dumped up to 19 inches of snow on parts of eastern North Dakota.\r\nInterest began incurring on Multiple-peril Crop Insurance (MCPI) premiums on October 1, but the delayed harvest due to the recent snowstorm will cause many producers financial hardship as they lack cash flow to pay their crop insurance premiums. Heitkamp asked USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to waive or at minimum extend the date for which interest incurs to give farmers more time to get their crops out of the field and to market.\r\nHeitkamp also urged Perdue to allow farmers who haven't been able to harvest their crop to participate in the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). MFP was intended to help producers impacted by depressed commodity prices due to the administration's trade war, but they can only apply for assistance after they've harvested their crop. Farmers who are unable to harvest or lose their crop due to weather face significant hardship, and the program should be designed to fulfill its purpose and help them, Heitkamp told Perdue.\r\nThe recent snowstorm and the administration's trade war have been a double whammy for farmers in eastern North Dakota, and USDA programs intended to help them need to be adjusted to take into account the difficult situation farmers have found themselves in, Heitkamp said. USDA needs to improve its assistance program for farmers affected by the trade war, and this snowstorm reinforces why farmers can't wait to harvest their crop to get assistance  they're hurting now, and their livelihoods depend on USDA getting this right.\r\nClick here to view Heitkamp's letter to Perdue.\r\nHeitkamp is also urging Perdue to make improvements to USDA's aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. Heitkamp is pushing for more support for soybean farmers, because the current reimbursement formula doesn't take into account the increase in basis  the cost of getting a crop to market  that farmers in North Dakota have faced as a result of the trade war. Basis varies by region, and North Dakota farmers have seen their basis increase more than farmers in other regions. Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to consider regional variations in price and the widening basis for soybean farmers when calculating how much assistance to provide.\r\nWhile canola has not yet been hit with retaliatory tariffs, the price of canola is closely tied to the price of soybeans, and Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to make canola an eligible commodity for assistance due to the depressed prices farmers are facing.\r\nHeitkamp also expressed concerns that corn growers will be inadequately compensated for their losses. The farmer aid package proposes to compensate corn growers at one cent per bushel, much less that the decrease in price for a bushel of corn since June 1.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=16C9B15A-9184-44BA-A8D0-862532596BE2", "Bipartisan Heitkamp, Flake Bill to Improve Hiring in Rural & Remote Areas, Boost Border Security Passes U.S. Senate", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation Builds on Heitkamp's Efforts to Protect, Grow a Strong, Vibrant Border Security Workforce\r\nAs Illegal Border Crossings Increase and Drug & Human Trafficking Persist, Heitkamp has Focused Attention on Unique Hiring and Security Challenges Posed by Northern Border\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan bill to help address chronic challenges Customs and Border Protection (CBP) faces with hiring and retaining workers in rural and remote areas, including at the Northern Border, to secure our country's borders passed the Senate.\r\nHeitkamp introduced her bipartisan bill, the CBP Hiring and Retention (CBP HiRe) Act, with U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) last year. It would help strengthen border security and remedy personnel challenges that are common in rural or remote areas, and was introduced in response to Heitkamp's frequent meetings with CBP agents and officers in North Dakota. In recent years, CBP has experienced difficulties recruiting, hiring, and retaining both Border Patrol agents to secure the border and CBP officers to staff trade-facilitating ports of entry. These positions remain unfilled due to high attrition rates, a lengthy hiring process, and difficulty finding applicants willing to work in remote locations.\r\nOur Customs and Border Protection officers and agents are on the front lines of keeping North Dakota and America safe  but especially in rural areas like North Dakota, CBP faces unique challenges in hiring and retaining the workforce we need to protect our borders, Heitkamp said. After hearing firsthand about the challenges CBP faces, we introduced this bipartisan bill to help the agency attract and retain the best workforce possible, and it's an important win for North Dakota communities, our Customs and Border Protection workforce, and our national security that it has now passed the Senate. Along with the new Northern Border strategy recently released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)that was prompted by my bipartisan bill that was passed into law, we're working toward solutions that will keep every North Dakota community strong and safe.\r\nThe CBP HiRe Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to the bureaucratic hiring process that has left the border and our ports of entry understaffed. This bill will give CBP the tools it needs to effectively and efficiently recruit and retain the personnel needed to complete its border security and trade-facilitating missions, said Flake. Now that the bill has unanimously passed the Senate, I urge the House to swiftly approve this legislation and send to the president's desk without delay.\r\nAfter CBP establishes that there is a critical hiring need in an area, as well as a direct relationship between the rural or remote nature of an area and the difficulty in recruitment and retention of CBP employees in an area, the agency will have access to the following toolkit of resources to:\r\n \r\nHire employees more quickly: CBP would have enhanced direct hire authority to make it easier for them to hire qualified employees quickly, while still prioritizing the hiring of veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\nOffer recruitment, relocation, retention bonuses: CBP would have enhanced ability toconsider these circumstances when deciding whether to award a bonus to a newly-appointed employee, or to an employee relocating to a different area. CBP would also be able to offer bonuses to retain employees, including those looking to move to a different location due to the rural or remote nature of an area.\r\n \r\n \r\nOffer special pay rates: In certain occupations, due to the rural or remote nature of an area, CBP could use these circumstances to offer higher rates of pay  particularly when recruitment and retention efforts are compromised by offering pay that isn't at parity with private sector pay for similar positions.\r\n \r\n \r\nEducate employees about opportunities to boost recruitment: The bill would make sure CBP is aware of the tools it has access to as it works to recruit and retain employees. The bill would also hold the agency accountable for educating employees about opportunities that could boost recruitment and retention.  \r\n \r\nClick here for a summary of the bill, which has been endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council, the National Treasury Employees Union, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Click here to read comments from national groups in support of the legislation.\r\nHeitkamp has long been focused on helping CBP meet its workforce needs to protect our country's borders. In July 2016, Heitkamp introduced her Flexible HIRE (Hiring and Improving Recruitment, Retention, and Education) Act which was inspired in part by an October 2015 U.S. Senate hearing Heitkamp led to develop solutions to recruit and retain federal workers in regions such as the Bakken and the Northern Border. The bipartisan CBP HiRe Act applies the principles behind Heitkamp's Flexible HIRE Act to address federal hiring and retention obstacles that CBP faces in rural and remote areas. \r\nHeitkamp has spent years working to address chronic personnel challenges along our nation's borders and to secure the Northern Border. In 2014, Heitkamp brought the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to North Dakota to meet with CBP officers and agents, local sheriffs, police chiefs, Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents  to give North Dakotans an opportunity to have their voices heard\r\nIn March of last year, Heitkamp questioned key U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) union officials about actions that could be taken to help effectively tackle consistent challenges faced by CBP officers at the Northern Border's 120 ports of entry. Currently, the CBP's Office of Field Operations needs additional officers to adequately secure the nation's ports of entry, which hundreds of millions of travelers crossed last year  more than ever before  and where international travel is expected to increase exponentially.\r\nHeitkamp's work to make sure sufficient attention is paid to protecting the Northern Border includes meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington D.C. visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation.\r\nHeitkamp's bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act to strengthen and secure the Northern Border was signed into law in December 2016. The bill specifically addresses the concerns and challenges she and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary AlejandroMayorkas heard about in April 2015from federal, state, county, and local officials and law enforcement while visiting Pembina when she brought Mayorkas to North Dakota's Northern Border.Heitkamp's bill led to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) releasing a new strategic plan earlier this year to tackle chronic and emerging security issues along the Northern Border.\r\nLast August, Heitkamp brought together CBP officials and other federal, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Minot to discuss thenew Northern Border Strategy and gain input on their needs as the strategy is implemented. Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry in November 2016, where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4425536B-82F6-4A0A-9172-CB2FDC54A4BF", "Heitkamp Announces USDA Rural Development Funding for North Dakota", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced one federal grant of $200,000 for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Coops and a federal loan of $1,253,000 for New Salem that will help to support initiatives in rural communities.\r\nEvery morning, I come to work in the U.S. Senate fighting for rural communities, said Heitkamp. When communities have the resources to invest in their infrastructure they can make sure their neighborhoods stay strong and safe. That is what these federal dollars will do when they support the ND Association of Rural Electric Coops effort to make investments in rural services and help the city of New Salem repair streets as part of their work to improve water and sewer.\r\nThese federal funds are distributed as follows:\r\n \r\nND Association of Rural Electric Coops: $200,000 in federal grant funding to support services in rural communities such as finding opportunities to develop rural home care in partnership with the University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health, working with a meat processing facility near Pettibone, supporting other food initiatives, and supporting training for newly formed coops. These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Cooperative Development Grant program.\r\n \r\n \r\nNew Salem: $1,253,000 federal loan to replace asphalt streets in New Salem as part of water and sewer infrastructure replacement. These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Community Facilities Direct Loan program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9288293B-3D57-4426-97F7-35DC73D5B841", "Heitkamp Introduces New Bill to Keep North Dakota Coal Competitive", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today introduced legislation to improve and clarify the utilization of a tax credit to advance technology that would make coal power generation cleaner and more efficient, helping to build a bright future for North Dakota's lignite coal reserves through investment in carbon capture projects in the state.\r\nThe legislation, the Advancing Carbon Capture in Energy Generation Act, improves the Credit for Investment in Clean Coal Facilities tax credit, which was established in 2005. In its current form, the tax credit does not incentivize implementation of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology at new and existing coal plants in the near term, but Heitkamp's bill would remove certain requirements and clarify others in order to speed up the adoption of CCS technology that is critical to the future of coal. The legislation also removes unreasonable and unworkable emissions limits that prevent older coal plants from investing in cleaner technologies.\r\nCoal remains North Dakota's primary source of electricity and a vital part of our all-of-the-above energy strategy, Heitkamp said. To secure a bright future for coal and the jobs and communities it supports in North Dakota, we must find ways to help the industry innovate to compete in a carbon-constrained world. That's why I built a bipartisan coalition to pass the FUTURE Act, my bill to incentivize carbon capture technology that will have wide-ranging benefits for coal and other carbon reliant industries, and helped bring the same bipartisan group together to introduce the USE IT Act. This new legislation will build on that progress by further incentivizing carbon capture technology at new and existing coal power plants. Innovation is key to the future of North Dakota's leadership in energy, and this bill will give a needed boost to advancements in carbon capture.\r\nCosponsors of Heitkamp's new legislation include U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).\r\nHeitkamp has been fighting to secure a future for North Dakota coal as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. North Dakota relies on coal for two-thirds of its electricity generation.\r\nHeitkamp worked for years to write and pass the bipartisan FUTURE Act, which extends and expands the 45Q tax credit to provide certainty to utilities and other industrial sources, and incentivizes the build-out of industrial carbon capture projects that plan to use carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery and carbon utilization the conversion of carbon dioxide into useable products.\r\nHeitkamp has consistently put forward ideas in addition to the FUTURE Act to promote a realistic path forward for coal in North Dakota and across the country. Click herefor a timeline of Heitkamp's extensive work to forge a viable path forward for coal.\r\nIn March,Heitkamp built on the success of the FUTURE Act and introduced the bipartisan USE IT Act, which would strengthen support for carbon utilization and direct air capture research. The bill would also incentivize federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of CCUS facilities and CO2 pipelines. The legislation has a diverse coalition of supporters, including Lignite Energy Council, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Clean Air Task Force, and Bipartisan Policy Center Action. Click here for a full list of supporters.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp's work in Congress builds on more than a decade of experience as a director of Dakota Gasification, as well as on the North Dakota Industrial Commission as North Dakota Attorney General, and as Tax Commissioner.\r\nSince joining the Senate, Heitkamp has also worked to find a realistic path for clean coal by:\r\n \r\nBringing together Democrats to urge strong CCUS funding, as president's budget proposed cuts: Last June,Heitkamp led a diverse group of 15 Democratic senatorsincluding liberal and conservative lawmakersin urging congressional appropriators to fund strong U.S. Department of Energy investments in CCUS technologies, which are key to coal's future. Thepresident's budget threatened to cut fundingfor the U.S. Energy Department Office of Fossil Energy by 55 percent, including funding cuts of at least 84 percent to CCUS programs. Such cuts would significantly hinder the advancement of CCUS technologies, which North Dakota's rural electric co-ops, coal workers, and ratepayers rely on to support a path forward for coal-fired power through clean coal research and development.\r\n \r\n \r\nIntroducing major legislation in 2013 and 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward:Heitkamp'sbillwould incentivize companies to invest in technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power. This is done through federal funding programs, federal support for private investment, and recommendations to Congress that provide insight on how best to support future CCUS projects in the U.S. In May 2015, Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced aseries of billsto make sure coal remains part of America's energy mix, incorporating Heitkamp's bill.\r\n \r\n \r\nSuccessfully urging the EPA to grant North Dakota regulatory authority over Class VI wells that are used for long-term underground storage of CO2. Allowing the state to regulate such wells will help North Dakota develop innovative CCUS technologies, drive down costs, and reduce carbon emissions. Heitkamp repeatedly urged the EPA to approve the North Dakota Industrial Commission's application, weighing in with former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and in a letter and meeting with Administrator Pruitt.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nConvening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss path forward on coal:Heitkamp co-hosted aCoal Technology Symposiumon Capitol Hill in 2014 that brought together industry, lawmakers, experts and academics  including the Energy and Environmental Research Center from Grand Forks. To a crowded room, Heitkamp laid out the importance of advancing realistic energy policies and discussed the vital role coal plays in providing affordable energy in North Dakota and around the country.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B9C6430F-8C92-40F4-946E-EA0B4E8D8AFC", "Heitkamp Congratulates Longtime ND Law Enforcement Official Dallas Carlson after U.S. Senate Confirms his U.S. Marshal Nomination", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today congratulated North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Director Dallas Carlson after the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of North Dakota.\r\nDallas Carlson has dedicated his entire public service career to keeping our state's families and communities safe, and his distinguished record is well-respected among North Dakota law enforcement officials. During my time as Attorney General, I saw firsthand Dallas's outstanding ability to fight crime, seek justice for victims, and maintain the highest levels of professional integrity, said Heitkamp. I'm proud to see Dallas confirmed, and I'm equally proud of our friendship over the years. I know that his on-the-ground experiences with issues like human trafficking, illicit narcotics, and domestic violence will greatly impact the work of the U.S. Marshals in North Dakota as they maintain the rule of law and prevent major crimes. Dallas was my first choice for this job, and I want to congratulate him on his well-deserved confirmation. I wish him the best of luck as he works to protect and serve all North Dakotans.\r\nCarlson was nominated to the U.S. Marshal post in March 2018, and his nomination was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month.\r\nPrior to serving as the Director of the North Dakota BCI, Carlson supervised drug investigations in Dickinson and worked as a special agent and then chief agent in the BCI's Criminal Division. Before joining the BCI, he first worked in law enforcement in 1977 as a Deputy Sherriff with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and then served in the Devils Lake and Mandan police departments. Carlson is a native of Warwick, North Dakota.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=23F0E176-F3B5-4605-8F76-9CE1BFA5A685", "Heitkamp: Bipartisan Water Resources Bill Includes Wins for Devils Lake Flood Protection & FM Diversion", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Also Includes Support for FM Diversion, Heitkamp's Legislation to Help Small and Rural Water Systems Meet Federal Wastewater Rules \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a comprehensive water resources bill that includes several provisions she fought for, including strengthened support for critical water infrastructure projects in Devils Lake, Fargo, and across rural North Dakota. The bill now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nThe bipartisan legislation includes Heitkamp's provision to provide federal funding for long-term maintenance and operation costs related to the permanent levee protecting the City of Devils Lake and the surrounding area from flood waters.Additionally, the bill includes a provision that provides authority to build flood protections on several deed-restricted properties as part of the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project.\r\nThe Lake Region and the Red River Valley have seen firsthand the immense devastation a flood can cause to a community. As a result, North Dakotans are very aware of the need to advance permanent flood protection that defends our homes and businesses from future disasters, said Heitkamp. Today, Congress passed a strong, bipartisan water resources package, which includes my provision that I fought to include which would hold the federal government accountable for paying its fair share to maintain the Devils Lake embankment. Additionally, the bill includes my amendment to allow the FM Diversion to overcome bureaucratic hurdles to build the infrastructure necessary to advance a viable flood mitigation strategy in the region. Our state has experienced decades of challenges related to flooding and keeping our rural water clean, and this bill will ease financial burdens, keep families safe, and give residents much-needed peace of mind when waters start to rise.\r\nFrom 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake rose more than 30 feet and quadrupled in size, underscoring the urgent need to maintain the levee protecting the city. Under Heitkamp's provision, the federal government could cover up to 100 percent of the embankment's associated operations and maintenance costs, preventing the city from needing to use local tax dollars to fund all necessary upkeep costs. Her legislative fix would also help pay for future repairs, such as the replacement of aging water pumps along the embankment.\r\nIn February, Heitkamp wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee urging them to prioritize long-term maintenance costs of the Devils Lake levee in the upcoming water resources bill. Heitkamp requested that the federal government assist the community in covering the extraordinary burden of long-term maintenance, particularly as the project was built under emergency conditions and is now permanent.\r\nThebipartisanbillalso includes Heitkamp's provision to allow the construction of flood protections on several deed-restricted properties in the Fargo area. Due to recent changes made to the FM Diversion Project following the work of the Governors' Task Force, it was determined that several properties that were otherwise deed-restricted now were necessary to construct the project. Heitkamp's fix is broad enough to cover other Fargo properties needed for permanent protections that are currently deed-restricted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the potential sites of future levees.\r\nHeitkamp crafted and fought for this provision following discussions with Fargo-Moorhead community leaders, who strongly advocated for this proposed authority. Heitkamp has also held calls this month with Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works R.D. James, the top civilian official overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding funding for the diversion project in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2018 work plan.\r\nAnd the2018 Water Resources Development Act also includes provisions from Heitkamp's bill to fund training and assistance to improve wastewater treatment in small and rural communities. Heitkamp's provision would provide up to $25 million a year over five years to provide wastewater technical assistance to community water systems serving small, rural, and tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp introduced theSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actlast yearwith U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).The bipartisan bill builds on theirlegislation that was signed into lawto make sure rural towns have federal assistance to offset the cost of complying with federal rules under the Clean Water Act.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists the Fargo area in recovering from past flooding, while also helping protect communities throughout North Dakota, like Devils Lake, from future floods.\r\nIn July 2018, Heitkamp convened Ramsey Country officials and Devils Lake community leaders to discuss ongoing flood protection efforts in the Lake Region, and she also highlighted her provision to fund maintenance and operation costs of the Devils Lake embankment.\r\nIn April 2017, Heitkamp joined Fargo leaders, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, and the Army Corps tocelebrate the groundbreakingof the F-M Diversion. The Army Corpsawarded its first construction contract for the diversion in2016 after Heitkampsuccessfully secured federal support fromOMB and Army Corps leaders fora Fargo construction start, in addition to critical federal funding.\r\nIn October 2016, Heitkampmet with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protectionsthe area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. In July 2016, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for theFargo-Moorhead diversion.\r\nHeitkamp has also consistently worked with FEMA to resolve issues impacting North Dakota flood protection infrastructure. In April,Heitkamp announced that the FEMA officially stated that Valley City can maintain its floodwall. The decision from FEMA was the result of a fix Heitkamp wrote andsuccessfully includedin the funding bill Congress passed in March 2018 that allowed Valley City to keep in place the existing floodwall.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=931356E1-FFD5-45C9-BD58-0EEC4311F7D8", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for NDSU Plant Research", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $182,200 in federal funding to North Dakota State University that supports canola research that could enhance production, better strategies for pest management, and provide better information to canola farmers.\r\nNorth Dakota is home to some of the best farm land in the world and making sure farmers and ranchers have access to the best possible information and technology only helps to increase their productivity, said Heitkamp. When you couple that with the research abilities of NDSU, we can improve crops across the agricultural sector like this federal funding will help do for canola research.\r\nThese federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Supplemental and Alternative Crops Competitive Grants Program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C9F23127-1642-4148-80D2-B679EBED27E5", "Heitkamp: Trade War Worsens as North Dakota Soybean Farmers Struggle to Secure Storage for Bumper Crop", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Reports Show Ripple Effects of Cancelled Orders on Farmers, Grain Elevators\r\n71% of North Dakota Soybeans Typically Exported to China  But Zero Orders for 2018 Crop Have Been Placed\r\nTrade War Impacts Could Hurt Farmers for 5 Years, According to NDSU Researcher\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement as reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers.\r\nIt took North Dakota soybean farmers decades to build relationships and market their product in China, but the trade war threatens to derail that hard work over the course of just one season, Heitkamp said. With zero orders from China  which is typically the largest buyer of North Dakota soybeans  and a surplus of last year's crop still occupying bins and grain elevators, this year's crop literally has nowhere to go. Farmers working hard all year toward a payday are instead worrying about how they'll make ends meet. North Dakota farmers are some of the most hardworking people you'll ever meet, and I won't sit back silently while they're being treated like collateral damage in this trade war.\r\nAccording to a North Dakota State University analysis reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel.\r\nAs CNBC reports, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, as China cancelled contracts for 2017's crop when the trade war began to escalate, leaving the beans occupying grain elevators and bins. Elevators are holding 68 percent more of the previous season's crop than at this time last year, limiting space available to store the 2018 crop, which hasn't had a single order from China.\r\nSoybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmer tackling soybean storage for the first time.\r\nThe trade war's impact could have negative consequences for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. Soybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC8CA25A-9723-4115-8EEB-DB8385E69CF8", "Heitkamp Helps Introduce Native Voting Rights Act to Remove Barriers to Voting in Indian Country", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, helped introduce the Native Voting Rights Act to increase voter protections and address barriers to voting in Indian Country.\r\nDue to the rural locations of many tribes, higher poverty rates on many reservations, and transportation barriers, American Indian voters face unique challenges in casting their ballots. According to the National Congress of American Indians, turnout among American Indian and Alaska Native voters in the 2012 election was a full 17 percent lower than white voters. Native Americans only fully gained the right to vote in 1957.\r\nNative communities face unique challenges in our electoral process, and their voices deserve to be heard, Heitkamp said. After the Supreme Court declined to hear an emergency appeal based on the confusion created by reverting back to North Dakota's burdensome voter ID law that makes it harder for Native Americans to vote, our bill is especially needed to prevent Native voters from being disenfranchised. Voting should be an accessible, simple, and fair process for every American, but that has not been the case everywhere in Indian Country. Given the number of Native Americans who have served, fought, and died for this country, it is appalling that some people would still try and erect barriers to suppress their ability to vote. Native Americans served in the military before they were even allowed to vote, and they continue to serve at the highest rate of any population in this country. We need to put an end to every form of voter discrimination, and our bill would be an important starting point to bring equal access and equal rights to voters in Indian Country and Native Americans around the country.