{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"ND\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-veterans-access-to-healthcare-and-benefits", "Congress Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans\u2019 Access to Healthcare and Benefits", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Congress passed the bicameral, bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act last week, improving veterans\u2019 access to healthcare and benefits. The legislation included the VET-TEC Authorization Act, led by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), members of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, to fund the Veterans Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program, which expired earlier this year.\n\nSince its creation in 2017, the VET-TEC program has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector. The program has an 84% graduation rate, and provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers.\n\n\u201cThe VET-TEC program has created effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cBuilding on its successes, this reauthorization expands eligibility to allow more veterans to participate in the program. Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the employment resources and opportunities available to them. I appreciate Congress\u2019 support of this bill and look forward to the President signing it into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,\u201d said King. \u201cThe reauthorization of the VET-TEC Authorization Act expands eligibility for both veterans and training institutions and is a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech. While there is always areas where we disagree, I am glad both chambers and both parties came together to support our men and women who answered the call.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/eda-invests-13-million-to-boost-healthcare-workforce-development-at-und", "EDA Invests $1.3 Million to Boost Healthcare Workforce Development at UND", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an award of $1.3 million to the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. This award supports healthcare workforce development by funding the procurement of a van and related equipment to allow UND to expand its medical training program. This $1.3 million award will be matched with $328,500 in local funds.\n\n\u201cThe University of North Dakota is essential to training medical professionals in the region,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). \u201cAt a time of limited supply and growing demand for more technicians, nurses, and physicians, these funds will support workforce development efforts in the state, both now and in the future. I\u2019m glad this project secured assistance to enhance training opportunities for the essential jobs in medical care.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-legislation-to-avert-government-shutdown-extend-farm-bill", "Senate Passes Legislation to Avert Government Shutdown, Extend Farm Bill", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution by a vote of 85 to 11 today, extending current government funding levels for three months, authorizing a one-year farm bill extension, and securing vital farm and disaster aid. The legislation, which extends appropriations levels through March 14, passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 366 to 34.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the legislation:\n\n\u201cWhile the passage of the bill is obviously important to avoid a government shutdown and of course to pass some priorities for North Dakota, it had better be the last time we do it this way. This is not how you should run the legislative branch and our constituents deserve a lot better than this incompetence and this dysfunction that we\u2019ve seen these last few days and hours. I look forward to new leadership in Congress when Republicans become the majority in the Senate and Donald Trump occupies the White House.\u201d\n\nThis package includes funding and authorizations to support programs and initiatives benefitting North Dakota and the nation. The following provisions are included in the package:\n\nExtends the 2018 Farm Bill, Provides Economic Assistance for Farmers\n\nThe continuing resolution extends the 2018 Farm Bill for one year, giving Congress another year to provide farmers and ranchers with a much-needed, new, and improved Farm Bill with an adequate farm safety net. This extension protects critical commodity programs which provide financial support to producers in the event of price or revenue declines, extends trade facilitation programs designed to expand markets for American crops, and continues providing specialty crop block grants to state departments of agriculture.\n\nThis bill provides substantial financial relief for farmers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. It authorizes nearly $31 billion for agricultural aid, including $21 billion for the Emergency Relief Program for agricultural losses due to natural disaster in 2023 and 2024, and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers to account for low commodity prices and high interest rates. This funding includes $2 billion set aside for livestock losses due to drought, wildfires, and floods, $828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program to rehabilitate damaged farmland, and $920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to address flood and erosion damages. The legislation also directs $362.5 million toward rural development disaster assistance to help rebuild infrastructure in rural communities and allocates $220 million in state block grants to support disaster recovery efforts.\n\nProvides Disaster Aid\n\nIt\u2019s been a difficult year, particularly for citizens in the southeast who experienced Hurricane Milton and Helen. In response to recent flooding, wildfires, and other natural disasters, this funding measure provides $100 billion in disaster relief assistance and includes allocations for infrastructure repair and rebuilding. Nearly $29 billion will go to the disaster relief fund at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with $8 billion allocated towards rebuilding highways and bridges, and $2.2 billion to low-interest loans for businesses to assist in recovery.\n\nSecures Key National Defense Provisions\n\nAs the U.S. Navy seeks to strengthen the submarine industrial base, this legislation supports nearly $5.7 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program and for workforce, wage, and non-executive salary improvements for other nuclear-powered vessel programs. Additionally, it provides funding for the Columbia-class submarine program, with $3 billion for the regular procurement of Columbia-class submarines, and almost $6 billion for advanced procurement. As Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Subcommittee on Seapower, Cramer has championed legislation and initiatives to bolster the Navy\u2019s capabilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-secures-disaster-assistance-for-north-dakota-farmers-and-ranchers", "Hoeven Secures Disaster Assistance for North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Secures Disaster Assistance for North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after Congress passed $33.5 billion in disaster assistance for the nation\u2019s farmers and ranchers. Hoeven worked to include the agriculture assistance as part of negotiations to fund the government. The bill also provides a one-year extension of the Farm Bill.\n\n\u201cOur farmers and ranchers have faced severe challenges this year from both market conditions as well as wildfires and other natural disasters. This assistance for our producers is vital to keep their operations going and ensure that Americans continue to have access to high quality, low cost food,\u201d said Hoeven \u201cThis assistance was necessary given the Democrats\u2019 unwillingness to pass a farm bill that updated reference prices. We\u2019ll continue our efforts to pass a strong farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and keeps the farm in the farm bill.\u201d\n\nAs the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured funding to help address producer losses resulting from natural disasters and challenging markets. The package includes $10 billion to help farmers mitigate economic losses in 2024, $21 billion to assist farmers and ranchers experiencing losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 and an additional $2.5 billion for other agriculture disaster needs including assistance for Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities damaged by recent hurricanes.\n\nNorth Dakota producers are estimated to receive more than $600 million for market losses. Specifically, the bill includes $2 billion for livestock losses including those due to wildfire, as well as $3 million to help domestic sugar producers by validating the testing of molasses imports at ports of entry to prevent the import of illegal sugar.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-space-force-awards-additional-10-million-to-test-and-develop-satellite-to-ground-secure-communications-network", "Hoeven: Space Force Awards Additional $10 Million to Test and Develop Satellite-To-Ground Secure Communications Network", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Space Force Awards Additional $10 Million to Test and Develop Satellite-To-Ground Secure Communications Network\n\nFunding Supports the Ongoing Work of Grand Forks\u2019 Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Mission\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Space Force has awarded a nearly $10 million contract modification to General Dynamics toward the company\u2019s efforts to advance the Space Networking Center and satellite mission at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Specifically, these funds will be used to test and develop a data traffic network serving the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission. The project\u2019s goal is to enable interoperability between the new space-based communications system and existing ground-based systems and ensure efficient data traffic as more missions are tied into the network, while keeping the mission information secure.\n\n\u201cThis additional $10 million in funding will help support a critical aspect of the LEO satellite mission \u2013 ensuring the secure and efficient movement of mission-critical information,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cUnder this award, General Dynamics will test and develop systems that can integrate the first tranche of LEO satellites into the DoD\u2019s communications network. Doing so will lay the groundwork for missions to begin utilizing the satellite communications network and cementing Grand Forks\u2019 central role in supporting military operations around the globe.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dod-awards-contracts-for-vital-projects-at-grand-forks-air-force-base", "DOD Awards Contracts for Vital Projects at Grand Forks Air Force Base", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced it awarded contracts to Gideon Contracting, LLC, and General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., for two projects at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) in Grand Forks. The contracts will support two projects to improve the standard of living for airmen at GFAFB and further the Space Development Agency\u2019s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.\n\nSpecifically, the contracts will support the following projects:\n\nA contract for $14,167,979 to Gideon Contracting, LLC for repairs to Bunch Hall Dorm 221. This contract provides for the contractor to furnish all labor, tools, materials, equipment, supervision, personnel, and all else necessary to manage and accomplish a comprehensive dorm renovation. Work will be performed at GFAFB and is expected to be completed by March 11, 2026. The 319th Contracting Squadron, GFAFB, is the contracting activity.\n\nAn additional $9,956,096 modification to a previously awarded contract to General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company. This contract will go towards a project supporting Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture ground management, integration, operation, and sustainment efforts. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2029, and will be performed in Grand Forks, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. The Space Development Agency is the contracting activity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-north-dakota-trust-lands-bills-pass-senate-unanimously", "Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, North Dakota Trust Lands Bills Pass Senate Unanimously", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for audio***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Two bills cosponsored by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) passed the Senate unanimously. Cramer joined fellow North Dakota delegation members U.S. Senator John Hoeven and then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong in introducing the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act.\n\nNorth Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act\n\n***Click here for audio***\n\nThis legislation authorizes North Dakota to relinquish its lands and minerals on Tribal Reservations to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) in exchange for those in the state which are federally-owned. North Dakota holds more than 130,000 acres of minerals and over 31,000 surface acres within Tribal Reservations, though they are largely unavailable for development. At the same time, existing laws do not adequately accommodate land and mineral exchanges between the state and the federal government.\n\n\u201cAs any North Dakotan knows, fragmented mineral rights complicate energy and mineral development,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cOur North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act is really an easy fix to federal and state land transfers to ensure we encourage more energy and resource development in the state.\u201d\n\nTheodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act\n\n***Click here for audio***\n\nThe Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Act authorizes funding for the library\u2019s continued construction in Medora, and ensures the preservation of President Roosevelt\u2019s history and legacy. It draws on established precedent of presidential libraries receiving federal funding via the Congressional appropriations process, as well as to receive artifacts from the federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-north-dakota-is-leading-the-way-in-clean-coal-technologies-will-work-with-trump-administration-to-make-america-energy-dominant", "Hoeven: North Dakota is Leading the Way in Clean Coal Technologies, Will Work With Trump Administration to Make America Energy Dominant", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: North Dakota is Leading the Way in Clean Coal Technologies, Will Work With Trump Administration to Make America Energy Dominant\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, this week outlined North Dakota\u2019s leadership in developing and deploying clean coal technologies for the nation. The Senator spoke on the Senate floor following President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s remarks on the importance of clean coal, one of the nation\u2019s most reliable, affordable and abundant energy resources, and its role in making the United States energy dominant.\n\nHoeven outlined his work over the past 15 years to advance North Dakota\u2019s leadership in cracking the code on carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to enable the next generation of clean, coal-fired electric power, including:\n\nPutting in place the legal, tax and regulatory requirements to advance CCUS.\n\nMaking North Dakota the first state to be granted regulatory primacy for Class VI wells, to ensure CO2 is safely and securely stored below the surface.\n\nSecuring a demonstration grant from the Department of Energy to advance Project Tundra, enabling the coal-fired Milton R. Young power plant to capture and store 4 million metric tons of CO2 per year.\n\nAdvancing Basin\u2019s Dakota Gasification synfuels plant, the largest coal-based carbon capture project in the world, which is currently in operation and captures up to 2.25 million metric tons of CO2 per year.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with President Trump to take off the handcuffs and empower producers to develop the latest, greatest technology to produce more energy with better environmental stewardship. This is about unleashing our nation\u2019s vast coal reserves \u2013 one of our country\u2019s most important strategic assets. By leveraging technology and unlocking clean coal\u2019s full potential, we\u2019ll be able to increase the supply of affordable, reliable electricity and bring down prices for American families and businesses,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cNorth Dakota is leading the way in clean coal technologies and this will be an important part of our efforts working with the Trump administration to make America not only energy secure, but energy dominant.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-legislation-to-help-make-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library-a-reality", "Hoeven: Senate Passes Legislation to Help Make Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library a Reality", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Senate Passes Legislation to Help Make Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library a Reality\n\nLegislation Supports Library Establishment, Preservation & Display of Materials from President Roosevelt\u2019s Life\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Senate has approved legislation he introduced to support the establishment of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Hoeven\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral bill, which is cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer, Richard Blumenthal, Martin Heinrich and Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate and was sponsored by then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong in the U.S. House of Representatives, would:\n\nAuthorize the Department of the Interior to provide grants to establish the presidential library and support the display of materials.\n\nThis legislation follows the model of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Ill., which authorized the use of materials and objects relating to Abraham Lincoln, as well as $50 million over five years for its establishment under fiscal year (FY) 2001 appropriations legislation.\n\nRequire the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to utilize non-Federal funds to provide a 2:1 match for each federal grant awarded.\n\nProhibit the use of federal grants for maintenance or operations of the interpretive center.\n\n\u201cAs President Teddy Roosevelt proudly claimed, he would not have ascended to the presidency had it not been for his formative years in North Dakota,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cIt is fitting that we establish this presidential library, which will commemorate his life and work, adjacent to the national park that bears his name. Our legislation plays a critical role in making this project a reality, and with Senate passage secured, we will continue our efforts to pass it through Congress and into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cA year and a half from now, North Dakotans and visitors from around the world are going to be able to see the story of our 26th President and our beloved Roughrider while experiencing the actual place that had a large impact on his life and Presidency,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cThis legislation is going to help immerse visitors in Theodore Roosevelt\u2019s world as they view artifacts from every era of his life and learn, of course, about his legacy of leadership.\u201d\n\nThe bill comes as the latest in Hoeven\u2019s efforts to support the establishment of the presidential library, having worked as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to:\n\nSponsor and successfully pass legislation enabling the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation to purchase U.S. Forest Service land in Billings County to construct a library and museum honoring the life and legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt.\n\nSecure legislation in the Interior appropriations bill to support loans of historic artifacts currently held by the Smithsonian for display at the library.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-hoeven-sponsored-bill-to-allow-equal-value-land-and-mineral-exchanges-between-north-dakota_tribes", "Senate Passes Hoeven-Sponsored Bill to Allow Equal-Value Land & Mineral Exchanges Between North Dakota & Tribes", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senate Passes Hoeven-Sponsored Bill to Allow Equal-Value Land & Mineral Exchanges Between North Dakota & Tribes\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, bicameral legislation he introduced with Senator Kevin Cramer and then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong to enable greater development of state-owned lands and minerals. Specifically, the bill would authorize the State of North Dakota to relinquish state-owned lands and minerals contained within the Tribal Reservations to the U.S. Department of the Interior and, in exchange, receive federal land and minerals of equal value within North Dakota.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve advanced this legislation, in partnership with the State of North Dakota and tribal governments, to empower the lands and resources within our borders and on reservations to be better utilized for the benefit of the public,\u201d said Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. \u201cAllowing these equal-value exchanges is a win-win for the state and the tribes. North Dakota will be able to access minerals and surface acreage that would otherwise be stranded due to the patchwork of federal land in our state, while tribes will be able to reclaim the land and resources within reservation borders.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs any North Dakotan knows, fragmented mineral rights complicate energy and mineral development,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cOur North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act is really an easy fix to federal and state land transfers to ensure we encourage more energy and resource development in the state.\u201d\n\nCurrently, North Dakota holds more than 130,000 acres of minerals and over 31,000 surface acres within Tribal Reservations alone, which are largely unavailable for development. At the same time, existing federal laws do not adequately allow for the state and federal government to exchange land and minerals. This leaves surface and mineral rights within the Tribal Reservations fragmented, while limiting the state\u2019s ability to generate revenue from the land and minerals it owns. The North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act would resolve this issue by allowing equal value transactions between North Dakota and the Interior Department to exchange land and mineral rights, thereby:\n\nEnabling North Dakota to access the lands and minerals that were promised upon statehood to fund education and other public purposes.\n\nProviding tribes greater ownership over the lands within their reservation boundaries.\n\nValuations conducted under this legislation would be determined by Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice. Valid existing rights will be respected in these transactions and there will be no impact on any Indian treaty rights or to the National Grasslands. The full text and a summary of the legislation can be found here and here, respectively.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-water-resources-bill-benefitting-water-management-flood-control-and-recreation-in-nd", "Hoeven: Senate Passes Water Resources Bill, Benefitting Water Management, Flood Control & Recreation in ND", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Senate Passes Water Resources Bill, Benefitting Water Management, Flood Control & Recreation in ND\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The legislation includes measures Hoeven worked to advance to benefit water management, flood control and recreation in North Dakota. Specifically, the bill:\n\nEmpowers the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to better assist public entities with the design and construction of small flood control projects.\n\nRequires the Army Corps to develop a guide on the use of public-private partnerships (P3) for water resource development projects, with the Fargo-Moorhead region\u2019s flood protection project serving as a model for developing Corps projects more quickly and at a lower cost to taxpayers.\n\nThis builds upon Hoeven\u2019s efforts to advance the Red River Valley project as the first major Army Corps project to utilize the P3 split-delivery model.\n\nCalls for the enhancement of recreation facilities in Army Corps-managed areas, such as around Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe.\n\nThe bill stresses the importance of retaining recreation fees at the point of collection, so the funds are used for the operations and maintenance of the site, consistent with other federal land management agencies\u2019 practices.\n\nDoing so would allow its districts to plan local maintenance and repair projects, including at recreation sites in North Dakota.\n\nReduces the non-federal cost share for economically-disadvantaged communities receiving assistance under the Section 594 rural water program.\n\nHoeven has prioritized this program in annual appropriations bills to help smaller communities in North Dakota make needed improvements to their water and sewer systems.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakotans well understand the importance of managing our water resources, whether for flood control, reliable community water supplies, irrigation or recreation,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWe worked to ensure this legislation helps meet our state\u2019s needs, empowering the Corps to better assist with flood protection and water systems in small communities. At the same time, this bill helps ensure recreation fees stay local, while removing bureaucratic hurdles, to allow the enhancement of the recreation facilities available at Corps-managed areas, benefitting the communities and local residents that make use of these sites.\u201d\n\n-###-\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-hoeven-sponsored-bill-to-address-law-enforcement-needs-in-indian-country", "Senate Passes Hoeven-Sponsored Bill to Address Law Enforcement Needs in Indian Country", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senate Passes Hoeven-Sponsored Bill to Address Law Enforcement Needs in Indian Country\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed their bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act. Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources and give Tribes and states greater tools to combat violence.\n\n\u201cOur legislation is about empowering Tribal law enforcement to meet their staffing needs, giving them greater support as they work to protect their communities and keep the public safe,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cRecruitment and retention are real challenges for law enforcement, especially in rural areas. By allowing the BIA to conduct its own background checks, we are streamlining the agency\u2019s ability to place officers in Tribal communities and helping fill this critical need.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal communities in Nevada have made it clear to me that their law enforcement is stretched thin, and this is impacting their ability to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to have worked with my colleague, Senator Hoeven, to pass our bipartisan BADGES for Native Communities Act through the Senate. This bill provides Tribal police with more tools to keep their communities safe, and I\u2019m glad it\u2019s one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe congratulate the Senate for passaging S. 465 \u2013 Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act. This bill is a positive step toward addressing the growing public safety needs in tribal communities. We want to thank Senators Hoeven and Cortez Masto for this bi-partisan effort,\u201d said Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman Jamie Azure, Standing Rick Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Chairman J. Garrett Renville, Spirit Lake Tribe Chairperson Lonna Jackson-Street and Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Chairman Mark Fox in a joint statement.