Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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244 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "ND" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=76FF19D5-9DFF-41FA-9570-2DBEA52C2339 | Heitkamp, Ernst Bill to Promote Efficient, Effective Federal Programs Becomes Law | 2016-12-28 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joni Ernst of Iowa today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan legislation to make federal government programs more efficient and effective. The Senate and House passed the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act earlier this year. “Our bipartisan bill becoming law is a win for accountability and transparency. The federal government will now do more to make sure federal programs are well managed – saving taxpayers’ money and reducing waste,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an important step for North Dakota communities and businesses that rely on federal programs, whether in agriculture, energy, or beyond. Good management practices can make all the difference in guaranteeing efficient, effective federal programs and making sure they are well implemented locally.” “I am thrilled that President Obama has signed our bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act into law,” said Ernst. “Iowans sent me to Washington with a mission to make the federal government less wasteful and more efficient, and the passage of this legislation is an important step in doing just that. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act reduces cost overruns and increases accountability to create a more productive government through better management procedures. I am pleased we were able to make meaningful progress in safeguarding our taxpayers’ hard-earned tax dollars, and remain committed to continuing to look for new ways to eliminate waste.” By increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst’s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the bar for the management of the federal programs communities need – and that taxpayers are counting on to run efficiently and effectively. Click here to read the bill text. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act will: Establis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784 | Heitkamp Successfully Pushes Administration to Expand Northern Plains UAS Test Site Operations | 2016-12-28 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that, after pressing the White House on the issue earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorizing the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks as the first site in the country to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Heitkamp successfully pushed the administration in August to authorize BVLOS operations at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site as a part of new commitments the White House issued to expand the integration of UAS safely into the national airspace. Now that the commitment Heitkamp secured has FAA airspace authorization, UAS flights at the test site are one step closer to flying up to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft, supporting the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes. “North Dakota is No. 1 when it comes to unmanned aircraft, and that’s why I pushed the administration to make the Northern Plains UAS Test Site the first to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations,” said Heitkamp. “Grand Forks and the entire Red River Valley lead the country in developing and advancing these exciting technologies. Today’s announcement puts the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in an even better position. It’s encouraging to see FAA move ahead on this authorization after pressing the administration, and I look forward to helping expand North Dakota’s leadership in UAS even further in the coming year." As a co-founder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to promote Grand Forks and Fargo as hubs of UAS innovation. Most recently, Heitkamp helped pass a bill reauthorizing the FAA – including key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota that will: Expand the ability of UAS technologies to improve public safety: Heitkamp helped pass bipartisan provisions that, by promoting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace, will expand the ability of UAS technologies to help respond to natural … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A28D8BE5-1E8A-4AF3-9A1E-C7AFA556887B | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Help Homeless Families | 2016-12-22 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, today announced more than $1.9 million in federal funding to help families find permanent housing and prevent homelessness. “North Dakota’s communities are only strong when families have safe places to call home, said Heitkamp. “The winter months are tough in our part of the country and this year has been no exception. Secure housing is essential to making sure folks are safe. The federal funding announced today will help families in need find permanent housing solutions as well as help with transitional housing services when families face emergency situations.” These federal funds are distributed as follows: Abused Adult Resource Center - $83,664 Burleigh County Housing Authority – $209,150 Community Violence Intervention Center Inc. - $93,928 Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority - $389,883 Prairie Heights Apartments, Grand Lodge of North Dakota, I.O.O.F - $46,675 North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People, Inc. - $133,572 North Dakota Department of Commerce - $304,416 Prairie Harvest Mental Health Supportive Housing Program - $89,727 St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Store – $15,277 Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center– $37,599 YWCA Minot Center of Hope and Emergency Shelter - $30,000 YWCA Cass Clay - $345,525 This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. The CoC Program provides federal funding to state and local governments as well as non-profits that work to end homelessness and help families who are in need of safe and affordable housing. Heitkamp has been a steadfast advocate for affordable housing in North Dakota, whether it’s pushing for more affordable housing in western North Dakota when prices skyrocketed or in Indian Country dealing with the chronic housing problems. Heitkamp recently met with s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D88A3A2D-57B1-47A0-AD5B-B98F63A50917 | Heitkamp Meets with Air Force Leader to Fight for Future Missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base | 2016-12-22 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Grand Forks community leaders hosted Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Wednesday to reinforce the importance of the base to U.S. national security, to highlight the military value provided by its RQ-4 Global Hawk and High Frequency Global Communications System missions, and to emphasize its potential for future missions. Base Commander Colonel Rodney Lewis, Mayor Michael Brown, and other state and local leaders also highlighted the national security importance of the base to General Goldfein at the dinner. Prior to the event with General Goldfein, Heitkamp met on Tuesday with leaders from Grand Forks Air Force Base and the community to discuss efforts to strengthen the base. “Showing Air Force leaders what an asset Grand Forks Air Force Base is reinforces that Grand Forks is an ideal candidate for future missions,” said Heitkamp. “As General Goldfein has seen this week, Grand Forks Air Force Base is leading the way in remotely piloted aircraft with the strong support of the Grand Forks community and private sector. Grand Forks is a proven leader in areas that are really the future for the Air Force, which is why I’m continuing to push Air Force leaders to understand that the base is the right fit for Arctic missions and additional remotely piloted operations down the road. Now General Goldfein has had the chance to also hear from leaders in Grand Forks about what an asset the base and community are to the Air Force.” Earlier this month, Heitkamp helped the U.S. Senate pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support Grand Forks priorities. Long a champion of improving national security through innovative remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) solutions, Heitkamp successfully included a provision in the recent defense authorization to track the success rate of those technologi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=29B6F353-AC40-40DD-9650-677158838138 | Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries | 2016-12-21 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project. “Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.” The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project. In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life. Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns are addressed. Clic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9DAE425D-D941-42B4-86F0-B5D8F000B1E4 | Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for Fargo-Moorhead Health Services, Standing Rock Head Start Programs | 2016-12-21 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $1.1 million to help boost access to health services in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and almost $1.65 million to strengthen early childhood education programs for Native children in Standing Rock. “Promoting a healthier, more prosperous North Dakota means making sure everyone has opportunities to succeed with access to quality health services and educational programs from an early age,” said Heitkamp. “This robust federal support for North Dakota programs will serve families in the Fargo-Moorhead area with top-notch health care, and help make sure Standing Rock children have the chance to thrive with early learning programs. These investments in the health of our communities and the education of our young people are key to ensuring a healthier community and statewide economy for years to come.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing $1,065,858 in federal support that will help promote the important work of employees at Family HealthCare, a Fargo health facility which strives to provide a multitude of quality, affordable services to families in the Fargo-Moorhead area. HHS also awarded $1,674,276 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for five years of Head Start programming to support the early childhood education and growth of Native young people living on the reservation. Heitkamp has long been an advocate of federal resources to promote better, more affordable access to health care services, particularly in high-need and rural areas in North Dakota, as well as strengthening educational opportunities for young people, especially Native children. This funding for the Family HealthCare Center in Fargo is made possible by the Health Resources & Services Administration within HHS, an agency dedicated to promoting better access to quality health services for underserved and high-need communities. The funding for Head Start programming on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Reservation is made possible by the Office of Head Star… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DCB25D7B-C3D6-4612-B7BF-173869A23486 | Heitkamp Announces Committee Assignments for 115th Congress | 2016-12-21 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced her U.S. Senate Committee assignments for the 115th Congress. Through her roles on five different committees, Heitkamp will keep advocating for policies that support North Dakota families and stand up for rural America. She will continue to serve on: the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. “Every single day I come to work in the U.S. Senate, I’m fighting for folks living in rural America. When rural America flourishes, so does the rest of our country,” said Heitkamp. “Through my work on five different committees in the U.S. Senate, I’ve worked toward that goal, and passed bills that have been signed into law that will support first responders, advocate for farmers and ranchers, boost small businesses, and stand up for Native American children, among many other issues. In the coming Congress, I’ll continue to build on many of these successes and make sure that North Dakota has the voice in Congress that it deserves.” Heitkamp has been working to stand up for working families, small businesses, and rural communities on each of her assigned committees in the U.S. Senate, and will continue to build on her accomplishments in the upcoming Congress: U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry: Heitkamp has been a leader in securing a strong future for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by: Fighting for a strong Farm Bill: Heitkamp helped write and pass the Farm Bill in 2014, and is already looking ahead to fighting for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 by holding a Farm Bill tour last August to get feedback from North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Promoting American agricultural products Cuba: Heitkamp has been working to advance her legislation to ease financial restrictio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=19CFFD3F-DFAF-4F53-9338-631F4E8861B2 | Heitkamp Underscores Need to Support Strong Manufacturing Workforce at First Delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted the importance of bolstering manufacturing and general aviation jobs in North Dakota and across the country during the first customer delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet – the world’s first single-engine personal jet. Joining North Dakota officials as well as Cirrus manufacturing workers and leaders at Grand Forks Airport, Heitkamp – long a champion of manufacturing and general aviation– spoke about the need to build on today’s successful milestone by promoting opportunities that help these industries thrive and support North Dakota workers who enable these businesses to run. “Today’s delivery is a milestone in aviation history – and it’s also a significant step forward for Cirrus and the manufacturing community here in Grand Forks,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakota has been leading the charge in turning innovative ideas into real jobs, opportunity, and cutting-edge technologies – and by delivering the world’s first single-engine personal jet, we’re making history, too. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been working to encourage ideas that yield success for American businesses and workers, particularly for those in manufacturing and aviation, by fighting to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank – which helps support and grow jobs in these industries. Just as companies like Cirrus are committed to producing American-made components in Grand Forks, I’ll keep pushing leaders in Congress to promote and invest in policies that keep and grow jobs here at home.” Long a champion of such industries to spur innovation, job creation, and infrastructure building, Heitkamp has spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to reauthorize and promote a working Export-Import Bank – an independent federal government agency and the official export credit agency of the United States. In North Dakota alone, the Export-Import Bank has supported $42 million in exports since 2011, as well as 633 jobs statewide through loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to facilitate overseas sal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2FB561FE-4F02-4DD5-9007-10EF720FF959 | President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Make Sure ND Small Businesses & Startups have Seat at the Table | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Small Businesses Account for 96 Percent of ND’s Employers and Two-Thirds of ND’s Private-Sector Workforce GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan bill to make sure small businesses and startups have a seat at the table when new federal rules are written on how they can raise funding and access the resources they need to succeed. Introduced with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada and cosponsored by Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, Heitkamp’s SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help make sure small businesses – which make up about three-fifths of North Dakota’s private-sector workforce – have a strong voice on federal rules that apply to private enterprises. Too often, these rules do not distinguish between large and small businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage. Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will create an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – the nation’s regulatory authority on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation and keeping the U.S. marketplace fair and efficient – to help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them build investments in their companies as well as jobs across the country. The legislation, which unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, was initially introduced by U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The senators passed their bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate in April. Small businesses make up almost 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers, with close to 195,000 workers employed by small businesses statewide. Across the country, small businesses make up almost half of the country’s private-sector workforce from 2002 to 2010, creating about two-thirds of the nation’s net new jobs between mid-2009 and 2011.“We can do more to level the playing field for small businesses and startups in rural America by making sure they h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5CC11688-99C5-4764-974B-50D74B6F27C7 | Heitkamp Statement on Final Stream Protection Rule | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior released its final Stream Protection Rule. “As I review the final Stream Protection Rule, I continue to have real concerns about this administration’s one-size-fits-all approach to the regulation of energy development and production, which doesn’t work for our state,” said Heitkamp. “When a top Interior Department official visited North Dakota in May, I showed her firsthand how this rule would hurt our state’s coal industry and workers, and how it failed to take into account drastic differences in mining practices and geography between states like North Dakota and regions like Appalachia. Going forward, I’ll work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and the incoming administration to see if this rule is workable. We need commonsense energy policies that provide good-paying jobs and affordable, reliable power for folks in North Dakota and around the country – and I’m determined to make that possible.” Proposed last year, the Stream Protection Rule was intended to address issues with Appalachian mining practices, but the draft rule showed little understanding of the mining practices of the lignite industry or the geography of North Dakota. In May, Heitkamp toured Beulah’s Freedom Mine with a top U.S. Department of the Interior official to make sure the agency understood how the Stream Protection Rule would negatively impact the state’s coal mining industry, and to press the agency to fix its draft rule to guarantee coal has a viable path forward in the state. Janice Schneider, Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, came to the state to hear about concerns that lignite mining leaders and North Dakota officials have with the Office of Surface Mining’s (OSM) draft rule. Schneider oversees OSM and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which Heitkamp criticized in January for its freeze on federal coal leasing. Prior to Schneider’s visit, Heitkamp urged Interior to remai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=941CCA3F-0F99-4DBE-9D02-F0E662EE95DE | President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Senator’s Legislation Will Help Provide Better Resources & Training for First Responders to keep Communities Strong & Safe BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments. The president’s signature comes just days before the third anniversary of the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton, which prompted Heitkamp to introduce this bill.Following the 2013 derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp wanted to make sure first responders are prepared to handle the transportation of crude oil on the rails, especially as many first responders in rural communities like Casselton are volunteers, prompting her to introduce this legislation. The derailment was also the impetus for her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, which aims to help address some of the new challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota’s communities strong and families safe in their homes. She issued her Strong & Safe Communities Report in August. Among the goals of her initiative includes better equipping emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails, which Heitkamp’s legislation will do. "When flames began billowing from the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton almost three years ago to the day, and then again in Heimdal in last year, North Dakota first responders did not hesitate – they ran toward the flames to protect their communities,” said Heitkamp. “With the president signing into law my bipartisan bill, our first responders will get the tools they need to do their jobs and make sure communities are strong and safe no matter what the challenge is. Every second counts when first responders are called into action, and this bill will help make a difference so they can return home safely to their famili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=809FE07B-0785-4057-A9EC-7274D3CF1533 | Heitkamp: Renewed Sanctions Will Help U.S. Hold Iran Accountable | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after a bill she helped pass to extend the Iran Sanctions Act through 2026 became law. The law imposes harsh sanctions on anyone who invests in Iran’s oil and gas sector, the sale of weapons of mass destruction, or uranium mining. Had an extension not been passed, sanctions that provide leverage for the United States to hold Iran accountable for destabilizing behavior would have expired this year. The U.S. Senate passed the 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act earlier this month. “Our country needs to stay tough on Iran, and extending these sanctions is another avenue to do that,” said Heitkamp. “Tough, smart sanctions were critical in bringing Iran to the negotiating table and keeping it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Iran deal has been successful so far, but we still need to keep the pressure on Iran through the ability to re-impose sanctions should it cheat on the nuclear deal. Strong sanctions like these hold Iran accountable while working to protect our national security and keep North Dakota families safe.” Sanctions played a key role in bringing Iran to the table for the Iran nuclear deal, which Heitkamp supported and which so far has successfully reined in Iran and kept it from advancing its nuclear program. The deal – which was negotiated between the United States, Iran, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia – has increased access for international inspectors, eliminated 97 percent of the country’s uranium stockpile, and ripped out more than 13,000 centrifuges. Heitkamp supported the deal after participating in dozens of meetings, classified briefings, and congressional hearings on the deal with national security and non-proliferation experts, senior diplomats, advocates on all sides, and North Dakotans. Read more about why Heitkamp supported the deal in her Medium post on the Iran deal. Even with the deal in place, Congress continues to hold Iran’s feet to the fire by maintaining sanctions on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8780267B-6EE3-4604-BBB7-B7D588617F0A | Heitkamp Announces Nearly $700,000 in Federal Funding for Turtle Lake Community Health Center | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $692,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Turtle Lake. The funding will help provide health services to 2,522 new patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Maintaining the best quality health care in rural communities is critical if we’re going to keep North Dakota strong for years to come,” said Heitkamp. “In the U.S. Senate, standing up for rural America is one of my top priorities – and this funding is a critical step in supporting rural health care. The federal funds will help make it easier for folks in Turtle Lake and the surrounding community to access health care, overcoming geographic and economic barriers that too often make it harder for folks in rural areas to get the services they need.” The $692,000 in federal funding supporting the center in Turtle Lake was among $50 million in funding awarded to 75 health centers in 23 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated State of Micronesia. The purpose of the funding is to support new service delivery sites, and to provide comprehensive primary health care services to underserved and vulnerable populations. Health centers are community-based organizations that deliver comprehensive high-quality primary health care services. Across the U.S., nearly 1,400 health centers with over 9,800 sites provide care to more than 24 million people. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A67B136E-C8C0-4EF2-A7BD-A8FBEC00B5C7 | Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project. “Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration has listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.” The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project. In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life. Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns were addressed. C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=47804B37-0521-4205-A8D2-4D079C0A57C6 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Combat Opioid Abuse | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp today announced $2 million in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Human Services to combat the opioid epidemic throughout the state. “Too many North Dakotans have suffered the consequences of the opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across the nation,” said Heitkamp. “We must work to bring substance abuse out of the dark, educate folks to prevent addiction, and make sure we have treatment programs to get people back on their feet. The federal funding announced today will help provide the resources needed to reduce overdoses, provide treatment, and prevent addiction from occurring in the first place.” This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Heitkamp has been working to address opioid abuse in North Dakota and has hosted a series a roundtable listening sessions across the state over the past year to hear from law enforcement, treatment providers, and families who are on the front lines of this epidemic. Earlier this month, Heitkamp also helped pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=50A534DD-5818-4E65-B96D-72F7C691E933 | Heitkamp: WTO Compliance Case against China Protects North Dakota Wheat, Corn Growers | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is bringing a World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture compliance case against China for the second time this year – this time, seeking to hold the country accountable for failing to meet market access commitments to American wheat, corn, and rice growers. Heitkamp has long fought to guarantee North Dakota farmers have fair access to China. In September, she joined U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce an earlier compliance case to hold China accountable for over-subsidizing its domestic crops. "Today we're again standing up to hold China accountable for cheating North Dakota farmers," said Heitkamp. "When China or any other country cheats on a trade agreement, they make it harder for North Dakota wheat and corn farmers to access markets and get fair value for our state's top-notch crops. This is the second time the U.S. Trade Representative has brought an agricultural compliance case against China this year, and that's good news for North Dakota farmers and rural communities - especially when commodities prices are already challenging." The WTO complaint today charges that China’s opaque and unpredictable tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn, and rice fail to live up to the country’s WTO commitments and undermine market access for U.S. producers. China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion in additional crops last year alone had it fairly administered its tariff-rate quotas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. North Dakota – an agricultural state that depends on exports – was the top wheat producer in the U.S. in 2015 and is a growing producer of corn, meaning the state’s producers are heavily impacted when China limits market access or over-subsidizes its domestically produced crops. The U.S. Trade Representative’s enforcement challenge aims to hold China to its trade agreements and level the playing field so that Am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5F1E351A-DF34-462B-A8A9-B290F291C7DE | President Signs into Law Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – to make sure North Dakota’s communities remain strong and safe. A key piece of Heitkamp’s Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, the bill specifically addresses the concerns and challenges she and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard about in April 2015 from federal, state, county, and local officials and law enforcement while visiting Pembina when she brought Mayorkas to North Dakota’s Northern Border. Heitkamp heard similar feedback during other meetings she held in North Dakota and at a Senate hearing she pushed for on the issue. The bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and House. Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will require DHS to evaluate security threats at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments Heitkamp’s bill calls for will help tackle the challenges she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. “When it comes to protecting North Dakota’s rural communities along our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border, we need to take steps now to address any challenges before security issues arise,” said Heitkamp. “While meeting with the dedicated border agents and officers who serve in incredibly remote locations like Portal and Pembina, many told me about the difficulty they face in recruiting and retaining the workforce they need to keep our communities safe. I heard their concerns loud and clear, and with this new law, we can begin bolstering security along the longest common … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=84B8FDBF-504A-4FC5-8241-F2C687D6F33D | Heitkamp Announces $178,000 in Federal Funding Supporting Tribal Education | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $178,000 in federal funding to support tribal education. “Math skills are vital for putting students on the path to success, and this funding will help make sure programs to boost math skills in tribal communities are having an impact,” said Heitkamp. “Encouraging math, science, and technology learning in tribal communities helps build up Indian Country and prepares the next generation for good-paying jobs.” The federal funding will support an 18-month planning project that will gather information to study the impacts that the Sunday Academy Model – a National Science Foundation-funded outreach project in tribal communities – has had on math learning in Native communities. The funding was made available through the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP). Sunday Academy is a collaborative, culturally sensitive STEM learning outreach model that from 2001 to 2015 was partially supported by TCUP. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CCD41060-CCBE-467D-889F-AD8FD6C5323A | Heitkamp Secures New Investments Supporting Affordable Housing in Indian Country | 2016-12-14 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | ND Native Households are Overcrowded at Almost Four Times the Rate of the Rest of the Country, and Live in Poverty 2.7 Times More than Americans Nationwide BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a new federal rule she pushed for that will promote more accessible and affordable housing in high-need areas, including rural and tribal communities. The announcement follows Heitkamp’s efforts to expand the rule to support affordable housing in Indian Country where 15 percent of Native households nationally and 18 percent in the Great Plains have severe housing needs, including overcrowded spaces, not enough insulation, or black mold. The new Duty to Serve rule from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) comes after Heitkamp called on the FHFA in October to open up credit and investment options that will help families in rural and tribal communities find safe, affordable housing. FHFA’s final rule will allow the Government Sponsored Enterprises to receive Duty to Serve credit for Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments in rural housing projects that will help put them on par with investments in urban housing projects. This change will provide more housing resources to rural communities where new construction and rehabilitation opportunities are severely lacking, and especially to Indian Country where the lack of such investments has been particularly apparent and harmful. “Anyone who has been on the ground in some of the poorest Great Plains tribal reservations can tell you, the outlook for families seeking safe, affordable shelter that can withstand a harsh North Dakota winter is bleak,” said Heitkamp. “But this new rule provides a ray of hope for these families. This rule which I pushed for is helping to level the playing field so there is more affordable and accessible housing in rural communities, especially in Indian Country where housing conditions are particularly dire. No one should have to live in a house meant for four people that instead sleeps 15 people or isn’t insulat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=233BFCE4-BB16-4D1C-AC26-D5A664A8AC3E | Heitkamp Statement on the Passing of Judge Myron Bright | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the passing of Judge Myron Bright, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. “Judge Bright’s empathy and compassion were unsurpassed – whether at home or in the courtroom,” said Heitkamp. “While making decisions, he always walked in the shoes of those who may not have had a voice in the courtroom, reminding us why empathy is so vital on the bench. That compassion and ability to look at matters from all perspectives made him an invaluable defender of equal rights and a proponent of tolerance – improving lives in Native American communities and bringing kindness to any job he did or decision he made. His calls to address sentencing disparities for Indian Country were among Judge Bright’s most important work, including his fifty-plus page dissent in U.S. v. Deegan, a seminal treatise on how our laws treat Native Americans unfairly and without consideration of historical and continued trauma. For years I felt lucky to call him a friend, and know his loss will be felt by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and especially with his granddaughter Amy, whose compassionate and diligent work for the people of North Dakota in my Fargo office is a testament to the values Judge Bright inspired in those around him.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D849BE34-2109-41D3-8DF6-AECBF41983BC | Heitkamp Helps Pass Water Resources Bill Benefiting Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, Jamestown Reservoir | 2016-12-10 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a water resources bill, which contains provisions she worked with Senator John Hoeven to include that benefit trailer home owners along Lake Tschida and permit holders along three North Dakota reservoirs. The provisions benefiting North Dakota were included in a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the House and the Senate, and were based on provisions Heitkamp and Hoeven successfully pushed for when the Senate first passed its version of the bill in September. “Working with Senator Hoeven, we were able to make sure folks on Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, and Jamestown Reservoir can keep swimming, fishing, and boating on these lakes,” said Heitkamp. “Outdoor recreation on our lakes is one of many reasons North Dakota is such a great place to live and raise a family, and Senator Hoeven and I were able to fight together to keep those recreation opportunities affordable for folks along these reservoirs.” Earlier this year, the Bureau of Reclamation announced permit fee changes for those who have permits for cabins and trailers around the reservoirs, with fees set to increase between 90 and 157 percent. Heitkamp was concerned about the steep increase in permitting fees, which was scheduled to take effect in January 2017. The provisions will limit a planned increase in permit costs for lots on Jamestown Reservoir, Lake Tschida, and Patterson Lake. Capping the rent that the Bureau of Reclamation can charge will help make sure those lots remain affordable over the next five years. Additionally, the bill will allow trailers at Lake Tschida to remain on their lots if anchored so that trailer-owners who have invested in those properties can remain and enjoy the lake as they have for years. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D48E691C-CE49-440D-B4BF-D1D99F051F36 | Heitkamp: Congress Must Protect Future for Coal, Workers’ & Miners’ Pensions & Health Care | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today stood up for retired coal miners and workers, and the industry their livelihoods depend on, by refusing to vote for a short-term bill to fund the government. “It isn’t enough to talk about supporting a future for coal and the workers whose livelihoods depend on it – Congress needs to stand up for real results and for those workers,” said Heitkamp. “This bill fails thousands of retired coal miners – who for decades played by the rules, sacrificing their health to provide for their families – by refusing to guarantee the health and retirement benefits they earned and were promised. These miners face similar challenges to the thousands of North Dakota retirees whose pensions I’ve been working to protect as the Central States Pension Fund restructures. All of these workers and retirees helped build our country through their own sweat and labor, yet some in Congress are willing to just turn their backs on them. I’m not willing to do that – that isn’t who I am. And as so many families are struggling to get by, I also strongly support a continued freeze on the salaries of members of Congress, and I won’t take a salary increase.“Today’s short-term spending bill also fails to help support a realistic path forward for coal, the industry these miners work in, as it avoids including my commonsense bill that has broad bipartisan support to actually help accomplish that goal. When it comes to the future of the coal industry, and protecting workers and retirees down the road – anything but a long-term solution isn’t going to cut it. So I’m going to keep fighting for these workers and retirees. And anyone in Congress who cares about American workers, should stand up and fight, too.” Heitkamp has long championed a realistic path forward for coal as part of the nation’s energy mix, as well as solutions to protect the hard-earned health and pensions of workers, miners, and retirees. In July, she introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage long-term clean coal energy developme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BB1987FC-589A-422F-AE8C-04D33FF92A69 | Heitkamp Helps Senate Pass Defense Authorization Bill to Support North Dakota Priorities | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support North Dakota defense priorities. The legislation is a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the Senate and the House, and passed last week in the House. Heitkamp helped pass an earlier version of the bill in the Senate in June. “Passing a strong, bipartisan defense bill will help keep our country safe, while also bolstering North Dakota’s defense priorities at our Air Force bases and beyond,” said Heitkamp. “This bill authorizes funding for the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, and underscores the importance of all of these missions to supporting strong national security strategies. To boost our state’s leadership in the use of remotely piloted aircraft, the bill also includes a provision I backed bolstering support for these aircraft as well as provisions I fought for to help servicemembers with post-traumatic stress, encourage the quick replacement of Minot’s UH-1N helicopters, and more.” The National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions that Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota, including: Protecting the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base: The bill includes a provision Heitkamp pushed for to keep development of the next generation of long-range strike bombers – like those at Minot Air Force Base – on track. Last year’s defense bill included elements of Heitkamp’s bipartisan Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act to make sure long-range bomber aircraft such as Minot Air Force Base B-52 bombers stay in service as long as they are needed, by restricting circumstances in which bombers may be retired. Strengthening border security by boosting the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technologies: Long a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4CBBEFEB-C815-4A0D-A21F-E57A28ABF2FA | Heitkamp, Hoeven Get Commitment from Commander of NORTHCOM to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today met with U.S. Air Force (USAF) General Lori Robinson, leader of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), headquartered in Colorado. Gen. Robinson, at Heitkamp’s and Hoeven's request, agreed to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base and review activities at the base. Heitkamp and Hoeven also discussed NORTHCOM’s operations in the Arctic region. The senators highlighted how the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base could contribute to NORTHCOM’s Arctic mission. “It is important that General Robinson come to Grand Forks to see firsthand what is happening at the base, including the work with the Global Hawk,” Heitkamp and Hoeven said. “The Global Hawk’s unique capabilities to gather information over a broad area and fly long distances make it an ideal aircraft to greatly contribute to NORTHCOM’s activities in the Arctic. Grand Forks Air Force Base is also strategically located in proximity to the Arctic, making the base uniquely qualified to support the Arctic mission, which is increasingly important to our nation’s security. Simply put, the Global Hawk can help increase our awareness of activity in this region, and it is already strategically based to provide immediate assistance.” Grand Forks Air Force Base is closer to some parts of the Arctic than even Alaska. Increased activity in the Arctic region, including more activity by Russia, has necessitated American activity and surveillance to ensure safety and stability. For the past several years, NORTHCOM has been working with the Canadian Joint Operations Command to coordinate operations, including domain awareness, emergency response and training activities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=61B74C4C-3BBA-409C-B22D-A8C718349E52 | Heitkamp Helps Pass Comprehensive Bill to Boost Life-Saving Medical Research, Tackle Opioid Abuse & Mental Health Challenges | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she helped the U.S. Senate pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding for biomedical research to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs. The bill – which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law – includes two of Heitkamp’s bipartisan bills she introduced with Republican senators to improve access to quality health services, particularly in rural areas. Heitkamp has been a key advocate in Congress working to combat the nation’s opioid abuse crisis head on, and repeatedly advocated for more robust addiction and recovery federal resources – which this bill helps provide. She has also spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to educate senators and their staff about the long-term physical and psychological impact that traumatic events experienced at a young age – including abuse, violence, or disaster – can have on children and communities. Today’s bill includes legislation Heitkamp cosponsored to continue and build programs aimed at reducing the impact of childhood traumatic stress and preventing suicide. “For too long families and individuals have suffered in silence as a result of traumatic events they experienced as children, from the pain of opioid abuse, or from encountering disease or illness,” said Heitkamp. “This bill isn’t perfect, but it makes real progress by supporting critical research that could help find a cure for cancer and other diseases, addressing opioid abuse, and preventing suicide and reducing the impact of traumatic stress. But we can’t stop there. Rural families and businesses know that accessing equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen tanks in their hometowns, and helping their employees obtain quality health care shouldn’t be a challenge. That’s why I fought to include my bipartisan bills to improve access to quality care for rural communities in today… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=55D61683-F854-4C02-84B1-6B9549852B05 | Heitkamp, Thune Bill to Prevent Unsafe Forest Service Burns Heads to President’s Desk | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statements after the House passed their bipartisan legislation that would require collaboration between U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme. The bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate in November, now heads to the president to be signed into law. Heitkamp and Thune introduced this legislation in response to the Pautre fire, a prescribed burn that was intended to cover just over 100 acres in northwestern South Dakota, but quickly turned into a 16,000 acre out-of-control fire that burned for several days and destroyed millions of dollars in property in North Dakota and South Dakota. “The Forest Service needs to listen when ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn – and this bill will help guarantee that happens,” said Heitkamp. “The Pautre wildfire was completely preventable, making it obvious that the Forest Service hasn’t done enough to listen to local communities in North Dakota and beyond. Our bipartisan bill will help prevent what happened in 2013 