\r\nYesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an emergency appeal to prevent North Dakota's strict voter ID law from discriminating against Native voters who don't have a physical address listed on their ID. About 70,000 North Dakota residents lack a qualifying ID to vote in this November's election under the strict new rules, and approximately 18,000 North Dakota residents also lack supplemental documentation sufficient to permit them to vote without a qualifying ID, the Eighth Circuit Court found. \r\nHeitkamp has helped introduce a version of the Native Voting Rights Act in every Congress since arriving in the U.S. Senate. Specifically, the bill would:\r\n \r\nEstablish a first-of-its kind Native American Voting Rights Task Force. This new program will provide funds to tribal and state consortiums for purposes of boosting Native voter registration, education and election participation in tribal communities.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide equal access to the voter registration and polling sites. The bill includes provisions to increase Native American and Alaska Native access at each stage of the voting process, from voter registration to access to the physical places and mechanisms for voting.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddress the devastating effects of Shelby County v. Holder by restoring tribal preclearance. The bill restores preclearance review for a specific subset of state actions that have been used to restrict access to the polls on Native lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nAfford equal treatment for tribal IDs. The bill directs voting precincts to treat tribal ID cards like state and local ID cards for purposes of voting.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire adequate language assistance. Directs states to consult with the Tribes on the appropriate method for furnishing instructions, assistance, or other information related to registration and voting.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease access to federal election observers. Provides tribal leaders a direct pathway to request Federal elections observers.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct annual voting consultation with Indian Tribes. Given the persistent, threats to the right to vote for Native American and Alaska Native citizens, the bill directs DOJ to consult annually with tribal organizations.\r\n \r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp urged the DOJ to protect the voting rights of Native Americans by continuing its work to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act in all states and tribal communities, especially where underserved populations face barriers to voting. Click here to view her letter.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=1A45149D-D7D7-4D54-869A-05EC9D06ED23", "Why I voted against Judge Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Back then, I was given a 28 percent chance of living 10 years  and I beat the disease. One of the many lessons I learned from that experience is that we each have a bank of time in our lives, and it's up to us to determine how we spend it. I promised myself that I wouldn't waste my time.\r\nIt's one of many reasons that my vote against Judge Brett Kavanaugh wasn't about politics. Rather, it was about a duty and responsibility I have as a U.S. senator to exercise my judgement to support and protect our institutions and country when determining a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court.\r\nFully considering and vetting Supreme Court nominees is one of the most important jobs of any U.S. senator. I did my job  by meeting with Judge Kavanaugh, closely watching his hearings, and reviewing his available record during this evaluation process, including the nonpartisan FBI investigation which I called for.\r\nUnfortunately too many politicians on both sides of the aisle announced their support or opposition to the nominee the minute he was announced  before we learned anything about him or his record. That's not advice and consent  that's putting party over country and abandoning your job.\r\nWe need to take politics out of the Supreme Court, and it takes Republicans and Democrats to help make that possible. Both sides horribly handled the process around this nomination. We must learn from these mistakes.\r\nI voted for Justice Gorsuch because I felt his legal ability and temperament qualified him to serve on the Supreme Court.\r\nJudge Kavanaugh was different. He and I had a good meeting. But the hearing during which he and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified was a turning point. In addition to the concerns about Judge Kavanaugh's past conduct, the hearing called into question his current temperament, honesty, and impartiality  critical traits for a Supreme Court justice.\r\nI was particularly disturbed when I saw his exchange with Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota. She asked him a tough but fair question completely relevant to his and Dr. Ford's testimony. He aggressively and angrily threw the question backat her  not once, but twice  showing that when he was in a tough spot, his response was to attack and double down. That inability to handle a difficult question is unacceptable behavior for someone in a job interview for the highest court in the U.S.\r\nAdditionally, I have spent much of my time in public service  including as North Dakota's Attorney General  focused on combating domestic violence and protecting women and children from abuse. As Attorney General, I helped implement the original Violence Against Women Act and I saw how it helped survivors and victims across my state. As a U.S. senator, the reauthorization of the law was the first bill I helped pass. My lifetime of work, advocacy, and commitment to these issues, and to these women and girls, also helped inform my decision.\r\nDr. Ford gave courageous, credible, and persuasive testimony. When I listened to her testify, I used my judgement as someone who has worked with domestic assault and violence victims. Through Dr. Ford, I heard the voices of women I have known throughout my life who have similar stories of sexual assault and abuse. Countless North Dakotans and others close to me have since reached out and told me their stories of being raped or sexually assaulted  and expressed the same anguish and fear. I'm in awe of their bravery. Survivors should be respected for having the strength to share what happened to them  regardless of the passage of time. The scars and suffering from the trauma and abuse never leave.\r\nThere are many extremely qualified conservative lawyers and judges available to serve a lifetime appointment on the Court, and the President should have nominated someone else. The Court doesn't need another East Coast elite. Instead, the Court needs someone from the West, who went to a public university, who understands our issues  important perspectives that are currently lacking on the Court.\r\nIn the end, I needed to be able to look at myself in the mirror and know that I did the right thing and that I voted with my conscience and my heart. And that's what I did.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B412278-AC0C-49D8-992A-CA979771A213", "After Heitkamp Push, Administration Announces Plan to Allow Year-round Sale of E15", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after the administration announced plans to allow year-round sale of E15, which Heitkamp has strongly pushed for to support North Dakota farmers and biofuel producers.\r\nIn my longstanding fight for North Dakota farmers, I've repeatedly told the President and everyone in this administration who would listen that year-round E15 would be a boost for rural America, and I'm encouraged they finally listened, Heitkamp said. This victory has been a long time coming for North Dakota farmers and biofuel producers. At a time when the trade war is threatening commodity prices, we need to do everything we can to support farmers, and upholding our commitment to biofuels is one way to give ag producers some much needed certainty. After working in a bipartisan way to build support for E15 and protect the RFS, I look forward to continuing to work with the President and the administration to make sure this policy is implemented in a way that protects farmers and biofuel producers in North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp has long pushed the President and administration officials to strongly support biofuels and allow year-round sale of E15. In 2016, she met with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and secured a commitment from him to live up to the administration's stated support of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to support farmers and biofuel producers.\r\nLast March, Heitkamp spoke out forcefully against reports that the administration was considering an artificial cap on Renewable Identification Number (RIN) prices, threatening to sink the price of biofuels like ethanol, and pushed for year-round sale of E15.\r\nAfter helping to secure a commitment from the President to enact the policy last April, Heitkamp repeatedly pushed former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to carry it out. When Andrew Wheeler took over as Acting EPA Director in July, Heitkamp immediately pushed him to make year-round E15 a top priority and urged him to visit North Dakota to see firsthand the impact that renewable fuels have on North Dakota's economy.\r\nLast month, Heitkamp urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to push for year-round E15 in an effort to help farmers who are being hurt by the trade war.\r\nHeitkamp has been leading the fight for a strong RFS and against efforts to undermine the important program for North Dakota farmers and ethanol producers. She has repeatedly pressed the administration to uphold its commitment to a strong RFS, and led a bipartisan push to urge the EPA to increase its proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for biodiesel.\r\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Heitkamp has been a vocal advocate for biodiesel and ethanol  industries that support over 400,000 American jobs, including many in North Dakota. Heitkamp has fought for the EPA to provide certainty to farmers and biofuels workers, and has continually pressed the agency to issue a strong RFS rule.\r\nIn North Dakota, nearly 50 percent of corn can be turned into ethanol, according to the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, reinforcing how important it is that we maintain a robust biofuels market through the Renewable Fuel Standard.\r\nAccording to astudyconducted last year by LMC International and released by the National Biodiesel Board, the 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel used by Americans in 2015 supported 47,400 jobs and $1.9 billion in wages, and had an $8.4 billion economic impact.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F96202C9-7B9F-4D47-98E2-BDD7A440C198", "In Speech to Air Force Officials & Minot Community Leaders, Heitkamp Champions Minot AFBs Role in Keeping Nation Strong & Safe, Touts Major Win for B-52s in Bipartisan Funding Bill", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this Year, Heitkamp Successfully Led Push to Secure Funding for the Modernization of Minot's B-52s, Brought Top Generals to Minot to Highlight Need for Upgrades \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today stressed Minot Air Force Base's critical national security role and pushed leaders to maintain and modernize the base's nuclear arsenal, including its B-52 long-range strike bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).\r\nIn a speech to Minot community leaders and Air Force officials at Minot Task Force 21's annual nuclear deterrence symposium, Heitkamp highlighted her work to successfully secure funding to upgrade and modernize Minot's B-52 fleet and ICBMs. Last month, Heitkamp helped pass a bipartisan funding bill that was signed into law that includes $455 million for upgrades to the bomber.\r\nIn January, Heitkampled a bipartisan group of senators in calling for new or upgraded engines on the Air Force's B-52swhile the next generation of bombers is being developed. Following Heitkamp's push,the Air Force announced that Minot Air Force Base will continue to host bomber missions. Modernizing the engines on the B-52 bomber would substantially extend aircraft lifespan, reduce the cost to maintain older engines, increase fuel efficiency and flying time, and reduce the bomber's carbon footprint.\r\nNorth Dakotans are proud of our airmen and their families, which we can see in community groups like Minot's Task Force 21. The brave men and women of Minot conduct vital missions that protect our allies, hold adversaries accountable, and effectively maintain peace. But to make sure they can continue to carry out their jobs effectively, we need to give our airmen the cutting-edge technology they deserve, said Heitkamp. Last month, Congress passed a bipartisan defense funding bill that was signed into law by the President, and it includes funding for the B-52 re-engining push I've been leading in the Senateallowing Minot's bombers to patrol our skies long into the future. Additionally, the bill includes funding for much-needed upgrades to Minot's ICBM arsenal, which I've been pushing for. These are important steps forward, and I'll keep fighting to give the Air Force missions at Minot and Grand Forks the hardware, personnel, and training they need to keep our country strong and safe.\r\nThe bipartisan funding bill includes strengthened support to modernize and maintain the nuclear arsenal, including roughly $665 million for the Long-Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, over $500 million to maintain the ICBM arsenal, and $414 million for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent the replacement for the Minuteman III missiles. The funding package also includes $258 million to replace the UH-1N Huey Helicopters that provide security for ICBM silos, like those at Minot Air Force Base.\r\nIn May 2018, Heitkamp toured Minot Air Force Base with U.S. Senator Jack Reed ranking member of the Armed Services Committee to push for support in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for maintenance and modernization of Minot Air Force Base's nuclear assets, including its B-52 bombers and ICBMs. Heitkamp also welcomed Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) General John E. Hyten, who oversees global command and control of U.S. strategic forces, and Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein, a top official responsible for overseeing Minot Air Force Base's nuclear mission, during the tour.\r\nHer visit to Minot Air Force base followed Heitkamp's meeting at the Pentagon earlier that month with civic leaders from Minot's Task Force 21 and Lt. Gen. Weinstein, in which they discussed the need to modernize Minot's nuclear arsenal.\r\nHeitkamp has also consistently called onAir Force Secretary Heather WilsonandDefense Secretary Mattisto accelerate the replacement of Minot's Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters, which patrol and protect Minot's ICBM missile sites, and she is encouraged that the Air Force made a decision on the replacement contract last month. In July, Senator Heitkamp met with Brigadier General Andrea Tullos, the Air Force's Director of Security Forces, to discuss training and personnel issues confronting the Security Forces career field and the Reconstitute Defenders Initiative.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has continued to underscore Minot Air Force Base's role in a tough, smart national security strategy. At the Air Force Association breakfast series in May 2018,Heitkamp outlined her national defense prioritiesto keep Americans safe in the face of rising threats across the globe, which includes strengthening investment in the strategic nuclear deterrent and modernizing Minot's B-52s, ICBMs, and security apparatus. And in September 2017,Heitkamp welcomed Defense Secretary James Mattis and Air Force Secretary Wilsonto Minot to support the base's servicemembers and reassert the administration's commitment to a modernized nuclear arsenal.\r\nHeitkamp has also pushed for a Nuclear Posture Review that emphasizes the U.S. commitment to the nuclear triad and its fundamental role in national security. In February, the U.S. Department of Defense released its 2018 Nuclear Posture Review, which reflected all of the key recommendations ina report Heitkamp and the other members of the Senate ICBM Coalition releasedin December 2016.\r\nAdditionally, Heitkamp has consistently pushed for Minot's nuclear deterrence role as an aspect of the mutual defense of U.S. allies. 2017,Heitkamp crafted and passed a provision in the defense authorization billto reassure America's allies in its steadfast commitment to protecting against the North Korean nuclear threat.\r\nHeitkamp is a co-founder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus and is a member of the Senate Long Range Strike Caucus and the Senate ICBM Coalition.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=16CC9A60-BCF5-4AB9-B3FB-F2BB17D8E0B4", "Heitkamp: North Dakota at Forefront of All-of-the-above Energy Strategy", "2018-10-08", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BISMARCK, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted the success of North Dakota's all of the above energy strategy and her bipartisan work to support growth and innovation in the industry at the 12th annual Great Plains & EmPower ND Energy Conference at Bismarck State College.\r\nHeitkamp participated in a roundtable discussion with Lt. Governor Brent Sanford and the North Dakota congressional delegation, and spoke with top researchers, entrepreneurs, and energy industry leaders about how to keep North Dakota on the cutting edge of energy development in the wake of North Dakota's oil and gas boom and the growth of the wind energy industry, spurred by Heitkamp's successful attempt to couple renewable tax credits with her bill to end the decades-long ban on domestic oil exports.\r\nAll across North Dakota, our diverse energy industry is creating jobs, strengthening communities, and leading to innovations that make our nation more secure. This is all possible because Congress has been able to come together in a bipartisan way to promote common sense policies that boost domestic energy production  and I've been at the forefront of building the bipartisan coalitions necessary to get key policy wins across the finish line, Heitkamp said. After working with Republicans and Democrats to lift the ban on domestic oil exports, we're now seeing record levels of exports and a thriving oil industry that now has the conditions present to innovate and continue to become more efficient with long term certainty on access to global markets. At the same time, we extended renewable energy tax credits that are supporting North Dakota's wind energy industry, which is benefiting rural communities across the state. And facing a carbon constrained future, I worked in a bipartisan way to expand and extend tax credits that are forging a viable future for North Dakota's lignite coal industry and coal-fired power, while also continuing to fight for biofuels and North Dakota farmers by making sure the Administration adheres to the lawful mandates that they are required to uphold. North Dakota is the an example for the rest of the country by showing an all-of-the-above energy policy works, and the innovation taking place here will continue to fuel growth in our communities and keep our economy thriving.\r\nHeitkamp has a long track record of building bipartisan coalitions to advance an all-of-the-above energy strategy including successfully lifting the decades-old ban on exporting U.S. oil in 2015. For a year and a half, Heitkamp educated senators on both sides of the aisle to explain why lifting the ban made sense, and crafted a bipartisan deal to allow oil exports and pair it with tax credits for renewable energies like wind, supporting two resources that create jobs in North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp worked for years to write and pass the bipartisan FUTURE Act, which extends and expands the 45Q tax credit to provide certainty to utilities and other industrial sources, and incentivizes the build-out of industrial carbon capture projects that plan to use carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery and carbon utilization the conversion of carbon dioxide into useable products.\r\nHeitkamp's work in Congress builds on more than a decade of experience as a director of Dakota Gasification, as well as on the North Dakota Industrial Commission as North Dakota Attorney General, and as Tax Commissioner. Heitkamp has consistently put forward ideas in addition to the FUTURE Act to promote a realistic path forward for coal in North Dakota and across the country. Click herefor a timeline of Heitkamp's extensive work to forge a viable path forward for coal.\r\nIn March,Heitkamp built on the success of the FUTURE Act and introduced the bipartisan USE IT Act, which would strengthen support for carbon utilization and direct air capture research. The bill would also incentivize federal, state, and non-governmental collaboration in the construction and development of CCUS facilities and CO2 pipelines. The legislation has a diverse coalition of supporters, including Lignite Energy Council, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Clean Air Task Force, and Bipartisan Policy Center Action. Click here for a full list of supporters.\r\nBackground\r\nSince joining the Senate, Heitkamp has also worked to find a realistic path for clean coal by:\r\n \r\nBringing together Democrats to urge strong CCUS funding, as president's budget proposed cuts: Last June,Heitkamp led a diverse group of 15 Democratic senatorsincluding liberal and conservative lawmakersin urging congressional appropriators to fund strong U.S. Department of Energy investments in CCUS technologies, which are key to coal's future. Thepresident's budget threatened to cut fundingfor the U.S. Energy Department Office of Fossil Energy by 55 percent, including funding cuts of at least 84 percent to CCUS programs. Such cuts would significantly hinder the advancement of CCUS technologies, which North Dakota's rural electric co-ops, coal workers, and ratepayers rely on to support a path forward for coal-fired power through clean coal research and development.\r\n \r\n \r\nIntroducing major legislation in 2013 and 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward:Heitkamp'sbillwould incentivize companies to invest in technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power. This is done through federal funding programs, federal support for private investment, and recommendations to Congress that provide insight on how best to support future CCUS projects in the U.S. In May 2015, Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced aseries of billsto make sure coal remains part of America's energy mix, incorporating Heitkamp's bill.\r\n \r\n \r\nSuccessfully urging the EPA to grant North Dakota regulatory authority over Class VI wells that are used for long-term underground storage of CO2. Allowing the state to regulate such wells will help North Dakota develop innovative CCUS technologies, drive down costs, and reduce carbon emissions. Heitkamp repeatedly urged the EPA to approve the North Dakota Industrial Commission's application, weighing in with former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and in a letter and meeting with Administrator Pruitt.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nConvening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss path forward on coal:Heitkamp co-hosted aCoal Technology Symposiumon Capitol Hill in 2014 that brought together industry, lawmakers, experts and academics  including the Energy and Environmental Research Center from Grand Forks. To a crowded room, Heitkamp laid out the importance of advancing realistic energy policies and discussed the vital role coal plays in providing affordable energy in North Dakota and around the country.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=17392AA0-39B9-47A8-942F-6CCBD18DA87D", "Senate Passes Bills Heitkamp Cosponsored to Allow Dickinson & Jamestown Homeowners to Purchase Lots", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation she helped introduce and cosponsor to allow homeowners around the Jamestown Reservoir and Patterson Lake to buy the lots on which their homes sit.\r\nThe bipartisan bills would transfer lot ownership at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, lots along the Jamestown Reservoir would be transferred to the Stutsman County Park Board. After this process has completed, North Dakotans with homes on these lots would be able to purchase the land. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND).\r\nFor many years, folks along Lake Paterson and the Jamestown Reservoir have wanted to purchase the lots on which they've built homes, spent time with their kids and grandkids, and made priceless memories, said Heitkamp. Alongside Senator Hoeven, we worked to make sure these North Dakotans can continue to enjoy the swimming, fishing, and boating these bodies of water provide. With these bipartisan, commonsense bills now moving through Congress, we're allowing homeowners to invest in their properties, take real ownership of the land, and keep our state's recreational opportunities affordable for all.\r\nThis legislation builds on Heitkamp's efforts to support permit holders along North Dakota reservoirs. In December 2016, she worked to pass a water resources bill that included provisions to benefit North Dakota homeowners on Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, and the Jamestown Reservoir. The provisions helped limit a planned increase in permit costs for lots on these reservoirs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=48AFC88B-36F5-45E9-A239-E4FA8CDB8841", "Heitkamp to Vote Against U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she will vote against confirming U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.\r\nAs I said after Judge Kavanaugh was nominated, and as I've continued to say throughout this process, I consider vetting nominees to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court as one of the most important jobs of any U.S. senator  and I take that job very seriously, said Heitkamp. That's what North Dakotans expect of their senators, which is why I met with Judge Kavanaugh, closely watched his hearings, and reviewed his available record during this evaluation process  including the nonpartisan FBI investigation which I called for. After doing my due diligence and now that the record is apparently closed, I will vote against his confirmation.\r\nWe need to take politics out of the Supreme Court as much as possible, and it takes Republicans and Democrats in the Senate, the administration, and individuals around the country to help make that possible. We live in a very divisive time, but we can change that. Both sides horribly handled the process around this nomination. We must learn from these mistakes.\r\nI voted for Justice Gorsuch because I felt his legal ability and temperament qualified him to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is different. When considering a lifetime appointment to Supreme Court, we must evaluate the totality of the circumstances and record before us. In addition to the concerns about his past conduct, last Thursday's hearing called into question Judge Kavanaugh's current temperament, honesty, and impartiality. These are critical traits for any nominee to serve on the highest court in our country.\r\nThere has been much public debate about Thursday's hearing, and it has furthered a national discussion about stopping sexual assault that is long overdue and we must continue to have. I have spent much of my time in public service  including as North Dakota's Attorney General  focused on combating domestic violence and protecting women and children from abuse. Our actions right now are a poignant signal to young girls and women across our country. I will continue to stand up for them.\r\nWhen I served as North Dakota's Attorney General, I helped implement the original Violence Against Women Act and I saw how it helped survivors and victims across my state. As a U.S. senator, the reauthorization of the law was the first bill I helped pass, and I insisted that it include increased protections for Native American women and girls. My lifetime of work, advocacy, and commitment to these issues, and to these women and girls, helped inform my decision today.\r\nDr. Ford gave heartfelt, credible, and persuasive testimony.It took great courage and also came at great personal cost. She had nothing to gain and everything to lose by coming forward with her deeply personal story. It was clear that she was testifying not because she wanted to, but because she felt it was her civic duty. When I listened to Dr. Ford testify, I heard the voices of women I have known throughout my life who have similar stories of sexual assault and abuse. Countless North Dakotans and others close to me have since reached out and told me their stories of being raped or sexually assaulted  and expressed the same anguish and fear. I'm in awe of their courage, too. Some of them reported their abuse at the time, but others said nothing until now. Survivors should be respected for having the strength to share what happened to them  even if a generation has since passed. They still feel the scars and suffer the trauma of abuse.\r\nThere are many extremely qualified candidates to serve on the Court. I'm ready to work with the President to confirm a nominee who is suited for the honor and distinction of serving this lifetime appointment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6D586E1B-BBDA-4D41-8962-844E638CA744", "Heitkamp Helps Pass Bipartisan FAA Bill to Support Rural Airports and Boost UAS Development in ND", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the Senate to pass a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which included an amendment Heitkamp fought for to boost North Dakota's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry and preserved funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS), which many North Dakota airports rely on. The bill is now expected to be signed into law.\r\nThe FAA supports critical aviation projects and programs that help maintain and improve airports across North Dakota, and the long-term reauthorization will ensure the agency can continue to support air service to North Dakota's airports. These programs include the EAS  a vital federal support program that enables airlines to serve many rural communities, like those in Devils Lake, Jamestown, and Dickinson  which Heitkamp has long advocated to protect from cuts, including in the administration's proposed budget. As a result, these funds help support small business growth and local jobs, make it possible for residents to travel, and boost tourism to the area.\r\nA fully functioning FAA supports the economy and makes life easier in North Dakota's rural communities, Heitkamp said. I fought to include important provisions for our state's growing UAS industry, and this bill will help North Dakota colleges and universities prepare students for careers in UAS. The bill gives long-term certainty to our airports and the communities they serve, and will make sure access to air service is protected across our state. The bill also maintains the Essential Air Service program, which many North Dakota airports rely on to stay competitive and preserve service to rural areas. I've fought to protect EAS from the administration's proposals to eliminate it, and this bill preserves funding that will continue to support air service to rural communities across the state.\r\nHeitkamp successfully included an amendment that will improve access to special use airspace for public UAS to assist federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement organizations in conducting law enforcement, emergency response, and other activities. This amendment will promote the use of the Customs & Border Protection Air & Marine Operations aircraft out of Grand Forks.\r\nThe bill also supports North Dakota's UAS industry by:\r\n \r\nSupporting the Department of Transportation's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program. Heitkamp successfully pushed for North Dakota to be one of 10 states in the pilot program, and joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to announce North Dakota's participation in May.