\n\nSpecifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would:\n\nAllow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants in order to improve officer recruitment.\n\nIncrease Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.\n\nRequire a report on Tribal law enforcement needs, including staffing, replacement and repairs for corrections facilities, infrastructure and capital for Tribal police and court facilities, and emergency communication technology.\n\nEstablish a grant program to support states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations in the coordination of efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.\n\nEvaluate federal law enforcement evidence collection, handling, and processing crucial to securing conviction of violent offenders.\n\nSenate passage of the bipartisan BADGES for Native Communities Act builds upon Hoeven\u2019s previous efforts to address public safety for tribal communities in North Dakota. Through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured:\n\n$2.5 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 to open the Bureau of Indian Affair\u2019s U.S. Indian Law Enforcement Advanced Training Center at Camp Grafton.\n\n$3 million in the Senate\u2019s FY25 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill to continue providing advance training courses for law enforcement officers at the ATC.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-strong-fy-2025-ndaa-secures-wins-for-north-dakota", "Congress Passes Strong FY 2025 NDAA, Secures Wins for North Dakota", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate passed legislation today containing major victories for North Dakota and the nation, including a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers, at a time when recruitment is a vital concern. The annual bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, passed by a vote of 85 to 14 and advances a \u201cwarfighting, not wokeness\u201d agenda, reforms antiquated Department of Defense procurement, and expands tough-on-China policies. The FY25 NDAA pushes for the modernization of nuclear, hypersonic, missile defense, and space capabilities while also expanding U.S. Navy shipbuilding.\n\nThe House of Representatives passed the bill last week with a broad bipartisan vote of 281-140, and will now head to the President\u2019s desk for his signature. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) which passed the legislation in June, called the bill a \u201cmajor victory, but still not enough.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe highest Constitutional priority of the Congress every year is to provide for the nation\u2019s defense and our bill this year really secures an amazing, historic pay raise, particularly for our junior enlisted servicemembers,\u201d said Cramer, co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus. \u201cAnd that\u2019s important because we have a recruiting challenge, we need to be able to recruit these people and providing a salary increase goes a long way to both recruit and keep our servicemembers. The NDAA rebuilds our arsenal of democracy which is good for the country and it\u2019s good for our allies, and what\u2019s good for our allies is good for our country. It acknowledges the pivotal role North Dakota plays in our national security as well. While that is secondary to securing freedom around the world, North Dakota plays a very vital role. This bill is a good step, but we need to do a lot more to rebuild our military and project strength to a world yearning for American leadership. Our adversaries need to see that projection of strength as well. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration in January so we can address America\u2019s most pressing threats from our adversaries, and end this radical woke ideology that\u2019s distracting the Department from its warfighting mission.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes language, championed by Cramer, expanding access to mental health services in rural communities. Specifically, the legislation increases the number of providers certified by TRICARE in states if current mental health access does not meet its standards. However, this year\u2019s NDAA does not include a measure approved by SASC to increase the topline of the defense budget by more than $25 billion. In addition to the historic pay increases for our servicemembers, the FY25 NDAA authorizes $895 billion to provide for the national defense of the United States, a 1% increase from FY24 funding levels. Cramer noted \u201ca 1% increase in today\u2019s inflation is a decrease, and the world is becoming increasingly dangerous and requires increased diligence.\u201d\n\nAs a member of SASC, Cramer secured funding authorization and the inclusion of language for multiple missions benefiting military communities across North Dakota. This year\u2019s NDAA will authorize the following projects across the state:\n\nGrand Forks\n\n***Click here for video and here for audio on wins for Grand Forks.***\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret Grand Forks is really the tip of the spear in developing American defense assets, particularly at the speed of our adversaries. Grand Forks is an ecosystem full of innovation, especially in the space and unmanned aerial systems arena, where it shines. This year\u2019s bill provides essential funding to meet the needs of today\u2019s threats by supporting critical missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base, including by the way, sustaining Global Hawk operations and then planning maintenance for its runway. There is a growing connection between North Dakota\u2019s defense capabilities and the global demand for the expertise residing right there in Grand Forks.\u201d\n\nThe legislation provides funding for the development and deployment of future Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions at Grand Forks AFB. It also prohibits the premature retirement of Global Hawks. Additionally, the bill:\n\nAuthorizes $3 million in additional funding for the development of corrosion resistant coatings produced by Technology Applications Group (TAG) in Grand Forks. TAG is a leader in magnesium surface protection and inventor of the Tagnite anodize coating.\n\nAuthorizes $2.5 million for development of new UAV technology produced by Ideal Aerosmith in Grand Forks. Ideal Aerosmith is the leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry.\n\nProvides $1.9 million in planning and design funding to begin the process of maintenance for the Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) runway.\n\nMinot\n\n***Click here for video and here for audio on wins for Minot.***\n\n\u201cWe all know the modernization of our nuclear triad is the number one priority of our national defense strategy, and of course, this bill maintains that objective. This legislation really strengthens our defense posture and includes provisions to modernize our Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent right there in Minot, North Dakota at Minot Air Force Base. This has been the foundation of the projection of strength for America for decades, and it\u2019s going to continue to be. This NDAA protects our nuclear deterrent capabilities by setting a statutory minimum of ICBMs and providing funding to restore capabilities of the B-52 bomber, the most beautiful, big, old machine in the fleet. When all of the other modern bombers have come and gone, the B-52 has always been the workhorse and we\u2019re looking forward to modernizing it and making sure it\u2019s the workhorse for decades to come.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA provides $3.9 billion for Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), modernizing the nation\u2019s Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD).\n\nThe legislation also includes provisions requiring the ICBM count to be no less than 400 total, protecting the nation\u2019s nuclear deterrent capabilities. It also permits the restoration of nuclear capabilities across the entire B-52 strategic bomber fleet. The Air Force Global Strike Command's B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and carrying nuclear or precision guided conventional ordinance.\n\nFargo\n\n***Click here for video and here for audio on wins for Fargo.***\n\n\u201cThe 319th Reconnaissance Wing up in Grand Forks is really important as they fly the all-important Global Hawks, but just as importantly, is the 119th in Fargo where the Happy Hooligans fly these very important Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) known as the MQ-9s. It plays an integral part of the nation\u2019s Joint Force and an increasingly important part. As we see what\u2019s going on in Ukraine, we see what\u2019s going on in the Red Sea and the Middle Sea, and the missions of Fargo\u2019s Happy Hooligans cannot be overstated. Among other provisions, this NDAA authorizes funding to provide our airmen with the support and care they deserve right there in Fargo.\u201d\n\nThe FY25 defense bill supports a $6 million increase in funding for continued development of cold spray repair and additive manufacturing technology created by VRC Metals.\n\nThe legislation also includes a policy, which Cramer co-led, to create an equivalent identifier to a combat status identifier for RPA crew, such as the Happy Hooligans, to ensure they receive appropriate mental healthcare coverage and benefits.\n\nNorth Dakota National Guard (NDNG)\n\n***Click here for video and here for audio on wins for NDNG.***\n\n\u201cWe all know no one protects our homeland better than the soldiers of the North Dakota National Guard, and this year\u2019s bill will assist those servicemembers as they devise a plan to maintain the beautiful UH-72 Lakota helicopters, which support missions in non-combat, non-hostile environments.\u201d\n\nThe FY25 NDAA authorizes $10 million and supporting legislation to ensure there is a clear sustainment plan for the UH-72 Lakota helicopters, utilized by the NDNG. The Lakota is designed for a variety of missions including training, general utility, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, disaster response, homeland security, counterdrug, command and control and VIP transport.\n\nCavalier Space Force Station (SFS)\n\n***Click here for video and here for audio on wins for Cavalier SFS.***\n\n\u201cOne of the most impressive assets that North Dakota is home to is the radar at Cavalier Space Force Station. It\u2019s an essential national defense asset and an important component of our defense ecosystem here in the state. This Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA provides really important funding to upgrade the radar system. This modernization will ensure it maintains its space domain awareness capabilities for a very long time.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA provides $5 million for updates to the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier SFS. PARCS is a single-faced, multi-function, UHF-Band, phased-array radar system which tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects.\n\nThe system has the ability to detect and detract intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats, while passing along critical surveillance data to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) and regional combatant commanders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-bill-saving-taxpayers-millions-becomes-law", "Cramer Bill, Saving Taxpayers Millions, Becomes Law", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congress passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. Following extensive support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the package heads to the President for his signature. The package includes several bills to right size the federal government\u2019s real estate portfolio, including U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer\u2019s bipartisan FASTA Reform Act. Cramer serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the committee of jurisdiction over federal buildings across the country.\n\nDuring an EPW hearing in July, Cramer asked General Services Administration\u2019s (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) Commissioner Elliot Doomes to explain his agency\u2019s actions to ensure better usage of federal buildings. A Government Accountability Office study from October 2023 found 17 of 24 surveyed federal agencies, on average, used an estimated 25 percent or less of the capacity of their headquarters buildings. In 2023 alone, federal agencies reported over 5,000 buildings as either underutilized or unutilized altogether. This longstanding problem has been worsened by agencies\u2019 embrace of remote, telework policies.\n\nThe FASTA Reform Act is one of two public buildings reforms included in the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act to assist the federal government in consolidating real estate and ensuring taxpayer-funded buildings do not sit empty. The Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act (FASTA) was passed in 2019 to create a process for offloading unused federal assets. Since its passage, the federal government already disposed of 10 buildings and generated $193 million in revenue. The FASTA Reform Act streamlines the process for disposing of unused federal real estate, allowing for even greater sales and better returns to taxpayers.\n\nSimilarly, the Utilizing Space Efficiency and Improving Technologies (USE IT) Act requires the GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement a standard methodology of measuring occupancy and utilization of public buildings and requires GSA and OMB to take steps to reduce or consolidate space if utilization rates fall below 60%.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-secures-infrastructure-and-water-development-wins-for-north-dakota-communities", "Cramer Secures Infrastructure and Water Development Wins for North Dakota Communities", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) passed the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 97 to 1. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill on a broad bipartisan basis, with a vote of 399 to 18. WRDA is a biennial bill which authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This year, WRDA is paired with a collection of bills, which moved through regular order and received markups in both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. In addition to WRDA, this package includes legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and repurpose unused transportation financing for state departments of transportation formula programs.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, celebrated the passage of WRDA in a statement:\n\n\u201cThis particular WRDA bill delivers some real results for North Dakota and for the nation, quite honestly,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cIt passed both the Senate and House overwhelmingly, and it\u2019s continuing our decade-long streak of passing WRDA on time and through regular order, something that\u2019s not done very many times anymore in the Congress. It\u2019s a package that includes lots of important priorities that I personally championed, things like improving local recreational sites, strengthening the National Dam Safety Program, reauthorizing and reforming the Economic Development Administration for the first time, if you can imagine, in twenty years, and of course it bolsters the state\u2019s highway formula funding to benefit rural states.\u201d\n\nWater Resources Development ActSecures Tribal, Recreation Wins\n\n***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nTwo provisions within the WRDA package directly benefit tribal communities. Cramer helped pass the permanent reauthorization of the Corps\u2019 Tribal Partnership, allowing USACE to perform feasibility studies for tribal water resource development projects. The bill also includes language Cramer championed directing the Corps to submit a report to Congress on land suitable to be transferred to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for improved recreation access and development, fulfilling a commitment made by Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Mike Connor during a visit with Cramer to Standing Rock in 2023.\n\nThe bill includes a version of Cramer\u2019s bipartisan LAKES Act to improve management of recreation sites by allowing the USACE to enter into cooperative agreements with local stakeholders and retain recreation fees collected for the operation and maintenance of the site. The LAKES Act provides new opportunities for public-private investments and gives local USACE districts more flexibility to reinvest the resources they collect locally from visitors.\n\nCramer also secured wins for rural communities across North Dakota, to maximize federal cost shares, fund essential water infrastructure projects, and ensure communities have necessary resources for water infrastructure. The 594 Program, an essential source of funding for communities constructing water and wastewater infrastructure, now requires less non-federal cost share to be eligible for funding. Additionally, WRDA will increase the federal cost-share for inland waterway projects to 75% from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, providing enhanced support for communities pursuing infrastructure projects. WRDA also reauthorized the National Dam Safety Program, which is legislation Cramer joined U.S. Senator Padilla (D-CA) in introducing earlier this Congress. This program provides North Dakota much-needed support to oversee the management and safe operations of over 3,000 dams.\n\n\u201cWell there are lots of things about WRDA I really like, but I\u2019m especially pleased with the strong emphasis that it has on really recognizing tribal sovereignty,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cYou know, nobody knows their resources better than the people that live with them, and this is certainly true of our reservations and our tribal leaders. For too long, the federal government has been hoarding what are some of the most valuable and pretty natural resources when our local tribal leadership wants to use those resource for economic opportunities. In fact, it\u2019s why I brought the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, Mike Connor, out to Standing Rock to meet with the Standing Rock leaders and see these assets for himself. Our WRDA also includes priorities like the LAKES Act to localize Corps-managed recreational sites and strategically engage in public-private partnerships. I worked really hard both with my Senate colleagues and my House colleagues to get this in the bill.\u201d\n\nThe Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024\n\n***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nThe Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program is a discretionary Department of Transportation financing authority. Each year, when TIFIA funding goes unused it disrupts the formula funding each state Department of Transportation receives. This bill redistributes these unspent funds to the states via formula, giving them greater flexibility to meet their infrastructure needs.\n\n\u201cMy highest priority when we did the bipartisan infrastructure law a few years ago, was to maintain the maximum share of funding for North Dakota via what we call formula, that\u2019s a swamp term for the way that money is distributed to states, recognizing that the miles of highway count as well as the population that they serve,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThe inclusion of the Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act bolsters this very principle by allowing unused funding to be repurposed and then distributed to the states via this traditional formula. It\u2019s simple, for sure, but its also a critical change that gives our state DOTs additional funding certainty and then the autonomy to pursue the infrastructure projects that our large, rural states really need.\u201d\n\nEconomic Development Administration Reauthorization\n\n***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nFor the first time in two decades, the EDA is reauthorized to reassert congressional direction over the agency and update its programs. This reauthorization includes changes to update funding levels in a fiscally responsible manner, prioritizes investments in hard infrastructure projects, provides new opportunities for small rural communities to receive assistance, and supports locally-driven economic development efforts.\n\nThe reauthorization of the EDA paves the way for communities of less than 10,000 people to receive EDA grants at 100% federal cost share if they meet economic distress criteria. Over 97% of North Dakota towns have less than 10,000 residents. Tribal communities will benefit from a dedicated Office of Tribal Economic Development to help access economic development assistance programs. To better serve North Dakotans, this authorizes the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority through Fiscal Year 2029.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-335-billion-in-ag-disaster-assistance-included-in-cr", "Hoeven: $33.5 Billion in Ag Disaster Assistance Included in CR", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: $33.5 Billion in Ag Disaster Assistance Included in CR\n\nSenator Worked to Secure Ag Assistance for Producers Impacted by Economic Losses & Natural Disasters, Provide Farm Bill Extension\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that $33.5 billion in agriculture disaster assistance has been included in the continuing resolution. Hoeven worked to secure the agriculture assistance to help address producer losses resulting from natural disasters and challenging markets. The package includes $10 billion to help farmers mitigate economic losses in 2024, $21 billion to assist farmers and ranchers experiencing losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 and an additional $2.5 billion for other agriculture disaster needs, including assistance for Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facilities damaged by recent hurricanes. At the same time, the legislation provides a one-year extension of the farm bill to give producers certainty as they plan for next year.\n\n\u201cFarm country has faced growing and serious challenges this year, which is why we worked hard to secure funding to help them recover and regroup for the coming year,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cAcross the U.S., farmers have suffered over $31 billion in market losses, in addition to $35 billion in uncovered weather-related losses. This package includes $10 billion in relief for economic losses and $21 billion in weather-related assistance to help our producers deal with their losses and keep their operations going. This is critical assistance for our nation\u2019s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.\u201d\n\nEconomic Assistance\n\nOf the $10 billion provided for economic losses, North Dakota producers are estimated to receive more than $600 million for market losses.\n\nWeather Disaster Assistance\n\nThe $21 billion for losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 includes:\n\n$2 billion for livestock losses.\n\n$3 million to help domestic sugar producers by validating the testing of molasses imports at ports of entry to prevent the import of illegal sugar.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-secures-nuclear-modernization-counter-uas-and-national-guard-priorities-in-fy2025-ndaa", "Hoeven Secures Nuclear Modernization, Counter-UAS & National Guard Priorities in FY2025 NDAA", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Secures Nuclear Modernization, Counter-UAS & National Guard Priorities in FY2025 NDAA\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after Congress passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The annual legislation includes important priorities that Hoeven worked to advance for servicemembers and missions in North Dakota, supporting the state\u2019s growing role in the nation\u2019s defense. These include:\n\nMore than $5.6 billion in authorizations to advance nuclear modernization at Minot Air Force Base, including the Sentinel, B-52 and Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile programs, as well as provisions to:\n\nProhibit reductions in the number of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).\n\nCreate a new Assistant Secretary of Defense to oversee nuclear deterrence policies and programs across the Department of Defense (DoD).\n\nStrengthening Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS):\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy for countering threats from unmanned aircraft to DoD facilities, personnel and assets.\n\nStands up a Counter-UAS Task Force at DoD.\n\n$4 billion in authorizations for the Space Development Agency, including the low-Earth orbit satellite program based in Grand Forks and Cavalier Space Force Station.\n\nHoeven-sponsored provisions benefitting the North Dakota National Guard to:\n\nModernize the UH-72 Lakota helicopter.\n\nDirect DoD to develop a plan for providing the MQ-1C Gray Eagle to the Army National Guard.\n\nAuthorizing a larger pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E-4 and below) and a basic pay increase for all other servicemembers.\n\nProhibiting for an additional two years, federal rules that would require contractors to disclose emissions, consistent with Hoeven\u2019s Focus on the Mission Act.\n\nGreater support for Israel in the war against Hamas, requiring DoD to provide the nation with intelligence and advice and expanding anti-tunneling cooperation with Israel.\n\n\u201cAs our nation faces new and growing threats, whether from the nuclear ambitions of our adversaries or the misuse of unmanned aircraft, we need to properly equip and support our men and women in uniform. That\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ve worked to accomplish with this year\u2019s defense authorization bill,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cImportantly, this bill helps keep nuclear modernization in Minot on track, while supporting our efforts for Grand Forks to lead the way in new Counter-UAS technologies and Space Force operations. At the same time, we continue working to strengthen the capabilities of our outstanding Guard members, including by modernizing the Lakota helicopter already flown by the Army National Guard and bringing the Gray Eagle into their operations as well.\u201d\n\nCounter-UAS Efforts in North Dakota\n\nHoeven\u2019s priorities in the FY2025 NDAA build upon his efforts to leverage North Dakota\u2019s expertise in unmanned aviation to address security threats arising UAS. To this end, Hoeven has been working to expand the size and scope of Project ULTRA, an initiative led by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Grand Sky, and utilize the program to accelerate the development of DoD counter-UAS capabilities by leveraging technology developed in the private sector.\n\nThe senator previously discussed this priority at the UAS Summit in Grand Forks with Gen. David Stewart, who is leading the effort to protect against the misuse of unmanned aircraft across all military branches. He also continues to advance the priority with key DoD officials, such as Air Combat Command (ACC) Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown and Dr. William LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-national-science-foundation-awards-250000-to-turtle-mountain-community-college", "Sen. Cramer: National Science Foundation Awards $250,000 to Turtle Mountain Community College", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The National Science Foundation announced an award of $250,000 to Turtle Mountain Community College.\n\nThis award will increase the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities. Specifically, this project will enhance the cyberinfrastructure and cybersecurity necessary to facilitate development of the institution in STEM fields and for the protection of sensitive data.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-pfluger-introduce-cra-resolution-to-block-natural-gas-tax-reduce-energy-costs-and-boost-us-energy-production", "Hoeven, Pfluger Introduce CRA Resolution to Block Natural Gas Tax, Reduce Energy Costs & Boost U.S. Energy Production", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven, Pfluger Introduce CRA Resolution to Block Natural Gas Tax, Reduce Energy Costs & Boost U.S. Energy Production\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Congressman August Pfluger (R-Texas) today introduced a bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block implementation of the Biden administration\u2019s Natural Gas Tax, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats\u2019 reckless tax-and-spend legislation in 2022.