from happening again, which will help protect our ranchers, their property, and valuable grasslands.” “Prescribed burns are a proven management tool that I support,” said Thune. “That said, before a prescribed burn is initiated, effective collaboration between Forest Service personnel and local officials is essential. South Dakota is all too familiar with what can happen when carelessly started prescribed burns, like the Pautre Fire, for example, blaze out of control. They can damage private property and require multiple local firefighting units, at a significant cost to taxpayers. I’m glad this common-sense bill is headed to the president, and I want to thank my colleagues in the House, including South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem and House leadership, for recognizing the need to get this bill to the finish line.” Heitkamp has long … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FF5DA5E3-B49B-4E48-856F-287D7F4E7BDE | Heitkamp: Army Corps Contract Marks Start of Federal F-M Diversion Construction | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a staunch advocate for flood protections throughout North Dakota, today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the first contract to begin construction on the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project. The $46 million contract for Ames Construction will include construction of the diversion inlet control structure south of Horace – a concrete structure with three gates to regulate flows into the diversion channel. “Today’s contract marks the start of federal construction for the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a critical project I’ve long pushed for to keep this region safe,” said Heitkamp. “After years of pressing for strong, permanent flood protections in the Red River Valley, the contract the Army Corps of Engineers awarded today is a milestone to celebrate. As the F-M diversion moves forward, I’ll keep doing everything I can to support this project – as well as other North Dakota flood protection projects – so they continue getting the federal support needed to help protect our communities.” In October, Heitkamp met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections – including a conversation she had with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. Heitkamp has also continued working to include federal funds for the diversion in future spending bills, as well as pushing for diversion support in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ next work plan like she did last year. In July, the Army Corps and local leaders signed an agreement to initiate construction of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a project Heitkamp has fought to make happen. In the U.S. Senate, she pushed to secure federal resources in the year-end spending bill for the Army Corps to implement new construction starts. This year, Heitkamp succ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BAFA9263-A317-4A09-B54E-A1CE1938B4A5 | Heitkamp Announces $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for NDSU Transportation Research | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded North Dakota State University $2.5 million in federal funding for transportation research that will help transit agencies serve changing populations with developing technologies. “North Dakota’s universities strengthen our state, educate our young people, and generate research that helps folks across the country,” said Heitkamp. “This federal grant will enable our students and faculty to continue their cutting-edge research. And in the U.S. Senate, I’ll keep encouraging the Transportation Department to provide more funding for NDSU research given the university’s reputation for leadership in transportation, agriculture, and so much more.” The grant is one of 35 five-year grants awarded to advance research and education programs that address critical infrastructure challenges facing the U.S. Heitkamp has long supported North Dakota universities’ efforts to secure federal funding for their research, including urging Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to select NDSU for federal transportation research funding in August. The consortium of universities that NDSU received the award through – the Mountain-Plains Consortium – also includes Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Colorado-Denver, the University of Denver, the University of Utah, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9610068A-12EF-4883-8ABE-73EFFCFAD2C6 | Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Deny Dakota Access Easement under Lake Oahe | 2016-12-04 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the easement for the Dakota Access pipeline to go under Lake Oahe. “It’s long past time that a decision is made on the easement going under Lake Oahe,” said Heitkamp. “This administration’s delay in taking action -- after I’ve pushed the White House, Army Corps, and other federal agencies for months to make a decision -- means that today’s move doesn’t actually bring finality to the project. The pipeline still remains in limbo. The incoming administration already stated its support for the project and the courts have already stated twice that it appeared the Corps followed the required process in considering the permit. For the next month and a half, nothing about this project will change. For the immediate future, the safety of residents, protesters, law enforcement, and workers remains my top priority as it should for everyone involved. As some of the protesters have become increasingly violent and unlawful, and as North Dakota’s winter has already arrived – with a blizzard raging last week through the area where protesters are located -- I’m hoping now that protesters will act responsibly to avoid endangering their health and safety, and move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River. “Additionally, our federal delegation and governor have been working together in a bipartisan effort to push for more federal resources for law enforcement who have worked day and night through weekends and holidays to support the safety of our communities. The administration needs to provide those funds – whether the protesters remain or not.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=88093253-8BA7-4CDB-82FD-6E623434A398 | Heitkamp Statement on Attorney General Lynch Discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kirchmeier | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier regarding the Dakota Access pipeline. “For months I’ve been working with the delegation and the governor to press the Administration to engage proactively with North Dakota law enforcement, and to deliver the concrete resources they need to keep our communities safe,” said Heitkamp. “It's a step in the right direction that Attorney General Lynch reached out to Sheriff Kirchmeier on the challenges related to Dakota Access pipeline protests that our law enforcement on the ground are facing. But it's a conversation that is long overdue -- and it isn't enough. It's my hope that today's discussion is a step toward the U.S. Department of Justice working hand-in-hand with North Dakota's delegation -- as I've been calling for the agency to do for the past four months -- and leads to effectively keeping our communities, residents, protestors, and law enforcement safe so law enforcement gets the federal resources to do their jobs.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just recently, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D3B43FF5-1EC3-422A-9326-CEBA6A991C35 | Heitkamp Statement Following Meeting with President-Elect Trump | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after her more than hour-long meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump. “President-elect Trump and I had a thoughtful and wide ranging discussion on a variety of issues important to North Dakota and the country,” said Heitkamp. “We talked about finding a realistic path forward for coal and combating human trafficking, as well as the Export-Import Bank and keeping jobs in the U.S., energy infrastructure including the complexities of the Dakota Access pipeline and the challenges for law enforcement as well as the Keystone pipeline, and the issues facing small community banks that help support rural towns. We also discussed my background as I’m from a town of just 90 people from a rural state and my upbringing as the daughter of a seasonal construction worker and a school cook. I appreciate him being generous with his time, and I look forward to working with him and all of my colleagues in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, to reach results for North Dakota and the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=22699AB1-F0C9-4949-A345-9DB6B114D5AC | Heitkamp Statement on Friday Meeting with President-Elect Trump | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement regarding her meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump. “I appreciate the president-elect inviting me for a meeting,” said Heitkamp. “Every single day, my work is motivated first and foremost by how I can be most helpful to the people of North Dakota. They are my driving force and have been throughout my career in public service. Whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=949CA1AD-1286-4968-AF5E-816638F8B9E0 | Heitkamp Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for UND Energy Research | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $10 million in U.S. Department of Energy funding for the University of North Dakota. The federal funding includes two grants for the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center: one $1.2 million grant to study the feasibility of CO2 capture of emissions from Nebraska Public Power District’s Gerald Gentleman Station, and another grant of $8.8 million for UND researchers to determine the feasibility of developing a commercial-scale CO2 geologic storage complex in central North Dakota. “Building a path forward for coal, as I’ve long been pushing for, requires investments into research and development of new technologies – and this federal funding for the University of North Dakota will help,” said Heitkamp. “UND researchers at the Energy & Environmental Research Center and across the university have made North Dakota a trailblazer in developing the skills and tools we need to keep coal a part of our energy mix. This federal funding will help further their research, and make sure we’re investing in the students, researchers, and faculty at our state’s research universities. Combined with these investments, Congress also needs to pass bipartisan legislation I introduced to incentivize a viable future for coal so we can support this industry and its workers in the long-term.” Heitkamp has long supported energy innovation in North Dakota to provide a strong path forward for coal – which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity – while working toward commonsense incentives to encourage new carbon technologies that can transform carbon emissions into useable products. After working together with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to boost recognition that the U.S. and world need to maintain a diverse energy mix that includes traditional energy sources while still reducing national and global carbon emissions, Heitkamp and Whitehouse introduced their bipartisan bill in July… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A01121D8-5612-41F3-B835-48BB87C00BB6 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Families & Prevent Child Abuse | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $1,960,193 in federal funding for Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota to assist woman, children, and families improve prenatal and child health, prevent abuse, and promote child development. “The health, safety, and development of our children directly impacts their future success,” said Heitkamp. “It is so important that parents have the resources and tools they need to support the healthy growth of their children, especially those who are considered at risk. The federal funds announced today support families by providing advice, education, and best practices during home visitation that will help their children live healthy and productive lives.” Specifically, these federal funds will support the Federal Home Visiting Program that helps parents who participate in the program improve outcomes for their children. Home visits support the health of the mother and child both during and after pregnancy, improve child development and behavior, as well as support mothers in obtaining work and education so they are able to provide a secure future for their children. These federal funds are made available through the Health Resources and Services Administration. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E2D5238C-D24E-4ADC-87A4-36A73922971A | Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives, Heads to Presidents Desk | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Earlier this month, Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. Their bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act directly responds to the feedback Heitkamp and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard in April 2015 from federal, state, county and local officials and law enforcement when she brought him to North Dakota to tour the Northern Border in Pembina. By requiring DHS to evaluate security threats and challenges at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels, Heitkamp’s bill will address the concerns she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. “Effectively protecting our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border requires accurate assessments of the threats we face so we can make sure we have the robust security force our communities need to stay safe,” said Heitkamp. “In North Dakota, the Northern Border touches so many of our communities, and after visiting the border on multiple occasions – including Portal earlier this month – and meeting with border security officials about their growing challenges on the ground, I wanted to do everything I could to make a difference. Now, Congress has passed my bipartisan bill to do just that. When this bill is signed into law, it will help our dedicated forces along the border get the support they need to address serious threats and technology gaps on the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6715D876-292F-40E0-B167-1E18073AE8D4 | Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Senator’s Legislation Calls for Better Resources & Training to Respond to Incidents to keep Communities Strong & Safe WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools they need to handle hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments, unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives – bringing her legislation one step closer to being signed into law. Since late 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Casselton, which was followed by several other derailments nationwide, Heitkamp has been working to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails and keep communities strong and safe. The passage of today’s legislation in the House includes minor changes from the version that passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate in May, and will be sent back to the U.S. Senate for final approval before reaching the president’s desk. “When disaster strikes, North Dakotans depend on their communities to pull together to subdue the flames – and as a statewide family, we know our first responders need our protection just as much as we need theirs,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why in the wake of the crude oil train derailment in Casselton in 2013, I introduced my RESPONSE Act to pull together