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nPromoting the continued use of test ranges like the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and extends their authority for five years. Heitkamp has been a champion of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and its work to integrate UAS into the airspace, develop sense and avoid technologies, and support low-altitude UAS traffic management research like that conducted by NASA, all of which this bill promotes.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting UAS workforce training. The bill requires the establishment of a collegiate training initiative program for UAS as well as the designation of a consortia of public, two-year institutions of higher education to implement workforce training programs, which could benefit several schools in North Dakota.\r\n \r\nHeitkamp has long been a supporter of EAS funding, which keeps North Dakota's smaller airports and rural communities thriving. According to a study conducted by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, air travel to the Devils Lake and Jamestown areas alone brought$2.1 millionfrom visitors to the area in 2015, and supported209 jobsin the state.In Dickinson, which EAS supported with $4.2 million in 2016, about 475 jobs are dependent on the airport, which helped generate $76.6 million for the area. Heitkamp has successfully fought back against the administration's attempts to eliminate EAS funding in its budget.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C2716600-ABA5-4E65-98BB-72E1EA3DDB35", "Heitkamp Welcomes 8 interns to Washington and North Dakota Offices", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced eight new interns in her Washington, D.C. and North Dakota offices.\r\nInternships provide students and recent graduates with real, on-the-job skills that help them learn about the legislative process and serve North Dakota, said Heitkamp. All young folks deserve to be able to grasp opportunities that come their way, but unfortunately some students aren't able to afford to take internships that don't offer stipends. As the daughter of a school cook and seasonal construction worker, I understand the importance of working hard, but also what it means to struggle to get by. I want every North Dakota student to have every opportunity and that's why I want to make it so students from any economic background are able to intern in my offices. I encourage more North Dakota students to apply for internships in my offices in North Dakota or in our nation's capital.\r\nWatch this video to learn more about internship opportunities in Heitkamp's offices.\r\nWashington, D.C. Office\r\n \r\nAnthony Walsh, from Edina, MN, is a recent graduate from the University of North Dakota who double majored in history and interdisciplinary studies. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\n \r\nHassan Chehem Ali, from the Netherlands, studied political science at South Dakota State University and currently is a graduate student in international relations at the University of Groningen.\r\n \r\n \r\nKatlyn Weiser, from Pittsburgh, PA, is a currently a junior at George Mason University studying government and international politics with an emphasis in communications. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\n \r\nSophia Oen, from Grand Forks, is currently a sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C. studying international relations and biology. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\nBismarck Office\r\n \r\nSaNoah LaRocque is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and is currently a rising senior at Harvard University where she is a pre-med student while also studying the history of art and architecture. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\nFargo Office\r\n \r\nBrady Heath, from West Fargo, is a senior at North Dakota State University studying business management. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\nGrand Forks Office\r\n \r\nEmily Broich, from Marble, MN, is currently a senior at the University of North Dakota majoring in political science and public administration. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\n \r\nSarah Jensen, from Grand Forks, is attending the University of North Dakota Law School. Click here for photo.\r\n \r\nHeitkamp's offices accepts internship application on a rolling basis for her five North Dakota offices and her Washington, D.C. office. Students interested in politics, government, press, public service or the legislative process are encouraged to apply for this one of a kind experience.Click herefor more information on interning for the Senator and to apply.\r\nSuccessful candidates will be those who demonstrate leadership, thoughtfulness, creativity, a strong attention to detail, and a sense of public service.Preference will be given to students who are from North Dakota.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CAE60EF5-514B-4B49-8024-C861AD62C402", "Heitkamp Statement on New Trade Agreement with Canada & Mexico", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the new trilateral trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.\r\nFrom the beginning of the renegotiation of NAFTA, which has been going on for over a year, I've been pushing for a deal that maintains North Dakota's critical trade relationships with Canada and Mexico, our largest trading partners, Heitkamp said. The renegotiation was an opportunity to address several issues important to North Dakota agriculture. Over the past year, I've had many helpful and substantive meetings with the Canadian ambassador to talk through issues in NAFTA that I hoped could be addressed to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers. The new agreement is good news for wheat growers who would no longer face an unfair Canadian grading system  a change I've been pushing for  but it's disappointing the concerns of cattle ranchers and potato farmers were not addressed. Additionally, this agreement doesn't address the steel and aluminum tariffs which are still putting North Dakota's energy industry and agriculture manufacturing equipment companies in jeopardy. Throughout the negotiation, I've been working with North Dakota agriculture producers to help them maintain their relationships with their buyers in Canada and Mexico, and I hope we can now move forward in a way that's good for North Dakota's ag economy.\r\nFrom the beginning on the NAFTA renegotiation in 2017, Heitkamp outlined her top priorities for North Dakota agriculture  including wheat grading, which was ultimately addressed in the final agreement. Heitkamp consistently pushed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to deal with the wheat grading issue that puts North Dakota growers at a disadvantage. Heitkamp also pressed Canadian officials in numerous meetings about this issue and urged them to come to the table to talk about fair grading practices for North Dakota producers. Under Canada's grading system, wheat grown in North Dakota is unable to receive a premium grade, even if the wheat was a variety registered in Canada. This makes Canadian grain handlers reluctant to handle U.S. grain in their bulk handling system. This has been a longstanding issue for U.S. wheat and barley producers, and has repeatedly been recognized as a market access barrier by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USTR in various reports.\r\nHeitkamp has also worked with other commodity groups, like the potato growers she recently met with near Grand Forks and in Washington, to make sure their voices were heard at the negotiating table.\r\nBackground:\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. At the beginning on the NAFTA renegotiation, Heitkamp outlined her top priorities for North Dakota agriculture  including wheat grading, which was ultimately addressed in the final agreement. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5A6D684A-2761-41C3-A16C-6175DAAAA75A", "Heitkamp Statement on Farm Bill Negotiations Reaching Deadline", "2018-09-30", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill conference committee, today issued the following statement on the status of Farm Bill negotiations as the current bill is set to expire at midnight tonight.\r\nAfter the Senate passed a strong Farm Bill with historic and overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats, it's disappointing that House Republicans continue to push for partisan and regional provisions that have no chance of building the bipartisan coalition necessary to pass a final bill and give certainty to our farmers, ranchers, and rural America. Particularly at a time of turmoil in farm country due to the administration's trade war, it is also disappointing that the House took a break in August and much of September and has now adjourned until mid-November,\" said Heitkamp. \"Americans expect members of Congress to get to work and do their jobs, but passing a strong Farm Bill is clearly not the priority it should be for House Republicans who want to keep pushing partisan provisions including provisions that leave North Dakota farmers behind. We're working to make sure many of these farm programs are able to operate for another few months, but Congress is sending the wrong message to farmers and ranchers in the middle of harvest who desperately need certainty and are instead now being told they won't get it.Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow are working in good faith to get a deal done quickly, and we need House Republicans to commit to coming to the table to compromise so Congress can do its job to support farmers and ranchers. I'll continue to work toward passing a final bill as soon as possible, and House Republicans should join the Senate to put politics aside and get back to work on behalf of farm country.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.\r\nThe bill includes many key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota farmers,ranchers, and families, including her fix to the ARC-County program, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, her priority to protect and improve crop insurance, and her proposal to help farmers and ranchers handle the stress of working in an industry as volatile as agriculture.\r\nProvisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the bipartisan 2018 Senate Farm Bill:\r\n \r\nHer bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nHer priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most or all of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to support rural Native American communities.Heitkamp successfully included an amendment to establish a permanent Rural Development Tribal Technical Assistance Office to provide technical assistance across all areas of rural development funding. The provision, part of herTribal Food and Housing Security Actto ensure Native American communities are supported in the 2018 Farm Bill, would support rural business and community development, housing, rural infrastructure like electric and telecommunications services, and rural hospitals and health care.\r\n \r\n \r\nHer provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.\r\n \r\nIn addition to her work on the Farm Bill, Heitkamp has been successfully fighting to improve disaster assistance programs for North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Earlier this year,her bill to improve disaster assistance to livestock and honeybee producersby permanently removing the funding cap for the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) wassigned into law.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=19BAADCA-A753-4289-AF8F-CBE710AB65D2", "After Decades-long Heitkamp Effort, North Dakota to Begin Collecting Sales Tax from Online and Out-of-State Vendors", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Beginning Monday, October 1, North Dakota will begin to collect sales and use tax from online and out-of-state vendors, a huge victory for the state and small businesses that have been at a competitive disadvantage.\r\nThe change comes as a result of a decades-long effort by Heitkamp to level the playing field for brick-and-mortar business in North Dakota. As North Dakota's Tax Commissioner, she brought Quill v North Dakota before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1992 in an effort to require catalog retailers to collect state sales and use taxes. The case was not decided favorably, but Heitkamp has been fighting to overturn that decision ever since. At Heitkamp's urging, the Supreme Court took up a new case to resolve the issue earlier this year, and in its decision in South Dakota vs Wayfair, Inc. in June, the Court finally overturned its decision in Quill.\r\nIn additional to putting brick-and-mortar business on a level playing field with online vendors, the ruling will help increase state revenues, adding much needed resources that can support critical investments in education, infrastructure and other state projects. The state estimates that it could collect $50 million in additional revenue annually. In 2015 alone, the total uncollected sales and use taxes in the U.S. was nearly $26 billion. Retailers without a physical presence have a price advantage over brick-and-mortar businesses of up to 8.5 percent in North Dakota.\r\nAfter a long battle, this is a major victory to help level the playing field for the brick and mortar businesses our rural communities rely on, Heitkamp said. This effort was all about getting fairness for the Main Street businesses that are so important to our way of life. I started this fight as North Dakota's Tax Commissioner in 1992, and it's great news for our state to finally see the issue resolved in a way that will make small businesses more competitive and boost state revenue, which benefits every community. \r\nIn Quill v North Dakota, Heitkamp fought to allow the state of North Dakota to make catalog retailers collect the sales and use taxes the state and municipalities were already owed. The court ruled against North Dakota, deciding that a business must have a physical presence in a state before it can be required to collect and remit state sales and use taxes.\r\nSince Quill was decided in 1992, the sharp increase in internet sales sparked renewed interest from state and local governments in leveling the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses and closing a gaping loophole in our tax system.\r\nHeitkamp attended oral arguments in Quill in 1992, and earlier this year attended oral arguments for Wayfair. Last November, Heitkamp led a bipartisan group of senators in submitting an amicus brief to the Court, urging the Court take up South Dakota v Wayfair, Inc. in an effort to overturn Quill v North Dakota. After the Court agreed to take up the case, Heitkamp led a bipartisan group of senators in filing a brief urging the Court to overturn its decision in Quill v North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp also led a bipartisan legislative effort to settle the issue in congress. She helped introduce the Marketplace Fairness Act in 2013, one of the first bills she introduced as a senator.The legislation would give states the right to require out-of-state businesses or online retailers to collect and remit the sales and use taxes that are already owed under current law. The Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act in a bipartisan vote of 69-27, but the legislation was not taken up in the House of Representatives. Last year, Heitkamp and a bipartisan group of senators reintroduced the Marketplace Fairness Act, but Congress did not act, which is one of the reasons Heitkamp urged the Court to decide the issue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAB36A88-C5E2-4D4B-8060-3BE50E6D8B92", "Heitkamp Submits Thousands of Stories from Workers & Retirees Impacted by Multiemployer Pension Crisis to Congressional Pension Committee", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator is Encouraging Workers, Retirees, & Employers to Submit their Stories to the Committee via Email until September 30 \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp a member of the bipartisan Joint Select Committee tasked with solving the nationwide multiemployer pension plan crisis today submitted thousands of personal stories penned by workers and retirees whose families would be devastated by the sudden loss or reduction of their pensions.The submission includes 115 stories from North Dakotans.\r\nThese letters build on Heitkamp's efforts to share the stories of North Dakotans who could face financial ruin due to the collapse of their pension funds including over 2,000 North Dakotans who paid into the Central States Pension Fund. In July, Heitkamp hosted a video livestream on Facebook featuring workers, retirees, and their representatives in Congress sharing stories about how the nationwide pension crisis is currently impacting them. Click here to watch the full stream. Heitkamp also hosted livestreams with pensioners in Bismarck and Fargo in September.\r\nWithout action from Congress, a total of 1.5 million retirees nationwide who are part of various pension funds could see their retirement savings drastically cut. To gather input about the potential challenges faced by retirees and to help craft a legislative solution to the pension crisis, the Committee has been gathering feedback from workers, retirees, and employers through an email inbox. Heitkamp is encouraging all impacted workers, retirees, and business who have not already sent their stories and suggestions to email JSCSMPP@finance.senate.gov by September 30, 2018.\r\nThe personal stories we submitted today are powerful. They're stories shared by men and women across the country who worked hard for decades, often in physically demanding jobs, and played by the rules to provide for the long-term futures of their families. Even though they were responsible and saved for retirement, they're finding themselves stiffed through no fault of their own. It's just wrong, said Heitkamp. The members on the Committee need to hear these stories. The government managed to bail out Wall Street when times were tough, but it's now dangerously close to shirking its commitment to look out for workers when they need it most. These workers deserve every ounce of help we can give them, and I'll keep fighting for a bipartisan solution to this mess.\r\nClick here to read stories submitted by over 100 North Dakota workers, retirees, and their families impacted by the pension crisis.\r\nA recent analysis from the American Enterprise Institute found that the collapse of the Central States Pension Fund just one of the pension funds in distress around the country would cause serious harm to the nationwide economy. The analysis concluded that the fund's collapse would lead to the loss of nearly 300 jobs in North Dakota, as well as more than 55,000 jobs lost across the country by 2025. The study also found that GDP would decline by more than $5 billion. Click here to read the full report.\r\nThis pension is my main income, and losing it would cause me to have to sell my home. I have had several back surgeries from the work I was doing, and it would be hard for me to find employment with my medical record, Larry Schaff, retired UPS driver, Mandan, North Dakota. This pension is something I worked very hard for, and losing it would be devastating to my family. This pension loss would not only affect the pensioners, but it would cost the government millions or even billions for the people it pushes into financial uncertainty.\r\nMy husband, Quinten, lost his life four years ago at the young age of 49 after a short battle with cancer. Knowing he was the main income provider, he feared I would struggle without him. As scared as I was, I assured him the kids and I would be okay, said Annette Hausauer, Mandan, North Dakota. One thing that brought him peace of mind was that he had 20 years vested in a pensionand that one day I would be able to draw my portion. I'm encouraging members of Congress to fight for the rights of all pension recipients especially those who can no longer fight for themselves. I'd also like to thank Senator Heitkamp for helping write and introduce the Butch Lewis Act and for raising awareness about this very important issue.\r\nLoss or reduction of my pension would harm my family, because I worked 30-plus years waiting to retire. I missed many of my children's games and school programs while I was employed, said Ed Seeberg, retired UPS driver, Bismarck. \"The loss of my pension which I worked decades for would mean I would have to find a low-paying job because of my age to make ends meetand perhaps my wife would also. Then, we would also miss our grandchildren's programs and games. We need our pension. We earned our pension.\r\nLosing my pension would mean that I would have to look at going into the full-time workforce, despite that I retired after decades of labor intensive work. That being saidwhat employer is going to consider hiring a person in his mid-seventies or eighties? I don't believe my body could take the vigor of a full-time job again, especially since I'm having some lower-back issues and looking at knee replacements, said Gary Gravseth, retired freight truck driver, Burlington. I did my very best while in the freight business to work hard to be able to retire, draw a full pension, and enjoy my golden years. I would have to make some very life altering changes if this problem is not addressed, and I cannot stress enough the importance of the Butch Lewis Act.\r\nTo prevent a major economic burden on workers, retirees, and American taxpayers, Heitkamp also stressed the need for Congress to work to find a legislative fix to the growing pension problem, such as through her Butch Lewis Act which Heitkamp helped write and introduce last November. The Select Committee will provide a process for Congress to consider this bill and work toward a bipartisan solution that can solve the pension crisis.\r\nThe Joint Select Committee will provide a process for Congress to consider Heitkamp's bill and work toward a bipartisan solution that can solve the pension crisis. The Butch Lewis Act would:\r\n \r\nProvide financing to put failing pension plans back on solid ground to ensure they can meet their commitments to retirees today and workers for decades to come.\r\nPrevent a single dollar of cuts to benefits retirees have earned.\r\nPut safeguards in place so pension plans remain strong so they will be there for today's workers when they retire\r\n \r\nSpecifically, the bill would allow the Treasury Department to loan money, leveraged by safe investments, to pension plans to ensure that retirees and their families are guaranteed their promised benefits. Click hereto read Heitkamp's recent op-ed on the pension crisis, her goals for the bipartisan committee, and theButch Lewis Act.\r\nIn May 2018, Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to share several stories from these impacted North Dakotans. Click here to watch the full video of Heitkamp's speech.\r\nBackground\r\nFor years, Heitkamp has stood with North Dakota's workers and retirees and fought to safeguard their retirement savings, and she has specifically fought to protect those who are part of the Central States Pension Fund from harsh cuts. Heitkampspoke on the floor of the U.S. Senatein 2016 to push the U.S. Treasury Department to reject the proposed harsh cuts, and joined retirees and workers at arally in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.in 2016 to push back against cuts.\r\nIn 2016, those workers and retirees faced pension cuts of up to 60 percent under a plan to restructure the multiemployer pension plan, which is no longer solvent.Afterpressure from Heitkamp and workers across the country, Kenneth Feinberg the then-Treasury official overseeing the restructuring of the pension plan announced that theU.S. Department of the Treasuryrejected the proposed cuts, saying they were unfair for workers and retirees who would be impacted.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E55B6C22-41BE-47B0-A45F-DCC0800F8649", "Heitkamp Backs New Bill to Boost Funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she is supporting legislation to permanently extend and increase federal funding for minority-serving higher education institutions like North Dakota's five tribal colleges.\r\nThe Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act would increase mandatory funding levels from $255 million to $300 million for minority-serving institutions of higher education. A majority of the mandatory funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities is set to expire in the next year, leaving schools without the resources needed to serve their students.\r\nThe funds would be used for capital improvement needs, faculty and curriculum development, and student services. American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities would receive $35 million, a $5 million increase from the current funding level.\r\nNorth Dakota's tribal colleges are vital institutions that help prepare the next generation of Native American students for fulfilling careers, Heitkamp said. Often, students that attend Tribal Colleges are the first in their families to seek a higher education. Adequate funding is essential to help these important institutions carry out their mission, which is why I've been pushing for increased funding for schools that serve minority populations. Every North Dakota community is stronger when we work to build a skilled workforce and make sure a good education is in reach for every student.\r\nHeitkamp supported an increase in funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities in the bipartisan government funding bill that passed the Senate last week, and is expected to become law soon. Heitkamp offered an amendment to boost this funding even more to help North Dakota's colleges, but it was not included in the final bill. This new legislation would permanently boost funding to the level Heitkamp requested.\r\nAs a small, rural, tribal college, Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) relies on the Title III funding as essential funding to operate our institution, said Cynthia Lindquist, President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten. If we should lose this funding or if it is reduced by any amount, I am uncertain as to whether or not CCCC would remain open. The proposed legislation supported by Senator Heitkamp, demonstrates the understanding that higher education is a good and viable investment for rural communities and disenfranchised students. We make a difference in people's lives, their families, and their communities.\r\nUnited Tribes Technical College (UTTC) thanks Senator Heitkamp for this important bill to provide resources to assist tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) to support Native students with the tools they need to start careers and support their families, said UTTC President Russ McDonald. Education is more than just a certificate or diploma  it's about lifting entire communities by making sure North Dakota's workforce needs are met. TCUs face many unique challenges, and this funding is one way we can continue to provide the education and opportunities that Native students deserve.\r\nNorth Dakota is home to thousands of students who enroll each year in one of the state's five tribal colleges, which include: Turtle Mountain Community College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (formerly Fort Berthold Community College), United Tribes Technical College, Sitting Bull College, and Cankdeska Cikana Community College.\r\nHeitkamp has been a strong advocate for North Dakota's tribal colleges, leading a bipartisan effort every year since 2013 to celebrate the unique and critically important role these institutions of higher education play in supporting students from Indian Country.\r\nClick here for a video of Heitkamp and North Dakota students discussing the importance of TCUs, and click here for video of Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recognizing National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week on the Senate floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0E40FAFF-1575-4920-90EB-265F463FCFE7", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Fight Drug Abuse in Indian Country", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced four federal grants totaling over $1.2 million to help fight drug addiction such as the ongoing opioid and meth epidemics.\r\nWe have to take every action possible to fight drug abuse across Indian Country and across North Dakota, said Heitkamp. Almost every family and community in North Dakota has been impacted by drug and substance abuse, and we need to change that trajectory. This federal funding will help support efforts to fight drug addiction on reservations in North Dakota and I'll continue to fight to make sure the federal government is doing its part in stopping the opioid, meth, and addiction epidemics.\r\nThese federal grants are distributed as follows:\r\n \r\nStanding Rock Sioux Tribe: $510,756\r\n \r\n \r\nTurtle Mountain Tribe: $368,266\r\n \r\n \r\nSpirit Lake Tribe: $182,438\r\n \r\n \r\nMandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation: $179,233\r\n \r\nThese federal funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grants.\r\nRecently, Heitkamp voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the comprehensive, bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act to combat the ongoing, national substance abuse crisis. This legislation also included several key provisions that Heitkamp fought to include that address the ripple effects that drug abuse has on children, families, and rural communities. As part of her efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, Heitkamp has hosted seven meetings including in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, Dickinson, and Hazen. Heitkamp also helped pass a bipartisan funding bill that would help to make sure rural communities have the tools they need to combat the opioid and meth epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5F518BA9-E285-470C-8C5F-0317C81DD18E", "Heitkamp Helps Donate Computers to James River Special Education Cooperative in Jamestown", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she is donating five U.S. Senate computers to be used in classrooms at the James River Special Education Cooperative in Jamestown.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information age by channeling surplus Senate computers into classrooms countrywide. All registered public schools in the United States and territories are eligible.\r\nHeitkamp selected the James River Special Education Cooperative to receive the five gently-used computers so the school can meet students' technology needs without having to buy all new equipment.\r\nFor our students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, they need access to updated technology and computers, that enable them to do research, access critical learning tools, and reach communities far distances away, said Heitkamp. We live in a digital world and I'm thrilled that some of our U.S. Senate computers will be put to good use to support students in the Jamestown region. It's critical that all schools across North Dakota have access to updated technology, and that's particularly the case in rural communities  and I'll keep looking for opportunities to support our state's schools, students, and teachers.\r\nThank you Senator Heitkamp for your technology donation to the James River Special Education Cooperative. The nearly new computers will provide students access to 21st century learning and skills, said Heidi Budeau, James River Special Education Director. I know students and staff are excited to use the computers and are very thankful for your thoughtfulness and kindness in assisting in the advancement of their education.