\n\n\u201cAmerican households and businesses depend every day on access to affordable and reliable energy,\u201d said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. \u201cThe best way to bring down prices for U.S. consumers is to increase supply. That\u2019s why we\u2019re working to rescind policies like the Natural Gas Tax, among the many other costly and burdensome taxes and regulations imposed under the Biden administration. Doing so will help unleash our domestic energy production and make our nation energy dominant once again.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s promise to end fossil fuels hurt the hardworking energy producers of my district who have worked diligently to increase production while fueling our allies abroad,\u201d said Rep. Pfluger. \u201cIf implemented, the ill-conceived natural gas tax will handicap technological innovation, reduce supplies of affordable energy, and increase both costs and emissions. I am proud to lead this CRA to rescind implementation of the natural gas tax.\u201d\n\nThis legislation comes as part of Hoeven\u2019s broader efforts to rescind the wide array of costly taxes and regulations imposed by President Biden, which have resulted in increased costs for consumers and hampered domestic U.S. energy production. Moving forward, Hoeven and his colleagues will work in the new Congress and under the Trump administration to repeal burdensome federal rules in order to:\n\nImprove access to taxpayer-owned energy resources.\n\nStreamline the approval process for energy development and the construction of infrastructure needed to get energy to market.\n\nReduce the cost of production, fight inflation and bring down prices for American consumers.\n\nThe Hoeven-Pfluger bill is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Risch (R-Idaho) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in the U.S. Senate and Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) in the House of Representatives. The full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-members-of-north-dakota-farmers-union-to-help-advance-ag-disaster-assistance-package", "Hoeven Urges Members of North Dakota Farmers Union to Help Advance Ag Disaster Assistance Package", "2024-12-14", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Urges Members of North Dakota Farmers Union to Help Advance Ag Disaster Assistance Package\n\nSenator Working to Secure Ag Disaster Relief in Year-End CR, Outlines Efforts to Enhance Farm Safety Net\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today addressed the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention, where he outlined his efforts as a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee to provide relief and certainty to the state\u2019s farmers and ranchers. To this end, Hoeven has been working with his Senate colleagues and the incoming Trump administration, including in a recent meeting with Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins, to:\n\nSecure disaster assistance for producers impacted by natural disasters and challenging markets across the United States.\n\nHoeven is working with his colleagues to secure in the Continuing Resolution a package with $12 billion of relief for economic losses and $16 billion in weather-related assistance.\n\nThe senator called on the members of North Dakota Farmers Union, along with agriculture stakeholders across the country, to advance this priority with members of Congress.\n\nPass a strong farm bill that makes needed investments in the farm safety net.\n\nAdvance pro-growth tax policies that help farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses recoup their costs and manage their operations, such as:\n\nA low, competitive tax rate.\n\nSection 199A for cooperatives and pass-through businesses.\n\nMaintaining stepped-up basis for farm and ranch assets.\n\nEliminating the death tax.\n\nBonus depreciation for qualified property like farm equipment.\n\nCut red tape to reduce the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers and protect private property rights.\n\n\u201cWe continue working to provide meaningful disaster relief for American farmers and ranchers, including those in North Dakota who have dealt with recent wildfires and a challenging market. The ag disaster assistance package we\u2019re working to advance as part of the CR is critical to get farm country through these hard times, and we need the help of groups like North Dakota Farmers Union to get it done,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cOnce we\u2019ve addressed this immediate need and are in the new Congress, we will be well-positioned to strengthen the tools available to producers, ensuring programs like crop insurance, ARC and PLC work when needed most. Doing so will help prevent the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.\u201d\n\nKeeping the Farm in the Farm Bill\n\nHoeven continues working to secure an extension of the farm bill as part of year-end legislation. Doing so will give more time for Hoeven and his colleagues to address critical priorities for producers, including:\n\nEnhancing crop insurance, the primary risk management tool for many producers.\n\nImproving the affordability of higher levels of coverage, consistent with Hoeven\u2019s FARMER Act, will better enable producers to weather natural disasters and reduce the need for future ad-hoc disaster assistance.\n\nImproving the counter-cyclical safety net, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.\n\nHoeven stated that reference prices need to reflect market realities and the cost of production that farmers are currently facing.\n\nEnsuring adequate access to credit by passing his legislation to modernize Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan limits as part of the Farm Bill.\n\nStrengthening livestock disaster programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP).\n\nHoeven is sponsoring legislation to better align coverage between LFP and ELAP and make these improvements permanent.\n\nMaking programs voluntary and farmer-friendly, instead of one-size-fits-all.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-secure-ag-disaster-assistance-in-continuing-resolution", "Hoeven Working to Secure Ag Disaster Assistance in Continuing Resolution", "2024-12-14", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Working to Secure Ag Disaster Assistance in Continuing Resolution\n\nSenator Working with Senate Appropriations and Agriculture Committee Colleagues to Address Producer Losses, Urges Farmers & Ranchers to Advance Priority with Senators\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to secure agriculture disaster assistance in the Continuing Resolution being prepared by the Senate Appropriations Committee. As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working with his colleagues to address producer losses resulting from natural disasters and challenging markets.\n\n\u201cAs farmers have faced growing and serious losses this year, we have put forward a package of $12 billion of relief for economic losses and $16 billion in weather-related assistance that we\u2019re working to secure in the end-year Continuing Resolution. Republican leadership has supported this offer, and we have made a straightforward proposal to Democratic leadership to come to the aid of farmers and ranchers across the country. While we have kept this proposal clean of potentially partisan additions, we have not yet received the Democratic support we need. We encourage the nation\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and agriculture stakeholders to let their representatives know how critical it is for the Continuing Resolution to include both economic and weather agriculture assistance for America\u2019s producers,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-murphy-introduce-legislation-to-improve-vision-care-quality-protect-consumer-choice", "Cramer, Murphy Introduce Legislation to Improve Vision Care Quality, Protect Consumer Choice", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Two Vision Benefit Managers (VBMs) dominate the vision insurance market, providing coverage to two-thirds of Americans with vision benefits. These VBMs often own the frame and lens manufacturers and control which labs an optometrist can use, resulting in less autonomy for providers and more limited choices for their patients.\n\nU.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced the Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024 to allow clinicians to use the medical labs of their choosing and lower costs for both patients and doctors. Specifically, the legislation would amend Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to allow optometrists to choose the best labs and suppliers for their practice, ensuring patients receive high-quality, personalized vision care.\n\n\u201cVision Benefit Managers are often a hurdle to optometrists and eye care specialists providing the best care to their patients,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cExpanding consumer choice benefits patients when service is improved. I joined Senator Murphy in introducing the bipartisan Vision Lab Choice Act of 2024, so doctors will have more autonomy over which labs they work with and where they source their materials.\u201d\n\n\u201cRight now, VBMs control practically every part of the vision industry \u2013 the insurance plans, the manufacturers for frames and lenses, the vision labs \u2013 and they use that power to eliminate choice and drive up costs for doctors and patients,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cThis bill would solve a small piece of that problem by making sure optometrists aren\u2019t forced to use a VBMs preferred vision lab. Instead, they\u2019ll have the freedom to choose labs that lower costs and cut wait times for patients.\u201d\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, National Consumers League, Patients Rising, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Global Policy Initiative, and the Black Women\u2019s Health Imperative.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-secures-additional-3-million-eid-tags-from-usda-to-help-ranchers-comply-with-new-tag-mandate", "Hoeven Secures Additional 3 Million EID Tags From Usda to Help Ranchers Comply with New Tag Mandate", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Secures Additional 3 Million EID Tags From Usda to Help Ranchers Comply with New Tag Mandate\n\nSenator Included $10 Million in Senate\u2019s FY25 Ag Approps Bill to Explicitly Fund Tags\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide an additional 3 million electronic identification (EID) tags for U.S ranchers. This comes after Hoeven pressed APHIS officials to ensure that North Dakota ranchers have the resources necessary to comply with a new EID tag mandate that went into effect on November 5. The APHIS rule requires \u201cofficial identification\u201d on certain cattle and bison moved across state lines for the purpose of animal disease traceability, and expanded the requirements for ear tags used as official identification. For animals tagged after the rule\u2019s effective date, the ear tags \u201cmust be readable both visually and electronically.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe pressed APHIS to ensure that our ranchers have the resources necessary to comply with their new EID mandate,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cOur ranchers are already facing challenges from weather and high input costs, the last thing they need are additional costs from USDA mandates.\u201d\n\nAs the lead Republican on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven included $10 million in the Senate\u2019s Fiscal Year 2025 Agriculture Appropriations Bill to explicitly fund the new APHIS tag requirement. That legislation has been approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-energy-announcesnearly-1-million-to-university-of-north-dakota", "U.S. Department of Energy Announces\u00a0Nearly $1 Million to University of North Dakota", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Energy announced a grant of $999,999 to the University of North Dakota (UND) to improve unit operations of processing and manufacturing of critical materials.\n\nSpecifically, this funding will allow UND to conduct a prototype demonstration of a proven process for producing low-cost, high-performance silicon monoxide with graphene coating (SiO/G) anode materials for lithium (Li)-ion batteries (LIBs) while reducing water, waste, chemical intensity, and energy consumption.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-delivers-floor-speech-on-doug-burgum-to-lead-interior-department-national-energy-council", "Cramer Delivers Floor Speech on Doug Burgum to Lead Interior Department, National Energy Council", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last month, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to serve as Secretary of the Interior. In his statement, President Trump also announced the creation of the National Energy Council, which will include every agency involved in each step of the energy development, production, and distribution process. As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum will chair the council.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) delivered a speech on the Senate floor highlighting the announcement.\n\n\u201cDoug Burgum does do things differently than most, I will warn you. It is his nature. He is, after all, a risk taker. He mortgaged his family farm to get $250,000 in seed capital needed to buy into his first company, a small business solutions startup in Fargo called Great Plains Software. Great Plains grew from a dozen or so to over 2,200 employees before it was sold to Microsoft in 2001 for $1.1 billion. Now, Fargo, North Dakota is home to one of the largest Microsoft campuses in the country.\n\n\u201cBy definition and tradition, a cabinet secretary\u2019s role is limited to the confines of the agency that they lead, the Constitution and the laws of the United States. But when President Trump announced Governor Burgum as his choice to serve as Secretary of the Interior, he also announced the formation, the establishment of a National Energy Council with Doug serving as its very first chair. This will include every agency involved in every step of the development, production, and distribution of American-made energy. This coordination is a radically commonsense solution to the inane complexity of an overbearing bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cThe pick of Governor Burgum and the creation of the council are brilliant moves by a president who has made energy dominance a central pillar of his second administration. Like every other cabinet secretary nominee, Doug Burgum will come before the Senate, first in committee, and then on the floor for a Senate-wide vote. We will fulfill our Constitutional duty to provide our advice and, ultimately, consent to the president\u2019s nominee.\n\n\u201cWe need dedicated these outsiders like President Trump and Governor Burgum to even begin cleaning up the mess of the last four years and Make Energy Policy Make Sense Again. Undoing the mountain of Biden administration regulations is the first step to unleashing our energy potential. But it will take deliberate, thoughtful coordination between the Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and yes, the Department of Justice, and others. Encouraging American energy development requires making producers\u2019 interactions with the federal government as seamless as possible and we must have a Justice Department committed to the laws and policies they are responsible for defending.\n\n\u201cAs chair of the National Energy Council and Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum will be at the forefront of slashing red tape and unleashing American energy dominance to Make American Energy Great Again. Congratulations to President Trump and Governor Burgum. January 20th can\u2019t get here too soon!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-faa-approves-und-for-enhanced-air-traffic-control-program-students-to-start-in-spring-semester", "Hoeven: FAA Approves UND for Enhanced Air Traffic Control Program, Students to Start in Spring Semester", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: FAA Approves UND for Enhanced Air Traffic Control Program, Students to Start in Spring Semester\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the University of North Dakota\u2019s (UND) application to the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program:\n\nThe FAA and UND have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to officially establish the program, under which UND will offer the same curriculum provided by the FAA Academy.\n\nUND students will be able to begin participating in the enhanced air traffic control (ATC) program in the 2025 spring semester.\n\nUpon graduation, the students will immediately be eligible for hire and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility.\n\nPrior to this, UND graduates were only able to skip the first five weeks of training at the FAA Academy.\n\nGraduates will still be required to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and meet medical and security requirements.\n\nHoeven worked to advance this opportunity for UND and its students as part of his efforts to address the nation\u2019s ATC shortage. To this end, the senator made the case to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker for UND to lead the way in this initiative. Hoeven and his staff also coordinated efforts between UND and the FAA to ensure the review process moved forward and the application was approved in a timely manner.\n\n\u201cToday, we reach an exciting milestone in our efforts to address the air traffic controller shortage, while ensuring UND continues to lead the way across the board when it comes to aviation. We need more qualified air traffic controllers out in the workforce, and it makes sense to leverage the expertise of the John D. Odegaard School of Aviation to meet this critical need. That\u2019s why, throughout this process, we made the case to the FAA for UND to play a central role in the new Enhanced AT-CTI program,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cStarting in the 2025 spring semester, UND\u2019s students will have the opportunity to bypass the FAA ATC Academy in Oklahoma and go directly into the workforce after graduation. That\u2019s an incredible value to students and a benefit to communities across that country, whose local economies rely on safe and reliable air service.\u201d\n\nAddressing the ATC Shortage\n\nThe FAA reauthorization bill, which Congress passed earlier this year, includes legislation Hoeven cosponsored that requires the FAA to use a more accurate staffing model developed by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the FAA\u2019s Air Traffic Organization. The bill also sets an updated minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/panel-at-reagan-national-defense-forum-highlights-americas-role-as-arsenal-of-democracy", "Panel at Reagan National Defense Forum Highlights America\u2019s Role as Arsenal of Democracy", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for media resources.***\n\nSIMI VALLEY, C.A. \u2013 The Reagan National Defense Forum brings together leaders in the political and defense communities each year to discuss policies strengthening the defense of the United States. The theme of this year\u2019s forum is \u201cPeace Through Strength in a Time of Transition\u201d and includes panels featuring members of Congress, administration officials, and senior military leadership, in addition to defense industry and technology executives.\n\nDuring this year\u2019s forum, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, participated in a panel entitled, \u201cA Secure and Free Europe: NATO, Ukraine, and the Arsenal of Democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m not surprised a majority of Americans overall support Ukraine entering some sort of negotiation, even if it means giving up some territory,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cYou asked if my party is united, and I think it\u2019s pretty clear that we have a wide-range of views on the war in Ukraine, and more importantly on America\u2019s continued support. [\u2026] I do go back to the Cold War lessons, but we should have learned lessons since then about how the fight generally comes to us if we\u2019re not presenting a posture of strength that threatens the ability to go to them if they come to us.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch the full panel\n\nThe discussion, moderated by Karen DeYoung with The Washington Post, also featured Co-Founder and CEO of Anduril Industries Brian Schimpf, Sweden's Minister for Defense P\u00e5l Jonson, former Secretary of the U.S. Army Ryan McCarthy, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).\n\nFollowing the 2024 elections, priorities and leadership are shifting. The expected changes have led to questions regarding American global leadership, the role of NATO, and peace and stability in Europe nearly three years after Russia attacked Ukraine.\n\nThe conversation centered around these transitions and how the United States can boost its capacity to serve as the arsenal of democracy. During a radio broadcast in 1940, in the midst of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used the term \u201carsenal of democracy\u201d to signal the then-neutral United States would use all of its \u201cimmense industrial capacity to build the weapons of war needed by the last struggling democracies to save themselves, and the idea of democracy itself, from the threat of conquest by fascism and militarism in Europe and Asia.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-tribes-receive-more-than-32-million-for-water-infrastructure-projects", "North Dakota Tribes Receive More Than $32 Million for Water Infrastructure Projects", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "North Dakota Tribes Receive More Than $32 Million for Water Infrastructure Projects\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded $32,482,941 for several projects in tribal nations across North Dakota to improve and strengthen water infrastructure. This funding was provided by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, helped craft and negotiate.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota\u2019s tribal nations need updated water infrastructure to meet the vital needs of their communities,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThese awards will modernize aging systems and protect the delivery of clean, reliable water across the state.\u201d\n\nThis funding will support the following projects:\n\n$11,482,871 to the Turtle Mountain Public Utility Commission (PUC) to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the water supply infrastructure, addressing the critical need for upgraded raw water collection lines.\n\n$10,831,393 to the Turtle Mountain PUC to replace the aging and failure-prone 200 class polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with new 250 class PVC.\n\n$5,029,945 to the Turtle Mountain PUC to replace glued PVC pipe with gasketed PVC pipe.\n\n$1,800,000 to the Fort Berthold Rural Water System to assist in the installation of master meters at key locations to facilitate the development of a reservation-wide automated meter reading system.\n\n$755,789 to Spirit Lake Rural Water for a project to eliminate the bottle neck restricting flow to areas of the town of Fort Totten.\n\n$700,000 for the Mandaree Community Metering Project, which will install 138 water meters in the Mandaree community.\n\n$530,496 to the Turtle Mountain PUC for the replacement of the water main at Reservoir C.\n\n$500,000 for the replacement of three Master Meter vaults and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition modernization to two Control Vaults on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.\n\n$407,950 to Turtle Mountain PUC for the replacement of the water main at Reservoir C East.\n\n$275,268 to remove and replace the water filter media in the Spirit Lake Rural Water Treatment Plant\u2019s Tonka Tank.\n\n$169,229 to replace all of the pneumatic valves in the Spirit Lake Rural Water Treatment Plant.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-attends-veterans-day-commemoration-ceremony-in-bismarck", "Cramer Attends Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony in Bismarck", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for media resources.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 As a tribute to veterans across North Dakota and the nation, a Veterans Day observance ceremony is held each year at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck to recognize the brave men and women who answered the call to serve.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, attended today\u2019s ceremony, recognizing veterans for their heroic service and sacrifice in the defense of the nation. Cramer honored the generations of North Dakota veterans who have protected America\u2019s freedoms around the world, as well as the service members who carry on that proud tradition today. North Dakota consistently ranks among the states with the highest concentration of military service members and veterans per capita. More than 56,000 veterans reside in North Dakota.\n\n\u201cToday, we honor veterans across our state and nation for their incredible service and contributions to the security of the world,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cIt is easy to take their service for granted because we live so well and have the luxury of peace every single day. We will never forget the heroic sacrifice of our veterans and will work to ensure their legacy of excellence and North Dakota\u2019s culture of readiness translate into policy that supports and advances our military dominance across the globe.\u201d\n\nThe event was supported by a consortium of North Dakota veterans service organizations, including American Legion, AMVETS, Dakota Leathernecks, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Dakota Sisterhood of Women Veterans.\n\nCramer led and cosponsored several pieces of legislation to increase access to healthcare services and support for veterans. In February, Cramer introduced the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act. This legislation would provide travel assistance to veterans living in rural areas for healthcare appointments authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He also supported the TAP Promotion Act, the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2023, and the Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023 to improve veterans\u2019 access to health and burial benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-in-observance-of-veterans-day", "Hoeven Statement in Observance of Veterans Day", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Statement in Observance of Veterans Day\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day. Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, remains committed to ensuring veterans receive the care and services they have earned.\n\n\u201cToday and every day, we are indebted to the great American heroes who have fought to protect our nation. North Dakota has a rich tradition of military service and I remain committed to ensuring veterans receive the health care, benefits and recognition befitting of their service. God bless our veterans and their families.\u201d\n\nOver the past year, Hoeven has met with North Dakota veterans as they participated in trips to Washington, D.C., where they were honored for their service and had the opportunity to visit the national war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. At the same time, the senator has worked to:\n\nSecure funding and approval for enhancements at the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC), including wind walls, a storage building and a fully-developed restroom. Hoeven is also working with the National Cemetery Administration to:\n\nAccommodate facilities being developed by the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard.\n\nExpand FNC by 30 additional acres to provide adequate burial space for the future.\n\nIntroduce and pass legislation to allow National Guard and Reserve members to be buried in state veterans cemeteries without those cemeteries losing access to federal grants.\n\nHelp pass legislation to ensure that veterans from all eras suffering from conditions related to toxic exposure during their service receive the health care and benefits they have earned.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-as-we-work-to-unlock-our-energy-potential-airport-capacity-needed-to-support-a-growing-economy", "Hoeven: As we Work to Unlock our Energy Potential, Airport Capacity Needed To Support A Growing Economy", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: As we Work to Unlock our Energy Potential, Airport Capacity Needed To Support A Growing Economy\n\nSenator Working to Secure Federal Funding for Dickinson Terminal Development Project\n\nDICKINSON, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable with members of the Dickinson Municipal Airport Authority and local leaders to discuss progress on developing a new terminal building for the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport. As a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped launch this effort in 2022 and has since been working to advance the project, which will support increased air service capacity for the region.