public and private expertise to help make sure Congress is supporting those who answer the call in such emergencies. Today, we’re bringing this bill one step closer to becoming law – and first responders one step closer to the resources they need to keep our communities strong and safe so they can return home to their families each night.” U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) worked with Heitkamp to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015. “With the passage of the RESPONSE Act we are making our Wisconsin communities safer by providing more training for our first responders and holding big r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4D5B679-D4ED-4FD8-AEB1-9FE1C5CCA038 | Heitkamp Announces Five ND Students to Military Service Academies | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she nominated five outstanding North Dakota students to the nation’s military service academies. Heitkamp nominated Jayce Moor from Crary, Olivia Nellermoe from West Fargo, Rose Gasper from Bismarck, and David Godfrey and Sophia Maliscke both from Fargo. “Our nation’s military academies train and equip the next generation to lead the United States,” said Heitkamp. “David, Jayce, Olivia, Rose, and Sophia have all demonstrated a deep sense of patriotism through their determination and ambition and I know they will uphold these values as they serve North Dakota and our nation.” Members of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Below are further details on the students Heitkamp has nominated: David Godfrey – Principal Nomination to the United States Air Force Academy Godfrey, who is originally from Fargo, is currently attending the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado. He is active in the prep-school’s Drill Team, Color Guard, and Rifle Team. He plays basketball and is the school’s football team manager. Godfrey was also involved in the Civil Air Patrol. Jayce Moor – Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy Moor, who is from Crary, attends Lakota High School and is ranked second in his class. He is very involved in his school’s activities through Choir, Close-Up, Drama, Future Business Leaders of America, FFA, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Student Council, and his school’s year book. He has demonstrated his athletic abilities in football, track, and wrestling. Moor has also participated in Academic Challenge, Math Counts, Science Fairs, a Regional Spelling Bee, International Music Camp, and the Perkin Art Show. Olivia Nellermoe – … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DEB94F9A-8904-4A69-9ED0-89F70387B6EE | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Head Start and Early Head Start in Fargo, TGU School District | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a total of more than $2.6 million in federal funding to support Head Start and Early Head Start Programs at the Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo and the Towner, Granville, and Upham (TGU) School District #60. “Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state play an important role in shaping the future of our children and putting them on a path toward success,” said Heitkamp. “Every dollar we invest in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are an investment in our kid’s future. Children in Fargo and the TGU School District benefit from access to these programs and the federal funds announced today will continue that important investment.” The federal funds are distributed as follows: Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo - $1,555,879. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support the birth – five year old program. Towner, Granville, Upham School District - $1,094,779. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support TGU’s Early Explorers program. Long an advocate for early childhood education, Heitkamp has been a staunch supporter of Head Start programs that help children get a solid education at a young age, setting them on paths to succeed. These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=64DE0110-8265-44C0-AA36-B6AF0ED54504 | Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Require Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors to Move from Federal Land | 2016-11-26 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to require Dakota Access pipeline protesters to leave Corps land north of the Cannonball River. “The decision by the Army Corps is a needed step to support the safety of residents, workers, protestors, and law enforcement,” said Heitkamp. “Safety must remain the top priority for everyone, and to help make that possible, it’s critical protestors peacefully and lawfully move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River and to the identified federal and tribal lands. There has been an escalation of violence among some of the protestors that puts their lives, as well as the lives of law enforcement, residents, and land owners in jeopardy. We will continue to work together in a bipartisan way to make sure the Corps’ decision is adhered to and that all North Dakotans are protected. That also means the Administration must make a decision on the easement under Lake Oahe – just as I pressed the White House for again during a conversation last week. For too long, we have waited in limbo as the decision is put off. This issue needs to be put to rest once and for all for the sake of the safety of our communities.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just last week, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decisio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3AB86BAB-0AAF-485B-9D32-74E1CEEBE6F2 | Heitkamp Presses White House on Dakota Access Pipeline | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement following her conversation this week with White House officials regarding the Dakota Access pipeline. “This week when I spoke with a top White House official, I made it crystal clear that enough is enough – the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement underneath Lake Oahe, or he should let the Army Corps of Engineers make that decision immediately. Continued inaction and delay is not justice, and it has brought our communities no peace – rather, it has put lives at risk. The Administration has failed to offer the federal assistance necessary to help law enforcement officers keep our communities safe and protect our families, workers, and ranchers. Protestors should be able to exercise their First Amendment right peacefully and lawfully, but in many cases now, that isn't what we're seeing. Despite my continued meetings with the White House, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, it is apparent that the White House either does not understand, or will not respect the severity of the situation on the ground – which I told them increases my fear that their failure to act will lead to an escalation of violence. “For months, I’ve requested over and over the law enforcement resources to keep our communities safe. In the time the Administration has dragged its feet and offered scant support, our own law enforcement has grown weary – stretching and wearing resources thin not just near the protest sites but in communities rippled across our state. The White House promised me it would consult with the Corps in short order, and I’ll be close on their heels – because for our communities, turning a blind eye is not an option, and neither is anything but a speedy conclusion.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeli… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ECDE13CD-238F-4C5B-B75A-C218601890A9 | Heitkamp Statement on Final Renewable Fuel Standard | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final 2017 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for ethanol and advanced biofuels, and 2018 RVOs for biodiesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). After the EPA released its proposed RVOs in May, Heitkamp called on the Administration to set more ambitious targets, as the law requires. She followed up on this call last month with Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan. Heitkamp also helped lead 40 senators in urging the Administration to increase biodiesel RVOs to encourage continued industry growth and diversity in the nation’s energy supply. “Following repeated calls and pressure on the EPA to set strong blend levels, today’s announcement that the statutory level for corn ethanol is met is good news for North Dakota farmers and biofuels workers,” said Heitkamp. “Ambitious blend levels are critical to supporting North Dakota’s biofuels industry because it supports good-paying jobs, increases our energy security, and creates clean, reliable fuel. While this announcement is a win for North Dakota farmers and biofuels workers, I’ll continue to push the EPA to live up to its legal obligation, as set out by Congress, by pushing for more ambitious blend levels.” The EPA is required by law to set fuel blending levels annually so biodiesel and ethanol producers can plan for the future, but the agency failed to do so for years. Heitkamp led the charge in the Senate to successfully push the EPA to set timely RVOs in 2015 for the first time in years. When the RVOs released in May 2015 were lower than levels needed to comply with law and promote the ethanol and biofuels industries, Heitkamp led a bipartisan group of 36 Senators in calling on the EPA to increase the RVOs, and joined a bipartisan group of more than 40 Senators to put pressure on the EPA for strong ethanol blend levels in June 2016. As Heitkamp requested, the EPA increased its targets when it rel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0331EA98-15DA-4154-8378-1A5A2B790EFB | Heitkamp, Moran Lead Over 80 Bipartisan Members of Congress in Calling for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation | 2016-11-22 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 legislators from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in calling for adding lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive legislation to reform the U.S. Postal Service which was introduced in the House. Joined by Representatives David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Democrat Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) of the U.S. House of Representatives, Heitkamp and Moran underscored to leaders of the House and Senate the need for better, more reliable mail service – which is often a critical lifeline for families and businesses across the country in both rural and urban areas. The legislators’ call to address a significant decline in U.S. Postal Service performance – including a complete elimination of the overnight service standard – as well as mail processing plant consolidations and post office hour reductions, builds on Heitkamp’s work to bring attention to serious service challenges, particularly in rural communities throughout North Dakota. Specifically, Heitkamp pressed congressional leaders to incorporate into postal reform legislation introduced in the House some of the Senate provisions Heitkamp helped write and introduce that were inspired by the mail service and delivery issues she has heard about directly from North Dakotans as part of her Fix My Mail initiative. “The Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation,” the members of Congress wrote. “It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service’s commitment to the American public. For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability. Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy. Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our commun… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0C77941-8F8B-44DB-A5F3-BD869F411B57 | Heitkamp Helps Mitigate Harsher Cuts to Prevent Plant Coverage | 2016-11-22 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MANDAN, N.D. – After pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maintain strong crop insurance prevent plant policies for North Dakota farmers in any changes to prevent plant payment factors, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the agency heeded her call, implementing a new rule that makes lesser cuts for North Dakota crops than original proposals.A member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, Heitkamp urged USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Brandon Willis in September 2015 to proceed with caution before heeding a report’s suggestion of payment factor reductions for corn, dry bean, pea, canola, and flaxseed – crops North Dakota leads the nation in producing. Just last month, Heitkamp reiterated her concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, noting that North Dakota producers collecting indemnities from prevented planting pay premiums at levels that are sufficient to cover risk, and that decreases could have a negative impact. Today’s rule, which changes payment factors for prevented planting, includes lesser reductions than USDA’s RMA-commissioned study called for last year – particularly for corn growers. Pointing to the fact that North Dakota is a prominent producer of the crop, Heitkamp had warned USDA that growers would feel significant consequences from reduction levels as originally suggested. “A strong crop insurance program helps make sure North Dakota farmers can take risks and make investments necessary to grow the crops our nation depends on,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I’ve been pressing leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to keep the crop insurance program strong by avoiding damaging changes that could disrupt the safety nets our growers rely on, and jeopardize our state’s production. By working to halt harsher cuts to prevent plant, we made some needed and important progress for corn growers. It’s critical that North Dakotans have the coverage they need and that USDA takes into account the high input costs, and I’ll keep figh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4928C79-799A-49D9-8724-79F0D87D8E1C | Heitkamp Details Research, Conservation Priorities at ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts Meeting | 2016-11-21 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ annual meeting, covering her work to promote federally funded research and voluntary conservation efforts, and outlining her priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill. In August, Heitkamp traveled across the state for a two-day Farm Bill tour, during which she met with North Dakota farmers, researchers, and agriculture leaders about a range priorities for the next Farm Bill – including supporting research and funding voluntary conservation solutions that work for North Dakota farmers. “In a state like North Dakota, our rural communities – and their economies – depend on the health of our soil,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why your work is so important, and why investments in research are among my top priorities as I fight for rural America in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year, I got out in the field with North Dakota farmers and researchers to hear about their priorities for the next Farm Bill – and I’m using that feedback to fight for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 that includes robust investments in research and voluntary conservation efforts.” The annual meeting brought together around 300 staff from the state’s Soil Conservation Districts, North Dakota State University extensions, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as farmers and ranchers from across the state. Heitkamp spoke about some of her top agriculture successes in the U.S. Senate, such as the provisions she secured in the 2014 Farm Bill to boost North Dakota agriculture. As member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the 2014 Farm Bill, and has worked to implement and protect the Farm Bill for producers across North Dakota. As a staunch advocate for rural America and farming communities, Heitkamp discussed some of her major priorities in the last Farm Bill and in upcoming negotiations for the 2018 Farm Bill. Those priorities include: Promoting Pragmatic Conserva… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F597B16D-9254-4D24-BAA1-9E45FD1152C2 | Heitkamp Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline Protests | 2016-11-21 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement following protests last night regarding the Dakota Access pipeline. “Having spent several hours Sunday night at the Morton County Law Enforcement Center as the protests unfolded, it’s clear these dangerous altercations are a formula for disaster going forward. Safety is of the utmost importance, and it’s imperative that it remain the top priority for all of those involved in these protests,” said Heitkamp. “Any protestors should be able to exercise their First Amendment right lawfully and peacefully, but many of the actions we have seen over the past several weeks are not those of lawful protestors and they pose serious safety concerns to other protestors -- especially as the temperatures drop -- and law enforcement officers, as well as to children, residents, and workers trying to live their lives in their communities. Additionally, I have repeatedly spoken with the Army Corps and White House and called on them to set a date for when a decision will be made on the easement, and have been continuing to work with the federal delegation and governor in a bipartisan effort to push for more federal resources for law enforcement. As North Dakotans, we know how to work peacefully to find resolution, and I believe and hope that is still possible here.