\r\nHeitkamp also selected the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit in Hazen, the Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit, and the GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit to receive gently-used U.S. Senate computers. In 2015, Heitkamp visited Flasher Public Schools and Ed Clapp Elementary in Fargo that received computers through the same U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program. In 2014, Heitkamp announced that Cannon Ball Elementary School was selected by Apple as one of 114 schools that received Apple Technology in every classroom.\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to improve educational opportunities for all students  whether by expanding access to technology, calling for increased funding resources, or by improving school breakfast and lunch. Heitkamp recently helped pass a bipartisan government funding bill that includes major wins for North Dakota's rural education priorities. This funding package includes funding for the School Improvement Program that supports classroom technology, distance learning, and professional development initiatives for rural schools.\r\nIn 2016, Heitkamp highlighted how new technology can inspire students in the class room when she brought U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to Mandan Middle School. Together, they joined with 8th graders during a live Skype with astronaut, Dr. Karen Nyberg  a graduate from the University of North Dakota who had traveled to space.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A582093C-C592-4822-8FE7-D1754A59D257", "Heitkamp Helps Introduce Bill to Address Womens Retirement Gap, Boost Financial Security for ND Women & their Families", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Builds on Bipartisan Package of Bills Heitkamp Introduced in July to Improve Retirement Security for North Dakota's Working Families \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp helped introduce a bill to extend critical protections for women's retirement security and provide tools and resources to help women better prepare for retirement.\r\nAcross the country, women often find themselves significantly behind their male counterparts in preparing for retirementand they are more likely to face financial uncertainty during retirement. In 2014, the median female retirement income was just 55 percent of the average male retirement income. Additionally, women over 65 are 80 percent more likely to fall into poverty during retirement and are more likely to leave the workforce during their income-earning years to become caregivers for loved ones.\r\nThe bill would address several financial challenges that disproportionately impact female workers, retirees, and their families. It would help bolster the retirement security of North Dakota women by strengthening consumer protections, improving access to retirement savings plans for female employees, encouraging financial literacy, and supporting low-income women and survivors of domestic violence.\r\nToo often, women face challenges in the workplace with gender pay disparities and lack of access to paid leave to care for family members or newborns. We need to address those issues and also make sure that the barriers they face don't follow them into retirement, said Heitkamp. It's clear that women face poverty in retirement at rates drastically higher than men. No one should be forced to worry about losing their retirement savings or falling into poverty during their golden years, and our bill would help more North Dakota women enjoy the long-term retirement security they've earned through their hard work.\r\nThis legislation would take needed steps to assist women in building secure and longer-lasting retirements. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that would extend spousal protections to prevent one spouse from undermining a couple's retirement resources without the other's consent. Specifically, the Women's Pension Protection Act of 2018 would:\r\n \r\nStrengthen consumer protections to safeguard retirement savings by expanding existing spousal protections for defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans to prevent one spouse from making decisions that might undermine a couple's retirement resources without the other's knowledge and consent;\r\n \r\n \r\nExpand access to retirement savings plans by changing the minimum participation standards for long-term, part-time workers most of whom are women;\r\n \r\n \r\nIncrease financial literacy by providing grants for community-based organizations to improve the financial literacy among women who are of working or retirement age;\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport low-income women and survivors of domestic abuse seeking retirement benefits by providing grants for community-based organizations that assist them in obtaining qualified domestic relations orders, the legal instruments that allow for the division of retirement benefits enabling them to receive the retirement benefits they are entitled to following a divorce or legal separation.\r\n \r\nOrganizations backing the legislation include AARP, the National Women's Law Center, the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, and the Pension Rights Center. Click here for a summary of the bill.\r\nThis legislation builds on Heitkamp's efforts in the U.S. Senate to boost the economic security of North Dakotans saving for retirement. In July 2018, Heitkamp introduced a bipartisan package of bills that would help improve retirement security for individuals and families, especially as the costs of health care, education, homeownership, and other expenses have continued to rise squeezing families financially. Click herefor a summary of the bills.\r\nHeitkamp has also been an ardent defender of the pensions of 2,000 North Dakota workers and retirees who are part of the Central States Pension Fund and face drastic cuts to their pensions through no fault of their own. Earlier this year, Heitkamp wasselected to serveon a new 16-person bipartisan, House and Senate Joint Select Committee tasked with solving the crisis facing multiemployer pension plans across the country. In July 2018, Heitkamp hosted a video livestream on Facebook featuring workers, retirees, and their representatives in Congress sharing stories about how the nationwide pension crisis is impacting them.Click here to watch the full stream.\r\nAnd in November 2017,Heitkamp announced theButch Lewis Actduring a rally in Bismarck with over 100 workers, retirees, and their families. The Select Committee will provide a process for Congress to consider Heitkamp's bill and work toward a bipartisan solution that can solve the pension crisis.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long fought for pay equity for women in the workplace, as well as for the financial security of North Dakota's working families. Last year, Heitkamp helped reintroduce the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a federal paid family and medical leave policy and help close the wage gap between men and women.\r\nHeitkamp is also a strong supporter of thePaycheck Fairness Act whichwas blocked on multiple occasionsin 2014 by Senate Republicans to help close the startling wage gap between men and women.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A9EC9477-D9D3-4056-87E1-B40379FF76AA", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Support for Pediatric Mental Health", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today $445,000 in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Health to help support the integration of behavioral health care into pediatric primary care.\r\nIt's so important that we address mental and behavioral health for children as early as possible to achieve the best outcomes, said Heitkamp. When pediatricians have resources to address mental health, issues can be identified earlier to make sure parents and their children are connected to the services and support they need. That is why this federal funding is critical as it will use telehealth technology to help integrate behavioral health care into pediatric care. We can and must do better for all children, so that their futures remain bright.\r\nThis federal funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration's Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program. This federal grant program works to integrate behavioral health care into pediatric primary care through statewide and regional access programs through telehealth.\r\nHeitkamp has been a strong advocate of supporting mental and behavioral health by addressing the impacts of trauma in children. Traumatic experiences can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can impact children throughout their lives and recently several key provisions from Heitkamp's Trauma-informed Care for Children and Families Act were included in the Opioid Crisis Response Act. The key pieces from her legislation would help to address and mitigate the detrimental impacts that exposure to trauma can have on children.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6EDE5E19-5609-4F11-ADEF-E4298F3265B1", "As Trade War Escalates, New Retaliatory Tariffs Starting Today Target Commodities Important to ND Ag Economy", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the administration officially escalated its trade war with China, causing China to impose retaliatory tariffs on goods that are vital to North Dakota's agriculture economy.\r\nThe trade war and retaliatory tariffs are going into high gear at the worst possible time for North Dakota farmers, Heitkamp said. As harvest is in full swing, farmers should be focused on getting their crop off the field  not worrying about plummeting prices and disappearing markets. The administration's trade war is a drag on our entire rural economy. We can hold China's feet to the fire on trade while also protecting American agriculture, but the administration has chosen a scorched earth approach that treats our farmers like collateral damage. I'll keep pushing for solutions and action to end to this trade war and for smart trade policies that hold China accountable while also protecting markets for North Dakota goods.\r\nThe retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. goods include commodities important to North Dakota's ag economy, such as beef and pork based products, frozen peas and soybean and corn oil. The trade war is already hurting farmers and ranchers by causing commodity prices to fall and orders to be cancelled. Not a single order for North Dakota soybeans has been placed by China, which was the biggest customer of the state's crop. North Dakota soybean farmers are losing hundreds of millions of dollars in the trade war. North Dakota commodities affected by this round of retaliatory tariffs include:\r\n\r\nIn addition to spurring retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, the administration's escalation of the trade war led the Chinese to cancel talks aimed at ending the dispute, potentially prolonging the economic pain being felt by North Dakota's biggest industries.\r\nFrom the beginning of this administration, Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota producers by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=39DE7CAF-49BA-441F-81ED-803611E6D665", "Heitkamp Addresses Maternal Health Issues with Health Care Providers & New Mothers in Grand Forks, Outlines Her Bipartisan Bill to Help Lower U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Week, Heitkamp Secured $12 Million for Efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality, $38 Million for Maternal Health Programs in Rural & Tribal Areas \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tGRAND FORKS, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today convened health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks to examine the causes of rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to discuss ideas, like a bill she introduced, to better support the health and well-being of mothers and newborn children across North Dakota.\r\nMore women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nationsand the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United States increased by 250 percent from 1987-2014. And to highlight the urgent need to tackle this problem, another study found that 60 percent of the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.\r\nDuring the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp outlined her bipartisan bill to help combat the ongoing maternal mortality crisis in the United States, which passed out of a key Senate committee in June 2018. Her legislation would strengthen on-the-ground resources by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that identifying contributing factors to maternal deaths and offer recommendations to improve outcomes for expecting mothers. MMRCs currently do not exist in 15 states, including North Dakota.\r\nEarlier this week, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in funding to be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortalitywhich Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.\r\nNo mother in the United States should have to worry about dying due to pregnancy complications, and it's absolutely shameful that we're seeing a growing number of maternal deaths in this country, said Heitkamp. We need to figure out what's going on and that requires collecting data to identify the factors that are causing young mothers to experience life-threatening health issues. Congress has delayed action on this life-and-death issue for far too long, and my bipartisan bill would help facilitate stronger, safer, and healthier pregnancies by investing in cutting-edge research, beefing up information sharing, and giving physicians and providers the tools they need to improve the patient experience. The funds I secured earlier this week were a needed and important step, and I'll keep working to get our bill across the finish line, so we can prevent these heartbreaking tragedies and protect the next generation of mothers and infants.\r\nDuring the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications either during pregnancy or after the birth of their children.\r\nMy first pregnancy was picture-perfect until I went in for my final prenatal checkup. That's when we first started having real concerns about preeclampsia, said Kelly Berntsen, Grand Forks. Right before giving birth, I experienced severe bleeding, was on the verge of seizures, and had to undergo an emergency C-section. Thankfully, my son was born healthy, but the entire experience left me terrified and caused me to suffer from postpartum depression. As I began my second pregnancy, I begged my doctor not to let the same thing happen to me again. In the future, I hope fewer mothers will have to face life-threatening pregnancy complications and cope with their crippling after-effects. I greatly appreciate that Senator Heitkamp is sitting down with young families in North Dakota to hear our stories and to talk about ways to support maternal health through increased research, better access to high-quality health care, and improved awareness. We don't have to accept conditions like preeclampsia as everyday occurrences in our modern health care system, and I know Senator Heitkamp sees this issue as an urgent priority for moms like me across the country.\r\nAfter my first baby, I was diagnosed with heart failure. And one week after my second child was born, I had a heart attack, said Suzanne Nelson, mother, Grand Forks. Thankfully, the nurse practitioner I saw the afternoon before my heart attack made sure that the on-call OB doctors were aware of my history so I was quickly admitted. But my situation could have taken a turn for the worse, and the health care costs of my first pregnancy certainly dealt our family a major financial blow. While my nurse practitioner and OB took the signs and symptoms seriously, not every doctor did and it shows why new research and best practices are so important to develop if we're going to tackle the crisis of maternal mortality. Senator Heitkamp's event today is a terrific opportunity to discuss this issue, and I'm sharing my own story to save more lives in the future. The caring health care professionals who took care of me saved my life by taking my concerns seriously, and we need to give the same level of attention to all North Dakota mothers with pregnancy complications.\r\nBy strengthening support for existing MMRCs and helping states like North Dakota create MMRCs, Heitkamp's Maternal Health Accountability Act would compile data on maternal deaths caused by complications like hemorrhages, infections, and preeclampsia. Composed of experts and health care professionals from the fields of maternal, neonatal, and public health, MMRCs offer solutions to help expecting mothers access critical health care resources like rural hospital facilities, so they can experience healthier pregnancies.\r\nIt's time to empower women to have stronger voices and more choices when it comes to maternal health care, said Dr. Maridee Shogren, Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing and Certified Nurse-Midwife in clinical practice at Valley Community Health Centers. Pregnancy is an incredibly important part of a woman's life, and we need to better educate women about preconception planning, early access to prenatal care, and postpartum risk factors. As health care providers, one of our top priorities should be to dedicate more time during routine prenatal appointments to discussing the risk factors a patient may have. Senator Heitkamp's bill supports the need for experts, obstetric providers, and patients to understand why preventable maternal deaths are occurring and createplans toimprove the quality of maternal care,improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-associated morbidity and mortality.\r\nHeitkamp's legislation is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Preeclampsia Foundation. Click herefor a full list of the nearly 100 organizations now supporting this bill.\r\nAcross the country, maternal mortality rates have been particularly dire in rural America and minority communities. For example, a recent study showed that American Indian and Alaska Native mothers in certain states were more than 4.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes than non-Hispanic, white mothers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=07600572-294C-40E0-8127-9CC11E47CF51", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Combat Opioids", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $250,000 in federal funding to the City-County Health District in Valley City to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.\r\nCombating opioid abuse will take an all-hands-on-deck approach that involves all members of the community, said Heitkamp. By traveling to each corner of North Dakota and listening to folks who are impacted by this crisis I have been working to pass policies that will help communities fight opioid and drug abuse. This federal funding will help Valley City combat opioid addiction by supporting health care services to help folks in need.\r\nThese federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Federal Office of Rural Health Policy's Rural Health Opioid Program. This federal grant program works to promote rural health care services to combat opioid related deaths in rural communities.\r\nHeitkamp recently voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to combat the ongoing, nationwide substance abuse crisis. The legislation includes provisions Heitkamp successfully fought for to address the ripple effects of North Dakota's overdose epidemic among children, families, and rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6549CF81-5A1C-4DCC-9141-FE0E00041FA2", "Heitkamp Helps Donate Computers to Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GRAND FORKS, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she is donating five U.S. Senate computers to be used in classrooms at the Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information age by channeling surplus Senate computers into classrooms countrywide. All registered public schools in the United States and territories are eligible.\r\nHeitkamp selected Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit to receive the five gently-used computers so the school can meet students' technology needs without having to buy all new equipment.\r\nFor our students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, they need access to updated technology and computers, that enable them to do research, access critical learning tools, and reach communities far distances away, said Heitkamp. We live in a digital world and I'm thrilled that some of our U.S. Senate computers will be put to good use to support students on Turtle Mountain. It's critical that all schools across North Dakota have access to updated technology, and that's particularly the case in rural communities  and I'll keep looking for opportunities to support our state's schools, students, and teachers.\r\nTechnology has becoming increasingly important to students' education and when tech is constantly changing and being updated, it becomes difficult to keep up, said Dr. Lana DeCoteau, Superintendent of Turtle Mountain Community Schools. That's why the computers that have been donated to Turtle Mountain's Special Education Unit from the U.S. Senate will make a positive difference in their education. Thank you so much to Senator Heitkamp for helping with these donations, I just know the students will be excited to learn and grow by using these newer computers.\r\nHeitkamp also selected the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit in Hazen, the GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit in Portland, the Dickinson Special Education Unit, and the James River Special Education Cooperative to receive gently-used U.S. Senate computers. In 2015, Heitkamp visited Flasher Public Schools and Ed Clapp Elementary in Fargo that received computers through the same U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program. In 2014, Heitkamp announced that Cannon Ball Elementary School was selected by Apple as one of 114 schools that received Apple Technology in every classroom.\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to improve educational opportunities for all students  whether by expanding access to technology, calling for increased funding resources, or by improving school breakfast and lunch. Heitkamp recently helped pass a bipartisan government funding bill that includes major wins for North Dakota's rural education priorities. This funding package includes funding for the School Improvement Program that supports classroom technology, distance learning, and professional development initiatives for rural schools.\r\nIn 2016, Heitkamp highlighted how new technology can inspire students in the class room when she brought U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to Mandan Middle School. Together, they joined with 8th graders during a live Skype with astronaut, Dr. Karen Nyberg  a graduate from the University of North Dakota who had traveled to space.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DC4509F8-4450-4431-8B08-352713D0C162", "Heitkamp Helps Donate Computers to Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit in Hazen", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GRAND FORKS, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she is donating five U.S. Senate computers to be used in classrooms at the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit in Hazen.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information age by channeling surplus Senate computers into classrooms countrywide. All registered public schools in the United States and territories are eligible.\r\nHeitkamp selected the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit to receive the five gently-used computers so the school can meet students' technology needs without having to buy all new equipment.\r\nFor our students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, they need access to updated technology and computers, that enable them to do research, access critical learning tools, and reach communities far distances away, said Heitkamp. We live in a digital world and I'm thrilled that some of our U.S. Senate computers will be put to good use to support students in the Oliver Mercer region of North Dakota. It's critical that all schools across North Dakota have access to updated technology, and that's particularly the case in rural communities  and I'll keep looking for opportunities to support our state's schools, students, and teachers.\r\nIt was an unexpected, but welcome surprise when the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit received five computers with the help of Senator Heitkamp, said Linette Irwin, Director of Special Education for Oliver-Mercer. This donation will go a long ways toward making a direct and positive impact on our student's education as we serve three school districts in our part of North Dakota. I'm so grateful to Senator Heitkamp for thinking of rural students to receive these computers, because as we all know technology is constantly changing and becoming a more integral part of education. I know these computers will really make a difference in their education.\r\nHeitkamp also selected the GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit in Portland, the Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit, the Dickinson Special Education Unit, and the James River Special Education Cooperative to receive gently-used U.S. Senate computers. In 2015, Heitkamp visited Flasher Public Schools and Ed Clapp Elementary in Fargo that received computers through the same U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program. In 2014, Heitkamp announced that Cannon Ball Elementary School was selected by Apple as one of 114 schools that received Apple Technology in every classroom.\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to improve educational opportunities for all students  whether by expanding access to technology, calling for increased funding resources, or by improving school breakfast and lunch. Heitkamp recently helped pass a bipartisan government funding bill that includes major wins for North Dakota's rural education priorities. This funding package includes funding for the School Improvement Program that supports classroom technology, distance learning, and professional development initiatives for rural schools.\r\nIn 2016, Heitkamp highlighted how new technology can inspire students in the class room when she brought U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to Mandan Middle School. Together, they joined with 8th graders during a live Skype with astronaut, Dr. Karen Nyberg  a graduate from the University of North Dakota who had traveled to space.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1650F60-EA57-4F1A-9802-C6731C6A4317", "After Heitkamp Bill Becomes Law, North Dakota Consumers Will Now be Able to Freeze & Unfreeze Their Credit for Free", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that because of bipartisan legislation she wrote and helped pass into law, as of tomorrow, September 21, consumers will have access to free credit freezes and unfreezes from all three credit agencies to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.\r\nThe provision requiring free credit freezes and unfreezes was part of a bipartisan bill Heitkamp wrote and introduced to boost economic growth in rural communities and protect North Dakota consumers. After five years of negotiations that Hetikamp helped lead, the bill was signed into law by President Trump in May, with Heitkamp present at the signing ceremony at the White House.\r\nThe reason I wrote and fought to pass this law was to protect consumers and spur economic growth in rural communities like North Dakota's. It's exciting to see an important provision from my bill go into effect that will help protect North Dakotans from identity theft and other factors that could unfairly hurt credit scores, Heitkamp said. Good credit is essential to everything from getting a small business loan, a home mortgage, or simply applying for a new credit card  and consumers have enough challenges without having to worry about criminals impacting their credit scores.\r\nWhen the provision in the law goes into effect tomorrow, the three credit agencies  Equifax, Experian and TransUnion  must each set up a webpage for requesting fraud alerts and credit freezes. The Federal Trade Commission will also post links to those webpages on IdentityTheft.gov. Freezing prevents activity that could impact a consumer's credit score  such as fraudulent loans taken out by someone who has stolen your identity.\r\nHeitkamp, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, began working on the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act in 2013. The bill strengthens consumer protections for seniors, veterans and servicemembers, and those who are vulnerable or have fallen victim to identity theft.\r\nHeitkamp's bill is also providing needed relief for community banks and credit unions so they can support consumers in rural areas like North Dakota, where regulations designed for big banks are making it harder for small lenders to provide mortgages or loans to expand small businesses and family farms.\r\nHeitkamp's bill received the endorsement of community banks and credit unions across the state, including Independent Community Banks of North Dakota and the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas. Click herefor statements of support for Heitkamp's bill.\r\nIn addition to providing free credit freezes and unfreezes, Heitkamp's Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act included provisions to:\r\n \r\nProtect consumers' credit by allowing consumers to set year-long fraud alerts.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nProtect seniors by extending immunity from liability to certain people who disclose suspected exploitation of seniors.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtect consumers from cyber security threats by requiring the Treasury Department to submit a report to Congress on the risks of cyber threats to financial institutions and the U.S. capital markets.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E9A444B2-DDAE-47DD-8017-D7AD20C0669D", "Heitkamp Helps Donate Computers to GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GRAND FORKS, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she is donating five U.S. Senate computers to be used in classrooms at the GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit in Portland.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program helps public schools take advantage of the information age by channeling surplus Senate computers into classrooms countrywide. All registered public schools in the United States and territories are eligible.\r\nHeitkamp selected GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit to receive the five gently-used computers so the school can meet students' technology needs without having to buy all new equipment.\r\nFor our students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, they need access to updated technology and computers, that enable them to do research, access critical learning tools, and reach communities far distances away, said Heitkamp. We live in a digital world and I'm thrilled that some of our U.S. Senate computers will be put to good use to support students in Portland. It's critical that all schools across North Dakota have access to updated technology, and that's particularly the case in rural communities  and I'll keep looking for opportunities to support our state's schools, students, and teachers.\r\nThe donation of U.S. Senate computers to our school came as quite the surprise to my colleagues and me, and we're thrilled, said Mary Stammen, Director of the GST Multidistrict Special Education Unit. As technology continues to become more and more integrated into the daily learning of students we need to have the resources to meet their needs. We are very grateful to Senator Heitkamp for making this donation possible and we want to make sure these computers are used in an appropriate and special way that will facilitate students learning for years to come. \r\nHeitkamp also selected the Oliver-Mercer Special Education Unit in Hazen, the Turtle Mountain Special Education Unit, the Dickinson Special Education Unit, and the James River Special Education Cooperative to receive gently-used U.S. Senate computers. In 2015, Heitkamp visited Flasher Public Schools and Ed Clapp Elementary in Fargo that received computers through the same U.S. Senate Computers for Schools Program. In 2014, Heitkamp announced that Cannon Ball Elementary School was selected by Apple as one of 114 schools that received Apple Technology in every classroom.