\n\nIn addition to a new terminal building, the project includes a new apron, connecting taxiways, and a new parking lot.\n\nThis expanded infrastructure will enable the airport to better accommodate increased demand for air service.\n\nFrom 2022 to 2023, enplanements at the Dickinson airport increased by more than 2,500 passengers, a nearly 12 percent increase.\n\nDickinson is expected to begin the bidding process and construction in 2026.\n\nThe estimated cost of the project is $46.5 million, with Hoeven working to secure federal funding to support the effort.\n\nThis comes in addition to the nearly $50 million that Hoeven previously secured for the airport\u2019s runway extension project, which was completed in 2023.\n\n\u201cWith the new administration incoming, we are well-positioned to strengthen our state\u2019s economy, particularly as we lift the regulatory burden off of our energy industry and empower the development of all of our abundant energy resources,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cIt is critical that we have the infrastructure needed to support the demands of a growing economy, which is exactly why we have worked to advance airport expansions, like the new terminal project here in Dickinson. This effort complements the runway that was completed just last year, and we\u2019re working to secure the federal funding needed to move this effort forward.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s roundtable comes as part of Hoeven\u2019s long-term efforts to support expansions at the state\u2019s airports to accommodate population and economic growth, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. In addition to Dickinson, the senator has worked to advance similar efforts across the state, including completed projects at airports in Williston and Minot, and he continues supporting Fargo\u2019s airport terminal expansion project.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-priorities-to-restore-us-energy-dominance-at-gndc-conference", "Hoeven Outlines Priorities to Restore U.S. Energy Dominance at GNDC Conference", "2024-11-07", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Outlines Priorities to Restore U.S. Energy Dominance at GNDC Conference\n\nDICKINSON, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today addressed the Greater North Dakota Chamber\u2019s (GNDC) Build & Beyond conference, where he outlined his priorities for the upcoming Congress and new administration. In particular, the senator discussed the need to unlock the nation\u2019s energy potential, restore U.S. energy dominance and empower the country to utilize all of its abundant energy resources, including coal, oil and natural gas. To this end, Hoeven highlighted the importance of:\n\nRescinding burdensome federal rules imposed during the Biden administration, which have locked away taxpayer-owned lands and minerals and increased energy production costs.\n\nHoeven pointed to the regulatory relief previously provided under the Trump administration, which resulted in the U.S. becoming a net energy exporter, as the kind of policies that are needed to make the nation energy secure and bring down inflation.\n\nEnsuring more timely, less cost-prohibitive federal approvals for energy development and energy infrastructure projects. Accordingly, Hoeven is sponsoring:\n\nThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mineral Spacing Act, which would remove duplicative BLM permitting regulations and better respect the rights of private mineral holders.\n\nThe North American Energy Act, a bill to prevent unnecessary delays for important cross-border energy projects, such as pipelines and transmission lines.\n\nLegislation to streamline and set deadlines for multi-agency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews of natural gas pipelines and liquid natural gas (LNG) projects needed to get energy to market.\n\nSupporting access to affordable and reliable baseload electricity, including from coal-fired power plants.\n\nHoeven continues working to strengthen North Dakota\u2019s role as a leader in the development of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to help secure the future of the state\u2019s coal industry.\n\n\u201cThrough regulatory relief, lower taxes and legal certainty, the U.S. can be energy dominant once again. We\u2019ve proven this time and again, both in North Dakota and across the nation under the Trump administration,\u201d said Hoeven \u201cWe can get there by rolling back the multitude of harmful policies imposed by the Biden administration on our energy industry, while advancing additional regulatory relief to streamline the federal approval process. That\u2019s how we will empower our country to make good use of all of its abundant energy resources, including our vast coal, oil and gas reserves.\u201d\n\nAdvancing Regulatory Relief\n\nHoeven discussed how the new Congress and incoming administration offer the opportunity to roll back overreaching and costly federal policies, such as those that:\n\nTarget natural gas and coal-fired electric, including the:\n\nMethane Rule & Natural Gas Tax.\n\nMercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule.\n\nClean Power Plan 2.0.\n\nWater Discharge Rule.\n\nCoal Ash Rule.\n\nRestrict access to, and increase the cost of developing, taxpayer-owned lands and resources, like the:\n\nPublic Lands Rule.\n\nBLM\u2019s Updated Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota.\n\nBLM Onshore Oil and Gas Rule.\n\nBLM Venting and Flaring Rule.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/army-corps-allocates-22-million-for-dredging-of-garrison-dam-spillway-approach", "Army Corps Allocates $22 Million for Dredging of Garrison Dam Spillway Approach", "2024-11-06", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a contract announcement of $22,019,171 to HSG Park Joint Venture 2, LLC for dredging of the spillway approach at Garrison Dam near Riverdale. The work is expected to be completed by August 27, 2027.\n\nBuilt in 1953, the Garrison Dam is the second-most upstream project of six which were built on the mainstem of the upper Missouri River and has the largest reservoir storage capacity of all USACE projects in the nation. When combined with dams on the river\u2019s tributaries, the projects reduce the risk of downstream flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This mainstem system of dams is managed to balance hydropower generation, water supply, water quality, irrigation, fish and wildlife conservation, navigation, and recreation benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-cando-and-towner", "Sen. Cramer Announces Mobile Office Hours in Cando and Towner", "2024-11-06", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced members of his staff will hold mobile office hours in Cando and Towner on Tuesday, November 19.\n\n\u201cSince it\u2019s not always possible for people to travel to my in-state offices, these mobile office opportunities help bring the services we offer closer to the constituents who need them,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cHaving members of my staff in Cando and Towner will give North Dakotans more chances to explore solutions to the problems they face with people who are in a position to help.\u201d\n\nIndividuals from the Cando and Towner areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office for help with veterans and Social Security benefits, Medicare difficulties, immigration issues, military records or medals, or other assistance with federal agencies.\n\nMobile Office Hours \u2013 Tuesday, November 19\n\nTowner County Courthouse\n\n301 2nd St.\n\nCando\n\n10:00 a.m. \u2013 11:00 a.m. CST\n\nMcHenry County Courthouse\n\n407 S Main St.\n\nTowner\n\n1:00 p.m. \u2013 2:00 p.m. CST\n\nConstituents should contact Cramer\u2019s Constituent Services Representative, Brooke Doss, Brooke_Doss@cramer.senate.gov, for more information.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-more-than-22-million-allocated-for-garrison-dam-spill-way-dredging-by-army-corps", "Hoeven: More Than $22 Million Allocated for Garrison Dam Spill Way Dredging by Army Corps", "2024-11-06", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: More Than $22 Million Allocated for Garrison Dam Spill Way Dredging by Army Corps\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven announced today that a $22 million contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to the HSG Park Joint Venture 2, LLC for spillway approach dredging at Garrison Dam, where work is projected to be completed by August 27, 2027.\n\n\u201cThe Garrison Dam is critical infrastructure for our state, and this funding will help to ensure the dam delivers a reliable water supply for communities and agriculture, while supporting recreation and tourism,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cA crucial purpose of the dam is to control Missouri River water levels and this project will help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to provide more certainty and security to the region.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-2024-election-results", "Hoeven Statement on 2024 Election Results", "2024-11-06", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Statement on 2024 Election Results\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement on the reelection of President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans reclaiming the Senate Majority:\n\n\u201cWe congratulate President Trump on his reelection and look forward to working together to advance the priorities important to North Dakotans \u2013 growing our economy, tackling inflation, unleashing American energy and supporting our small businesses, including North Dakota\u2019s farmers and ranchers. At the same time, we\u2019ll work to improve our national security by securing the border and continuing our efforts to rebuild our military. With President Trump in the White House and a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, we look forward to working together on behalf of the American people.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-family-receives-purple-heart-quilt-of-valor", "North Dakota Family Receives Purple Heart, Quilt of Valor", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for more media resources. Click here for audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The Missouri River Quilts of Valor (MRQV) hosted a ceremony today to recognize a North Dakota family for its military service.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) presented a replacement Purple Heart medal to honor the sacrifice of the family\u2019s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame, who gave his life in service to the nation in World War II. This replaces a previous Purple Heart awarded to Pvt. DuFrame, which had been lost.\n\nCramer, a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, presented the Purple Heart medal to Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame of Lincoln, also a veteran, who enlisted in the Navy Reserve at 18 as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1967. He was based in LPD-1 at Portsmouth, VA. Cramer also presented the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s heroic service.\n\n\u201cThe Purple Heart is a tangible legacy to the heroic service and selfless sacrifice of Franklin DuFrame during WWII,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cIt was important that we obtain this replacement medal that Franklin earned and Don desperately sought as a tribute and connection to the father he never knew. The medal symbolizes incredible sacrifice, and it is important we never forget the gravity of that sacrifice and ensure that future generations know the real price of freedom.\u201d\n\nThe ceremony also included the presentation of the Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame\u2019s service, and a Quilt of Valor made by MRQV members. A Quilt of Valor is a handmade quilt awarded to a service member or veteran who has been \u201ctouched by war.\u201d\n\n\u201cI see in this Purple Heart how my dad gave his life for our country and our freedoms,\u201d said Donald DuFrame. \u201cThis recognition is so overwhelming, and having this medal means a lot to me and my family. I have more information about my dad now than I have had my entire life.\u201d\n\nAlice Delzer, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary president and chaplain, delivered the invocation at the event, which was followed by a Posting of the Colors by the AMVETS Post #9 Honor Guard. The event featured opening remarks by MRQV group leader, Arlene Meissel, and Alice Delzer led the attendees in singing \u201cGod Bless America.\u201d\n\nDonald DuFrame, his daughter, Shananne DuFrame, and his granddaughter, Breeanna DuFrame, attended the ceremony, along with other family members. Breeanna reached out to Cramer\u2019s office in June requesting assistance with obtaining a replacement for a lost Purple Heart medal originally awarded to her great-grandfather, Franklin. Breeanna, who is very close to her grandfather, Donald, knew he had been searching for this medal and wanted to help him obtain a replacement.\n\n\u201cI never thought we would have gotten this far and found out as much as we have about Franklin,\u201d said Breeanna DuFrame. \u201cMy grandpa [Donald DuFrame] is my entire world. I don\u2019t know where I would be without him or my mom. I\u2019m so thankful we were able to make this happen for Grandpa. We are so appreciative of everything you and your team have done to make this possible for my grandpa. I cannot express how thankful and grateful I am.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am so grateful for everyone that has put efforts into this, and for my dad [Donald DuFrame] to have this opportunity in his lifetime to have something so precious and dear in remembrance of his dad [Franklin DuFrame] and his service and dedication to our freedoms,\u201d said Shananne DuFrame. \u201cI am so super proud of my daughter, Breeanna, for pursuing this. We thank you so very much! We\u2019ve gotten so much more information about my grandpa, when we never thought we\u2019d know much of anything.\u201d\n\nBorn in August 1920 in Maine, Pvt. Franklin DuFrame served in the U.S. Army, C Company, 10th Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division. He was married to Elma Leona Helman DuFrame, and they had three children.\n\nOn March 24, 1945, he was wounded in action and transported to an evacuation hospital in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Pvt. DuFrame died of his wounds two days later on March 26 at the age of 24. He was temporarily interned at the military cemetery in Stromberg and permanently laid to rest, at his family\u2019s request, at the Lorraine American War Cemetery in France.\n\nPrior to Breeanna DuFrame\u2019s outreach to Cramer\u2019s office, the family knew very little about Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s service beyond the date of his death and final resting place. His service records were among those lost in the National Personnel Records Center fire in St. Louis.\n\nCramer\u2019s office received a 44-page copy of the formal report of Franklin\u2019s death and a copy of an inventory of his belongings, in addition to correspondence between the Department of the Army, his wife, Elma, and Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s father regarding the final resting place for his remains. In addition, a photo of Pvt. DuFrame was added to a Fields of Honor database recognizing fallen American service members, and his grave has been adopted by a local resident who will be responsible for its care and maintenance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/letter-to-president-biden-calls-for-intervention-in-china-adoption-program-termination", "Letter to President Biden Calls for Intervention in China Adoption Program Termination", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 In August, the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives. Prior to the announcement, approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families in the adoption process.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 103 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, calling on him to stand up for families navigating the PRC\u2019s decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties.\n\n\u201cWe request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cThe American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,\u201d they continued. \u201cMany of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.\u201d\n\nPreviously, Cramer joined his Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of State requesting clarification on details of the decision to halt adoptions, as well as the reasoning for China\u2019s decision.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/usda-awards-nearly-500000-to-dakota-angus-llc", "USDA Awards Nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an award of nearly $500,000 to Dakota Angus, LLC. This funding, awarded through the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), will add up to five new routes for farm to consumer beef distributions and expand wholesale business through grocery stores, food hubs, convenient stores, and schools in underserved markets. The award will expand market opportunities for livestock producers, create additional local jobs, and diversify consumers\u2019 options.\n\nDakota Angus, located in Drake, which represents two, third-generation livestock farms, has incorporated a value-added farm to its consumer beef program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dot-awards-12-million-for-two-north-dakota-bridge-improvement-projects", "DOT Awards $12 Million for Two North Dakota Bridge Improvement Projects", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the award of $12,100,000 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) for two bridge replacement and reconstruction projects. These funds were made available through the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) and will be distributed to the following projects:\n\n$9,400,000 for the Safe and Resilient Passages at Standing Rock Project. The NDDOT, in cooperation with local communities and stakeholders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is planning to replace two bridges along North Dakota Highway 1806 in Morton and Sioux counties: the Backwater Bridge over Canta Peta Creek and the Cannonball River Bridge.\n\n$2,700,000 for the Viking Bridge Reconstruction Project. The Viking Bridge is in fair condition, but at risk of falling into poor condition within the next three years. The new bridge is designed to meet current standards by widening the sidewalk, expanding the travel area, and incorporating a non-mountable traffic barrier. The bridge design will include measures to prevent scouring and enhance resilience against flooding events.\n\n\u201cBridges are critical for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across North Dakota and beyond,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cThese projects will enhance safety, support local growth, and ensure reliable infrastructure for years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dot-awards-over-20-million-to-red-river-valley-and-western-for-safety-and-capacity-upgrades", "DOT Awards Over $20 Million to Red River Valley & Western for Safety and Capacity Upgrades", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an award of $20,714,004 through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to the Red River Valley & Western Railroad (RRVW) Company for safety upgrades under the Safety Enhancements and Capacity Upgrades for Reliability and Efficiency (SECURE) Project. Specifically, the grant will replace 25 miles of century-old rail on RRVW\u2019s 3rd Subdivision between Gwinner and Oakes, and construct two new sidings to hold trains near Casselton.\n\nThe track infrastructure upgrades will improve safety and enhance the transport of grain and other commodities to market for producers, strengthening North Dakota\u2019s agricultural supply chain. For many communities in North Dakota, the RRVW serves as shippers\u2019 only connection to the national rail network, underscoring the importance of providing reliable service.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota is an export-driven economy, and our commodities need safe, reliable rail service to get goods to market,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cRed River Valley & Western\u2019s network is a critical artery for agriculture producers in Eastern North Dakota and this investment will improve the service it provides.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-transportation-awards-1-million-to-grand-forks-international-airport", "U.S. Department of Transportation Awards $1 Million to Grand Forks International Airport", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation announced an award of $1 million through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to the Grand Forks International Airport. Specifically, this award will assist the airport with revenue guarantee, start-up costs, ground handling offsets and associated marketing plan to recruit, initiate, and support new nonstop service between Grand Forks and Denver International Airport via SkyWest Airlines.\n\n\u201cThe Grand Forks International Airport is an essential transportation hub for the northern Red River Valley,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cA region can only grow with quality air service and quality air service can only grow with a quality airport.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-20-million-for-rail-safety-and-performance-improvements-in-north-dakota", "Hoeven Announces More than $20 Million for Rail Safety and Performance Improvements in North Dakota", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Announces More than $20 Million for Rail Safety and Performance Improvements in North Dakota\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration has awarded $20,714,004 to the Red River Valley & Western Railroad Company to replace 25 miles of rail between Gwinner and Oakes, and construct two new sidings to hold trains near Casselton.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota\u2019s economy is dependent on freight transportation, including rail, to ship bulk agricultural commodities, energy products and manufactured goods,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThis funding will help rehabilitate aging rail and ensure that our producers in the region can continue to get their products to market safely and efficiently. Improving the railroad network in our state is vitally important to helping to grow North Dakota\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\nThe North Dakota delegation wrote a letter earlier this year to the Department of Transportation to help secure the grant. Click here for the letter.\n\nThis funding was made available through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program to ensure rail transportation remains safe and reliable. This will be the third consecutive round of CRISI that RRVW has been awarded.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-meeting-between-head-of-defense-acquisitions-northern-plains-uas-test-site-and-grandsky", "Hoeven Holds Meeting Between Head of Defense Acquisitions, Northern Plains UAS Test Site & GrandSKY", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Holds Meeting Between Head of Defense Acquisitions, Northern Plains UAS Test Site & GrandSKY\n\nSenator Working to Increase Size & Scope of Project ULTRA, Leverage FAA Unfiltered Radar Data Feed to Build North Dakota\u2019s UAS Ecosystem\n\nMINOT, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today met with Dr. William LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and leaders from the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site and GrandSKY to discuss opportunities for North Dakota to meet imminent defense needs in unmanned aircraft and counter-UAS technologies. Hoeven stressed:\n\nThe need to increase the size and scope of Project ULTRA.\n\nHoeven has been advancing Project ULTRA as the funding vehicle to support counter-UAS development.\n\nProject ULTRA can serve as a bridge between an existing DoD contracting vehicle and new counter-UAS capabilities being developed in the private sector.\n\nThe senator previously discussed this priority at the UAS Summit in Grand Forks with Gen. David Stewart, who is leading the effort to protect against the misuse of unmanned aircraft across all military branches.\n\nThe senator has also been working with Air Combat Command (ACC) Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown to address this critical Department of Defense (DoD) priority.\n\nThe opportunity to leverage the Northern Plains UAS Test Site\u2019s access to the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) unfiltered radar data feed to grow North Dakota\u2019s UAS ecosystem.\n\nThe data feed will allow unmanned aircraft operating under the test site to safely fly where other state\u2019s test sites could not, serving as a strong draw for private industry to operate in the state.\n\nThe feed will also empower the test site to detect malicious or unlawful UAS traffic, helping make North Dakota the premiere location for counter-UAS technology development.\n\nHow Project ULTRA and the FAA radar feed offer greater opportunities to develop methods for protecting domestic U.S. military bases against potential UAS threats.\n\nThe combination of these tools will enable the rapid testing of capabilities to detect, track and counter UAS in a real-world environment at an active duty Air Force Base, using the airspace managed by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.\n\nIn addition to Hoeven and LaPlante, the meeting included the following stakeholders, giving them the opportunity to discuss these potential partnerships in greater detail:\n\nTrevor Woods, Executive Director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.\n\nChris Hewlett, Director of Project ULTRA at GrandSKY.\n\nEverett Dunnick, Director of Special Programs at Northern Plains UAS Test Site.\n\n\u201cProject ULTRA and the FAA\u2019s unfiltered radar feed are a tremendous opportunity for the DoD and North Dakota, giving our state a key role in developing, testing and demonstrating counter-UAS technologies, which are critically needed to ensure the security of our military facilities and personnel both at home and abroad. In order to get there, we\u2019re working to build upon the initial $18 million contract and leverage the radar feed to attract more private industry partners to our state,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what today\u2019s meeting is about, as well as highlighting a variety of potential partnerships between DoD, our UAS ecosystem and private industry that will enable us to quickly test and field new counter-UAS capabilities.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s meeting builds upon Hoeven\u2019s ongoing work with LaPlante to better utilize resources in North Dakota to advance critical military priorities, such as counter-UAS and nuclear modernization. Earlier this month, the Under Secretary provided video remarks at the UAS Summit in Grand Forks at Hoeven\u2019s invitation, where he reinforced the importance of UAS and counter-UAS to future DoD operations. In addition, Hoeven previously helped introduce and pass legislation to support the development of counter-UAS technology and protect important facilities from potential misuse of unmanned aircraft. Hoeven is now sponsoring a bill to renew and expand upon the authorities created under this law.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-family-to-receive-the-purple-heart-quilt-of-valor-in-honor-of-wwii-hero", "North Dakota Family to Receive the Purple Heart, Quilt of Valor in Honor of WWII Hero", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Ceremony to be held Nov. 4 at the AMVETS in Bismarck\n\n***Click here to download audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 A ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 4 in Bismarck to present a Purple Heart medal to honor the service and sacrifice of Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame, who gave his life in service to our nation in World War II. The replacement medal will be presented to Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame of Lincoln, who served and enlisted in the Navy Reserve at 18 as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1967.