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A3464C12-5F78-4BC5-80CC-77FFD2738983 | Heitkamp Helps Senate Pass Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Unsafe U.S. Forest Service Burns | 2016-11-18 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that Senator John Thune of South Dakota introduced – and which Heitkamp strongly supported – to prevent the U.S. Forest Service from carrying out prescribed burns in extreme fire risk situations. The bill also requires the Forest Service to better coordinate with local officials. The bill was introduced in response to the Pautre wildfire in 2013, which began after the Forest Service went ahead with a controlled burn despite vocal concerns from local ranchers about the risk of the fire getting out of hand. The resulting wildfire burned thousands of acres and led to millions of dollars in damage. “When ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn, the Forest Service needs to listen. This bill, which passed unanimously, will help make sure that happens in the future,” said Heitkamp. “After the completely preventable Pautre wildfire in 2013, it was clear we needed to make sure the Forest Service listens to local communities before carrying out burns. Despite warnings from ranchers, the Forest Service went ahead with the Pautre burn in 2013, destroying ranchers’ property and scorching grassland they rely on to make a living. Our bipartisan bill aims to prevent that from happening again.” Heitkamp has long fought to protect ranchers, families and rural communities in North Dakota and beyond from harm that could result from unsafe prescribed burns performed by the Forest Service. At a July 2015 U.S. Senate hearing, Heitkamp held the Forest Service accountable for the 2013 Pautre wildfire and pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie – who oversees the Forest Service – to take responsibility. Heitkamp has been a leading voice in pressing the Forest Service to fully reimburse ranchers for documented losses, which totaled nearly $10 million in damage and 14,000 burned acres. Heitkamp first expressed her frustration with the controlled burn in April… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=14817AC8-4740-46F4-8CF5-3825D317BD81 | Heitkamp Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Health on National Rural Health Day | 2016-11-17 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – On National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped unveil a bipartisan bill to help improve rural health care delivery and service, which enable North Dakota’s rural communities to get better access to affordable, quality health care. A member of the U.S. Senate’s Rural Health Care Caucus, Heitkamp joined co-chairs of the caucus, Republican Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, as well as Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming in introducing comprehensive legislation to strengthen rural health service and provide relief to hospitals and providers serving rural communities in North Dakota and across the country. By directly addressing concerns Heitkamp has heard from medical professionals, health leaders and advocates across the state on the need to improve rural health delivery, this bill would both incentivize medical professionals to serve in high-need, rural areas and make commonsense regulatory changes that recognize the reality on the ground in rural health care delivery. “Every day I come to the U.S. Senate fighting for rural America, and that includes making sure families living in rural communities can access the quality, affordable health care they deserve,” said Heitkamp. “Our bipartisan bill would make needed changes to address the unique health care needs of small and remote towns in North Dakota and across the country. A one-size-fits-all model for health service doesn’t work for rural communities, and this bill would change that.”Today’s legislation builds on Heitkamp’s work toward policies that make sure the concerns of rural health providers and the communities they serve are heard. In September, Heitkamp helped secure the Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s status as a Critical Access hospital, speaking directly with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield to reinforce how being a Critical Access facility helps JRMC provide better service to rural communities … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=615492FC-03ED-48D9-9760-E16878922CF9 | Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes in U.S. Senate | 2016-11-17 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate. Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act directly responds to the feedback Heitkamp and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard in April 2015 from federal, state, county and local officials and law enforcement when she brought him to North Dakota to tour the Northern Border. By requiring the DHS to conduct a comprehensive examination that fully evaluates security threats and challenges at the border, Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill would address the concerns federal border security officials and local sheriffs discussed with Heitkamp and Mayorkas about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. She heard similar concerns earlier this month during meetings with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and management at the Portal Point of Entry, and in meetings on border security in Grand Forks and Minot. At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. “Keeping our country safe means making sure all of our nation’s borders – both north and south – are adequately protected to meet modern day challenges,” said Heitkamp. “When former Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and I visited Pembina last year, and during my visit to the Portal visit to the Portal Point of Entry earlier this month, I heard from federal, state, and local officials about the challenges they face every day. Taking their concerns to heart, our bipartisan bill aims to address issues such as recruiting and retaining border patrol agents and ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0375809-2F17-4D99-A5DC-F26C37A54A13 | Heitkamp: U.S. Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Bipartisan Gold Star Families Voices Act to Better Honor Fallen Heroes | 2016-11-15 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the Gold Star Families Voices Act, a bill that will help our country better honor servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The bill, which already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, will allow the families of servicemembers who were killed or missing in action to contribute to the Library of Congress’ Veterans’ Oral History Project. Right now, only living veterans can provide testimonials and biographical information for this project. “Paying respect to our fallen heroes and their families is one of our most important obligations,” said Heitkamp. “Giving these families an opportunity to tell the stories of the loved ones who never came home will help guarantee we remember and pay tribute to their sacrifice for years to come. We owe so much to these servicemembers, and to these Gold Star families who have also sacrificed so much.” Heitkamp is a strong advocate for veterans, servicemembers, fallen heroes, and their families. Earlier this month, Heitkamp met with the families of North Dakota servicemembers in Minot to thank them for their service during November’s “Military Family Appreciation Month.” During her visit, Heitkamp reinforced that the families of servicemembers make sacrifices every day that support our men and women in uniform. Heitkamp also spoke with families about ways to strengthen defense communities and support military families. Heitkamp has long worked to honor North Dakota’s fallen servicemembers. Beginning in 2014, Heitkamp collaborated with more than 150 eleventh-graders from Bismarck High School to gather information on fallen North Dakotans, incorporating their research into a series of 15 speeches she gave on the floor on the U.S. Senate from March through August 2015. In November 2015, Heitkamp met with some of the students to help lay more than 30 artifacts the students made to honor North Dakotans who died in Vietnam beneath the s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=36113700-D52C-471C-9906-2D8C5E3B5D86 | Heitkamp Highlights Path Forward for Coal, Innovative Technology During Basin Electric Annual Meeting | 2016-11-10 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today reinforced her plan to create a viable, affordable path forward for coal as she joined key energy leaders, experts, and advocates for Basin Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting. Speaking alongside Julio Friedmann, the former U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy, Heitkamp discussed the current landscape for clean coal development in North Dakota and the need to spur technology innovation to help secure a strong future for coal across the country. Long a champion of boosting the role of coal as part of nation’s energy mix, Heitkamp has consistently worked with Friedmann in championing a strong path forward for coal through investments in technology, and has been leading the charge in the U.S. Senate toward sensible solutions that will incentivize new carbon technologies capable of turning carbon emissions into usable products. “Securing practical, cleaner energy solutions that create jobs and help boost the economy should be goals we can all support – and we’re providing the road map right here in North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “Across the state, we’re reshaping the landscape of coal energy – and we’re doing it with cutting-edge technologies that reduce emissions and invigorate our local economies. Basin Electric has been a national leader on carbon capture and utilization and continually seeks opportunities to further the technology. In the U.S. Senate, I’m working to bring all sides together to encourage similar federal investment. By taking a page from North Dakota, we can incentivize the continued use of coal in energy generation in a way that secures a place for coal as part of a diverse and cleaner energy strategy for the country for years to come.”Since 2014, Heitkamp has been partnering with Friedmann to help advance a path forward for coal. After accepting her invitation to speak at a national symposium on coal energy she led in March 2014, Friedmann and Heitkamp continued discussions on how… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=420BFDAE-35DB-4423-82DB-AF3D2FB22068 | Heitkamp To Honor Veterans, Call for Better Access to Services They Need on Veterans Day | 2016-11-10 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – On Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp will join North Dakota veterans, servicemembers, and their families at events at the Heritage Center in Bismarck and at the AMVETS Veterans Day ceremony to honor veterans from all eras. Heitkamp will speak about the need to recognize our veterans and the families who share in their sacrifice every day by honoring the nation’s commitments to them – including access to high-quality benefits, health services, and community resources. Heitkamp has been fighting to improve access to crucial services for veterans in the U.S. Senate and working to improve the Veterans Choice program so North Dakota veterans get quality, timely care in their home communities. At Heitkamp’s urging, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opened a Vet Center in Grand Forks in May so veterans in the Grand Forks region have easier access to needed counseling services. Heitkamp has consistently pressed for strong funding for veterans’ care – particularly to address mental health needs of veterans in rural areas – and helped secure strong support for such services in the spending bill Congress passed in September. “When our men and women in the United States armed forces volunteer to protect our country, it means they and their families serve every day. That sense of service continues after they take off the uniform,” said Heitkamp. “As a nation, we owe them a deep debt of gratitude and respect – not just on Veterans Day, but every day by making sure they can access the resources they need and deserve. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been fighting for the care and services our servicemembers in North Dakota ought to have, and to make sure our communities are prepared for veterans returning home. From the VA answering my call for a Vet Center in Grand Forks and working toward reforming the Veterans Choice program, to helping Congress pass strong support for veterans’ mental health resources, I’ll keep fighting for our veterans each and every day.” A staunch advocate for veterans, He… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DF5A58FB-C9DD-4F89-819E-1DF0E6F06119 | Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session in Rugby on November 16 | 2016-11-08 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session in Rugby on Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The session will be at Dakota Farms Restaurant, located at 308 3rd Avenue SE. During the session Heitkamp’s staff will help North Dakotans address federal concerns such as veterans’ benefits, social security, and more. “Making sure folks in communities like Rugby have easy access to my staff is one of my priorities, which is why we hold ‘Heidi Helps’ across North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakotans can use ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions to sit down with my staff, ask questions, and get help with federal issues like social security and veterans benefits. So if you’re in the Rugby area, I encourage you to stop by with any questions or concerns – no appointments necessary.” Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota. Past sessions have been held in Jamestown, Fort Totten, Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, and Langdon. Members of Heitkamp’s staff will be available to assist North Dakotans with questions and casework, and to provide information about internship opportunities and service academy nominations. All information provided is private and confidential. No appointments are necessary. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8750F9C2-A4AB-4CBC-B33F-2362BA1627E7 | Heitkamp Underscores Need to Support Coal Innovation, Local Job Growth During Spiritwood Station Visit | 2016-11-07 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | SPIRITWOOD, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today visited Great River Energy’s (GRE) Spiritwood Station to see firsthand how, in two years since becoming fully operational, the high-efficiency coal-fired power plant generates electricity and steam to power homes and businesses in North Dakota while making serious reductions in emissions. Heitkamp played a key role in getting Spiritwood Station and the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy plant online by enabling the project to move forward after it hit some hurdles. When it started operation in 2014, Spiritwood Station became the first coal-fired generating plant to go online in North Dakota in more than 30 years. Heitkamp has long supported energy innovation in North Dakota to provide a strong path forward for coal – which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity – while working toward commonsense incentives to encourage new carbon technologies that can transform carbon emissions into useable products. During today’s tour, Heitkamp spoke with GRE management and Spiritwood Station workers to discuss the plant’s successes in coal innovation by helping boost local plant energy efficiency to 60 percent – that’s almost 30 percent better than the national average – while employing 49 North Dakotans locally. “We can spark energy-efficient innovation, grow jobs here at home, and pave the way for a strong future for coal – and Spiritwood Station is a perfect example of how we’re doing that in North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “Today I got the chance to see firsthand how in just two years, Spiritwood is not only boosting the community’s local economy by employing almost 50 North Dakotans, but serving as a national example of achieving better energy efficiency for coal-fired power plants at a rate that is nearly double the national average of coal-fired plants. We can build on Spiritwood’s positive work, and I’m working to do that in the U.S. Senate by bringing together a strong bipartisan coalition of senators who support my bill to secure coal’s role in our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C8A12CC5-38FF-40AB-8BA7-FE5FC647204A | Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session for Veterans in Cando on November 16 | 2016-11-07 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | JAMESTOWN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session specifically for veterans in Cando on Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Memorial Building at 404 5th Avenue. During the session veterans can learn about opportunities to access resources related to federal and state veterans’ benefits, military records, mental health, post-traumatic stress, retirement, financial issues, employment assistance, and housing assistance. The Towner County Veterans Service Officer will be there, as well as a counselor from the Grand Forks Vet Center to explain services and resources offered by the Vet Center. “‘Heidi Helps’ sessions make sure that North Dakotans who don’t live near one of my five state offices still have easy access to my staff, and I encourage veterans in the Cando area to come out to get their questions answered and to get the help they deserve,” said Heitkamp. “Folks in our state serve in the military at a rate far higher than the national average, and we owe them such a debt of gratitude when they come home. So if you or a veteran you know could use assistance with services or benefits, join my staff in Cando later this month – no appointments necessary. The local Veterans Service Officer and Vet Center counselor will also be on hand to help.” Earlier this month Heitkamp’s staff held a similar session for veterans in Fort Totten. Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near her state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota. Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, Jamestown, and Langdon. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=60E5DF68-F37D-4FEC-A860-AB96EE62B388 | Heitkamp Announces $271,000 in Federal Funding for UND Research in Antarctica | 2016-11-04 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | PORTAL, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $271,000 in federal funding through the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support University of North Dakota geology research in Antarctica. “North Dakota winters must not have been cold enough for these UND students and researchers, who have been awarded a federal grant to head to Antarctica and investigate some of the oldest ice in the world,” said Heitkamp. “This is a great example of how students, faculty, and staff at our state’s universities are leading the world in cutting-edge research that creates new discoveries – teaching us more about the world, and leading to innovations and economic growth.” The NSF award supports UND research that will study a large body of ice buried beneath a meter of debris in East Antarctica. Several students will participate in the project by conducting Antarctic field work, making measurements in the lab, attending meetings, participating in outreach activities, and producing videos. Early analyses of the ice suggest it could be over a million years old, making it some of the oldest in the world. Further research could help scientists better understand the processes involved in its survival for such long periods of time. The research will also help inform scientists about the processes involved in the development of landforms on earth and Mars. NSF supports research, innovation, and discoveries that provide the foundation for economic growth in the U.S. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6E6A5D75-56BD-4239-ACEA-2F4AF495E53B | Heitkamp Visits Northern Border at Portal, Reinforces Need to Boost Security by Improving Hiring, Worker Retention and Technology | 2016-11-04 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Introduced Bills to Help Address Threats along Northern Border, Improve Recruitment & Retention of Workers & Is Advocating for Better Technology, Infrastructure Investments on Northern Border PORTAL, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today visited the Portal Point of Entry where she met with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and management to learn more about challenges they face in helping secure the country’s 5,500-mile-long Northern Border. Underscoring the need to improve the ability of federal agencies to attract, hire, and retain hardworking employees along the nation’s vast Northern Border – especially in remote locations – Heitkamp discussed with CBP leaders and employees the need for her legislation which would give federal agencies the ability to hire and retain the thriving workforce it needs. Heitkamp’s efforts particularly aim to tackle challenges in areas like Portal – the Northern Border’s third-busiest loaded rail car crossing for trade goods. She also spoke about how her bipartisan bill would help address issues recruiting and retaining workers, as well as work to improve the tools, technology, and cooperation needed to protect, secure, and monitor the Northern Border. “We need long-term solutions to protect America’s borders – and that means investing in the infrastructure, technology, and tools to recruit and retain quality personnel to help keep our nation safe,” said Heitkamp. “Today I visited Portal, one of the Northern Border’s busiest rail crossings, to talk with Customs and Border Protection leaders and employees about the challenges they face in keeping our border secure. In the Senate, I introduced legislation to address these concerns head on to help hire and retain a strong border security workforce especially in remote locations like Portal, and improve the tools needed to protect our Northern Border. With $1.6 billion in commodities and goods crossing the Northern Border every day, it’s critical that we equip the dedicated men and women working at the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74D0A29C-5EEA-4632-8FFB-493BB78D7C9D | Heitkamp Recognized as National Champion for Small Businesses | 2016-11-03 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today was recognized by North Dakota members of the Small Business Investors Alliance (SBIA) as she received the group’s national Champion of Small Business Award for her work to help level the playing field for small businesses across North Dakota and the country so they grow and thrive. Joining workers and North Dakota SBIA members at NewKota – a 60-employee Minot-based small business – Heitkamp emphasized the need to improve partnerships and strengthen bipartisan legislative efforts that have helped NewKota and others grow. With the help of Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) – which make long-term investments in Small Business Administration (SBA)-licensed companies like NewKota – have been able to hire more workers and develop their businesses. Heitkamp’s recognition today builds on her work in the U.S. Senate advocating for a seat at the table for small businesses when it comes to decisions on federal rules that impact them, and for her efforts to make sure small startups between New York and Silicon Valley can access the investments they need to prosper. “Strong small businesses and startups support workers, families, and communities across North Dakota. That’s why I’ve been working to make sure the rules for small businesses are fair and they are given every opportunity to get off the ground and grow,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an honor to be recognized by North Dakotans of the Small Business Investors Alliance which is dedicated to securing a prosperous, growth-oriented environment for communities to thrive. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been pushing for policies that help forge strong public-private partnerships which have allowed companies like NewKota to obtain the long-term investments they need to grow, and I’ll keep looking for ways to make sure small businesses and startups remain part of the fabric of North Dakota's towns well into the future.” A member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and a subcommittee ranking member on the U.S. Senate Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=897A0B7C-8A72-44E9-8D0A-BCBE94E88D44 | Heitkamp Thanks Military Kids and Families at Minot Air Force Base during Military Family Appreciation Month | 2016-11-03 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today met with the families of North Dakota servicemembers in Minot to thank them for their service during November’s “Military Family Appreciation Month.” During her visit, Heitkamp read to young children at Minot Air Force Base’s Child Development Center and then sat down to talk with elementary school children and parents at the David C. Jones Youth Center. Heitkamp thanked them for their sacrifice and spoke with families about ways to strengthen defense communities and support military families. “Behind so many North Dakota men and women in uniform are proud families and kids who make sacrifices each and every day,” said Heitkamp. “Military spouses and kids serve as well – and Military Family Appreciation Month this month is a reminder of that. They give up a great deal to move to military bases, and they often move every few years or even multiple times a year. It can take a great deal out of a family. Sometimes those sacrifices go unnoticed or underappreciated, which is why I wanted to meet these families to say thank you and hear about any challenges they face. Minot Air Force Base’s Child Development Center and Youth Center are great examples of the investments being made for North Dakota military families – but there’s still more that we can do. I’ll take the challenges and concerns I hear today back to the U.S. Senate to push for programs and resources that take care of military families who have given so much for our country.” In September, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter spoke at Minot Air Force Base to reinforce the importance of the nuclear missions at the Base and emphasize the $10 billion in investments nationally over the last two years to make improvements to those missions – including at Minot Air Force Base. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=65BB72DF-B84C-4A64-A854-2A32E1884C9A | Heitkamp Meets with Fargo Mayor, Continuing Fight for Permanent Flood Protections | 2016-10-31 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a staunch advocate for strong flood protections throughout North Dakota, met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her continued work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections – including a conversation she had earlier this month with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. Heitkamp is also working to include federal funds for the diversion in the spending bill Congress will debate later this year, as well as pushing for diversion support in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ next work plan like she did last year. “North Dakotans have always worked together to beat back rising waters, and I’m continuing to work with Mayor Mahoney to make sure Fargo and the Red River Valley get lasting protection,” said Heitkamp. “Emergency levees and sandbags aren’t long-term solutions, which is why I’ve fought to secure critical federal flood protection funding – and why I successfully called on the Corps and Administration to provide a new Fargo construction start. We must make sure this support continues in the coming year so this project becomes a reality, and I’ll push to make that happen. Despite the obstacles, Mayor Mahoney and I are committed to pushing forward and securing protections for the 230,000 folks who are counting on this project to keep our communities safe.” In July, the Army Corps and local leaders signed an agreement to initiate construction of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a project Heitkamp has fought to make happen. In the U.S. Senate, she pushed to secure federal resources in the year-end spending bill for the Army Corps to implement new construction starts. This year, Heitkamp successfully pressed Army Corps and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) leaders for flood protections and a new Fargo construction start in the Corps’ 201… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D2575FC8-0BF6-450C-9B86-F4857F946512 | Heitkamp Emphasizes Commitment to ND Foster Care Families | 2016-10-29 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke with foster families and advocates at the PATH annual meeting to highlight the organization’s life-changing work to support young people, reinforce the need to support foster families, and emphasize her commitment to standing up for foster children and families. PATH is a service-focused organization built on offering foster families a responsive and ongoing network of support to make sure they have skills, training, and understanding to provide children with a safe and nurturing place to call home. At PATH’s annual meeting, Heitkamp spoke with advocates, leaders, and foster family community members about her commitment to pushing for policies in the U.S. Senate that will support foster families and the important role PATH plays in North Dakota’s foster care