\r\nHeitkamp has long fought to improve educational opportunities for all students  whether by expanding access to technology, calling for increased funding resources, or by improving school breakfast and lunch. Heitkamp recently helped pass a bipartisan government funding bill that includes major wins for North Dakota's rural education priorities. This funding package includes funding for the School Improvement Program that supports classroom technology, distance learning, and professional development initiatives for rural schools.\r\nIn 2016, Heitkamp highlighted how new technology can inspire students in the class room when she brought U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to Mandan Middle School. Together, they joined with 8th graders during a live Skype with astronaut, Dr. Karen Nyberg  a graduate from the University of North Dakota who had traveled to space.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0D33B00A-F0D2-49D1-B03C-319C11D74210", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Investment in North Dakota Agriculture", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $3.3 million to North Dakota State University (NDSU) for specialty crops and for Dakota College to help promote farmers markets.\r\nNorth Dakota's farmers know what it takes to grow some of the best quality crops in the world, said Heitkamp. These federal investments through the U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue to support the hard working men and women who grow the very food we consume through investments in specialty crops and farmers markets.\r\nThese federal funds are dispersed as follows:\r\n \r\nNorth Dakota State University: $3,010,862 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program that supports the competitiveness of specialty crops.\r\n \r\n \r\nDakota College, Bottineau: $297,325 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Market Promotion Program to support Farmers Markets as they sell fresh produce to local communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=150A1EB0-B47B-4C7C-8E1A-EBFC5AB4A46D", "Heitkamp to Perdue: Make Farm Aid Work for North Dakota", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp continued pushing U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to improve the trade aid package so it better supports North Dakota agriculture, while also advocating for smart trade policies that open markets for North Dakota producers and a quick end to the trade war.\r\nThe administration dramatically escalated its trade war with China this week, putting North Dakota farmers and ranchers  who are already suffering from lower commodity prices and a lack of soybean orders from China  at further risk. In a phone call with Secretary Perdue, Heitkamp reiterated requests she made of USDA earlier this month and urged him to continue working with Congress to get a strong Farm Bill passed as quickly as possible.\r\nIn frequent phone calls and meetings with Secretary Perdue, I always emphasize the importance of trade to North Dakota's ag economy, and I'm continuing to push him to make our farmers whole as the cost of the trade war is mounting, Heitkamp said. Our local FSA offices need support to deal with the implementation of USDA's new program, and there are many commodities  soybeans, corn, and wheat among them  that aren't adequately compensated for, or in the case of canola, not compensated at all. North Dakota farmers want markets, but as long as the administration continues its trade war we have to do everything we can to mitigate the impact. I urged Secretary Perdue to continue working with Congress to get a Farm Bill done as quickly as possible to give certainty to our ag producers that important safety net programs will remain in place.\r\nA member of the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp has been fighting to quickly pass a strong Farm Bill for North Dakota to give ag producers needed certainty.\r\nIn June, Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders.\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota. She recently introduced legislation that would take action to help mitigate some damage caused by retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. goods. It would direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to direct funds collected by the Treasury from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion programs that help U.S. farmers and ranchers, including the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD). The government has already collected over $3.5 billion from tariffs, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\nIn July, she introduced legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war.Her billwould make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) leading a bipartisan group of eight other senators in introducing legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the aluminum and steel tariffs.\r\nBackground:\r\nFrom the beginning of this administration, Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota producers by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3FED5D36-B01C-4B10-B31A-D10B0505BAA4", "In Meeting with Top U.S. Forest Service Official, Heitkamp Urges Agency to Listen to Concerns of ND Ranchers, Promote Smarter Management of Grasslands", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a Member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, Heitkamp is Working to Include Her Provisions Supporting Ranchers in Times of Drought, Crisis \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp met with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Interim Chief Vicki Christiansen and called on her agency to collaborate with North Dakota ranchers to maintain fair grazing fees and develop smarter management strategies that strengthen the state's rural economy.\r\nDuring their meeting, Heitkamp pressed Chief Christiansen on concerns she has heard from ranchers across North Dakota including challenges related to proposed grassland fee increases and USFS management of prairie dogs on grazing allotments. Additionally, Heitkamp encouraged Chief Christiansen to review several public road and access issues near federal lands and to work with local leaders when planning prescribed burns.\r\nNorth Dakota livestock producers play by the rules when it comes to grazing on federal lands. But too often, the Forest Service doesn't adequately respond to ranchers' management concerns, said Heitkamp. Our state's ag economy depends on the hard work of ranchers, and I pressed Chief Christiansen to speak directly with these North Dakotans to answer their questions about fire prevention, prairie dogs, and maintaining affordable grazing fees. Particularly as last year's drought and this year's trade war have weakened cattle prices, our ranchers need certainty and by building stronger relationships with North Dakota's grazing associations and gathering feedback from rural communities, the agency can accomplish this goal.\r\nHeitkamp has long advocated for the USFS to implement commonsense management policies that benefit both ranchers and the long-term preservation of North Dakota's grasslands. In December 2016, the president signed into law a bipartisan bill Heitkamp introduced with U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) that requires collaboration between USFS and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has been pushing back against onerous rules that restrict the productivity of North Dakota ranchers. In the U.S. Senate, she has fought to ease the burden of Electronic Logging Device regulations on livestock haulers, who ranchers depend on to safely get their cattle to market. Heitkamp has worked to make sure new ELD rules make sense for livestock and insect haulers, secured delays in implementation of the rules, and unveiled bipartisan legislation at the Stockmens' Exchange in Dickinson.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long been working to address challenges North Dakota ranchers face from drought and other weather events that negatively impact grazing conditions.\r\nIn August 2017, Heitkamp conducteda two-day drought and Farm Bill touracross western North Dakota to hear directly from farmers, ranchers, researchers, and FSA workers about the solutions they need now to weather the drought, and the critical programs that need to be protected and strengthened in the 2018 Farm Bill. This series of meetings built on her2016 Farm Bill tour.\r\nHeitkamp has also worked to:\r\n \r\nSuccessfully press USDA to provide additional staffing at FSA offices across North Dakota.After Heitkamp called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to quickly provide workers for understaffed offices, USDA agreed and announced it would temporarily providemore staff at FSA officesaround North Dakota to help farmers and ranchers get immediate drought assistance. As FSA offices continue struggling to handle the volume of applications fast enough to serve farmers and ranchers, Heitkamp in Octoberrequested additional supportfrom Secretary Perdue.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProvide key federal, state, and local informational resources.In June, Heitkamp launched herdrought resources webpageto make sure farmers and ranchers can access local, state, and federal tools and assistance. These resources include haying and grazing options, tax information, mental health services, and resource eligibility requirements.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/featured-items?ContentRecord_id=423BA32A-3066-4410-B850-362688A185AC", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Bismarck Airport Infrastructure", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinions, polls and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=680622C8-574C-4A55-9699-D28C975FE709", "Heitkamp Helps Pass Bipartisan Bill to Support ND Defense Missions, Give Servicemembers a Raise, Protect Rural Health Care, & Support Educators & Workers", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a funding bill that includes major wins for North Dakota's defense communities, rural health care and education priorities, tribal colleges, and workers. The legislation also authorizes government funding through December 7, preventing a government shutdown at the end of September. The bill must now pass the U.S. House of Representatives before it becomes law.\r\nThe bipartisan bill includes a provision Heitkamp successfully fought for  that builds off her SOAR Act -- to make sure North Dakota health providers have the training they need to identify, treat, and protect victims of human trafficking. Recent studies suggest thatnearly one-thirdof women trafficked in America saw a health care professional while they were still captive to these crimes and thatincreased training of health professionals to identify red flagsof human trafficking could allow victims to receive resources and services to get the protection and care they require.\r\nThe bill also includes a short-term extension of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the first bill Heitkamp cosponsored and helped pass in 2013.\r\nThis bipartisan bill supports our military, access to rural health care, and a good education for our children, and I fought to include several provisions to keep North Dakota communities strong and safe, Heitkamp said. It also includes an amendment I'm proud to have successfully incorporated that makes sure North Dakota doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have the proper training to identify and get help for victims of sex trafficking.And as a member of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, I fought for a pay raise for our troops and for vital funding to support North Dakota's national security missions like modernizing B-52s, upgrading our nuclear arsenal, and supporting UAS development.\r\n\r\nHeitkamp continued, Congress has made important strides by funding many federal agencies on time, but there are still some funding bills that are just getting a short-term extension which doesn't provide needed certainty. Congress needs to make every effort to keep the entire government operating on time and for the long-term so it can support families and businesses across the country.\r\nThe bipartisan funding package includes several key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota's servicemembers, boost access to health care in rural areas, combat substance abuse and addiction, and promote a skilled workforce, including:\r\nHealth Care\r\n \r\nTraining health care providers to address the needs of North Dakota human trafficking victims. The bill includes a Heitkamp-sponsored amendment that would make sure health care professionals have the tools and training they need to implement Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness programs. Last year, Heitkamp and Collins reintroduced their SOAR to Health and Wellness Act to help make sure health care providers  including doctors, nurses, and social workers  have the training they need to help identify and protect victims of human trafficking.\r\n \r\n \r\nCombatting high rates of maternal mortality in the United States. More women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed nation, and the U.S. is the only developed country where the rate of these deaths has been has been rising. This bill includes $50 million in funding  which Heitkamp successfully pushed for  to be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality, including $12 million for expanded data collection and surveillance at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to prevent maternal mortality and advance maternal health equity. The funding builds off Heitkamp's bipartisan legislation to strengthen on-the-ground resources to combat this growing crisis. Her bill passed out of a Senate committee in June.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaking sure federal officials understand and respond to the significant impacts of addiction and high rates of suicide in North Dakota. Heitkamp successfully pushed for an amendment that would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct a comprehensive study and submit to Congress a report that includes a portfolio analysis of current funding levels of the NIH related to mental health and substance use disorder across the country. The legislation also would provide $5.7 billion the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is an increase of more than $579 million from fiscal year 2018. This includes $1.5 billion, an increase of $500 million, for State Opioid Response Grants. The bill also provides an increase of $50 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and $25 million for the Mental Health Block Grant.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting rural access to telehealth in North Dakota, particularly for maternal care. Heitkamp fought to include an amendment in the bipartisan bill that would provide $1 million for telehealth pilots to connect expectant mothers in rural areas to facilities with obstetric care. \r\n \r\n \r\nDirecting federal agencies to understand the health impacts of childhood exposure to trauma. The bill encourages federal agencies to coordinate and improve their activities that actively address childhood trauma and to promote best practices for identifying, referring, and supporting children exposed to trauma. Last year,she introduced legislation toprovide a more trauma-informed supportive law enforcement, health service, and workforce network that children and families, particularly those in tribal communities, need for healthy growth and development.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpanding access to North Dakota's Community Health Centers (CHCs). The bill includes $5.63 billionan increase of $200 millionto expand funding for CHCs, the largest safety net of systems for primary and preventive care in the United States. Additionally, the bill requires $200 million to be used to expand services related to preventing and treating substance use disorders and to expand mental health services. Heitkampfought to secureincreased funding for Community Health Centers after the Community Health Center Fund expired last year.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncreasing funding for rural health programs. The bill includes $318.8 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) rural health programs, which is an increase of $28 million. This funding would provide $40 million for Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).\r\n \r\n \r\nIncreasing support for medical research that benefits research institutes. The bill includes increased funding for biomedical research in rural and underrepresented state research institutions, such as North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting funds for lifesaving medical research to combat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The bill would provide $39.1 billion for the NIH, an increase of $2 billion. The increase includes an additional $425 million for Alzheimer's disease research for a total of $2.34 billion. It also includes increases of $29 million for the BRAIN Initiative and $37 million for research to combat antimicrobial resistance.\r\n \r\n \r\nGiving rural communities the tools they need to combat the ongoing opioid and methamphetamines epidemic in North Dakota. The bill includes $120 million to address substance abuse, including opioid abuse, and the overdose crisis in all rural communities nationwide. Within the funding provided, the bill includes $20 million for the establishment of rural centers of excellence on substance use disorders to support best practices related to the treatment for and prevention of substance use disorders within rural communities.\r\n \r\n \r\nBuilding a primary care and support workforce that is equipped to combat the substance abuse crisis in North Dakota's rural communities. The bill would provide $105 million for the National Health Service Corps and expand loan repayment eligibility requirements to include substance use disorder counselors, which will support recruitment and retention of health professionals needed in rural and underserved areas. The bill also continues $75 million for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program, $37 million for the Mental and Behavioral Health training program, and $15 million for the Rural Residency Development program.\r\n \r\nEducation\r\n \r\nMaintaining strong support for those who improve the lives of North Dakota's disabled populations. The bill maintains funding for the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, which makes sure professionals who support the disabled are adequately and appropriately trained to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live better lives. For example, the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities provides workshops and training and performs outreach events dedicated to helping disabled individuals with experiences unique to rural and small-town living.\r\n \r\n \r\nGiving rural schools the support they need to serve North Dakota students. The funding package includes funding that would support Rural Education under School Improvement Programs. In the 2015-16 school year in North Dakota, over two out of three public schools were rural and 37 percent of students attended rural districts. The small size and remoteness of many rural schools and districts creates a different set of challenges from those of urban schools and districts. These school districts use this funding to support innovative strategies including classroom technology, distance learning, and professional development initiatives.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecuring increased funding for Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Institutions, such as United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). UTTC is one of two tribal technical colleges in the nation that provides postsecondary career and technical education. UTTC offers comprehensive education and training programs to Indian students from tribes located across the country and provides students, many of whom are non-traditional college students, the opportunity to further their education while continuing to attend to their family and community responsibilities. Because UTTC is not part of the state higher education system, the college does not receive state-operational funds. This funding builds on Heitkamp's efforts to protect the mission of UTTC, including successfully pushing for a waiver that prevented the college from losing its Pell Grant Eligibility.\r\n \r\n \r\nStrengthening Tribal Colleges. This bill increases funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities. This program helps tribal colleges and universities increase their self-sufficiency by providing funds to improve and strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaintaining funding for Indian Education Grants to Local Educational Agencies. Education for Native students is critical to economic development, success in adulthood, and community ownership and empowerment. Critical funding from the Indian Education Formula Grants provides resources for school districts to meet the unique educational and culturally-relevant academic needs of Native students. Funding is used for academic enrichment programs, professional development, basic cultural-awareness, early-childhood and family programs, curriculum development, and culturally-related activities.\r\n \r\n \r\nGiving Native students access to Native American Language immersion programs. This bill would secure funding for Native American language immersion programs. Research has shown that Native students learn best and succeed when their teachers incorporate culturally-relevant curricula and content into the classroom. Native language immersion provides school districts and Native communities the critical opportunity to provide Native students the tools for academic success by incorporating Native languages and culture into the classroom.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting certified personnel to serve children with disabilities. The National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services reports that 49 of the 50 states have a shortage of special education and related services personnel. This shortage results from a combination of both available personnel to fill the open positions and the difficulty in retaining special education teachers in the field. This bill secures funding for the Personnel Preparation program, which helps meet State-identified needs for adequate numbers of fully certified personnel to serve children with disabilities.\r\n \r\n \r\nProtecting funding for North Dakota Museums and their collections. This bill maintains funding for the Office of Museum Services under the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS Office of Museum Services is the largest source of dedicated funding for our nation's museums, helping them stimulate lifelong learning, spur economic development, and anchor community identity.\r\n \r\n \r\nEnhancing student achievement by supporting teachers and principals. This bill maintains critical funding for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program. In North Dakota, SEED grants have been used to provide year-long institutes for teachers to support the teaching of writing for rural and tribal schools. In turn, this improves the college and career readiness of North Dakota students.\r\n \r\nNorth Dakota's Defense Communities\r\n\r\n \r\nSecuring funding to modernize and maintain the nuclear arsenal. The bill includes roughly $665 million for the Long-Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile, over $500 million to maintain the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) arsenal and $414 million for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent the replacement for the Minuteman III missiles. Heitkamp has outlined her national defense prioritiesto keep Americans safe in the face of rising threats across the globe, which includes strengthening investment in the strategic nuclear deterrent and modernizing the ICBMs at Minot Air Force Base.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting the security of the U.S. strategic deterrent. The bill includes $258 million to replace the UH-1N Huey Helicopters that provide security for ICBM silos. Heitkamp has consistently called onAir Force Secretary Heather WilsonandDefense Secretary Mattisto accelerate the replacement of Minot's Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters, which patrol and protect Minot's ICBM missile sites. In July, Senator Heitkamp met with Brigadier General Andrea Tullos, the Air Force's Director of Security Forces, to discuss training and personnel issues confronting the Security Forces career field and the Reconstitute Defenders Initiative.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nStrengthening UAS safety and integration in North Dakota and across the country. The Senate-passed legislation would provide $7.8 million for research into unmanned traffic management. Last month,Heitkamp announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a two-year authorization for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site near Grand Forks to fly large UAS beyond visual line of sight. And this week, helped host Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson to view the first civil beyond visual line of sight flight to be conducted from Grand Sky aviation park.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaking sure North Dakota servicemembers have the pay they've earned through their service. The bill Heitkamp helped pass today includes a provision to fully fund a 2.6 percent pay raise for all active military members.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting funding to advance Department of Defense priorities through cutting-edge research and development. The legislation would make significant investments in Department of Defense (DoD) research and development, such as ongoing projects at the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University to supply advanced materials, fund research through the DoD Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCor), and provide the armed services with coating technologies, augmented reality systems, and research into UAS payloads and performance technology.\r\n \r\n \r\nUpgrading utility helicopters to better serve U.S. military missions overseas. The bill would provide $5 million to adapt the CH-53 and V-22 lightweight cargo loading systemslike those produced by UTC Aerospace Systems in Jamestownto more adequately respond to a variety of changing missions and objectives.\r\n \r\n\r\nWorkforce Development\r\n \r\nMaintaining support for critical workforce training programs in North Dakota. The bill would provide $2.8 billion for state workforce programs. Additionally, the bill includes $1.7 billion for Job Corps, such as the Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center in Minot.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaking sure older North Dakotans can support their communities through their work. The bill would maintain funding for the Community Service Employment Program for Older Americans (SCSEP).\r\n \r\n \r\nExpands access to training for critical skilled trade positions. The bill includes $160 million for registered apprenticeship programs, an increase of $15 million from last year.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=68B6FAF0-8A49-42C5-9F76-A8870A6F3A65", "Heitkamp Helps Introduce New Bipartisan Bill to Combat Suicide Epidemic in North Dakotas Native Communities", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last Week, Heitkamp Held Her Summit to Stop Suicide to Address the Sharp Rates of Suicide Increase in ND, Indian Country, & Rural America \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would help address the suicide crisis on Indian reservations in North Dakota and across the country.\r\nIndian Country is experiencing a suicide epidemic that is claiming the lives of a disproportionate number of Native youth and adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Native youth, and the overall suicide rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives was more than 3.5 times higher than the rate of any other ethnic group. But too often, local and statewide suicide prevention programs do not fully meet the needs of Indian Country, particularly when it comes to addressing the mental health challenges caused by poverty, abuse, addiction, or lack of educational or employment opportunities on reservations.\r\nThe bipartisan Native American Suicide Prevention Act would specifically help tackle the suicide crisis in Indian Country by requiring states to collaborate with tribal communities to design and implement new statewide suicide intervention and prevention strategies that are culturally-sensitive toward Native populations.\r\nOn reservations in North Dakota and across the country, we have seen a disturbing trend of tribal citizens particularly Native youth experiencing serious mental health struggles caused in part by factors like poverty, domestic abuse, and fewer educational opportunities. And far too often, these generational issues lead to a disproportionate number of deaths by suicide, said Heitkamp. Our bipartisan bill would work to address this issue head on by giving tribes a much-needed seat at the table as cutting-edge, evidence-based early intervention and prevention strategies are developed. Far too often Native children and families are left behind, and we cannot allow that to happen. The severe and traumatic stress too many Native children face has long-term repercussions, including higher rates of suicide, and we need to do everything we can to make sure every child in our country is safe. Our bill is part of that solution.\r\nAnother CDC study found that American Indian and Alaska Native men and women ages 35 to 64 experienced a 59.5% increase in suicide rates between 1999 and 2010a greater percentage increase than any other ethnic group.\r\nThe bipartisan bill would help lower Native suicide rates by amending the Public Health Service Act to require states or state-designated entities to collaborate with tribes in efforts to curtail the alarming prevalence of death by suicide in Native communities.Specifically, the bill would mandate that state governments receiving grants under section 520E of the Public Health Service Act must collaborate with each federally recognized Indian tribe, tribal organization, urban Indian organization, and Native Hawaiian health care system in the state in developing and implementing statewide suicide early intervention and prevention strategies.\r\nHeitkamp introduced the bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA),Tom Udall (D-NM), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tina Smith (D-MN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nOrganizations backing the legislation include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, the Alaska Native Health Board, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Papa Ola Lokahi and the Association for Behavioral Healthcare.\r\nHeitkamp has consistently worked to promote suicide prevention programs among Native young people. In 2015, Heitkamp spoke with tribal leaders, Indian Health Service officials, and policy experts on the need to comprehensively address the severe mental health challenges facing Native children, such as suicide.