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate committees on Armed Services and Veterans\u2019 Affairs, will present the family with a Purple Heart medal to honor and recognize the sacrifices of Franklin DuFrame. This replaces a previous Purple Heart awarded to Pvt. DuFrame, which had been lost. Cramer will present the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Pvt. DuFrame\u2019s heroic service.\n\nThe ceremony will also include the presentation of the Vietnam Commemorative Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame\u2019s service, and a Quilt of Valor by Missouri River Quilts of Valor members.\n\nPurple Heart medals are awarded to service members who are wounded or killed because of enemy action in an armed conflict. It is the nation\u2019s oldest military honor still awarded today, and was established by President George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782.\n\n\u201cThis Purple Heart medal is much more than an award; it\u2019s really a symbol of our nation\u2019s eternal gratitude for Franklin DuFrame\u2019s bravery, and heroism, and sacrifice,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cPrivate DuFrame gave his life for our country, and it's really an honor for me to be able to present his family with this replacement medal to recognize his valiant service. It\u2019s a repeated honor that I get to have as a member of Congress to intervene on behalf of a family who lost just a small part, but an important part, of their loved one\u2019s legacy. This award represents that legacy, and it's something tangible they can hang on to and that they can pass down to generation after generation as they tell the story of dad, of grandpa, of great-grandpa, of great-great-grandpa's legacy in historical contribution to the freedom of America. It's just a privilege and a joy.\u201d\n\nBorn in August 1920 in Maine, Pvt. DuFrame served in the U.S. Army, C Company, 10th Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division. He was married to Elma Leona Helman DuFrame, and they had three children.\n\nOn March 24, 1945, he was wounded in action and transported to an evacuation hospital in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Pvt. DuFrame died of his wounds two days later on March 26 at the age of 24. He was temporarily interned at the military cemetery in Stromberg and permanently laid to rest, at his family\u2019s request, at the Lorraine American War Cemetery in France.\n\nThe ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT at AMVETS Post #9, 2402 Railroad Ave., Bismarck.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-century-view-will-provide-40-families-with-affordable-housing-helping-address-one-of-north-dakotas-greatest-needs", "Hoeven: Century View Will Provide 40 Families With Affordable Housing, Helping Address One of North Dakota\u2019s Greatest Needs", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Century View Will Provide 40 Families With Affordable Housing, Helping Address One of North Dakota\u2019s Greatest Needs\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today marked the grand opening of the Century View affordable housing complex. The $11.2 million project primarily serves low-income families and individuals, consisting of 40 housing units across three apartment buildings with three-, two- and one-bedroom floor plans available, as well as an additional community building. Amenities include balconies and walk-out patios, in-unit laundry, outdoor green space, a community room and kitchen and office space.\n\nThe project is supported by more than $3 million in federal funding, which Hoeven worked to secure as a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Committee. This includes:\n\n$2.25 million in Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds.\n\n$813,000 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which were leveraged by the project developer to secure an estimated $7 million in project equity.\n\nOngoing support from Section 8 housing vouchers, which will provide rental assistance to eligible residents.\n\n\u201cCentury View will serve as an important asset for the Bismarck community, providing 40 families with affordable housing and helping address one of the biggest challenges our communities face. This project is now a reality, with amenities that any tenant would want, because the developers were able to leverage more than $3 million of federal funding to secure private investment of $7 million,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThrough partnerships like this, we can provide the affordable, high-quality housing stock that our state needs, supporting our ongoing growth and a higher quality of life.\u201d\n\nCentury View is the latest example of affordable housing efforts Hoeven has helped advance through his support for federal programs like HOME, LIHTC and other initiatives. Earlier this year, Hoeven marked the completion of the Milton Earl Apartments in Fargo, which serve low-income seniors, and he continues working to support development of the Lashkowitz Riverfront Project, among other efforts.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-requests-answers-on-usda-eid-tag-mandate-resources-for-ranchers-amidst-federal-support-shortfall", "Cramer Requests Answers on USDA EID Tag Mandate, Resources for Ranchers Amidst Federal Support Shortfall", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Final Rule mandating the use of electronic identification (EID) tags on certain cattle and bison will take effect on Nov. 5. Approximately 300,000 tags will be needed for North Dakota ranchers to meet USDA\u2019s EID mandate and brucellosis program, but USDA will only allocate 116,000 tags to the North Dakota State Veterinarian to meet the EID mandate. USDA told the State Veterinarian it will no longer lend support to ranchers for the brucellosis program, or \u201cbangs,\u201d and ranchers will be expected to cover the shortfall in bangs tags. These tags are an important tool for animal disease traceability in livestock. USDA\u2019s decision to only fund EID tags for interstate movement, and not brucellosis, creates an unfunded mandate and leaves a nearly $500,000 shortfall. This goes against a longstanding commitment from USDA to assist producers forced to comply with its regulations.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) wrote a letter to USDA requesting answers on the funding shortfall and stressed the need to allocate resources to ranchers for EID compliance.\n\n\u201cAnimal disease traceability (ADT) efforts are critical for protecting our nation\u2019s herds, but new mandates should not erode the ability to carry out existing programs,\u201d wrote Cramer. \u201cIf USDA\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is serious about its mission to protect against disease that could harm our nation\u2019s livestock, it should recognize the importance of maintaining federal support for bangs and abide by its decades-old obligation to supply tags needed for ADT programs.\n\n\u201cWithout APHIS\u2019 support, ranchers are forced to deal with an unfunded mandate on top of historically high input costs,\u201d continued Cramer. \u201cI look forward to your answers and clarification on these important and timely matters. In the near-term, I strongly urge USDA to allocate the resources needed by our ranchers to become compliant with the upcoming EID tag mandate. Going forward, USDA should also reconsider how it determines states\u2019 allocations. It is critical we support our ranchers who produce a reliable source of the highest-quality meat in the world.\u201d\n\nCramer previously recognized the importance of protecting herds from diseases. Earlier this year, he cosponsored and voted in favor of a Congressional Review Act after the Biden administration moved to allow the importation of fresh Paraguayan beef after a 25 year ban. In 2021, Cramer joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to USDA in support of the cattle industry\u2019s requests to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil following cases of atypical spongiform encephalopathy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-meets-with-us-japanese-forces-deploying-global-hawk-reaper-missions", "Hoeven Meets With US-Japanese Forces Deploying Global Hawk, Reaper Missions", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Meets With US-Japanese Forces Deploying Global Hawk, Reaper Missions\n\nGrand Forks Air Force Base and GrandSKY Play Growing Role in Missions to Deter Chinese Aggression\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven traveled to U.S. bases in Okinawa and mainland Japan to meet with U.S. military forces and to expand on his work making Grand Forks the leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Grand Forks Air Force Base and GrandSKY Technology Park play an increasing role in providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to the U.S. military, and these efforts are vital to U.S. efforts to counter Chinese military aggression. Senator Hoeven traveled with Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, both of whom are members of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee which funds all U.S. military activities.\n\nMisawa Air Force Base and Hachinohe Air Station\n\nMisawa Air Force Base in northern Japan is home to the U.S. Air Forces\u2019s 35th Fighter Wing, along with associated units from the U.S. Army, Navy and Space Force as well as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). At Misawa, the U.S. Air Force with help from Northrop Grumman and its facilities at GrandSKY Technology Park, is standing up Global Hawk operations for the JASDF. Assistance being coordinated out of GrandSKY Technology Park includes flight planning and communications. The Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) at GrandSKY is developing and testing other equipment and upgrades to the Global Hawk that will further enhance assistance to the JASDF.\n\n\u201cThe work to stand up a Japanese unit of Global Hawks has been under way for over a year now and it is now working toward its Initial Operating Capability (IOC),\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cJapan is a vital ally, and this mission is another example of how we work together to counter Chinese military aggression.\u201d\n\nAt Hachinohe Air Station, a Japanese Coast Guard Base near Misawa AFB, Hoeven and Moran joined with General Atomics (GA) President Dave Alexander and other key GA team members to review MQ-9 Reaper flight operations that GA is conducting on behalf of Japan\u2019s Coast Guard. General Atomics is also working to stand up Reaper units for the JASDF and Japanese pilots will be coming to GrandSKY Technology Park as soon as next year for MQ-9 training.\n\n\u201cJapan is buying the latest version of the Reaper, the MQ-9B, and we will train their pilots to fly these aircraft at GrandSKY,\u201d Hoeven said. \u201cAgain, this is not only a win for our country by working with our ally to push back on China but a win for North Dakota, which plays a key role in helping to make it happen.\u201d\n\nYokota Air Force Base\n\nHoeven visited Yokota Air Force Base, headquarters for United States Forces Japan (USFJ), where he met with Lt. General Stephen Jost, USFJ commander, as well as Colonel Richard McElhaney, installation commander for Yokota, who briefed Hoeven on plans to forward deploy Global Hawks from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks AFB and provided a tour of prospective facilities at the base. The 319th currently deploys Global Hawks to Andersen AFB in Guam.\n\n\u201cGeneral Jost shares a Minot connection with me as he was born there when his father was stationed at Minot Air Force Base,\u201d Hoeven said. \u201cHe and Colonel McElhaney provided us with a good tour and information on the important role that our Global Hawks from the 319th at Grand Forks provide in support of Air Force efforts to gather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the region. The Global Hawks of the 319th will be better able to fulfill these missions, including tracking the Chinese military, with the new forward basing plan. There is more work we need to do to make it happen, but I believe we will get it done.\u201d\n\nKadena Air Force Base and Camp Hansen Marine Corps Base\n\nHoeven met with Brigadier General Nicholas Evans at Kadena AFB in Okinawa which is the largest U.S. Air Force Base in the Pacific and home to not only U.S. Air Force aircraft but Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well. Hoeven has worked to provide MQ-9 Reaper ISR assets to the Marine Corps and they are in process of standing up one of the first MQ-9 units at Kadena.\n\nAt Camp Hansen, Hoeven met with Lieutenant General Roger Turner, commander of the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, which includes more than 20,000 Marines on Okinawa. As part of his discussions with Turner, Hoeven attended Operation \u201cKeen Sword\u201d a U.S.-Japan military exercise designed to enhance our joint capability to jointly respond to potential Chinese aggression in the region.\n\n\u201cWe not only had a chance to see Camp Hansen but also an active military exercise being conducted by U.S. and Japanese forces in the region to counteract simulated aggression by the PRC military. The professionalism and capabilities of our Marines are truly impressive. Another highlight was meeting some outstanding young marines from North Dakota,\u201d Hoeven said.\n\nMeetings with Japanese leaders to Expand Military and Agriculture Trade Relationship\n\nHoeven and Moran also met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to further strengthen joint military operations between the U.S. and Japan. Japan is both buying and co-producing vital defense systems with the U.S., like the F-35 Advanced Fighter Aircraft. Japan and the United States are also working to establish a joint command structure that will significantly enhance the ability of the two nations to work together to secure the Indo-Pacific region.\n\n\u201cDefense Minister Nakatani and Foreign Minister Iwaya expressed strong support for the U.S. military and their desire to continue to increase our joint operations to push back on China. Also Defense Minister Nakatani in particular emphasized his support for the work we are doing to help Japan develop UAS capabilities. Our work in North Dakota with the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, as well as General Atomics, Northrop Grumman and other leading aerospace companies, is vitally important to building U.S. defense capabilities,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\n\u201cIn addition, by building these new weapon systems and operating them jointly with an ally like Japan, we really leverage our efforts. Not only are we stronger together as allies, but Japan has the technology and capability to help us build and pay for the advanced systems we need to stay ahead of adversaries like China,\u201d Hoeven continued.\n\nSenators Hoeven and Moran also met with agricultural officials in Japan. Japan is the number one market for U.S. beef, the second largest for U.S. corn and the third largest for U.S. soybeans. In addition, Japan is one of the largest markets for U.S. wheat, particularly hard wheat which is predominantly grown in North Dakota. Senator Hoeven continued his efforts to expand these markets for North Dakota farmers and pressed the case to open the Japanese market for U.S. fresh (table) potatoes as well, which would be a large market with projected sales of up to $150 million per year.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-honors-members-of-1-188th-ada-regiment-bravo-batteryat-welcome-home-ceremony", "Hoeven Honors Members of 1-188th ADA Regiment, Bravo Battery\u00a0at Welcome Home Ceremony", "2024-10-27", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Honors Members of 1-188th ADA Regiment, Bravo Battery at Welcome Home Ceremony\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven thanked members of the North Dakota National Guard\u2019s (NDNG) 1-188th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment, Bravo Battery after returning from a 10-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, which is the U.S. military\u2019s operational name for the international war against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). While deployed, the battery provided integrated air defense coverage and early warning in support of a battalion task force.\n\n\u201cThe Battery\u2019s deployment to USCENTCOM helped keep our country and their fellow servicemembers safe for nearly a year,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThe National Guard represents the finest men and women in our country and the work they do each and every day to protect our nation, both in communities across our state and abroad, does not go unnoticed. We remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen and support the National Guard, including policies that help ensure Guardsmen receive the benefits and recognition they\u2019ve earned. It is an honor to welcome home these Guard members today and thank them for their service.\u201d\n\nThis was the 13th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004, making it the most deployed unit in the North Dakota National Guard. Bravo Battery is led by Captain Nicholas Kindelspire and First Sergeant Michael Travis and was responsible for ensuring early warning, detection and defeat of enemy aerial systems and projectiles. During the deployment, Bravo Battery successfully defended against 57 separate attacks from 37 one-way unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and over 110 rockets.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-education-awards-19-million-to-turtle-mountain-community-college", "U.S. Department of Education Awards $1.9 Million to Turtle Mountain Community College", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $1,922,389 to Turtle Mountain Community College for a research and development infrastructure project. Specifically, this project will improve research and development activities, including infrastructure, faculty development, and undergraduate research opportunities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-merkley-request-update-from-army-corps-on-initiating-the-western-water-cooperative-committee", "Cramer, Merkley Request Update from Army Corps on Initiating the Western Water Cooperative Committee", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022 included bipartisan language from U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chairman of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight, directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish the Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC). The purpose of the WWCC is to ensure the USACE flood control projects in western states are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws. The legislation was signed into law December 2022, and in March 2024, Congress fully funded the committee.\n\nDuring an EPW Committee hearing in February, Cramer asked Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Mike Connor for a status update on the WWCC. In his response, Connor stated, \u201cWe\u2019re teed up ready to go, but we do need the resources to implement.\u201d Less than two weeks later, Congress fully funded the WWCC, but more than half a year later, it has not been established.\n\nCramer and Merkley sent a letter today to the USACE requesting an update on the WWCC.\n\n\u201cThe Committee was created to ensure Army Corps water projects in Western states adhere to applicable state water rights and water laws,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIt also provides a critical platform of dialogue for western states to better coordinate with the Army Corps. We firmly believe the increased communication and transparency will facilitate improved collaboration. Western states across the political spectrum were advocates of this committee and are anxiously awaiting its commencement.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithin 30 days, we request an update on the implementation of the directive outlined in WRDA 2022 as well as a specific timeline for when the Committee will be formally established and conduct its first meeting,\u201d the senators concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-faa-awards-nearly-3-million-for-terminal-expansion-projects-at-north-dakota-airports", "Sen. Cramer: FAA Awards Nearly $3 Million for Terminal Expansion Projects at North Dakota Airports", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $2,950,000 to support terminal expansion projects at the following North Dakota airports:\n\n$2,000,000 to Hector International Airport for Phase 3 of a project to construct four new gates, rehabilitate holding rooms, and expand ticket and baggage handling areas. In August, the North Dakota delegation wrote a letter to DOT in support of the project.\n\n$950,000 to Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field for a new 650 square foot general aviation terminal building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.\n\n\u201cThis award is a step toward the completion of the expansion projects at Hector International Airport, giving Fargo residents and visitors coming to North Dakota a better, safer travel experience,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cEnhanced infrastructure projects like these help improve safety, increase air service capacity, and support economic growth in North Dakota.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-to-introduce-legislation-combatting-israels-persecution-at-the-united-nations", "Senators to Introduce Legislation Combatting Israel\u2019s Persecution at the United Nations", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to download audio.\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 During a United Nations (U.N.) emergency special session in May, the General Assembly adopted a resolution upgrading Palestine to a \u201cPermanent Observer State.\u201d This allows Palestine to participate in all U.N. proceedings, increasing the Palestinian Authority\u2019s ability to deny or dilute Israel\u2019s status in the organization.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in announcing their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act once the Senate and House reconvene in a few weeks.\n\nThis legislation prohibits U.S. funding to U.N. agencies which expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. In a September speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas indicated the Palestinian Authority would attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the U.N.\n\n\u201cThe United States must unequivocally support Israel\u2019s right to defend itself,\u201dsaid Cramer. \u201cIf the United Nations moves to expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel\u2019s participation in any way, it should not receive a cent from the American taxpayer. We have to stand by our strongest ally in the Middle East and really push back against these deliberate, antisemitic attempts to punish Israel for simply defending its own existence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAny attempt to alter Israel\u2019s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,\u201dsaid Ranking Member Risch. \u201cThat said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel\u2019s status will come with consequences.\u201d\n\nThe Stand with Israel Act has been endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, FDD Action, Republican Jewish Coalition, Endowment for Middle East Truth, Christians United for Israel, Heritage Action, Combat Antisemitism Movement, and Jewish Institute for National Security of America.\n\nAdditional cosponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-doe-awards-486-million-in-support-of-project-tundra", "Hoeven: DOE Awards $48.6 Million in Support of Project Tundra", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: DOE Awards $48.6 Million in Support of Project Tundra\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded more than $48.6 million in support of Project Tundra, a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) effort led by Minnkota Power Cooperative. The funding is being awarded to the DCC East Project in Grand Forks.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota has always been a leader in energy innovation and now with Project Tundra, we\u2019re leading the technology development of carbon capture and storage on a traditional coal-fired power plant,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cProject Tundra is vital to the future of our lignite industry, and will help ensure we have the reliability and affordability of coal-fired electric power today and for future generations.\u201d\n\nHoeven has worked to advance Project Tundra to provide a way forward for the state\u2019s coal-fired electric industry. Last year, Minnkota and Hoeven announced that Project Tundra had entered its final stage of development as new affiliates, including TC Energy, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kiewit, were added to build the project.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-nearly-3-million-awarded-tofargo-and-northwood-airports-for-terminal-expansions", "Hoeven: Nearly $3 Million Awarded to\u00a0Fargo & Northwood Airports for Terminal Expansions", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Nearly $3 Million Awarded to Fargo & Northwood Airports for Terminal Expansions\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding Hector International Airport and Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field nearly $3 million for terminal expansion projects.\n\nSpecifically, these grants include:\n\n$2,000,000 to Hector International Airport to construct four new gates, rehabilitate and expand holding rooms, and expand the ticket and baggage handling area. Senator Hoeven is working to fulfill the project\u2019s federal cost share, now having secured nearly $36 million for the effort to date.\n\n$950,000 to Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field for a new 650-square-foot general aviation terminal building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.\n\n\u201cThe Fargo-Moorhead and Northwood regions are rapidly growing, both in terms of population and in economic activity. That means greater demand for air service and the need for updates and added facilities at Hector International and Northwood Airports,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThis FAA funding supports both terminal expansion projects that will help to ensure North Dakotans are able to fly efficiently and safely throughout our state and country.\u201d\n\nIn August of this year Senator Hoeven led the North Dakota delegation in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting support from the Airport Terminals Program for Fargo\u2019s terminal expansion project. Full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-department-of-energy-awards-nearly-49-million-for-project-tundra-construction", "Sen. Cramer: Department of Energy Awards Nearly $49 Million for Project Tundra Construction", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to download audio.\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announced the award of nearly $49 million to DCC East Project LLC in Grand Forks to construct a large-scale geologic carbon storage facility in support of Project Tundra. The project will add full-time equivalent jobs to the already existing 360 jobs at Minnkota\u2019s Milton R. Young Station and the adjacent coal mine.\n\n\u201cProject Tundra really is the embodiment of North Dakota\u2019s energy dominance and, more importantly, innovation, and the state\u2019s commitment to lignite coal always being available, low-cost, reliable, abundant and a chosen, clean form of generating electricity,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. \u201cThis award recognizes that leadership in responsible energy development and it gets this important project one step closer to completion.\u201d\n\nThis project, funded by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) Initiative. Established in 2016, the CarbonSAFE Initiative aims to address gaps in carbon capture and storage deployment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-usda-awards-200000-to-the-rural-electric-and-telecommunications-development-center", "Sen. Cramer: USDA Awards $200,000 to the Rural Electric and Telecommunications Development Center", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced an award of $200,000 to the Rural Electric and Telecommunications Development Center, which operates under the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives and the Broadband Association of North Dakota. This investment allows the center to offer services to businesses and cooperatives such as technical assistance, financing, education, consultation, enhancing economic development and providing a higher quality of life in rural areas across North Dakota.