\r\nLast week, Heitkamp hosted her Summit to Stop Suicide, which brought together over 100 North Dakota community leaders, educators, law enforcement officers, farmers, veterans, advocates, health care professionals, and youth from across the state to discuss how to improve North Dakota's efforts to prevent deaths by suicide including in Indian Country.\r\nIn 2014, Heitkamp launched herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which places an emphasis on addressing substance abuse, childhood trauma, and other mental health challenges which can all be factors leading to suicide among Native youth. One of the key focuses of Heitkamp's Strong & Safe Communities Initiative is to work with local, state, and tribal leaders to address the state's behavioral and mental health challenges.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to address the root causes of chronic mental health challenges on reservations. Heitkamp'sCommission on Native Children is currently examiningways to address major economic, social, justice, mental health, and educational disparities experienced by Native American children and is offering sustainable solutions to improve outcomes. Sinceintroducing her billto create the Commission in 2013, her first bill as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp successfully pushed for its passage which happened in 2016,fought to get the Commission funded, and pushed for theprompt appointment of Commission membersafter it became law.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has long worked to protect Native children and communities from violence, including working to protect women and girls from abduction and human trafficking. In October 2017,she introduced Savanna's Act, legislation to combat the epidemic of murdered and missing Native women and girls. On some reservations, Native women are murdered atten times the national average, and84 percent of Native women have experienced violencein their lifetime.\r\nIn April 2018, Heitkamp and U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) announced that their bipartisan bill to expand AMBER Alerts in Indian Countrywas signed into law. Heitkamp introduced the bill to expand the child abduction warnings in Indian Country, because such alerts are critical for law enforcement efforts to quickly disseminate information to the public about abducted children to generate leads as quickly as possible. Currently, this level of alert is not available in many parts of Indian Country or is limited to tribal lands.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E42512C3-F698-4694-BC20-5F9C4095A4F3", "Heitkamp: Senate Passes Temporary Extension of Violence Against Women Act, but Long-term Renewal Needed", "2018-09-18", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority in the Senate to extend the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for two months to prevent it from expiring at the end of September. But she also called on Congress to quickly pass a long-term reauthorization to give certainty to victims of domestic violence and law enforcement agencies that depend on VAWA programs to crack down on abuse.\r\nSince serving as Attorney General for North Dakota in the 1990's, I've committed to never stop fighting to end domestic violence and protect victims of these horrible crimes, Heitkamp said. That's why VAWA was the first bill I cosponsored in the U.S. Senate in 2013  and ensured that provisions for landmark protections of Native women and tribal authority were included. For too long, crimes of domestic violence hid in the shadows  and VAWA helped make major changes so abusers could no longer get away with such terrible actions. But there is still much work to do. Now, Congress must quickly pass a long-term extension of VAWA to give victims of abuse the resources they need to seek justice and recover from the trauma they've endured. Law enforcement agencies and victim service providers rely on VAWA to bring justice to criminals. It is also critical that we continue to increase the protections for Native women and look at expanding tribal authority where appropriate so that abusers can no longer escape punishment in Indian Country.\r\nVAWA wasthe first billHeitkamp cosponsored and helped pass as a U.S. Senator in 2013, building on her longstanding work to implement the first VAWA in the 1990s when she served as Attorney General for North Dakota. Since joining the U.S. Senate, one of Heitkamp's top priorities has been combating domestic violence and stopping those who seek to harm adults and children.\r\nHeitkamp authored a key provision in the 2013 VAWA reauthorization to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.\r\nLast fall, Heitkamp introduced Savanna's Act to help combat the epidemic of murdered and missing Native women and girls. The bill has gained bipartisan support in the Senate, and Savanna's Act is included in the long-term extension of VAWA introduced in the House.\r\nHeitkamp recently announced $875,232 in federal funding made possible by VAWA for the North Dakota Department of Health to help the state provide services to victims of abuse, an example of VAWA working to help end domestic violence and make sure services are in place to help victims in North Dakota recover.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3377F38C-9D1A-43A6-BB18-67F6314D2A12", "U.S. Senate Passes Comprehensive Legislation to Address Opioid Crisis, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Address Childhood Trauma & Fight Addiction in Rural America", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since Serving as ND's Attorney General, Senator Has Been Leading Efforts to Tackle the Long-Term Impacts of Substance Abuse and Trauma Among Children, Provide Additional Resources to Support ND Communities \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S Senate to pass comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to combat the ongoing, nationwide substance abuse crisis. The legislation includes provisions Heitkamp successfully fought for to address the ripple effects of North Dakota's overdose epidemic among children, families, and rural communities.\r\nOver the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deaths increased by nearly 400 percent from 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupled among 18-25 year olds.\r\nThebipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Actincludes key pieces from a billHeitkamp introduced to address and mitigate the detrimental impact exposure to trauma, like opioid and methamphetamines abuse, can have on children. Traumatic experiences such as those related to addiction can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can impact children throughout their lives. Young people who experiencefour or moretraumatic eventsare three times more at risk of heart disease or lung cancer, while those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare 30 times more likely to attempt suicide.\r\nThe prevalence of addiction and overdoses in rural America has reached beyond crisis levels, said Heitkamp. This comprehensive package will provide significant resources to communities that urgently need assistance, including to North Dakotans suffering from addiction in Indian Country. Right now, we're witnessing an entire generation of American children who could be scarred for life due to the substance abuse they've witnessed in their families. That's why it's so important that this bipartisan bill also includes my provisions to mitigate the impacts of childhood exposure to trauma, boost the mental and behavioral health workforce, and commit to evidence-based evaluations and interventions. This legislation is an important and needed step, but we mustkeep fighting for additional support, so all North Dakota families and communities are strong and safe.\r\nThelegislationalso includes Heitkamp's provisions to improve the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grant program, which she proposedin legislation she introduced earlier this year. It would increase flexibility, enable tribes to apply directly for grants, and create a tribal set-aside.According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest overdose death rates of any group in 2015 and the largest percentage change in the number of opioid-related deaths over time.\r\nThe provisions from Heitkamp'sTrauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Actshe fought to include in the Opioid Crisis Response Act would combat the crisis and boost access to trauma-informed treatment by:\r\n \r\nEstablishing an interagency task force to identify best practices.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant tribal agency professionals would work to identify a set of best practices that improve capacity and coordination for the identification, referral, and support of children and families that have experienced or at risk of experiencing trauma.\r\n \r\n \r\nUnderstanding the prevalence of trauma.Data collection and reporting by states would be expanded to include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in behavioral health surveys.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncreasing funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.Funding would provide technical assistance, direct services to communities, and would support evaluations and dissemination of best practices in trauma-informed care for children and families.\r\n \r\n \r\nIntegrating mental health practices in schools.Grants would link educational agencies with mental health systems to increase student access to evidence-based trauma support services to help prevent and mitigate trauma that children and youth experience due to substance abuse.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing workforce shortages.Health professionals in the National Health Service Corps would be able to provide behavioral and mental health services in schools or other community-based settings. Additionally, trauma-informed training would be included as part of graduate education and training programs.\r\n \r\nThe bipartisan legislation also includes critical provisions that would strengthen prevention and education programs, expand access to medication assisted treatment (MAT), and improve wrap-around services for those in recovery. Additionally, this bill includes a measure that would help prevent fentanyl and other illegally-trafficked synthetic drugs from being shipped through the international mail system by strengthening federal agencies' ability to screen shipments that are coming into the country.\r\nAs part of herStrong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota over the past several years on combating opioid and substance abuse and addiction. These included meetings in Bismarck,Grand Forks,Fargo, Jamestown,Minot,Dickinson,andHazen.\r\nAnd last week, Heitkamp held a roundtable discussion on combating the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.\r\nBackground\r\nSince fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to combat North Dakota's opioid abuse crisis through intervention and treatment, including by introducing a bill called theLifeBOAT Actto provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.Additionally, she helpedpass legislationin 2016, which became law, that offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.\r\nHeitkamp has also been a leader in drawing attention and proposing solutions to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts. Last month,Heitkamp met with several grandparentswho have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies. During their discussion, she discussed with the families the impact of$20 million in federal funding she helped secureto support family caretakers of vulnerable children.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has consistently fought to prioritize robust, direct funding to tribal communities as they address the drug abuse and addiction crisis in Indian Country. In March 2018, Heitkamp participated in a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on combating the opioid addiction epidemic in Indian Country. While grilling a U.S. Department of Justice official, Heitkamp stressed the serious need for more federal law enforcement agents on reservations to provide quality criminal investigations and crack down on illegal narcotics trafficking. Click hereto see the full video from the hearing.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6B46902B-5435-4507-B6C0-03339E0B18C5", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Investment in New Town & Beach Waste Water Infrastructure", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $2,637,243 and $3,339,000 in two federal loans to support Beach and New Town that would make improvements to their sewage and waste water infrastructure to meet the communities growing needs.\r\nBasic city infrastructure needs must be met for communities across North Dakota to remain strong and keep everyone safe, said Heitkamp. These federal funds will help both New Town and Beach make improvements to their water and waste water infrastructure that will help these communities thrive.\r\nThe federal funding will be distributed as follows:\r\n \r\nNew Town: $2,330,000 in federal grant funding and a $2,857,000 federal loan will be used to make improvements to the city's lagoon that will help with continued disposal of sewage to meet population needs.\r\n \r\n \r\nBeach: $307,243 in federal grant funding and a $482,000 federal loan will help make waste water infrastructure improvements by installing a new master lift station and install about 4,000 feet of 8 inch force main to replace the city's aging water and waste water infrastructure.\r\n \r\nThese federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B3A41D45-24C9-4B42-845E-680661C0FF5E", "Heitkamp Statement on Escalation of Trade War", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the administration announced it is dramatically escalating its trade war, which is already hurting North Dakota's largest industries and has left North Dakota farmers without any soybean orders from China, which is usually the largest market for North Dakota soybeans.\r\nThe reckless escalation of the administration's trade war is having serious consequences for rural America, which is already suffering from the uncertainty and low commodity prices caused by the disruptions to our markets, Heitkamp said. Many family farms are afraid they won't be able to pay the bills if this misguided trade war continues. Our ag economy, and the families whose livelihoods depend on it, cannot afford further disruption. There are smart ways to deal with China's cheating on trade  but stepping on our farmers is not one of them.\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota. She recently outlined concerns to Secretary Perdue that the administration's trade war mitigation assistance for soybean farmers is inadequate because it doesn't take into account the increase in basis  the cost of getting a crop to market  that farmers are facing. Heitkamp also urged Perdue to consider more assistance for canola, wheat and corn growers, and to ensure FSA offices are adequately staffed to meet increased demand.\r\nHeitkamp recently introduced legislation that would take action to help mitigate some damage caused by retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. goods. It would direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to direct funds collected by the Treasury from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion programs that help U.S. farmers and ranchers, including the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD). The government has already collected over $3.5 billion from tariffs, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\nIn July, she introduced legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war.Her billwould make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) leading a bipartisan group of eight other senators in introducing legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the aluminum and steel tariffs.\r\nBackground:\r\nFrom the beginning of this administration, Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota producers by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=903D7806-FCE1-4EB6-9386-B983CC1F5E0E", "To Stop Suicide in North Dakota, We Need All Hands on Deck", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The ongoing mental health crisis in rural America is nothing short of an epidemic. On farmsteads, on reservations, in our schools, and in our homes, we are seeing an alarming uptick in those thinking about or attempting suicide.\r\nAccording to a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, North Dakota saw a 58 percent increase in the rate of death by suicide between 1999 and 2016the largest statewide increase in the country. Additionally, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in North Dakota across all ages, as well as the 2nd leading cause of death for youth.\r\nOver the last few years, Cindy Miller has witnessed that disturbing trend firsthand in North Dakota. As the Executive Director of First Link an organization that answers phone calls on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Cindy has heard from a rapidly growing number of North Dakotans who feel they are alone, confused, or helpless.\r\nIn 2016, First Link volunteers fielded just over 2,500 calls. But in 2017, they received more than 6,500 callsa 160 percent increase.\r\nThese calls are more than just random figures. They are cries for help from our loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues.\r\nIn a state where we pride ourselves on our willingness to lend a helping hand and take care of each other, why are so many feeling backed into a corner with nowhere to turn?\r\nWe need to do a better job of pooling our resources, putting our heads together, and figuring out why this is happening. And we need to build a robust, long-term strategy in our communities that significantly lowers the number of North Dakotans we are losing to this preventable epidemic.\r\nOn World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, I held my Summit to Stop Suicide alongside over 100 fellow North Dakotans in West Fargo. My mission that day was to raise awareness about this crisis, provide support to survivors, and educate our friends and relatives about the prevalence of suicide in our towns. And to help in this effort, I gathered a panel of local, state, and national mental health experts to engage in a comprehensive discussion about recent research into why this epidemic is happening too often in rural areas and to offer new ways to assist those struggling with suicide.\r\nAmong those in attendance at my Summit were law enforcement officials, health care professionals, mental health advocates, post-9/11 veterans, teachers, and students. As the event continued, we broke off into smaller breakout sessions, where the key topics of prevention, community engagement, survivor support, and preventing suicide for youth, adults, and veterans were discussed.\r\nSome of our conversations were hard, many of them were sad, and all of them were incredibly personal. But all of these discussions motivated me to keep fighting in the U.S. Senate to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness and focus resources in areas that desperately need them, like across rural America.\r\nI'd like to personally thank all those who participated in my Summit to Stop Suicide. Your willingness to take time out of your day to address this challenging topic makes our communities stronger and safer. And I'm so proud of the nationally-recognized activities of our North Dakota advocates to provide survivor support and to raise awareness all to prevent one more heartbreaking death.\r\nAs you're reading this, you should know that there are so many North Dakotans who need us. Maybe they don't think they're valued members of our communities, or maybe they just don't know where to go for help.\r\nBut fighting this epidemic isn't just the job of mental health professionals or experts alone. To tackle this urgent problem and to strengthen our resiliency, we must commit to a community-wide approach. If the outcomes from my Summit are any indication, I know we can effectively use the diverse skills and backgrounds of our community members to help finally turn the tide in the battle against suicide.\r\nAnd if you're someone who needs help, please call the suicide prevention lifeline anytime at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, 24/7 confidential support.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=15F35D61-D2BE-40F0-BCE4-9111A7E2EAFC", "Heitkamp Tours NDSU Soil Lab, Stresses Importance of Strong Conservation Title in 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator is Working to Preserve Strong Support for Conservation & Research in 2018 Farm Bill Negotiations \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tFARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Soil Testing Lab with Howard G. Buffett to learn more about the innovative research NDSU is undertaking to improve soil conservation practices across North Dakota and rural America.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Heitkamp fought for a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill which included a strong conservation title. As one of nine senators on the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp is fighting against the effort in the House Farm Bill which narrowly passed with only partisan support to phase out the Conservation Stewardship Program, which supports soil health research and best practices.\r\nDuring the visit, Buffett a farmer, county sheriff, and businessman shared his perspective on the role of philanthropy in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing poverty. One of the focuses of his Howard G. Buffett Foundation is to improve global food security by promoting adoption of conservation-based agricultural practices including no-till, cover crops, and nutrient management in the United States and the developing world. Buffett wrote a bestselling book, Forty Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World, about his experiences as a farmer and philanthropist working to combat hunger around the world. He is the son of Warren Buffett.\r\nWith 90 percent of North Dakota's usable land dedicated to production agriculture, keeping our soils healthy is vital to the success of our state's economy, said Heitkamp. For decades, soil conversation has been an important aspect of our state's farming heritageand NDSU has played a major role in training the next generation of farmers in conservation methods that prevent over-usage, limit erosion, and mitigate the impacts of drought. Today, I got to show Mr. Buffetta champion of forward-thinking, sustainable farming practices some of NDSU's cutting-edge soil research and how it's working to preserve the longevity of our family farms. The Farm Bill helps support much of the great research I saw today at NDSU, and as a member of the Farm Bill conference committee, I'm fighting to maintain critical investments in ag research and a strong conservation title that will keep NDSU at the forefront of farm and ranch management and innovation for years to come.\r\nHeitkamp and Buffett were shown field demonstrations in the NDSU greenhouse including a rain simulator and a slake test and examined soil cores from across the state. Researchers described how in times of drought, like North Dakota experienced last year, good soil health is critical to retaining moisture and promoting grass production even in the face of dry conditions.\r\nSince helping to write, negotiate, and pass the2014 Farm Bill, Heitkamp has spent years talking with North Dakota farmers and ranchers to prepare for the next Farm Bill. The provisions she fought for came about after spending years talking with farmers and ranchers about their priorities, including holding Farm Bill tours across the state in2016and2017. Her meetings with farmerscontinueeven after the Senate Farm Bill passed to gather feedback from North Dakotans. The Senate Agriculture Committee  which Heitkamp sits on passed the Farm Billin June, and then the Farm Billpassed in the U.S. Senatewith overwhelming bipartisan support.\r\nHeitkamp has regularly spoken at the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts' annual meeting.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has been working to address the soil challenges farmers and ranchers face from drought and other weather-related conditions.\r\nIn the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, Heitkamp successfully worked to include her bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate.\r\nIn August 2017, Heitkamp conducteda two-day drought and Farm Bill touracross western North Dakota to hear directly from farmers, ranchers, researchers, and FSA workers about the solutions they need now to weather the drought, and the critical programs that need to be protected and strengthened in the 2018 Farm Bill. This series of meetings built on her 2016 Farm Bill tour.\r\nHeitkamp has also worked to:\r\n \r\nSuccessfully press USDA to provide additional staffing at FSA offices across North Dakota.After Heitkamp called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to quickly provide workers for understaffed offices, USDA agreed and announced it would temporarily providemore staff at FSA officesaround North Dakota to help farmers and ranchers get immediate drought assistance. As FSA offices continue struggling to handle the volume of applications fast enough to serve farmers and ranchers, Heitkamp in Octoberrequested additional supportfrom Secretary Perdue.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nMeet with farmers and ranchers across North Dakota to hear more about the comprehensive solutions they need,includingaroundtable in Bowmanwith a ranchers, local leaders, and experts, anda drought and farm bill touracross western North Dakota.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nProvide key federal, state, and local informational resources.In June, Heitkamp launched herdrought resources webpageto make sure farmers and ranchers can access local, state, and federal tools and assistance. These resources include haying and grazing options, tax information, mental health services, and resource eligibility requirements.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CE9B66D7-CF40-49C5-8F5C-DF05A9FD83C3", "Heitkamp Holds Roundtable Discussion on Addiction Crisis with Law Enforcement Officials and Health Care Professionals", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heitkamp Has Been Working to Tackle the Long-Term Impacts of Substance Abuse and Trauma among Children, Provide Additional Resources to Support Communities \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tFARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today held a roundtable discussion on combatting the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals.\r\nOver the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deaths increased by nearly 400 percent from 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupled among 18-25 year olds.\r\nAt the Dakota Medical Foundation, Heitkamp gathered community leaders and advocates to discuss local efforts to decrease rates of substance abuse-related deaths and to recognize the toll that addiction is having in communities across North Dakota, including Fargo. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.\r\nFar too many families and towns in North Dakota have experienced the crippling effects of the raging addiction crisis. And our state's dedicated law enforcement and health care workers urgently need increased support and training to adequately tackle the range of problems caused by this scourge and to keep our communities strong and safe, said Heitkamp. To tackle the damaging impacts of opioids, methamphetamines, and other illicit drugs in our communities, I'm fighting in the Senate to bring more resources to the front lines while looking for new, innovative ways to address and limit the long-term consequences of a spiraling epidemic and providing wraparound comprehensive services to those suffering from addiction. Today's discussion was an important opportunity to hear from those who deal with this crisis every day, and I'll continue working with them to build strategies and to craft bipartisan legislation that produces real results in stemming the tide of addiction and building better paths to hope and recovery across rural America.\r\nAs someone working on the front lines of law enforcement, I want to commend Senator Heitkamp for her commitment to bringing federal dollars to support communities in North Dakota and across the U.S. that are being affected by the addiction crisis in this country, said Buffett. I have also seen first-hand the Senator's commitment to securing our borders to address the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. It will take a bipartisan approach and I respect Senator Heitkamp's efforts to prioritize progress over politics.\r\nAs part of her Strong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota on combating opioid and substance abuse and addiction, including discussions in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, Dickinson, and Hazen.\r\nHeitkamp has been working to address this issue bypassing legislation to combat opioid abuse and helpingintroduce a bill called the LifeBOAT Act to provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.She helped pass legislation in 2016, which became law, that offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.\r\nTraumatic experiences  including substance abuse can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can impact children throughout their lives.Congress is soon expected to pass bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to combat opioid and other substance abuse, which includes Senator Heitkamp's provisions to address the ripple effects of the overdose epidemic on children, families, and communities.\r\nAnd last month, Heitkamp met with several grandparents who have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies.\r\nEarlier today, Heitkamp and Buffett toured the North Dakota State University Soil Testing Lab to learn more about the facility's work to promote sustainable farming practices.\r\nSince fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Senator Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D17BE7F4-7807-4B07-8607-392E1CFCC042", "Heitkamp Encourages High School Students to Apply for the Senate Youth Program", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp is encouraging North Dakota high school students to apply for the United States Senate Youth Program that provides students with an in-depth experience of our nation's democracy during the week they spend in Washington, D.C.\r\nHeitkamp met with North Dakota's 2018 U.S. Senate Youth Delegates - Brandon Prichard of St. Mary's High School and Erica Solberg of Century High School both from Bismarck.\r\nEvery year, two ambitious and motivated North Dakotans are selected as North Dakota's delegates to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, said Heitkamp. These high school students represent the best of their class and have proven they are committed to bettering their schools, communities, state, and country. I encourage students to apply before the October 15 deadline to be delegates in 2019. North Dakota's delegates have always shown the best of our state  they are eager, passionate, and ready to learn  and I hope students apply to take advantage of this opportunity.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Youth Program is a competitive merit based program that was established in 1962 through a U.S. Senate Resolution to support the next generation's understanding of our nation's three branches of government and why it's important to be involved in our democracy.