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nddot-receives-20-million-to-improve-safety-with-freight-reliability-preservation-on-us-52-route", "NDDOT Receives $20 Million to Improve Safety with Freight Reliability, Preservation on US 52 Route", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) received a $20,000,000 award through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. This funding will help NDDOT enhance the US 52 route by adding railroad bypass lanes, improving safety, and increasing the efficiency of passenger and freight transportation across the state.\n\nSpecifically, this project will rehabilitate approximately 45 miles of existing asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden, consolidate access points at the intersection of US 52 and North Dakota Highway 3 in Harvey, and add acceleration and deceleration lanes at existing at-grade railroad crossings. It will also add turn lanes at intersections from seven miles south of Portal to Carrington.\n\n\u201cAs we say, North Dakota feeds and fuels the world, and Highway 52 is an essential artery for the flow of many of our goods getting to markets,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cThis grant will help expand this really important transportation corridor and then at the same time, improves the safety for producers and the traveling public.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-helps-secure-20-million-torehabilitate-and-preserve-highway-52", "Hoeven Helps Secure $20 Million to\u00a0Rehabilitate & Preserve Highway 52", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Helps Secure $20 Million to Rehabilitate & Preserve Highway 52\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced a $20 million award to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for the Freight Reliability and Preservation Project on US 52. Specifically, the project will restore roughly 45 miles of existing asphalt pavement from west of Drake to Fessenden, consolidate access points at the intersection of US 52 and North Dakota Highway 3 (ND 3) in Harvey, add acceleration and deceleration lanes at existing at-grade railroad crossings as well as add turn lanes at critical intersections from seven miles south of Portal to Carrington.\n\n\u201cThe funding we worked to secure will support much needed rehabilitation and enhancements for US 52,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThis major highway is essential to North Dakota and this award will help expand access with greater safety across the state.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Hoeven led the North Dakota congressional delegation in making the case for funding the project to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, stressing the benefits to freight transportation, while reducing congestion and improving safety.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-marks-completion-of-crosswind-runway-at-grand-forks-international-airport", "Hoeven Marks Completion of Crosswind Runway at Grand Forks International Airport", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Marks Completion of Crosswind Runway at Grand Forks International Airport\n\nSenator Secured More Than $50 Million for Project, Supports Reconstruction of Main Runway & Complements Construction of New Air Traffic Control Tower\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today marked the completed reconstruction and extension of the crosswind runway at Grand Forks International Airport. As a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to secure more than $50 million in federal funding for the 5-year, $70 million project, which will:\n\nEnable the airport to maintain large aircraft operations while the main runway is reconstructed.\n\nThe main runway project is expected to start in 2026 and be completed in 2028.\n\nSupport greater air traffic capacity and improved operational efficiency.\n\nGrand Forks International Airport is among the top 25 busiest airports in the nation for take-offs and landings.\n\nThis dovetails with the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower, which is set to begin in 2025.\n\nHoeven has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advance the new tower, which will be fully funded by the federal government.\n\n\u201cBetween the dynamic and growing economy in the Grand Forks region and the world-leading aviation school at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks has one of the top 25 busiest airports in the country. We clearly need airport infrastructure with the ability to meet air service demand now and into the future. That\u2019s why we worked to secure more than $50 million in federal funding for this runway project, which provides additional operational capacity and sets the stage for the future reconstruction of the main runway,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThese efforts in Grand Forks build upon our work across the state to expand our airports in line with the strong economic growth we\u2019ve supported over the past two decades.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s milestone complements Hoeven\u2019s long-term efforts to support expansions at the state\u2019s airports to accommodate population and economic growth, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. In recent years, the senator worked to advance similar efforts that were successfully completed, including at airports in Williston and Minot, and he continues supporting projects to expand airport terminals in Fargo and Dickinson.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-attends-send-off-ceremony-for-members-of-the-142nd-engineer-battalion", "Cramer Attends Send-Off Ceremony for Members of the 142nd Engineer Battalion", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for media resources.***\n\nVALLEY CITY, N.D. \u2013 The North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) held a ceremony today to send off members of the 142nd Engineer Battalion being deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas, in support of Joint Task Force North. The joint service command is tasked with supporting federal law enforcement agencies in the \u201cidentification and interdiction of suspected criminal activities conducted within and along the approaches to the continental United States.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, participated in the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the members of the unit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-honors-members-of-142ndengineer-battalion-at-send-off-ceremony", "Hoeven Honors Members of 142Nd\u00a0Engineer Battalion At Send-Off Ceremony", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Honors Members of 142Nd Engineer Battalion At Send-Off Ceremony\n\nVALLEY CITY, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today paid tribute to members of the North Dakota National Guard\u2019s (NDNG) 142nd Engineer Battalion who are deploying for a year-long mission to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the southern border. The unit\u2019s deployment follows the deployments of the 957 Engineer Company, the 1-112 Aviation Regiment and the 817th Engineer Company to the southern border.\n\n\u201cThe National Guard represents the finest men and women in our country. Their work each day to protect our nation, both at home and abroad, does not go unnoticed,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cI\u2019ve seen firsthand the work of our Guard at the southern border and they have provided invaluable service during this immigration crisis. I\u2019m confident the 142nd Engineer Battalion will continue to provide this valuable support. Their assistance to CBP will help better address the crisis at our southern border, including by helping to fight back against human and drug trafficking. We need to secure the border, because border security is national security.\u201d\n\nThe 142nd Engineer Battalion is the fourth NDNG unit to deploy to the southern border in the last several years. Hoeven previously met with NDNG members in El Paso, Texas as well as Del Rio and Eagle Pass, Texas to draw attention to the crisis at the southern border and highlight NDNG missions in support of CBP operations.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-advance-18-billion-safety-modification-project-for-garrison-dam-spillway", "Hoeven Working to Advance $1.8 Billion Safety Modification Project for Garrison Dam Spillway", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Working to Advance $1.8 Billion Safety Modification Project for Garrison Dam Spillway\n\nSenator Secured Funding for Project Design to Address Safety Concerns Highlighted by 2011 Flood; Construction to Start in 2029\n\nGARRISON, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven and officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today reviewed the $1.8 billion spillway safety project that\u2019s being undertaken at Garrison Dam. The modifications:\n\nWill ensure the integrity of the Garrison Dam, which is the largest mainstream dam on the Missouri River, with Lake Sakakawea currently being the largest reservoir operated by the Army Corps by volume.\n\nAre needed to protect against multiple long-term issues that could result in uncontrolled releases from the dam, posing a significant risk to the downstream area.\n\nThese potential safety concerns were brought to light due to record flows that occurred during the 2011 flood.\n\nA subsequent study recommended the full replacement of the spillway\u2019s drainage system, a reinforced concrete overlay in the spillway chute and various other safety-related modifications\n\nAre currently undergoing Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED), which began in 2023 utilizing funding Hoeven secured as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee.\n\nThe PED phase will involve six years of field investigations to inform the design, with construction expected to start in 2029.\n\nHoeven has provided nearly $13 million for the project\u2019s design phase to date, and included $32 million in additional PED funding in the Senate\u2019s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations legislation.\n\n\u201cThe Garrison Dam, along with the Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon reservoirs, are critical infrastructure for our state, helping ensure a reliable water supply for communities and agriculture, while supporting recreation and tourism. At the same time, a key function of the dam is to control Missouri River water levels, providing certainty to the region and protecting against the risk of flooding,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThe historic water flows during the 2011 flood revealed that the spillway needs modifications to ensure the dam\u2019s long-term integrity. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve been working to fund the pre-construction and design phase of this project to address these potential safety concerns as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-hosts-anduril-founder-palmer-luckey-at-2024-uas-summit-receives-uas-sky-pioneer-award", "Cramer Hosts Anduril Founder Palmer Luckey at 2024 UAS Summit, Receives UAS Sky Pioneer Award", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download media resources. ***\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 The 18th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo takes place this week in Grand Forks, with hundreds of UAS industry leaders and policymakers from across the country gathering in North Dakota.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), attended this year\u2019s summit with entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries, a global defense technology company with the mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. The Pentagon recently awarded Anduril a $250 million contract to counter drone attacks against U.S. forces.\n\nIn addition to attending the summit, Cramer was presented with the UAS Sky Pioneer Award, recognizing his commitment to UAS development, research, and deployment in North Dakota and across the nation.\n\n\u201cWhat's inspirational about Palmer Luckey is not just his story of accomplishment, but how he got there,\u201d said Cramer.\u201cI just learned he still has the family farm in Minnesota, which explains a lot about his pioneering spirit. Palmer is also inspirational because he could have taken all of his brain power, all that talent, and charming personality and applied it to a lot of things that could make him wealthy. But he chose, as a patriotic American, to invest in national defense by rebooting our arsenal of democracy. I\u2019m honored to attend this year\u2019s summit with my friend, a true pioneer, Palmer Luckey.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are transforming modern conflict,\u201d said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril Industries. \u201cTransforming the way we fight requires an approach to capability development and adoption that is more closely aligned with the commercial market than the traditional defense industrial base. I am honored to join Senator Cramer at this year\u2019s UAS Summit and Expo, and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with UND faculty and students who continue to drive progress in this critical field.\u201d\n\nCramer introduced Luckey for a fireside chat, where they discussed how policymakers can break through tradition to unleash the potential of private sector and startups like Anduril while encouraging the government to match the speed of business.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-luckey-meet-with-und-students-and-faculty", "Cramer, Luckey Meet with UND Students and Faculty", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download media resources.***\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Following today\u2019s fireside chat at the 18th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and defense entrepreneur and founder of Anduril Industries, Palmer Luckey, participated in a townhall with students at the University of North Dakota (UND). The discussion focused on the topic of how small, nimble defense companies like Anduril are \u201crebooting the arsenal of democracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I appreciate smart investment,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThis is why I love Palmer Luckey. I brought him to the University of North Dakota because we need innovators who can match the speed of China, doing it cost-effectively and at a scale that can win wars. This is where the opportunity rests in our challenge, how do we unleash the innovators? I enjoyed visiting with UND students and faculty to emphasize the importance of spurring real investment in our capabilities, while fostering a culture of innovation and ingenuity.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are transforming modern conflict,\u201d said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril Industries. \u201cTransforming the way we fight requires an approach to capability development and adoption that is more closely aligned with the commercial market than the traditional defense industrial base. I am honored to join Senator Cramer at this year\u2019s UAS Summit and Expo, and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with UND faculty and students who continue to drive progress in this critical field.\u201d\n\nThe pair then met with UND President Dr. Andrew Armacost and faculty to discuss what companies like Anduril look for in recent college graduates and ways UND can foster an environment of student innovation. Additionally, they emphasized ways to support creativity by shaking up the status quo of traditional educational design.\n\nBefore the townhall, Cramer and Luckey spoke at the UAS Summit, where they highlighted how policymakers can break through tradition to unleash the potential of private sector and startups like Anduril while encouraging the government to match the speed of business. The defense missions in North Dakota play a pivotal role in strengthening national security and maintaining the United States\u2019 nuclear deterrence capabilities. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cramer has brought several national defense and industry leaders to experience the innovative defense ecosystem in Grand Forks such as Director of the Space Development Agency Derek Tournear and E-Space Founder and CEO Greg Wyler.\n\nCramer has been working to attract several new missions to Grand Forks, including a temporary relocation of B-1 Bombers at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), as well as counter UAS test missions. He has also advocated for the GFAFB to receive a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) mission in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-visits-us-forces-at-souda-bay-naval-base-reviews-uss-cole-defense-operations-in-support-of-israel", "Hoeven Visits U.S. Forces at Souda Bay Naval Base; Reviews USS Cole, Defense Operations in Support of Israel", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Visits U.S. Forces at Souda Bay Naval Base; Reviews USS Cole, Defense Operations in Support of Israel\n\nSenator Travels to Central Europe on National Security Mission\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, visited U.S. forces aboard the USS Cole, a U.S. guided missile destroyer stationed at U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay in the Mediterranean. Souda Bay is one of the only bases in the region the U.S. has access to that is large enough to accommodate aircraft carriers, providing a major military location for staging both U.S. air and naval support for Israel. The USS Cole, which was bombed in 2000 during a terrorist attack that killed 17 U.S. sailors, had just arrived to take on fuel and resupply its munitions after operating in the Red Sea against Houthi drone attacks and shooting down missiles in the recent attack on Israel by Iran. The USS Cole is currently stationed at Souda Bay Naval Base, proving the vital importance of this base to operations in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cThe men and women of the U.S. military are doing an incredible job helping to defend Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. We were able to go aboard ship and meet with the captain and crew of the USS Cole. It is truly fitting that after having been attacked by terrorists in 2000, causing great damage to the ship and taking the lives of 17 brave Americans, the Cole is now in the fight, helping take out terrorists and supporting our vital ally, Israel,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cIt was beyond inspiring to meet these incredible men and women, and thank them for their great service as they were taking on fuel and weapons to return to the fight.\u201d\n\nWhile there, Hoeven also met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the sale of F-35 aircraft to Greece, an increasingly strong ally, and also cooperation on LNG facilities to bring more U.S. natural gas to Europe. Hoeven traveled to the region with a senior delegation of U.S. Senators who work with defense appropriations and foreign intelligence. They met with government officials, civic leaders and U.S. military personnel to provide support and gain more information on U.S. efforts to aid both Ukraine and Israel. Their itinerary also included the Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany.\n\n\u201cIn our efforts to aid Ukraine and stop Russian aggression, it is important that we work closely with NATO and fully understand what our allies are doing. That means using the military aid we are providing as effectively as possible, and insuring our allies do their part as well. We also need to understand that Russia is using energy as a weapon, not only to fund its war machine but also to weaken NATO resistance,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\n\u201cFor example, the Czech Republic is cooperating closely with the U.S. in its military support of Ukraine and has completely weaned itself off of Russian oil and gas. On the other hand, Hungary needs to do more to support Ukraine, and oppose both the Russian war effort and Chinese support for it. Also Hungary is continuing its dependence on Russian energy and even increasing it,\u201d Hoeven continued.\n\nAt U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany the delegation met with General Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander, and his staff to review operations in North Africa and the Red Sea region.\n\nIn addition to Hoeven, the delegation included Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator John Boozman of Arkansas.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoevennew-minot-north-high-schoolwill-help-provide-important-opportunities-for-students", "Hoeven:\u00a0New Minot North High School\u00a0Will Help Provide Important Opportunities for Students", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: New Minot North High School Will Help Provide Important Opportunities for Students\n\nMINOT, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven today joined community and school leaders at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly opened Minot North High School. Minot North High School opened for classes on August 21, 2024, and is part of a larger reconfiguration of Minot Public Schools. The senator previously helped break ground on the new school and commended city and school officials on their efforts to meet the needs of Minot\u2019s students.\n\n\u201cA quality education is the great equalizer, helping ensure young people have the skills they need to compete in the economy of the future and live a fulfilling life,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cNot only does this new high school double the square footage of Minot High, it will also help double participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, meaning that more students will get opportunities to participate and learn. Congratulations to Superintendent Faul, former Superintendent Vollmer, Principal Johnson, and the community as a whole, who all worked together to make today\u2019s achievement possible.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the Senate, Hoeven has worked to provide resources to help prepare students for careers in industries that will be critical to the future of the state and nation\u2019s economy. To this end, the senator is working to expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, including by:\n\nSupporting the Student Support and Academic Enrichment program, which can be used by school districts to build greater capacity for STEM education.\n\nCosponsoring and helping pass legislation to expand the National Science Foundation\u2019s STEM education initiatives for young children, including establishing new research grants to increase the participation of girls in computer science.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-leads-bicameral-amicus-brief-to-overturn-fhwas-unlawful-emissions-rule", "Cramer Leads Bicameral Amicus Brief to Overturn FHWA\u2019s Unlawful Emissions Rule", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 In November 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led a bipartisan Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in April 53 to 47, reiterating Congress\u2019 opposition to FHWA\u2019s overreach. In a speech on the Senate floor, Cramercommitted to leading an amicus brief in support of overturning the rule in court.\n\nShortly after the rule was finalized, 21 state attorneys general, including North Dakota, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court found the Biden administration rule to be illegal, but FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and it remains under further consideration.\n\nCramer and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, led their colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus brief requesting the Appeals Court uphold the District Court decision from April, vacating the rule.\n\nThe brief argues Congress debated and rejected granting FHWA the authority to issue GHG performance measure rules and the FHWA then intentionally misconstrued Congressional intent to justify its improper exercise of authority. It also argues the rulemaking is not consistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back Executive Branch overreach, and FHWA is bypassing principles of federalism to further its own policy agenda.\n\n\u201cCongress considered, and ultimately rejected, providing [FHWA] with the authority to issue a GHG performance measure regulation, but [FHWA] contorted ancillary existing authorities to impose one anyway,\u201d the members argued. \u201cIn doing so, [FHWA] impermissibly usurped the Legislative Branch\u2019s authority and promulgated the GHG performance measure without statutory authority delegated by Congress.\n\n\u201cPut simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act,\u201d continued the members.\n\nAdditional cosigners of the amicus brief include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO-6), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Rick Crawford (R-AR-1), Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee.\n\nClick here for the amicus brief.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-faa-northern-plains-uas-test-site-reach-agreement-to-share-unfiltered-radar-data-feed", "Hoeven: FAA, Northern Plains UAS Test Site Reach Agreement to Share Unfiltered Radar Data Feed", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: FAA, Northern Plains UAS Test Site Reach Agreement to Share Unfiltered Radar Data Feed\n\nSenator Worked to Advance New Capability Supporting North Dakota as Most Advanced UAS Ecosystem in The Nation, Strengthens NAS Integration & Counter-UAS Development\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 At the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit today, Senator John Hoeven announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Northern Plains UAS Test Site have reached agreement to share the FAA\u2019s unfiltered radar data feed to support UAS integration efforts. North Dakota\u2019s test site will be the first in the nation to receive this capability, which will:\n\nMaintain the state\u2019s position as the most advanced UAS ecosystem in the nation.\n\nStrengthen the test site\u2019s detect-and-avoid capabilities, which allows unmanned aircraft operating under the test site to safely fly where other state\u2019s test sites could not.\n\nEmpower the test site to detect malicious or unlawful UAS traffic, helping make North Dakota the premiere location for counter-UAS technology development.\n\nCountering threats from the misuse of unmanned aircraft is a critical Department of Defense (DoD) priority.\n\nThis issue was at the heart of Hoeven\u2019s recent discussions with Air Combat Command (ACC) Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown.\n\nAccordingly, Hoeven is advancing Project ULTRA as the funding vehicle to support counter-UAS development. Hoeven worked to establish the initial contract valued at up to $18.25 million for efforts like this, and the project is eligible for additional funding in subsequent years.\n\nHoeven is working with additional federal agencies, including the DoD and the Department of Justice (DOJ), to secure their approval of the agreement as soon as possible.\n\nCurrently, FAA radars collect more data than can be shared outside of federal government agencies, due to technical challenges and security concerns. By working to unlock this capability for North Dakota, the state will be positioned to continue leading the future of unmanned aviation research, development and operations. Hoeven\u2019s two guests at the UAS Summit are leading these important priorities:\n\nFAA Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson, a key figure in FAA\u2019s efforts to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace (NAS).\n\nGen. David Stewart, Director of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office (JCO), who is leading the DoD\u2019s efforts to protect against the misuse of drone technology.\n\n\u201cThis agreement between the FAA and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to share unfiltered radar data adds a new tool to our vast toolkit in North Dakota, ensuring we remain the most advanced UAS ecosystem in the country,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWe\u2019ve worked for nearly two decades to build up our state\u2019s talent, infrastructure and legal authorizations to make North Dakota the premiere location for all aspects of the UAS industry. As a result, our test site has more firsts and more partnerships than any other test site. Between this new capability and Project ULTRA, which will help fund many of the upcoming efforts, including counter-UAS development, we are positioned to continue leading the pack.\u201d\n\nAdvancing Project ULTRA\n\nHoeven worked to establish and fund Project ULTRA to advance the development of practical UAS applications like supply delivery, base inspections and installation security, benefitting Grand Forks Air Force Base and military installations across the country. The senator recently announced that the DoD has tasked Project ULTRA with conducting demonstration flights using unmanned aircraft to move cargo between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station.\n\nEnhancing Counter-UAS Capabilities\n\nHoeven stressed how initiatives like Project ULTRA can be utilized to strengthen the nation\u2019s counter-UAS capabilities. Currently, threats such as drone swarm attacks against Israel and Ukraine, as well as UAS incursions into airspace near U.S. military bases, require significantly more expensive counter measures from the U.S. and its allies. This comes in addition to legislation Hoeven helped introduce and pass to support the development of counter-UAS technology and protect important facilities from potential misuse of unmanned aircraft. Hoeven is now sponsoring a bill to renew and expand upon the authorities created under this law.\n\nStrengthening ND\u2019s Missions\n\nFollowing the fireside chat, Hoeven introduced a video from Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, who the senator has invited to the state to see its UAS ecosystem firsthand. Hoeven, who serves as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, has been working with LaPlante to advance the range of missions in North Dakota, from nuclear missions in Minot to the unmanned missions in the Red River Valley. LaPlante\u2019s remarks reinforced the discussion between Hoeven, Thomson and Stewart, further driving home the importance of UAS and counter-UAS to future DoD operations.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-honors-october-7-victims-reaffirms-unwavering-support-for-israel", "Cramer Honors October 7 Victims, Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 A year ago today, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists launched a heinous attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 individuals and taking 251 hostages, in addition to launching thousands of rockets toward Israel. One year later, 97 hostages still remain unaccounted for, including seven Americans.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and every Republican Senator in introducing a resolution to condemn the brutal assault that occurred on October 7, 2023. The resolution reiterates support to \u201censure the forever survival of Israel; destroy the ability of Hamas to reconstitute any leadership role in the region; and safely release and return all United States hostages.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs hard as it is to believe, it was one year ago today that Hamas launched an attack with the sole purpose of eradicating Israel, kidnapping and slaughtering thousands of Israeli citizens and dozens of Americans in the process,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cDespite the reckless language of the left, we stand in support of Israel, unequivocally, our friend and our close ally. The United States must do everything we can to champion the continued existence and flourishing of Israel, and deny Hamas the opportunity to rebuild itself.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-issues-statement-on-historic-devastating-wildfires-in-western-north-dakota", "Cramer Issues Statement on Historic, Devastating Wildfires in Western North Dakota", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Over the weekend, several large wildfires in western North Dakota damaged property and communities, resulting in a death and an individual with serious injuries. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum declared a statewide fire emergency on Oct. 3 to implement the necessary response and recovery actions.\n\n\u201cKris and I are praying for the families and communities affected by this devastating wildfire situation in western North Dakota,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the quick action of the North Dakota National Guard and our firefighters, first responders, and emergency managers who are working to ensure the safety of North Dakotans, their homes, and their property. My office is coordinating with state and federal officials and is ready to help with recovery efforts.\u201d\n\nOn Monday, Cramer spoke with the North Dakota National Guard\u2019s (NDNG) adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, about several Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs to provide financial assistance for North Dakotans affected by the fires. FEMA Region 8 plays a crucial role in assisting North Dakota with cost-sharing measures to offset the state's financial burden.\n\nFEMA authorized the use of federal Fire Management Assistance Grants on Sunday to assist with costs associated with firefighting for the Bear Den Fire and the Elk Horn Fire. When the funds were authorized, the Bear Den Fire was threatening 100 primary and 500 other structures near Mandaree. The Elk Horn Fire was threatening 20 primary homes near Watford City in addition to buildings, infrastructure, utilities, equipment and oil infrastructure.\n\nThe NDNG, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and the North Dakota Forest Service have mobilized resources to maintain high readiness levels of fire-related resources and capabilities. As local, state, tribal, and federal fire response efforts persevere through this historic fire situation, the State Emergency Operations Center is running 24-hour operations.\n\nSafety Information from the Office of the Governor:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-ernst-and-senate-republicans-condemn-iran-backed-hamas_stand-with-israel-marking-1-year-since-the-october-7th-terrorist-attacks", "Hoeven, Ernst & Senate Republicans Condemn Iran-Backed Hamas & Stand With Israel, Marking 1 Year Since the October 7th Terrorist Attacks", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven, Ernst & Senate Republicans Condemn Iran-Backed Hamas & Stand With Israel, Marking 1 Year Since the October 7th Terrorist Attacks\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and all 47 of their Republican colleagues introducing a resolution that fully condemns Iran-backed Hamas for its actions, supporting the forever survival of Israel, and calling for the safe release of American hostages. This resolution marks one year since the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.\n\n\u201cOn the one-year anniversary of the attacks on Israel, we remain committed to standing with Israel in its efforts to fully defeat Hamas and stand up to its terrorist adversaries throughout the region. Israel is our strongest partner in the Middle East and this resolution reaffirms our support for this important ally,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\n\u201cThis time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cI immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation\u2019s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington, or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its \u2018ironclad\u2019 commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\nThe entire Senate Republican Conference stands united in opposing violent antisemitic protests and Iran-backed Hamas\u2019 use of rape as a weapon of war. They also reiterate Israel\u2019s right to defend itself and emphasize the importance of denying Hamas the ability to reconstitute in the region to ensure the horrific events of that day are never repeated.\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-led-working-group-announces-community-plan-to-build-veterans-memorial-center-at-fnc", "Hoeven-Led Working Group Announces Community Plan to Build Veterans Memorial Center at FNC", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven-Led Working Group Announces Community Plan to Build Veterans Memorial Center at FNC\n\nAfter Securing Veterans Cemetery Expansion, Senator Coordinating Efforts to Secure VA Approval of FM Honor Guard Proffer, Utilizing Impact Foundation for Financial Oversight\n\nFARGO, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, joined by the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis and FMWF Executive Director Shannon Full, today announced a community plan to develop a Veterans Memorial Center at Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). This follows Hoeven\u2019s efforts as a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee to secure an expansion and enhancements for FNC, with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) having purchased land to expand the cemetery\u2019s footprint from 5 to 35 acres. The expansion comes with significant investment by the VA, both in developing a new master plan for adding infrastructure to the land, as well as ongoing operations, staffing and maintenance.\n\nHoeven has since been working to coordinate efforts among veterans groups, local stakeholders and the VA to build a facility at the FNC that incorporates local input and adequately addresses the needs of veterans, their families and volunteers. As a result:\n\nStakeholders from the region have formed a working group to support the development effort, consisting of Senator Hoeven\u2019s office, the mayors of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo and the executive director of the FMWF Chamber.\n\nThe Hoeven-led group is working with the VA to vet and officially name the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard as the 501(c)(3) responsible for building the Veterans Memorial Center.\n\nHoeven advanced this option with the VA to save the project time and cost, using a process wherein a local nonprofit may develop and donate a commemorative work, such as a visitor\u2019s center, to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).\n\nHoeven continues working to ensure the VA follows through on its commitment to support this project moving forward, having raised this priority in a Senate committee hearing with VA Secretary Denis McDonough.\n\nThe Honor Guard will utilize the Impact Foundation to provide financial oversight of the project.\n\nThe Honor Guard has prepared a proffer to submit to the VA for review, in collaboration with Hoeven\u2019s working group.\n\nThe working group will continue its efforts to communicate with the public and ensure local support for the project.\n\n\u201cSince the time of its establishment, we have worked to bring enhanced facilities to the Fargo National Cemetery that properly honor our veterans and their families, while supporting the efforts of volunteers. Now, we have a solid community plan in place and the buy-in of the essential stakeholders, and we\u2019re bringing that plan to the VA,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cWith the partnership of our working group with the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard and the Impact Foundation, we are positioned to secure VA approval for this project, which will be built and donated by the Honor Guard. But our work isn\u2019t done, and we will continue to coordinate efforts to deliver the kind of facility that our veterans have earned.\u201d\n\nUnder the proffer developed by the working group and the Honor Guard, the approximately $3.7 million Veterans Memorial Center will include the following amenities:\n\nGathering area to be used by family and friends of the deceased veteran prior to or following the interment.\n\nGallery to showcase the lives and service of our veterans.\n\nOffices for VA staff.\n\nBreakroom for the Honor Guard members.\n\nIndoor restrooms.\n\nGarage to accommodate a hearse.\n\nParking lot.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-north-dakota-wildfires", "Hoeven Statement on North Dakota Wildfires", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Statement on North Dakota Wildfires\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement regarding the large wildfires in western North Dakota that have killed one individual, seriously injured another, and damaged property throughout western North Dakota.\n\n\u201cWe are praying for all those impacted by severe wildfires in western North Dakota, and are grateful to the brave firefighters, Guard members and emergency responders that are working to control and stop these devastating fires,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cWe will work to ensure that the federal government is coordinating with state and local officials to assist the impacted communities.\u201d\n\nOn Sunday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal Fire Management Assistance Grants to assist with costs related to the Bear Den Fire and Elk Horn Fire.\n\nFarmers and ranchers with losses should contact their local Farm Service Agency county office for assistance. Additionally, ranchers in need of feed can access the North Dakota Department of Agriculture\u2019s Hay Hotline at 701-328-5110 or https://www.ndda.nd.gov/hay-hotline-rancher-relief.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-und-submits-application-to-enhanced-atc-training-program-plans-to-begin-program-in-spring-2025-semester", "Hoeven: UND Submits Application to Enhanced ATC Training Program, Plans to Begin Program in Spring 2025 Semester", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: UND Submits Application to Enhanced ATC Training Program, Plans to Begin Program in Spring 2025 Semester\n\nSenator Working to Establish UND as Leader in New Initiative, Coordinate with FAA on Site Visit to Ensure Timely Program Implementation\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the University of North Dakota (UND) submitted its application to the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Hoeven has been working to secure the aviation school\u2019s role in the new program, part of his broader efforts to address the air traffic controller (ATC) shortage. Specifically, this effort will allow UND\u2019s ATC program graduates to move directly into the workforce rather than attending the FAA\u2019s ATC Academy in Oklahoma:\n\nThis builds upon UND\u2019s current role as an AT-CTI program, which allows graduates to skip the first five weeks of initial qualification training at the FAA Academy.\n\nUnder the enhanced program, UND will offer the same curriculum provided by the FAA Academy, making graduates immediately eligible for hire and to begin localized training at an air traffic facility.\n\nGraduates will still be required to pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) exam and meet medical and security requirements.\n\nUND is aiming to start the Enhanced AT-CTI program in the spring 2025 semester, being one of the first schools in the nation to offer this opportunity to students.\n\nTo advance UND\u2019s application, Hoeven made the case to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker for UND to lead the way in this initiative.\n\nThe senator stressed the university\u2019s position as a world leader in aviation research, education and training.\n\nThis comes in addition to measures Hoeven worked to include in the FAA Reauthorization Bill passed by Congress earlier this year to improve ATC hiring and retention.\n\nWith the application submitted, the FAA will begin the review process, which includes a site visit in Grand Forks in the coming months.\n\nThe site visit will involve an inspection of UND\u2019s classes, curriculum, equipment and other aspects essential to the Enhanced AT-CTI program.\n\nHoeven\u2019s office continues working with the FAA to coordinate these next steps in the application process.\n\n\u201cAir traffic controllers are an essential part of our nation\u2019s ability to provide safe, timely air service, and the ongoing labor shortages in this area constrain the operations of airports across the country. The good news is that we have a world-class aviation school at UND, which is primed and ready to tackle this demand for a qualified ATC workforce. As an existing AT-CTI school, UND is well-positioned to move into this new enhanced training initiative, which is a great opportunity for its students to get into the workforce more quickly, bypassing the need to go the ATC Academy in Oklahoma,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019ve been working to secure UND\u2019s leadership in this program, having raised this priority with both the Transportation Secretary and the FAA Administrator. With the school\u2019s application now submitted to the FAA, we continue our efforts to move this process forward, and ensure the site visit and all required steps are successfully completed in time to begin this program at UND in 2025.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are looking forward to working with the FAA in getting our program approved and graduating Enhanced AT-CTI students to help alleviate the controller shortage,\u201d said Craig Carlson, Associate Professor of Aviation, who has been leading the application efforts at UND. \u201cWe appreciate Senator Hoeven and his team for working with us to make this opportunity a reality, which leverages UND\u2019s expertise in aviation to provide a great career opportunity to North Dakota students, while addressing a critical national need.\u201d\n\nAddressing the ATC Shortage\n\nThe FAA reauthorization bill includes legislation Hoeven cosponsored that requires the FAA to use a more accurate staffing model developed by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the FAA\u2019s Air Traffic Organization. The bill also sets an updated minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/two-cramer-bills-addressing-alzheimers-disease-signed-into-law", "Two Cramer Bills Addressing Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Signed into Law", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Two critical pieces of legislation in the fight to end Alzheimer\u2019s disease were signed into law this week. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) cosponsored both pieces of legislation, the National Alzheimer's Project (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer\u2019s Accountability and Investment Act. These bills are meaningful advancements in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\n\nThe Alzheimer\u2019s Accountability and Investment Act requires the National Institutes of Health to annually submit an estimate of its budget and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives and essential research pursuant to the National Alzheimer's Project. The NAPA Reauthorization Act extends the National Alzheimer\u2019s Project to 2035. The project was first authorized in 2011 and supports coordination of federal planning, programs, and research to support efforts addressing Alzheimer's disease and dementia such as healthy aging and cognitive decline.\n\n\u201cLike many others, Alzheimer\u2019s has a personal connection to me and my family,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cI am committed to doing everything I can to support those that are affected by the disease while at the same time, working toward treatments that work and ultimately, a cure. I believe we can get there. There\u2019s a lot to be done, but I am heartened by the progress of these bills that are being signed into law.\u201d\n\nCramer has worked to support the community of people who experience Alzheimer\u2019s disease including their families, loved ones, and medical care teams. In September, he participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Bismarck and visited the Bismarck Memory Cafe.\n\nCramer joined U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in cosponsoring the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer\u2019s Act to direct the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test an innovative payment and delivery system tailored for dementia care management. Additionally, Cramer joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the CMS requirement for Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) for monoclonal antibodies drugs designated for the treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s. The letter encouraged CMS to take steps to remove these requirements for FDA-approved treatments to ensure reasonable access for Alzheimer\u2019s patients outside of a clinical trial.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/letter-to-doj-highlights-concerns-over-non-citizens-participating-in-federal-elections", "Letter to DOJ Highlights Concerns Over Non-Citizens Participating in Federal Elections", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 As concerns grow over non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections, reports in Virginia and Texas claim thousands of non-citizens were found on voter rolls. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in a bicameral letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking for stricter enforcement of federal laws prohibiting non-citizens from registering to vote or voting in federal elections.\n\nThe letter reiterates a previous request for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide details on enforcement actions taken since January 2021, including statistics on prosecutions and referrals related to non-citizen voting. It also demands accountability and immediate action to protect public confidence in the electoral process.\n\n\u201cGiven that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 36 days, your Department\u2019s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cClearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans\u2019 trust and confidence in election results.\u201d\n\nThroughout his time in the Senate, Cramer has advocated for policies to restore the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and electoral process. He was the first original cosponsor of U.S. Senator Mike Lee\u2019s (R-UT) Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Cramer also cosponsored Hagerty\u2019s Equal Representation Act, which prohibits the counting of non-citizens in congressional and Electoral College apportionment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoevenhagerty-call-on-doj-to-enforce-laws-preventing-illegal-immigrants-from-voting-in-us-elections", "Hoeven,\u00a0Hagerty Call on DOJ to Enforce Laws Preventing Illegal Immigrants from Voting in U.S. Elections", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven, Hagerty Call on DOJ to Enforce Laws Preventing Illegal Immigrants from Voting in U.S. Elections\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2014 Senator John Hoeven joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) in sending a bicameral letter criticizing U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) failure to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections or prosecute those who have done so. This letter comes from growing concerns over non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections, as reports in Virginia and Texas claim thousands of non-citizens were found on voter rolls.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cAs of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department\u2019s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.\u201d\n\nSenators joining Hoeven and Hagerty in sending the letter include Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Scott (R-SC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dod-awards-contract-for-construction-of-emergency-fuel-storage-facility-at-cavalier-space-force-station", "DOD Awards Contract for Construction of Emergency Fuel Storage Facility at Cavalier Space Force Station", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded a $19,129,000 contract to HCPA-GARCO for the construction of an Emergency Power Plant-Fuel Storage facility at Cavalier Space Force Station. The work is expected to be completed by December 9, 2026, and will be performed in Cavalier. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District is the contracting activity.\n\nLocated in eastern North Dakota, Cavalier Space Force Station is home to the 10th Space Warning Squadron. The unit operates and maintains the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS), a phased-array radar system which tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects. It allows Cavalier Space Force Station to provide critical missile warning and space surveillance data to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), United States Space Command, and combatant commanders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-usda-rural-development-awards-more-than-9-million-to-north-dakota-forinfrastructure-projects", "Sen. Cramer: USDA Rural Development Awards More Than $9 Million to North Dakota for\r\nInfrastructure Projects", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced an investment of $9,685,000 for the following infrastructure projects across North Dakota:\n\n$4,446,000 loan to Cavalier Rural Electrical Cooperative to support a project to build and improve 37 miles of line connecting 85 consumers.\n\n$1,885,000 loan and $1,202,000 grant to the City of New Salem to replace and upsize the aged cast-iron main and sanitary sewer pipe.\n\n$780,000 loan and $620,000 grant to the City of Buffalo to install a new 6\u201d PVC force main from the city\u2019s lift station to the lagoons.\n\n$432,000 loan and $320,000 grant to the City of Mayville to replace approximately 12 blocks of asbestos cement pipe on the water distribution system, install seven fire hydrants, and repair or replace 15 gate valves throughout the city.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cramer-fetterman-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-va-burial-benefits", "Senators Cramer, Fetterman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand VA Burial Benefits", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Under existing law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may only provide burial markers or headstones for spouses and dependent children who died after Nov. 11, 1998, and before Oct. 1, 2025. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act to eliminate this restriction and permanently authorize the VA to provide memorial headstones or markers for veterans, their spouses, and dependents.\n\nThe legislation was named in honor of Dennis \u201cDenny\u201d Krisfalusy, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Dennis and his wife, Lois Krisfalusy, tragically died during an earthquake in Mexico City in 1985, with neither of their remains recovered. While Dennis received a memorial headstone at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Lois was ineligible to have her name added under current VA regulations due to an arbitrary date restriction.\n\n\u201cThe spouses and families of our men and women in uniform serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones, and Congress should ensure they can stay together in their final resting place,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cAn arbitrary, outdated restriction prohibits the VA from providing a memorial headstone or marker for military spouses and dependents if they passed away before 1998. Our bipartisan legislation removes this hurdle, giving families much-needed closure.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans and their families have sacrificed so much, and they deserve to be honored together without arbitrary barriers in the way,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cDennis and Lois Krisfalusy\u2019s story of loss and frustration is just one example of the families impacted by this policy. By fixing this injustice, we\u2019re ensuring that families like theirs can be laid to rest together and memorialized with dignity.\u201d\n\nThe Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). A companion measure was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA-13), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), and G.T. Thompson (R-PA-15).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-awards-more-than-19-million-for-construction-at-cavalier-space-force-station", "Hoeven: Army Awards More Than $19 Million for Construction at Cavalier Space Force Station", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: Army Awards More Than $19 Million for Construction at Cavalier Space Force Station\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of the Army has awarded a contract for $19,129,000 to construct an emergency power plant fuel storage facility at the Cavalier Space Force Station. The project will construct a 360,000-gallon fuel storage farm to operate emergency power for Cavalier\u2019s Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS).\n\n\u201cNorth Dakota is playing an important role in our nation\u2019s space operations,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cThis funding will help to construct an emergency power plant fuel storage farm, which is important in ensuring the operation of Cavalier\u2019s PARCS, which detects missile threats and monitors satellites and other space objects.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-b-1-bomber-visits-grand-forks-in-preparation-for-upcoming-move", "Hoeven: B-1 Bomber Visits Grand Forks In Preparation for Upcoming Move", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: B-1 Bomber Visits Grand Forks In Preparation for Upcoming Move\n\nGRAND FORKS, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after a B-1B Lancer bomber visited Grand Forks Air Force Base in preparation for the upcoming move of the aircraft and related personnel from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Grand Forks Air Force Base is set to begin housing 17 of the aircraft starting next year, and this week\u2019s visit was made to test the base\u2019s fueling systems and facilities to ensure the bomb wing can be adequately accommodated during the temporary relocation.