\r\nThe U.S. Senate Youth Program awards two students from each state with a $10,000 scholarship and a week long experience in Washington, D.C. to experience our democracy in action. Students interested in applying must have their application in by October 15, 2018 and should reach out to Patricia Laubach at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction by phone at (701)328-4525 or by e-mail at plaubach@nd.gov for application information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D8C1FF8C-5D83-46BF-ABF3-A478F7E7B5A8", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Investment in UTTC for Research", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced a $2.6 million dollar federal grant to United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) to establish an Intertribal Research and Resource Center (IRRC) with the goal of addressing community needs and improve the sustainability of natural resources and agricultural sustainability in Indian Country.\r\nThe tribal colleges and universities across North Dakota are important resources for students from across Indian Country to gain an education that will help them grow and succeed, said Heitkamp. UTTC in Bismarck is one of these important institutions that has proven to set students on the path to success with new research and development that takes place right on campus. These federal funds will support UTTC's efforts to establish a research center that will help tribal communities meet their needs.\r\nThese federal funds are made available through the National Science Foundation's Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. This federal grant is expected to continue through 2023 with an additional $900,000 in federal funds expected to be made available.\r\nHeitkamp has been a staunch advocate for tribal colleges and universities. In May, Heitkamp worked to pass legislation that granted a waiver to UTTC allowing the school to continue to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program which is critical for helping low-income students afford a higher education. Should UTTC have lost its ability to participate in the Pell Grant Program it would have significantly impacted their ability to operate. In February she led a bipartisan group of Senators to recognize the week of February 11, 2018 as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. This recognition highlights the unique and critically important role these institutions of higher education play in supporting students from Indian Country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3268B3A0-BB67-46D2-AF03-CD1EBC46B340", "Heitkamp Statement on Advancement of Dallas Carlsons Nomination to Serve as U.S. Marshal", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Director Dallas Carlson's nomination to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of North Dakota passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Carlson's nomination now moves to the full Senate for a vote.\r\nDallas Carlson is a trusted public servant who has made it his life's mission to keep North Dakota families and communities strong and safe, Heitkamp said. I worked with Dallas during my time as Attorney General for North Dakota, when he was first starting out on the front lines of fighting crime at BCI. He has the integrity, ethics, and tenacity that are needed to enforce the law and hold criminals accountable, which is why I strongly advocated for his nomination to the U.S. Marshal post earlier this year. From human trafficking to illicit drugs, there are a wide range of law enforcement issues facing North Dakota right now, and Dallas has the skills and experience to get results to help fix them.\r\nCarlson was nominated to the U.S. Marshal post in March. Prior to serving as the Director of the North Dakota BCI, Carlson supervised drug investigations in Dickinson and worked as a special agent and then chief agent in the BCI's Criminal Division. Before joining the BCI, he first worked in law enforcement in 1977 as a Deputy Sherriff with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and then served in the Devils Lake and Mandan police departments. Carlson is a native of Warwick, North Dakota.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=36E37A47-2789-4641-BE84-5EE2202CAF70", "Heitkamp: Bipartisan Funding Bill Includes Major Wins for ND Servicemembers, Water Projects, & Energy Development", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Successfully Pushed to Include Strengthened Funding for the VA Office of Rural Health, Allowing More Veterans to Access Affordable Care in their Communities \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a funding bill that includes big wins for North Dakota water projects, energy jobs, military installations, and veterans. The legislation is a compromise bill reached between the Senate and House.\r\nSince arriving in the U.S. Senate, I've fought to support hardworking families in rural America by making sure their communities remain strong and safeand this bill includes important funding that helps our towns receive the clean water they need, improves access to affordable health care for our rural veterans, and gives much-needed security to our state's energy workers, said Heitkamp. This bipartisan bill would improve support for our state's servicemembers by strengthening protection for the B-52s and ICBMs at Minot Air Force Base and providing funding to start a new National Guard training center in Fargo. And increased support in this bill for commonsense energy projects like carbon capture technology means that we're one step closer to securing a long-term, viable future for good-paying North Dakota energy jobs. In this bill, we also pushed back against proposed cuts to the Army Corps' budget, so that we can protect more homes and businesses in communities like Fargo-Moorhead from severe flooding events.\r\nThe bipartisan bill to support energy, water, and military construction projects includes key provisions Heitkamp fought for to advance permanent flood protection, build new facilities on North Dakota's military installations, and promote an all-of-the-above energy strategy across the state, including:\r\nFlood Control and Water Infrastructure\r\n \r\nSupporting construction of flood protection projects in North Dakota through increased support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The legislation rejects the President's proposed cut to the Corps' construction budget and would provide an additional $98 million above current funding levels. Heitkamp has consistently fought for projects that reduce the impacts of floods in North Dakota communities, and this funding will help the Corps prioritize projects like permanent flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead area. In June, Heitkamp announced that she successfully secured $35 million for the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project in the Corps' fiscal year (FY) 2018 work plan.\r\n \r\n \r\nFunding vital water infrastructure projects in rural America. The legislation would provide $77 million for critical water infrastructure projects, which Heitkamp has advocated for in North Dakota communities like Medina and Petersburg. The bipartisan bill also includes an additional $98.74 million for rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation.\r\n \r\n \r\nEncouraging the Army Corps to improve maintenance efforts at North Dakota recreation sites. The bill includes language pushing the Corps to prioritize its recreation sites in the Upper Missouri River Basin including at Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe for repairs and facility upgrades. Heitkamp has stressed the Army Corps' responsibility to maintain its facilities along the Missouri River in North Dakota and to address the backlog of repairs.\r\n \r\nNorth Dakota's Defense Communities\r\n \r\nFunding new construction to protect Minot Air Force Base's airmen and nuclear arsenal. The funding billwould provide $66 million for the construction of new security facilities to defend against threats to Minot's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) field, including a new maintenance unit, maintenance shelter, aircraft alert hangar, and operations center. During her extensive tour of the base's facilities in May,Heitkamp pushedfor additional funding to address current shortfalls in security and to improve personnel responsiveness.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupporting a new National Guard Readiness Center in Fargo. The bipartisan bill includes $32 million for a new facility in Fargo to help train three North Dakota Army National Guard sections.\r\n \r\n \r\nMaking sure veterans receive the benefits and health care they have earned through their selfless service, including in rural areas. The bipartisan funding package includes $270 million in funding to promote primary health care delivery in rural America, including through strong mental health support. Heitkamp has continued to push the administration to adequately fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Rural Health.\r\n \r\nEnergy Technology\r\n \r\nSupporting the development of carbon capture power and other energy projects. The bill includes a new $30 million competitive grant that would support Project Tundra through its next phase of development  this funding is critical to moving this joint project between Minnkota Electric Power Cooperative and ALLETE|Minnesota Power further towards realization. The grant would assist commercial-scale carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) power projects in procuring feasibility studies and other items such as detailed designs, scopes of work, material purchasing, and environmental permitting requirements. Additionally, the bill would continue a program that allows the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Energy on energy technology research.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecuring funding to develop advanced energy technologies for coal and natural gas plants. $25 million would be used to advance projects important to North Dakota, including advanced gasification systems, Allam cycle technology, energy and water sustainability, coal-to-liquid fuels, economical CO2 separation and capture, and domestic alternative transportation fuels.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=44DFE9E6-830F-4D83-B958-81330284E519", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Investment in Bismarck & Dickinson Airports", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $3 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements in Bismarck and Dickinson.\r\nTransportation infrastructure for a state as geographically large as North Dakota is key to keep every community connected, enable businesses to thrive, and make it possible for residents to travel, said Heitkamp. That can be achieved when we make investments in North Dakota's airports like this federal funding will do for the Bismarck and Dickinson airports.\r\nThese federal funds are dispersed as follows:\r\n \r\nBismarck Airport: $2,204,696 in federal funding to reconstruct part of the existing runway and taxiway.\r\n \r\n \r\nTheodore Roosevelt Regional Airport, Dickinson: $1,000,000 in federal funding to extend the runway, construct an extension of the taxiway, and the acquisition of additional land. Heitkamp also announced $9,870,000 in federal funding to the Dickinson Airport last week for infrastructure improvements.\r\n \r\nThis federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E5360E06-3853-48A6-A74C-A542B967D81F", "Heitkamp Looks Back & Ahead on Fourth Anniversary of Launch of her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative", "2018-09-12", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since Senator Started her Initiative in 2014, Effort has Raised Awareness about Key Challenges in ND, Offered Ways to Help Address Many of them & Incorporated Newer Issues Facing the State to Seek Solutions\r\nHeitkamp's Initiative has Worked to Keep ND Communities Strong & Families Safe Long into the Future by Addressing Crime, Drugs, Trafficking & Other Safety Challenges\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  On the fourth anniversary of the launch of her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced several milestones that have been reached and several more that remain on the horizon as she works to address emerging safety challenges in North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp's Strong & Safe Communities Initiative is about tackling increases in crime, drugs, human trafficking, and cyber security and border security challenges by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota's communities strong and families safe in their homes. First responder training and resources have also been a critical piece of Heitkamp's initiative, especially following the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton in 2013.\r\nWorking with community leaders across the state, Heitkamp has effectively worked to raise awareness about these issues in North Dakota and offered solutions to address them. She has held many meetings with community leaders to come up with solutions to these challenges, including hosting a statewide summit she convened with 150 community leaders from across the state, and a report she issued on the initiative. Through her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has also introduced and passed legislation in the U.S. Senate building off feedback from North Dakotans. For example, her RESPONSE Act, which became law in 2016, is helping to make sure first responders have access to the resources and training they need to handle hazardous incidents on the rails, like crude oil derailments. Her bipartisan bill to crack down on websites like Backpage.com that knowingly facilitate human trafficking became law earlier this year. And her bill to assess threats at the Northern Border became law in 2016. As part of the initiative, Heitkamp also launched a task force in 2014 comprised of North Dakotans who have solid understandings of many of the challenges the state faces.She has also pressed federal agencies, held congressional hearings, and worked with local and national advocates to address these challenges -- and her efforts continue.\r\nHeitkamp is also working hard to address several other challenges facing North Dakota that have grown in the past few years, including opioid abuse, mental health challenges and increases in suicide, threats to rural economies like the administration's trade policies, and the crisis of missing and murdered Native American women.\r\nThe derailment of a crude oil train near Casselton in 2013 was a wakeup call to our state. North Dakota was witnessing massive growth, but it also meant we faced new safety challenges which could not be ignored, said Heitkamp. The purpose behind my Strong & Safe Communities Initiative has been to work with North Dakotans to build a strong, safe future for our state by addressing these new challenges head on. No family should have to worry about drugs, gangs, or human trafficking. They should have opportunities to thrive and the peace of mind to know they and their families are safe. With the help of dedicated North Dakotans across our state, we have made much progress over the last four years both through efforts in our communities and legislation I've introduced and passed in the U.S. Senate. But there's more work to do, and there are more challenges that have arisen  opioid abuse, a mental health and suicide crisis, an epidemic of missing and murdered Native women, and much more. We need to stand together to keep working on commonsense solutions that enable every community and every family to remain safe so we are building a strong state for the future.\r\nSenator Heitkamp's comprehensive strategyhas directly improved first responders' abilities to respond to emergency situations like crude oil derailmentsand it has made North Dakota a stronger and safer place to live and work, said Tim McLean, Chief of the Casselton Volunteer Fire Department. The 2013 derailment outside of Casselton was a major red flag not just for my friends and neighbors, but for folks across North Dakota. As first responders, we're trained to protect our communities from danger and alert our citizens if they're in harm's way. But after that derailment, we quickly learned that we needed to seek out new information, support, and training if we were going to properly mitigate the risks posed by changing technologies and a rapidly growing energy industry in North Dakota. Senator Heitkamp was quick to hear our concerns and develop a strategy for action. Over the last four years, her Strong and Safe Communities Initiative has included a push to improve rail safety, update standards for tanker cars, and strengthen track inspection regulations on rail lines going through North Dakota, including passing her RESPONSE Act to support first responders.And we know her work continues to stand up for responders and safety in our communities.\r\nSenator Heitkamp's Strong and Safe Communities Initiative has been a major force in raising awareness about the horrific crimes of human trafficking in our state and taking action to protect more children, provide safety for victims, and bring perpetrators to justice, said Christina Sambor, FUSE Program Manager at Youthworks in Fargo. As law enforcement, advocates, and community leaders have looked for ways to fight back against human trafficking in our state, Senator Heitkamp has been a champion of legislation that toughens our laws and prevents more young people from being trapped in a horrific situation. Her work to raise awareness about these terrible crimes has had both statewide and national repercussions including raising the alarm about the prevalence of these terrible crimes in Indian Country and across the internet. After Senator Heitkamp's bill to crack down on sites that enable sex trafficking online was signed into law, Backpage.com was shut down. After hearing from victims and bringing senior officials to see firsthand the realities of trafficking the ground, Senator Heitkamp worked to pass her safe harbor bill to make sure victims aren't treated as criminals. These are real, effective results that have made North Dakota stronger and safer, and I know Senator Heitkamp will continue this important initiative until the last child is safe off the streets and the last offender is behind bars.\r\nWhen Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative in 2014, she specifically aimed to address the following challenges across the state, and has introduced and passed legislation in the U.S. Senate to help address them:\r\n \r\nTransportation of crude oil on the rails\r\nHuman trafficking and domestic violence\r\nCrime and drug crime\r\nIndian Country challenges\r\nEconomic development and community impact issues\r\n21st century security challenges\r\nBorder security issues\r\n \r\nAdditionally, there are more recent challenges that Heitkamp has also incorporated into her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to make sure North Dakota continues to work to address all issues facing the state in a comprehensive way:\r\n \r\nOpioid and substance abuse and addiction\r\nMental health and suicide crisis\r\nEpidemic of missing and murdered Native American women\r\nRural economic challenges\r\nRural health issues\r\nEconomic diversity  \r\n \r\nClick here for a comprehensive list of action Heitkamp has taken to address the emerging challenges facing North Dakota through her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, which is also included below.\r\nIn October 2015, Heitkamp held her Strong & Safe Communities Summit which brought together about 150 community leaders from across North Dakota to discuss solutions to build a strong future for the state. It offered a productive and collaborative way for North Dakotans in various fields  including law enforcement, social workers, advocates, and government officials  to discuss challenges they face, talk about what is and is not working to combat issues in their communities, and brainstorm new ideas to address these challenges.\r\nIn August 2016, Heitkamp released her Strong & Safe Communities Report which offered a comprehensive set of proposals to address the emerging challenges facing North Dakota and seek a strong future for the state. It incorporates ideas to address these challenges as well as actions Heitkamp had taken in the U.S. Senate to support North Dakota's communities, as well as actions she will take in the future to tackle North Dakota's growth and safety challenges. Since Heitkamp released the report she has continued to work to address these issues, and has introduced and passed more legislation to do just that.\r\nNorth Dakota has reaped major rewards from the state's energy and population booms.For years, the state has had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, thousands of open jobs, and innovation, research, and development taking place. Even as oil and commodity prices have fluctuated, such rapid growth has impacted North Dakota, bringing with it new law enforcement, infrastructure, and safety challenges. Heitkamp had already been working to address these issues, and through her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative she has been raising more awareness about them and providing a tangible plan to tackle them moving forward to help build a strong future for North Dakota.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=859AD302-0132-4C40-A84C-28B381E5515E", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding To Help Stop Domestic Violence", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $875,232 in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Health to help bring an end to domestic violence by strengthening the criminal justice system for victims and making sure services are in place to help women recover.\r\nDomestic violence continues to plague too many people in North Dakota and across the country, said Heitkamp. Since my work to combat domestic violence in the 1990s as North Dakota's Attorney General, I've vowed to never stop fighting to protect victims and end this violence once and for all. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which authorizes these federal funds to help strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat domestic violence and supports victim services, will soon expire. Congress must come together to renew VAWA and make sure these critical programs and protections are continued.\r\nThese federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women's Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. This federal program is authorized by the VAWA that Heitkamp worked reauthorize in 2013 and was the first bill she cosponsored in the U.S. Senate. She also worked to implement the first VAWA in the 1990s when she was Attorney General for North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp and Senator Sullivan (R-AK) recently announced that their bipartisan Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act was signed into law. Their bill will help provide access to pro bono legal services and information to victims of domestic and sexual violence victims. For victims of domestic, dating, or sexual violence legal assistance can make the difference as they try to get away and move forward with their lives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FAFC31BA-357E-4F06-9629-8076A439EBC4", "Heitkamp Releases New Podcast on Protecting the Northern Border", "2018-09-11", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the latest episode of her podcast, The Hotdish,' on the need to secure the Northern Border.\r\nIn this episode, Heitkamp speaks with Mary Delaquis, who was on the front lines of securing North Dakota's busiest port of entry for 16 years as Pembina's Area Port Director. Then, Heitkamp talks to author Porter Fox, who traveled the Northern Border by canoe, car, freighter, and foot. Fox illustrates the vastness of the border and challenges we face to secure it in his book, Northland: A 4,000-Mile Journey Along America's Forgotten Border. \r\nThe Hotdish is available on Spotify, iTunes and Simplecast. Current episodes are also available on Soundcloud.\r\nThe border between the United States and Canada presents a unique national security challenge, Heitkamp said. While we must continue to address the security shortfalls on the Southern Border, we can't lose sight of what lies to the north  a 5,500 mile long, largely remote border that sees the largest exchange of goods and people of any border in the world. That's why I worked on a bipartisan bill to require a comprehensive threat assessment of the border, which led the Department of Homeland Security to release an updated Northern Border strategy this past June. In this episode of The Hotdish, I speak with two people who have intimate knowledge of the Northern Border and the challenges we face in defending it. Their stories and experiences offer a captivating window into what makes the Northern Border unique, and why we must strategically defend it to keep our communities strong and safe.\r\nIn June, Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a new strategic plan to tackle chronic and emerging security issues along the Northern Border. The new strategy flows froma comprehensive assessmentof the Northern Border and its challenges that was required by Heitkamp's bipartisan legislation, the Northern Border Security Review Act, which was signed into law in December 2016. The legislation was a key piece of her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative. Click here for more information about the new strategy.\r\nA central component of the updated strategy calls for increased cooperation between U.S. agencies and state, local, tribal, and Canadian partners  something former Pembina Area Port Director Mary Delaquis strongly agrees with.\r\nThat relationship needs to be strong. We need to have faith in one another, and we have to be able to trust one another, Delaquis said. There's a lot of space between the border stations  and even at the stations, where we maybe only have two officers working at any given time  we need to rely on our partners, the Canadians. Whether it's U.S. Customs and Border Protection, local law enforcement agencies and the office of Border Patrol  all of those agencies need to work together in order to make sure the borders are secure.\r\nAuthor Porter Fox traveled 4,000 miles along the Northern Border and observed many oddities that highlight the unique nature of the border. In Northern Vermont, he found an apartment building that straddles the border line, where Americans dating Canadians have historically gotten apartments. There's a door on the American side, a door on the Canadian side, and no one seems to care, he says. In Northern Maine, there's a factory built over the Saint John River  there's a line painted across the factory floor separating the U.S. side from the Canadian side.\r\nBut what Fox mostly saw was a sprawling, unmarked border that is often vulnerable to incursions. I saw so many situations where the border was not marked. If it was guarded, it was by remote cameras and motion sensors, but the Ports of Entry and CBP are so far away that routinely people slip across. They get caught on camera or trip a motion detector, but CBP can't get there in time, Fox said. \r\nThe vulnerability of the Northern Border is also addressed in DHS's updated strategy, which calls for greater exchange of timely, actionable information about border incursions, strategic placement of technology based on risk assessments and capability gaps, and deterrence efforts to prevent adversaries from exploiting the Northern Border.\r\nAccording to DHS, approximately 400,000 people and over $1.6 billion in goods and services cross the Northern Border each day  representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Recent reports indicate that illegal Northern Border crossings increased 142 percent in the first six months of 2018, underscoring the need to quickly work to deploy resources and implement a smarter strategy to ensure the security of North Dakotans and the nation.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp's work to make sure sufficient attention is paid to protecting the Northern Border includes meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington D.C. visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation. More details about action she has taken to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention include:\r\n \r\nBringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina's Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nReducing drug crime and flow at the border. In August 2014, Heitkamp joined then-White House Drug Czar Michael Botticelli to unveil a new national strategy to fight drug crimes in the Bakken and at the Northern Border that she specifically pushed for.\r\n \r\n \r\nCalling attention to chronic challenges at Northern Border ports of entry. In March of last year, Heitkamp questioned key U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) union officials about actions that could be taken to help effectively tackle consistent challenges faced by CBP officers at the Northern Border's 120 ports of entry. Currently, the CBP's Office of Field Operations needs additional officers to adequately secure the nation's ports of entry, which hundreds of millions of travelers crossed last year  more than ever before  and where international travel is expected to increase exponentially.\r\n \r\n \r\nHolding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. In August, Heitkamp brought together CBP officials and other federal, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in Minot to discuss thenew Northern Border Strategy and gain input on their needs as the strategy is implemented. Last November, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region.\r\n \r\nAbout The Hotdish:\r\nHeitkampkicked off her podcast last Februarywith an episode on her efforts to combat human trafficking, interviewing anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain and North Dakota journalist Kevin Wallevand. Since then, Heitkamp's podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including negotiations for the nextFarm Bill, the role ofmoderates in Congress,U.S.-Russia relations,health care, her bipartisan bill that wouldpromote carbon capture, therole of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thethreat posed by North Korea, andtackling the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, tax reform, an update on her effort to combat human trafficking, the importance of smart trade policies and NAFTA, Capitol Hill interns, Vietnam veterans, and the Farm Bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7429F84B-5F9A-4CDE-9AEB-53C5836BD289", "Heitkamp: Bureau of Reclamation Approves Central North Dakota Water Supply Project", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Central North Dakota Water Supply Project, an important step forward for a project that would help spur economic development in the region by supporting industries that need reliable sources of water.\r\nThe Central North Dakota Water Supply project would provide water from the McClusky Canal for industrial purposes for Stutsman Rural Water District, Jamestown, Carrington, Central Plains Water District, and Tuttle and South Central Regional Water District.\r\nLast week, Heitkamp met with leaders of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District to discuss the importance of moving the Central North Dakota Water Supply Project forward, and other water management issues facing North Dakota. She also helped facilitate a meeting between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District to press for the FONSI.\r\nAt our meeting with Garrison Diversion last week, we talked about the critical need to get this project moving forward in a way that supports every community in the region, Heitkamp said. Rural communities need infrastructure to attract industries that create jobs. Properly managing North Dakota's water resources and providing new infrastructure helps keep every community strong.