\n\nHoeven serves as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, through which he has worked to fund and advance the relocation effort, having made the case for Grand Forks to serve in this role to the head of the Air Force Global Strike Command General Thomas Bussiere and Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. This comes as part of the senator\u2019s long-term efforts to strengthen North Dakota\u2019s role in the nation\u2019s defense, including the unmanned missions in Grand Forks and Fargo and the nuclear missions in Minot.\n\n\u201cThis week\u2019s visit of the B-1B aircraft to Grand Forks is an important step as the Air Force prepares to temporarily move the bomb wing,\u201d said Hoeven. \u201cGrand Forks Air Force Base has the capacity needed to house this and the wide variety of other missions we\u2019ve worked to bring to this region due to our decades-long effort to invest in the base\u2019s facilities, build up our expertise in aviation and unmanned aerial systems in the region and establish the one-of-a-kind Grand Sky business and technology park. Such efforts have enabled us to expand North Dakota\u2019s role in our national defense, whether on the ground, in the air or up into space.\u201d\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-issues-statement-on-iranian-missile-attack-against-israel", "Cramer Issues Statement on Iranian Missile Attack Against Israel", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2014 Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against Israel today. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the attack:\n\n\u201cAs we consider an appropriate response to the attacks on Israel, we must remember the complete destruction of Israel and the United States is the goal of Iran\u2019s leaders and proxies,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cAs our strongest ally in the Middle East and perhaps in the world, there can never be any doubt by them or Iran, the United States will stand with and fight with our historic friend if necessary. The only ceasefire the United States should be calling for is a complete defeat of Iran and its proxies.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-after-irans-missile-attack-against-israel", "Hoeven Statement After Iran\u2019s Missile Attack Against Israel", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven Statement After Iran\u2019s Missile Attack Against Israel\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after Iran launched a large-scale missile attack against Israel:\n\n\u201cWe stand with Israel as they defend themselves against this attack by Iran. Iran is a threat not only to the security of the region, but the security of the United States, and must be held accountable. The United States must make it clear that Iran will pay a heavy price for attacking Israel directly and for their support of proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorist organizations. As our greatest ally in the region, we stand with Israel,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-nps-awards-over-12-million-to-support-project-at-sully-creek-state-park-in-medora", "Sen. Cramer: NPS Awards Over $1.2 Million to Support Project at Sully Creek State Park in Medora", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The National Park Service (NPS) announced the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation (NDDPR) received an award of $1,262,300 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) supporting the construction of additional campsites at Sully Creek State Park, located near Medora. The funding will allow the NDDPR to renovate and reconfigure the road network at Sully Creek State Park to increase the number of campsites, including the installation of 50-amp utilities and water.\n\nSince 1965, the NPS has provided more than 40,000 LWCF grants, primarily funded with federal offshore oil and gas lease revenue, to states and local communities. LWCF awards allow states to further allocate these funds to support local public parks projects and state conservation, and expand outdoor recreation access.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-us-eda-invests-39-million-for-bismarck-riverfront-infrastructure-improvements", "Sen. Cramer: U.S. EDA Invests $3.9 Million for Bismarck Riverfront Infrastructure Improvements", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an award of $3.9 million to the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation in Bismarck. This funding will support infrastructure improvements to develop Bismarck Riverfront Park and Festival Grounds, attracting tourism and strengthening the local economy.\n\nThis $3.9 million award will be matched with $1.1 million in local funds. According to grantee estimates, the funding is expected to create 211 jobs and generate $80 million in private investment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-congressional-coalition-on-adoption-respond-to-chinas-termination-of-intercountry-adoption-program", "Senator Cramer, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Respond to China\u2019s Termination of Intercountry Adoption Program", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 In early September, the U.S. Department of State received notice from the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Civil Affairs stating as of August 28, China is no longer carrying out foreign adoption work. All pending and future adoptions, except those among blood relatives, have been halted.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined his co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL), and Adam Smith (D-WA), in sending a joint letter to the U.S. Department of State Office of Children\u2019s Issues, asking it seek further clarification on the details and reasoning for China\u2019s decision. The co-chairs also requested the status of pending adoption cases and called on the Department to share the information with adoptive families and service providers. Additionally, the senators urged the Department to press Chinese officials to finalize adoption cases in the United States.\n\n\u201cWe are disappointed by the People\u2019s Republic of China\u2019s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cThis news is devastating for the hundreds of children and American families with adoption cases pending in China, many of whom have waited years for these adoptions to be completed.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, the safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority, and the sudden termination of China\u2019s adoption program has exacerbated our concern for these children\u2019s well-being,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cMany of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. It is particularly critical that these children have access to the care and support that they need \u2014 which hundreds of American families approved for adoption are willing to provide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-national-park-service-awards-over-1-million-for-sully-creek-state-park", "Hoeven: National Park Service Awards Over $1 Million for Sully Creek State Park", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven: National Park Service Awards Over $1 Million for Sully Creek State Park\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy & Natural Resources and Appropriations Committees, today announced that over $1 million in funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is being awarded by the National Park Service to the North Dakota Department of Parks & Recreation to renovate and increase the number of campsites at Sully Creek State Park.\n\nThe grant provides $1,262,300 specifically to renovate and reconfigure the road network to increase the number of campsites as well as for installation of camper pads, water and 50-amp utilities at Sully Creek State Park.\n\n\u201cThe National Park Service\u2019s funding will support efforts to ensure North Dakota\u2019s parks, including Sully Creek State Park, have the facilities needed to deliver an improved camping experience for locals and visitors, ensuring they are able to fully take advantage of the abundant attractions our state offers,\u201d said Hoeven.\n\nThe LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 and supports federal and state investment in conservation of natural areas, water resources and outdoor recreation. The primary source of revenue for the Land and Water Conservation Fund is from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. In 2020, Hoeven helped advance the Great American Outdoors Act, ensuring the LWCF is fully funded each year.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dod-awards-61-million-contract-for-construction-of-aircraft-maintenance-facility-at-grand-forks-air-force-base", "DOD Awards $61 Million Contract for Construction of Aircraft Maintenance Facility at Grand Forks Air Force Base", "2024-09-28", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced it awarded a $61,492,477 contract to Korte Construction Company for the construction and renovation of a building for use as an Aircraft Maintenance Facility to accommodate the Disaster Resiliency Program mission. The work is expected to be completed on October 8, 2026, and will be performed at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB).\n\n\u201cWhile it may have seemed unlikely in 2010, operations at Grand Forks Air Force Base continue to grow, and improvements and growth go hand in hand,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). \u201cThis contract is a welcome development to renovate the Aircraft Maintenance Facility and ensure our airmen have a modern building to meet the needs of today\u2019s threats.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-receives-a-rating-in-2024-nssf-congressional-report-card", "Cramer Receives A+ Rating in 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Grading is based on support of legislation defending Second Amendment rights, advocating for lawful commerce of firearms and ammunition\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) released its 2024 Congressional Report Card, a comprehensive report analyzing the support of each lawmaker during the 118th Congress. The report card is based on elected officials\u2019 advocacy for legislation of critical importance to the firearm industry and Second Amendment liberties.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is among eight senators named to the NSSF\u2019s 2024 Congressional Dean\u2019s List, receiving an A+ for his 100% voting and co-sponsorship record.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be named to the NSSF\u2019s Congressional Dean\u2019s List and to receive an A+,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThe Second Amendment is not just a constitutional clause; it is a fundamental American liberty central to the protection of all others. The NSSF is an excellent partner in defending Americans\u2019 Second Amendment liberties and rebutting liberal, illegal discrimination against constitutionally-protected businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card is a comprehensive analysis of our elected representatives\u2019 positions on firearm and ammunition industry priorities in the 118th Congress. The Report Card\u2019s grades are based on key votes, co-sponsorships, committee activity, floor speeches, and other official actions by Senators and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of our industry are grateful to have so many strong allies in the Halls of Congress,\u201d said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel. \u201cNSSF is proud to especially recognize Senator Cramer as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean\u2019s List for his exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hardworking Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean\u2019s List is special recognition that Senator Cramer has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of his constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Senator Cramer for his exemplary level of support.\u201d\n\nTwo pieces of legislation sponsored by Cramer factored into this award and A+ rating, the Fair Access to Banking Act and Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act. In February 2023, Cramer reintroduced his Fair Access to Banking Act with over a third of the Senate as co-sponsors. The bill bars financial institutions from refusing or limiting services to constitutionally-protected industries like gun and ammunition manufacturers and retailers. The legislation is in response to U.S. banks and financial institutions increasingly using their capacity as lenders to exclude the firearms and fossil energy industries, among others, from accessing services.\n\nIn July, Cramer also joined House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) in introducing the bicameral Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (FICRA) to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing interstate firearms transactions. Federal regulations prevent licensed dealers from selling firearms to out-of-state residents. The FICRA aims to remove this restriction, supporting lawful commerce, military families, and Second Amendment rights, while respecting state laws.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-hhs-awards-970634-to-north-dakota-tribal-nations-for-opioid-programs", "Sen. Cramer: HHS Awards $970,634 to North Dakota Tribal Nations for Opioid Programs", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $970,634 to support substance abuse programs in three North Dakota tribal nations. The award will be distributed to the following tribes:\n\n$425,000 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians\n\n$295,634 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe\n\n$250,000 to the Spirit Lake Tribe", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-hhs-awards-425-million-to-support-health-initiatives-in-north-dakota", "Sen. Cramer: HHS Awards $4.25 Million to Support Health Initiatives in North Dakota", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $4,250,000 to North Dakota for the following programs and initiatives:\n\n$4,000,000 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to strengthen the state\u2019s opioid response.\n\n$250,000 to Mountain Plains Youth Services, Inc., to support its transitional living program for young adults between the ages of 18 to 21.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-receives-uss-theodore-roosevelt-model-will-transfer-to-tr-presidential-library-upon-completion", "Senator Cramer Receives USS Theodore Roosevelt Model, Will Transfer to T.R. Presidential Library Upon Completion", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 An at-scale model of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier was delivered to U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer\u2019s (R-ND) office in Washington, D.C. Representatives from Huntington Ingalls Industries delivered the glass-encased replica to Cramer\u2019s office, where it will remain until the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora in 2026. Cramer announced the gift from Huntington Ingalls Industries to the library during his remarks at the beam-signing ceremony in August.\n\n\u201cNorth Dakotans know President Theodore Roosevelt best as a Rough Rider and rancher in the Badlands, but he was so much more than our favorite cowboy,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cBefore he became our 26th president, he served as a colonel in the Army, New York City Police Commissioner, Governor of New York, Vice President, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The USS Theodore Roosevelt honors both his presidency and Navy leadership, and it\u2019s an honor to have this replica in my office until it christens the halls of his presidential library in Medora. I encourage North Dakotans visiting D.C. to come see this impressive display while it\u2019s here.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful to Senator Cramer for the incredible opportunity to display the official USS Theodore Roosevelt scale model at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library upon completion,\u201d said Robbie Lauf, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. \u201cIt honors both the ship and Theodore Roosevelt\u2019s legacy in building a strong, modern Navy as Assistant Secretary. This gift strengthens our mission to preserve TR\u2019s vision and leadership for future generations.\u201d\n\nThe USS Theodore Roosevelt is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and was commissioned in October 1986.\n\nRoosevelt\u2019s time in what was then-Dakota Territory followed the loss of his mother, Mittie, and wife, Alice, both on Valentine\u2019s Day 1884. Roosevelt famously stated, \u201cI have always said I would not have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.\u201d\n\nThe site of the library is positioned to overlook the South Unit of Roosevelt\u2019s namesake national park, which was established as a memorial park in April 1947 and later designated as a national park in November 1978. Construction is underway, and the library is expected to open on July 4, 2026, to mark the United States\u2019 250th anniversary.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-nps-awards-more-than-4-million-to-support-park-projects-in-grand-forks-turtle-mountain", "Sen. Cramer: NPS Awards More Than $4 Million to Support Park Projects in Grand Forks, Turtle Mountain", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The National Park Service (NPS) announced an award of $4,490,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) to support redevelopment projects at parks across North Dakota. The award will be distributed for the following projects:\n\n$3,490,000 for the Grand Forks Downtown Gateway and Greenway, an outdoor recreational area consisting of 2,200 acres.\n\n$1,000,000 to support the Turtle Mountain Family Recreation Areas.\n\nThe ORLP program, managed by the NPS and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, provides grants for community sponsored park projects where population is greater than 30,000 residents. Since 1965, the NPS has provided more than 40,000 LWCF grants, primarily funded with federal offshore oil and gas lease revenue, to states and local communities. LWCF awards allow states to further allocate these funds to support local public parks projects and state conservation, and expand outdoor recreation access.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-us-department-of-education-awards-500000-to-state-department-of-public-instruction", "Sen. Cramer: U.S. Department of Education Awards $500,000 to State Department of Public Instruction", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $500,000 to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) under the State Personnel Development Grants Program. This funding will support NDDPI\u2019s Grad 701 initiative, which aims to close graduation gaps, improve support systems, and boost outcomes for all students.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-hsgac-advances-legislation-to-strengthen-northern-border-security-rename-casselton-post-office", "Senate HSGAC Advances Legislation to Strengthen Northern Border Security, Rename Casselton Post Office", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) held a markup today for two pieces of legislation U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) helped shepherd. They are the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act and legislation to rename the post office in Casselton as the \"Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.\u201d The committee unanimously advanced both pieces of legislation, which will now head to the Senate floor for consideration.\n\nCramer, co-chair of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, joined U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act last week. The bill marks a significant milestone in efforts to secure the U.S.-Canada border.\n\n\u201cOur steadfast alliance with Canada has long been a cornerstone of both economic and national security,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThe U.S.-Canada relationship is defined by more than just geography; it is built on an enduring trust, mutual respect, and a shared responsibility to address global and domestic challenges. With this being the world\u2019s longest border, it\u2019s crucial we remain vigilant in addressing emerging threats and challenges. The advancement of this legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring the dependability and safety of our shared border for the families and communities who live on both sides.\u201d\n\nThe Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act represents the latest in a long history of border management, trade, and joint security cooperation between the two countries. This legislation requires an updated northern border threat analysis every three years, starting on September 2, 2025. The analysis will include an assessment of apprehension changes at the northern border, with a focus on recent trends in both the volume and demographics of apprehensions at the sector level. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to update its Northern Border Strategy by September 2, 2026, and every five years thereafter.\n\nThe legislation will also implement a 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office recommendation for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop performance measures assessing the effectiveness of its programs. This will ensure the resources and strategies deployed are rigorously measured and continuously improved to meet the demands of a dynamic security environment.\n\nCramer\u2019s leadership in the ACES Caucus, which he co-launched in June 2023 with U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), underscores the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Canada. Earlier this year, Cramer and King introduced a resolution reaffirming the \u201cdeep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership\u201d and the commitment to mutual economic and national security interests.\n\nIn May, the North Dakota delegation introduced legislation in the House and Senate to designate the United States Postal Service facility at 840 Front Street in Casselton as the \u201cCommander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis tribute is a testament to the profound bond between Commander Olson and the Casselton community, a solemn promise that his extraordinary contributions will forever be remembered,\u201d said Cramer.\n\nCommander Olson served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He earned multiple awards for his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal with valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar. His name is also inscribed along with all fallen comrades on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.\n\nThis legislation will memorialize his distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice, while recognizing his connection to Casselton and his heroic contributions to the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-funding-stopgap-through-december-20-averts-government-shutdown", "Senate Passes Funding Stopgap Through December 20, Averts Government Shutdown", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) by a vote of 78 to 18 today, extending Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations levels for federal agencies through December 20. The measure, which previously passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 341 to 82, also provides funding for the U.S. Secret Service in addition to extending expiring programs and authorities.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting for the short-term funding measure:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-department-of-energy-awards-initial-funding-to-project-tundra", "Senator Cramer: Department of Energy Awards Initial Funding to Project Tundra", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "Kevin Cramer", "C001096", "www.cramer.senate.gov", "cramer", "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "***Click here for audio***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced an award of $4.2 million to Project Tundra. This is the first installment of up to $350 million to Project Tundra. These funds will be distributed through the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program, which supports the development of community-informed integrated carbon capture, transport, and storage projects.\n\n\u201cThis initial award really brings Project Tundra one step closer to being the first user of carbon capture utilization storage technology at a coal plant with on-site storage in the country, and how appropriate that it would be done in North Dakota,\u201d said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). \u201cThis project demonstrates our state\u2019s ingenuity and decades of energy development, experience, and dominance. Obviously, more work lies ahead, but this is really welcome progress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-cortez-masto-bill-to-strengthen-tribal-public-safety-passes-committee", "Hoeven, Cortez Masto Bill to Strengthen Tribal Public Safety Passes Committee", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "ND", "John Hoeven", "H001061", "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "hoeven", "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Hoeven, Cortez Masto Bill to Strengthen Tribal Public Safety Passes Committee\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs voted to approve their bipartisan Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act. Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources and give Tribes and states greater tools to combat violence.\n\n\u201cSecuring committee approval of our legislation is an important step toward strengthening the resources available to Tribal law enforcement,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cOur bill authorizes the BIA to conduct its own background check of law enforcement applicants, which empowers Tribes to meet their law enforcement staffing and infrastructure needs, enhances public safety and helps bring offenders to justice.\u201d\n\n\u201cI hear it often from Tribes in Nevada\u2014law enforcement officers are stretched thin in their communities and it\u2019s having an impact on everyone, especially when it comes to combating the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cI\u2019m proud of our bipartisan work to pass the BADGES for Native Communities Act through committee today. This bill to give Tribal police the resources and tools they need to fight crime and keep their communities safe is one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would:\n\nAllow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants in order to improve officer recruitment.\n\nIncrease Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.\n\nRequire a report on Tribal law enforcement needs, including staffing, replacement and repairs for corrections facilities, infrastructure and capital for Tribal police and court facilities, and emergency communication technology.\n\nEstablish a grant program to support states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations in the coordination of efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.\n\nEvaluate federal law enforcement evidence collection, handling, and processing crucial to securing conviction of violent offenders.\n\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 628, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "ND", "p1": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 628, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 628, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "ND", "label": "ND", "count": 628, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 628, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ND", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-09-25,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehoeven~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fhoeven-cortez-masto-bill-to-strengthen-tribal-public-safety-passes-committee", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=ND&year=2024&_next=2024-09-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ehoeven~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fhoeven-cortez-masto-bill-to-strengthen-tribal-public-safety-passes-committee&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 354.6151320915669, "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"}