\r\nHeitkamp has long been working to improve flood protection and access to clean water in rural communities in North Dakota and across the country.In May, Heitkamp announced $29.2 million in federal funding she helped to secure to expand and improve water supply infrastructure in North Dakota through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Heitkamp pressed the commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation to provide significant resources for North Dakota to support rural water projects, including those that will now receive funds. Heitkamp helped secure $24.4 million for water infrastructure last year and $24.8 million in 2016 for rural water infrastructure improvements.\r\nLast year, Heitkamp introduced her bipartisanSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actto authorize two new technical assistance provisions to improve wastewater treatment in rural communities. The legislation builds on her bipartisanGrassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act, which wassigned into lawin 2015.\r\nThe bill was written to help make sure small towns and rural areas  often lacking the resources to the latest technology or access to proper technological assistance to comply with federal clean water rules. Her bill also provides $15 million in annual support for technical assistance and training to community water systems serving not more than 10,000 people and $10 million annually for medium-sized systems serving between 10,001 and 75,000 people. States would also be able to set aside two percent of their Clean Water State Revolving Funds to assist communities in complying with federal rules and improving wastewater quality. The bill has been included in the Senate water infrastructure bill which was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F271394A-86D2-4959-BFB1-7201BB67B817", "Heitkamp Hosts Summit to Stop Suicide, Gathers Over 100 Statewide Leaders to Address Increasing ND Suicide Rate and Help Keep ND Communities Strong & Safe", "2018-09-10", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WEST FARGO, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today hosted her Summit to Stop Suicide, which brought together over 100 North Dakota community leaders, educators, law enforcement officers, farmers, veterans, advocates, health care professionals, and youth from across the state to discuss how to improve North Dakota's efforts to prevent deaths by suicide.\r\nOver the past several years, North Dakota and rural America have experienced a sharp increase in suicides. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of death by suicide jumped by 58 percent in North Dakota between 1999 and 2016 the largest statewide increase in the country. Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in North Dakota across all ages, and the 2nd leading cause of death for youth.\r\nHeitkamp's summit featured panel discussions with national mental health experts, including leaders from the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. After discussions on how to best tackle this public health emergency, Heitkamp facilitated comprehensive breakout sessions between experts and community leaders on the key topics of prevention, community engagement, survivor support, and preventing suicide for both youth and adults.\r\nDeaths by suicide have dramatically increased in towns, reservations, and farmsteads across our stateand that's why it's so important for local leaders to reexamine North Dakota's response to this growing public health threat, said Heitkamp. My Summit to Stop Suicide is a way to redouble our commitment to combating this crisis, and today I heard from health care workers, educators, advocates, law enforcement, and youth about new ideas and strategies that could prevent more loved ones from being lost to suicide. I'm so proud of the nationally-recognized activities of our North Dakota advocates to provide survivor support, raise awareness, and educate our neighbors about suicide. But we need to understand that prevention can't just be left to those who specialize in mental health. I'm encouraging North Dakotans to pool their skills and resources to address this enormous challenge with a community-wide approach, and I'll keep fighting in the U.S. Senate to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness and focus resources in areas that desperately need them. The ongoing mental health crisis in rural America is nothing short of an epidemic, and we must stop it soon if we're going to keep North Dakota communities and families strong and safe.\r\nNorth Dakota mental health advocates and community volunteers have witnessed a significant increase in demand for suicide prevention and mental health support services across the state. A USA Today article from July 2018 cites First Link Executive Director Cindy Miller saying that the Fargo-based call center fielded 6,533 calls in 2017 a dramatic spike from 2,512 the previous year.\r\nFirstLink is the only call center in North Dakota that answers calls on the National Suicide Prevention LifeLine. FirstLink has seen a significant increase in the call volume from North Dakotans who are experiencing serious mental health challenges and may be contemplating suicide, or who are worried about their loved ones who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Just in the last couple of years, we have seen a dramatic spike in the amount of calls we're receiving. That's a troubling sign in North Dakota especially if our approach doesn't change, said Cindy Miller, Executive Director, FirstLink. Senator Heitkamp's summit today is an important opportunity to encourage collaboration among community leaders, law enforcement, educators, and health care providers to build a strong coalition of advocates who can take on this tremendous challenge. By taking time today to develop practices that help those with mental health struggles, we are saving lives in more families and towns across our state.\r\nIn 2014, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, which places an emphasis on addressing substance abuse, childhood trauma, and other mental health challenges which can all be factors leading to suicide. One of the key focuses of Heitkamp's Strong & Safe Communities Initiative is to work with community leaders to address the state's behavioral and mental health challenges.\r\nAs police officers, we know all too well the devastation and the feeling of loss experienced by family and friends when someone they love takes their own life. We gently help those families on the worst day of their lives as we notify them or help them when theyfind the worst thing imaginable, said Fargo Police Chief David Todd. As a department, we also personally know the devastating loss of one our own through suicide and the crushing sorrow of going through the loss of a fellow officer and friend. The Fargo Police Department has since instituted suicide awareness training for our officers in getting officers to seek help through our Peer Assistance Crisis Team (PACT) and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).We also givethem an avenue of assistance through an anonymous online survey tool officers can take and then be contacted by a professional while still maintaining their anonymity.Senator Heitkamp's summit is an opportunity to educate ourselves further and work to improve our community's resilience, because there's nothing more important than taking care of your people and giving them pathways to meaningful assistance they can use.\r\nThe Stop Suicide Summit coincides with both Suicide Prevention Month and Suicide Awareness Week. Yesterday, Hetikamp participated in the 13th annual Fargo-Moorhead Out of the Darkness Community Walk, which intends to raise awareness about those in North Dakota struggling with suicide. The walk aims to also remember and honor those lost to suicide and show support for those grieving a loss.\r\nAs the nation marks Suicide Prevention Month throughout September, it's an important opportunity to reflect on the stories of family, friends, and neighbors who have struggled with their mental health and have contemplated suicide, said Mike Lamma, Senior Vice President of Development and Field Management, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. When our organization began establishing Out of the Darkness walks across the country more than a decade ago, our goal was to spread awareness about suicide in our communities and promote healing for those impacted by suicide. Senator Heitkamp's summit today is a chance for North Dakotans to understand why suicide is becoming far too prevalent in our rural communitiesandI thank Senator Heitkamp for convening this timely and thoughtful event and elevating the conversation about mental health and suicide.\r\nOne of Heitkamp's top priorities in the U.S Senate is to find solutions to address the negative impacts of childhood exposure to trauma and its long-term negative impacts. According to a 2015U.S. Department of Justice study,58 percent of all American children had witnessed or been a victim of crimein the previous year.Studies have shown that when children experience multiple traumatic experiences, like violence, abuse, neglect, or trafficking, it can lead to a lifetime of negative impacts those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare 30-times more likely to attempt suicide.\r\nIn April, a U.S. Senate committee passed bipartisan, comprehensive legislation that includes Heitkamp's provisions to address and mitigate the detrimental impact exposure to trauma, like opioid abuse, can have on the mental and behavioral health of children and families. Her legislation would combat the mental health crisis by identifying best practices, understanding the prevalence of trauma, boosting resources for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, and integrating mental health education in more U.S. schools.\r\nBackground\r\nSince joining the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has worked to efforts to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers, veterans, Native youth, the elderly, and those battling substance abuse and addiction.\r\nHeitkamp has focused her efforts on the wide range of North Dakotans impacted by suicide either due to their own mental health issues or a family members including by:\r\n\r\n \r\nHelping North Dakota farmers and ranchers in crisis. In June, Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill a provision to help farmers and ranchers in crisis. Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were first included in a bill Heitkamp helped introduce in April, and she is working to include them in the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\n \r\n \r\nBoosting mental health resources for North Dakota veterans. Heitkamp has worked to address mental health challenges faced by North Dakota veterans and to expand veteran counselling services. In 2016, Heitkamp secured a new 5-Day Vet Center in Grand Forks to meet the mental health needs of area veterans and to provide free counseling, screening, and referral services while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care. And for the sixth consecutive year, Heitkamp introducedand the U.S. Senate passedher resolution in June to raise awareness about U.S. military veterans impacted by post-traumatic stress (PTS) and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.\r\n \r\n \r\nPreventing youth suicide. In 2015, Heitkamp helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would provide increased support for suicide prevention and intervention programs. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act would also boost training teachers and school personnel to identify and better understand mental illness, and help children recover from traumatic events.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing sharp rates of suicide in tribal communities. Suicide rates for Native children ages 15-24 years old are2.5 times the national averageand is the second-leading cause of death in that age group. Heitkamp's Commission on Native Children is examining ways to address major economic, social, justice, mental health, and educational disparities experienced by Native American children and is offering sustainable solutions to improve outcomes. The Commission includes several individuals specializing in mental and physical health.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0DAE21F2-5188-496E-961B-8DC6B0A5A60F", "Heitkamp Announces Federal Investment in Williston & Dickinson Airports", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BISMARCK, N.D.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $20 million in federal funding that will continue to support the new Basin International Airport in Williston and the Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson.\r\nInvesting in airports throughout North Dakota keeps our rural communities strong and supports economic development throughout the state, said Heitkamp. I have been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure the new Williston Airport receives the federal investments it needs to complete construction, and to support airports like Dickinson. These federal funds will help continue construction at the new Williston Airport and extend the runway in Dickinson.\r\nThese federal funds are dispersed as follows:\r\n \r\nWilliston: $10,758,110 in federal funding for continued support for airport construction.\r\n \r\n \r\nDickinson: $9,870,000 in federal funding for efforts to extend the runway.\r\n \r\nThe new Williston Airport has been a key transportation priority for Heitkamp. She has been advocating for the construction of the new airport in Williston that will meet the demands of the expanding region. In July, Heitkamp as part of her bipartisan efforts announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will maintain Williston Basin International Airport's international airport designation. In October 2016, Heitkamp attended the ground breaking ceremony for the new airport where she reinforced the need for continued and strong support for western North Dakota as it continues to grow. The ground breaking ceremony came after years of work. In April 2014, Heitkamp brought in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to western North Dakota to see firsthand the impact the energy boom has had on the state's transportation infrastructure. Following up on this visit, Heitkamp urged him to approve the construction of a new airport for Williston and advocated for the funding to move forward on construction. In addition to the funding announced this year alone, other federal investments have been made for the city of Williston.\r\nThe most recent announcement of federal funding for the Williston Airport came in July when Heitkamp announced $13.1 million in federal funding. In September 2015 the FAA invested $27 million in federal funding to support the relocation of Williston's airport, and in September 2016 the FAA invested an additional $26 million for the construction of the new airport. In August and September 2017, Heitkamp announced grants of $19.2 million and $21.3 million in federal funding to support construction of this new airport serving the Williston area.\r\nHeitkamp has been a staunch supporter of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program that helps connect rural and remote areas to major hubs, helping small businesses and creating jobs in rural areas. Airports, like Dickinson, benefit from important federal funding through the EAS.\r\nThis federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1F1EB839-BA7C-4483-A27A-C0B1A8EF89B2", "After Administration Threatens to Escalate Trade War, Heitkamp Pushes for Improvements to Trade Aid Package to Support North Dakota Farmers", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  After the president today threatened to escalate the administration's trade war, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to improve the aid package to farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop.\r\nHeitkamp outlined concerns to Secretary Perdue that support for soybean farmers is inadequate because it doesn't take into account the increase in basis  the cost of getting a crop to market  that farmers have faced as a result of the trade war. Basis varies by region, and North Dakota farmers have seen their basis increase more than farmers in other regions. Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to consider regional variations in price and the widening basis for soybean farmers when calculating how much assistance to provide.\r\nWhile canola has not yet been hit with retaliatory tariffs, the price of canola is closely tied to the price of soybeans, and Heitkamp urged Secretary Perdue to make canola an eligible commodity for assistance due to the depressed prices farmers are facing.\r\nHeitkamp also expressed concerns that corn growers will be inadequately compensated for their losses. The farmer aid package proposes to compensate corn growers at one cent per bushel, much less that the decrease in price for a bushel of corn since June 1.\r\nClick here to read Heitkamp's letter to Secretary Perdue.\r\nToday's threat to escalate the trade war is a threat to North Dakota farmers. I've long pushed to hold China accountable for its trade violations, but we can't do it on the backs of hardworking North Dakotans, Heitkamp said. The administration acknowledged the damaging impact of its trade war and developed a package to provide some aid to our hurting farmers and ranchers, but more must be done to alleviate the pain North Dakota agriculture is feeling, which is what I pressed Secretary Perdue about today. Secretary Perdue has acknowledged that this aid won't make farmers whole. In many cases, it won't even come close. As farmers take to the field to harvest this year's crop, many are worried about being able to make their operating loans, let alone support themselves and their families. North Dakota's farmers don't deserve to be collateral damage in this trade war, and the administration must make every effort to alleviate the pain and quickly resolve the trade disputes that are putting livelihoods at stake.\r\nHeitkamp stressed the importance of adequately staffing local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, which are tasked with processing applications for aid. During last year's drought, Heitkamp successfully pressed USDA to provide additional staffing at FSA offices across North Dakota.\r\nHeitkamp is also hearing from North Dakota farmers that banks are becoming increasingly cautious about issuing operating loans for the 2019 growing season. She urged Secretary Perdue to consider increasing loan rates and making additional credit opportunities available to ensure farmers and ranchers are able to make it to next year's growing season and keep their operations running.\r\nHeitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota. This week, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would take action to help mitigate some damage caused by retaliatory tariffs imposed on U.S. goods. It would direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to direct funds collected by the Treasury from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion programs that help U.S. farmers and ranchers, including the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD). The government has already collected over $3.5 billion from tariffs, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.\r\nIn July, she introduced legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war.Her billwould make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies.\r\nEarlier this year, Heitkamp joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) leading a bipartisan group of eight other senators in introducing legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the aluminum and steel tariffs.\r\nBackground:\r\nFrom the beginning of this administration, Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota producers by:\r\n \r\nPressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.\r\n \r\n \r\nEngaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.\r\n \r\n \r\nGaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nRaising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.\r\n \r\n \r\nSpeaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico\r\n \r\n \r\nPressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=39C79437-349D-402E-BA63-7329F8629DD9", "Heitkamp, Sullivan Bipartisan Bill to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence Signed into Law", "2018-09-07", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp along with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today announced that their bipartisan bill, the Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act, to help provide access to pro bono legal services and information to victims of domestic and sexual violence victims has been signed into law.\r\nDomestic violence continues to be a major problem in too many homes across North Dakota and around the country, said Heitkamp. Since my time as Attorney General for North Dakota in the 1990s, I have been working to treat it like the serious crime that it is  while also working to make people more aware of what's happening, what services are needed and available, and how to stop it from happening in the first place. I have been on the front lines since day one on this issue, leading the implementation of the original Violence Against Women Act in North Dakota as attorney general. I have continued my fierce advocacy on this issue in the United State Senate, and the POWER Act continues to build upon this work by making sure information of free legal services are readily available to victim of domestic, dating, or sexual violence, especially for those in Indian Country who face staggering rates of sexual and domestic violence. Years ago I told a county sheriff that as long as people continue to beat and abuse their partners that I was going to continue working to try and stop it  and I will continue to keep that promise by fighting for victims and pushing to arrest the cowards who commit these crimes.\r\nWe must get serious about reducing the rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in Alaska and across the country,Senator Sullivan said. The statistics are horrific. Roughly 25 percent of American women will be victims of domestic assault in their lifetime. On average, every day in our country, three women are killed by a current or former partner. Research has shown that when abused victims are represented by an attorney, their ability to break out of the cycle of violence increases dramatically. Our hope is that the POWER Act will help create an army of lawyers to defend victims and survivors of abuse. I'm thankful to my colleagues in both chambers on both sides of the aisle for working with me to get this bill passed and I'm grateful to the president for signing it into law.\r\nThe Power Act would require the chief judge in each federal judicial district across the country to host an information session for those who are impacted by domestic, dating, or sexual violence about pro bono legal work. For victims of domestic, dating, or sexual violence legal assistance can make the difference as they try to get away and move forward with their lives. Additionally, Heitkamp and Sullivan make sure to address the high rates for domestic and sexual violence in Indian Country with the inclusion of a provision requiring that ever few years that these information sessions are made readily accessible in tribal communities.\r\nHeitkamp has long worked to combat domestic violence in North Dakota and across the country. As North Dakota Attorney General in the 1990s, she implemented the original Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) across the state, and worked to change the perception of domestic violence as a public health issue, so it would be treated and viewed as what it is  a criminal act. As a result, Heitkamp saw firsthand the dramatic changes in the number of incidents that followed after domestic violence was criminalized. Largely due to VAWA, according to the Justice Department, the annual incidences of domestic violence have fallen more than 60 percent since 1993.\r\nSince joining the Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as Attorney General to combat domestic violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children:\r\n \r\nSuccessfully fighting for greater protections for tribal communities in Violence Against Women Act reauthorization.The first bill Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate was thereauthorization of VAWA,which she then played a key role in pushing through Congress. Heitkampworked to include a key provision in VAWAto address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land. In 2015, Heitkamp supported a year-end spending deal that included a significant increase in federal funding to support domestic violence victims. The $480 million in federal support from the Office on Violence Against Women was a $50 million increase from the previous year, to be used for victims' services, legal, training and technical assistance, as well as research and analysis on violence against Native women.\r\n \r\n \r\nRaising awareness of domestic violence resources in North Dakota.During Domestic Violence Awareness Month last October, Heitkamp met with staff and board members at Fargo's Rape and Abuse Crisis Center which offers resources for domestic, sexual, and dating violence survivors. In October 2014, Heitkamp met with community leaders, advocates, and victims services inFargoandMinotto highlight the need to address domestic violence as a public health crisis. Heitkamp also toured theCommunity Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) in Grand Forks and inMinot in 2015 to see programs supporting victims and combatting domestic violence in each region.\r\n \r\n \r\nAddressing emerging challenges in North Dakota to better combat domestic violence.In 2014, Heitkamp convened a task force of experts, law enforcement and leaders across the state in launching herStrong & Safe Communities Initiativeto address emerging challenges  including a rise in domestic violence  in the wake of the oil and gas boom. In August 2016, Heitkamp released herStrong & Safe Communities Report offering a comprehensive set of proposals to address challenges facing North Dakota, including solutions on domestic violence and a host of other issues facing the state.\r\n \r\n   ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B970D521-DD14-4A1C-B90E-3995A87DCBA7", "In U.S. Senate Hearing on Russia Sanctions, Heitkamp Calls for Tougher Enforcement & Smarter Strategy to Counter Russian Aggression", "2018-09-06", "2018", "2018-09", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called on the administration to toughen its efforts to punish Russia for its ongoing threats against U.S. citizens, elections, businesses, and critical infrastructure.\r\nDuring a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing on the effectiveness of U.S financial and trade sanctions against Russia, Heitkamp questioned national security experts on how the United States can improve its use of sanctions to counter Russian efforts to destabilize U.S. institutions and divide western democracies. Additionally, she warned against a national security strategy that grants sanctions waivers to entities that could benefit the business interests of Putin-linked Russian oligarchs.\r\nLast month, Heitkamp pressed administration officials to reevaluate their sanctions strategy and urged them to closely coordinate with U.S. allies as they work to contain Russian interference and influence operations.\r\nOver the last few years, Russian foreign policy has aggressively violated the sovereignty of U.S. elections and the privacy of American companies and citizens and there's no sign that President Putin is backing down any time soon, said Heitkamp. Through state-run companies, nefarious social media accounts, and the spreading of disinformation, Putin has increased his willingness to threaten U.S. national security. In response, we need to increase our resolve to deter these activities while also preventing future cyberattacks on our elections and businesses. I've long said that our government needs to punish Russian bad actors, and we can't take our boot off the neck of those who benefit economically from Russian advances in Eastern Europe, Syria, or across the internet. We must take the appropriate steps to keep North Dakota communities strong and safe from the threat of Russian activities, and that must include a robust sanctions strategy and a redoubled commitment to strengthening our cooperation with our European allies.\r\nHeitkamp has long pushed for tough, smart national security policies to keep Russia in check and protect North Dakota communities. Last year, Heitkamp helped pass a bipartisan package of sanctions, which she cosponsored, to hold Russia as well as Iran and North Korea accountable for blatant aggression against U.S. interests.\r\nAnd during a hearing in April 2017, Heitkamp fought to hold Russia accountable for its aggression in Ukraine and Crimea, as well for its cyberattacks and interference in the U.S. electoral process. Click here to watch her remarks.\r\nHeitkamp has long called for a comprehensive plan to counter Russian aggression, including encouraging the Air Force to consider North Dakota military installations for Arctic missions. Given their existing infrastructure, their current missions, and their proximity to the Arctic, Heitkamp has worked to reinforce the suitability of Grand Forks and Minot Air Force bases for these future missions. Last month Heitkamp joined Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson to view the Grand Forks community's cutting-edge contributions to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research, training, and innovation and she continued to highlight Grand Forks' potential leadership role in a future Arctic security strategy.\r\nBackground\r\nHeitkamp has continued to recognize the impacts of the relationship between the United States and Russia on American lives and security. In March 2017,Heitkamp spoke at a symposium she helped bring togetheron U.S.-Russia relations and the Arctichosted by the Wilson Center and the University of North Dakota. Heitkamp invited Russia experts to come to North Dakota to talk about current Russian threats and how Grand Forks Air Force Base could leverage its strengths to attract an Arctic mission.\r\nAnd Heitkamp has alsoworked to make sure the U.S. carefully investigates Russian interferencein the U.S. democratic process through congressional committees and law enforcement probes.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 2178, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "ND"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 2178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ND", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 2178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND", "results": [{"value": "ND", "label": "ND", "count": 2178, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 624, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2018", "selected": false}, {"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 586, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2017", "selected": false}, {"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 486, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2015", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 244, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2016", "selected": false}, {"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 120, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2014", "selected": false}, {"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 118, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&year=2013", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-09-06,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheitkamp~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3DB970D521-DD14-4A1C-B90E-3995A87DCBA7", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=ND&_next=2018-09-06%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eheitkamp~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3DB970D521-DD14-4A1C-B90E-3995A87DCBA7&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 272.1107807010412, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}