community. “Providing a safe place to call home for children in foster care is one of the most selfless acts a family can choose to make,” said Heitkamp. “It was an honor to join leaders in the foster care community today to reinforce the importance of their work to nurturing young children, and highlight the critical work PATH does to support foster families across the state. PATH takes challenging cases and – with love, patience, and extensive training – helps give so many youth a childhood. As a member of the Caucus on Foster Youth, I’m working in the U.S. Senate to make sure federal policies best serve children in the foster care system and support foster parents in their critical role. I hope to continue partnering with the amazing advocates and foster families in our state to secure a bright and safe future for all kids.” Heitkamp has long promoted the work of North Dakota’s foster families, and has encouraged more families to care for young people in need. In March 2015, Heitkamp reintroduced legislation to support the well-being of foster children by providing additional tax relief for current foster families, encouraging more Americans to consider offering safe homes to foster children across t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=00DD5A23-E683-4F84-9215-5F41ABD92AF7 | Heitkamp Receives National Award for Outstanding Work to Stand Up for American Workers, Manufacturers | 2016-10-27 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today was recognized by North Dakota members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) at Case New Holland (CNH) for her work to stand up for American workers and manufacturers. During her remarks after receiving the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence, Heitkamp reinforced the need for smart federal regulatory policies that help level the playing field for small businesses by cutting red tape and a fully operational Export-Import Bank – both of which are crucial to supporting manufacturing jobs and economic growth in North Dakota and across the country. “Making sure North Dakota is building good jobs and strong communities for tomorrow means supporting our manufacturers through effective, commonsense policies today,” said Heitkamp. “But we can’t just talk about supporting workers – we have to actually do it. That’s why I’ve been pushing for commonsense federal regulatory policies that cut red tape for small businesses and manufacturers, and for a fully functioning Export-Import Bank to help level the playing field for North Dakota’s workers and businesses. This award means a great deal as it’s also about the thousands of workers across our state who go to their jobs every day building a stronger North Dakota.” “Senator Heitkamp has shown immense support for policies that support manufacturers in the U.S. and expand job opportunities for workers across the country,” said Brad Crews, COO, NAFTA, at CNH Industrial. “We are proud to stand by Senator Heitkamp as she receives this award and look forward to continuing to work with her to drive innovation and growth for manufacturers in North Dakota.” “Manufacturers need leaders in Washington who are going to fight for us,” said Adi Garg, Plant Manager at CNH Industrial in Fargo. “Today we are honoring a member who does more than talk the talk. Her votes for pro-manufacturing, pro-growth policies demonstrate that she cares about manufacturing’s future. On behalf of my company and manufacturers across … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=449B2658-2EC9-41A8-92F2-23574D9C21A6 | Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session for Veterans in Fort Totten on November 1 | 2016-10-26 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staffers will hold a “Heidi Helps” session specifically for veterans in Fort Totten on Tuesday, November 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in room 106 of Cankdeska Cikana Community College. Heitkamp’s staff is hosting the event in conjunction with the Grand Forks Job Service and Military Outreach offices and the Spirit Lake Veterans Service Officer. During the session, veterans will be able to learn about opportunities to access resources related to federal and state veterans’ benefits, military records, mental health, retirement, financial issues, employment assistance, transportation, education and training, and housing assistance. “Across the state, ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions have enabled folks who don’t live near one of my state offices to get easy access to my staffers and resources – and I’m excited to now host a session specifically for veterans,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakotans and those in Native communities serve in the military at higher rates than the national average, and it’s our obligation to make sure we give them the benefits and services they’ve earned. Veterans in the area looking for assistance from my staff, local Veterans Service Officers, and Job Service and Military Outreach offices should stop by, no appointments necessary.” Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota. Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, Jamestown, and Langdon. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7099F482-F830-4C5E-B688-8AF02CF01055 | Heitkamp Unveils Bipartisan Bill to Make Sure All North Dakotans Can Access Quality Health Services | 2016-10-26 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced bipartisan, commonsense legislation she introduced with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada to make sure those who qualify for Indian Health Service (IHS) resources are able to use their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) when seeking health care at non-IHS facilities. Currently, North Dakotans who have used IHS services can face challenges accessing their HSAs when seeking non-IHS care. Beneficiaries often encounter a three-month lag time in contributing to or using money from HSAs at non-IHS facilities, forcing them to instead to pay out-of-pocket at steep costs. Long a champion for improving access to affordable, quality health services for North Dakotans living in Indian Country, Heitkamp helped introduce a practical, bipartisan solution to make sure Native Americans can readily access their HSAs at non-IHS facilities so that they are not deterred from accessing the health care they deserve. “Every American deserves access to quality health care, but too often, that’s not the reality on the ground for folks who have received Indian Health Service care,” said Heitkamp. “There is no reason why, after receiving care from IHS, Native families should have to pay out of pocket instead of using the health savings accounts they have paid for when they seek care at non-IHS facilities. That’s why I’m working with Senator Heller on a bipartisan, commonsense solution. By making sure Native communities can access their health savings accounts – at any facility – we can make sure every American can get quality, affordable care for themselves and their families.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BDB9F5B7-091B-4932-9739-50336F96CF5C | Heitkamp Announces over $22 Million in Federal Funding to Help ND Seniors, Families, and Native American Communities Heat their Homes | 2016-10-26 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced more than $22 million in federal assistance to help low-income North Dakota families, seniors, and folks in Native American communities heat their homes this winter season. “Winter is fast approaching in North Dakota and all of us understand the need to properly prepare ourselves and our families from the frigid low temperatures,” said Heitkamp. “Heating our homes is not an option during the winter months in North Dakota, but when folks don’t have the financial security they need to keep their homes warm they are then put at risk of below zero temperatures. This federal funding will help folks across the state and in Indian Country afford to heat their homes to keep their families safe, and I encourage those who may need the assistance to learn more about how to apply for this support.” These federal funds used to offset heating and energy costs this winter season will be distributed as follows: North Dakota: $17,341,807 Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band: $2,053,635 Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: $1,584,065 Spirit Lake Tribe: $1,140,908 Three Affiliated Tribes: $912,727 The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Heitkamp has been committed to making sure federal assistance for heating during the brutally cold winter months is made available to those who need it. Earlier this year, Heitkamp urged her Senate colleagues to fully fund LIHEAP, so that families in North Dakota and across the country have the certainty of heating their homes when they need it the most. North Dakotans can learn more about home heating assistance eligibility and apply for assistance by clicking here. Eligible families outside Indian reservations must apply directly to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP funding. For eligible families living on Indian reservations, their tribes need to directly apply to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3C75D20D-3FB6-4CD0-AD60-F9F4A044FB25 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support School Improvement Efforts | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $1,039,904 in federal funding for the state of North Dakota to make investments in some of the state’s lowest performing schools to help improve student outcomes and put the schools on better paths forward. “North Dakota students show up in the classroom every day to learn and grow,” said Heitkamp. “No student should have to suffer the consequences of inadequate access to a high performing school, so we owe it to them to make sure they get the education they need to be successful in life. This federal funding will help to make improvements for low-performing schools, so they are able to provide new and innovative methods to turn schools around to make sure every student receives the education they deserve.” These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Education’s School Improvement Grant Program. This grant program provides funding to states, which in turn distribute the federal funds to some of the lowest-performing schools that have demonstrated a commitment to improving student outcomes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=77E40ED0-2FE4-493C-AF61-9E25B160A96D | Heitkamp: VA Extends Grand Forks Vet Center beyond Six-Month Trial Period | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend operations of the five-day Vet Center she successfully pushed for in Grand Forks – a positive step for area veterans who will continue to have the opportunity to get counseling services closer to home. The Grand Forks Vet Center opened May 31, following Heitkamp’s efforts to bring needed counseling services to veterans in the region. And now, after evaluating the first six months of the facility’s operations, VA has decided to extend the Vet Center beyond its initial trial period – including recently hiring two full-time Grand Forks counselors, indicating the need for the mental health and readjustment services the Vet Center provides. “After successfully pushing to bring a Vet Center to Grand Forks in May, it’s a promising step for North Dakota veterans that VA has decided to extend this Vet Center,” said Heitkamp. “Area veterans told me about the real need for these mental health services, which is why I called on VA to bring a Vet Center to Grand Forks last year. The VA’s commitment to extend this Vet Center in Grand Forks, and the fact that they’ve recently hired two dedicated counselors there, demonstrates that area veterans are using the counseling and readjustment services that they’ve earned – and I hope they continue to take advantage of this critical resource.” Heitkamp convened area veterans, VA leaders, and health care providers in August in Grand Forks to encourage them to take advantage of the Vet Center services, and to discuss fixes she has proposed to improve the Veterans Choice program so North Dakota veterans get quality care in their home communities. The Vet Center offers counseling and other services to veterans, servicemembers, and their families out of The Link, a Grand Forks Housing Authority space located at 300 Cherry Street in Grand Forks. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is 701-306-4669. In November 2015, Heitkamp … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AE00A823-B989-40DB-A1BD-4796C305CD61 | Heitkamp: Dickinson Awarded Essential Air Service Contract | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has selected United Airlines for a $4.1 million contract to continue providing federal Essential Air Service at the Dickinson Airport. “North Dakota relies on affordable, quality air service to strengthen small businesses, promote tourism, and so much more,” said Heitkamp. “Essential Air Service is a critical support for communities like Dickinson, and flights between Dickinson and Denver will continue to strengthen our economies, support local jobs, and keep folks connected.” DOT awarded the contract for United to provide 12 weekly nonstop round trips from Dickinson to Denver using 50-seat regional jets from September 2016 through September 2018. EAS enables small and rural communities to access air service that helps the regions thrive. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=008AFB30-FC4F-43FB-AA60-3EF7C7E33043 | Heitkamp Travels to Asia-Pacific to Review U.S. Missile Defense Capabilities, Improve National Security | 2016-10-21 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she participated in an official U.S. Senate fact-finding trip examining the nation’s missile defense capabilities in deterring rising nuclear and ballistic missile threats from North Korea. Along with members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, Heitkamp – a strong supporter of the nuclear mission in Minot and Global Hawks in Grand Forks – traveled for 10 days through Alaska, South Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. Heitkamp got a firsthand view of active defense systems being used to address and deter threats from potential adversaries, and worked to strengthen bonds with leaders and government officials of allied countries that help keep our nation secure. "Building a secure nation for tomorrow begins with the bonds and the defense capabilities we cement today,” said Heitkamp. “It’s no secret that the United States faces growing nuclear threats from known adversaries like North Korea, and in North Dakota we understand the importance of maintaining and strengthening our country’s nuclear deterrence and surveillance capabilities. This past week and a half, I joined my colleagues on a fact-finding mission to the Asia-Pacific to see our military’s missile defense systems at work, including operations using Global Hawks from Grand Forks and opportunities where B-52s from Minot could be deployed. The trip also aimed to fortify relationships with our allies, who are needed partners in our national security efforts overseas. I’ll keep working to reinforce our country’s commitment to robust missile defense in North Dakota and abroad.” During the 10-day tour, Heitkamp examined missile defense in Alaska, which included its Artic mission and ground-based interceptors that can help destroy missiles before they reach U.S. soil. Heitkamp also saw firsthand the strong missile defense cooperation our nation has with Japan, as well as the Patriot batteries that help defend U.S. troops and military assets on the Korean Peninsula. She learned about … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D5296C23-8AF9-4E75-97D2-A2FE403C747C | Heitkamp-Requested GAO Report Confirms Strong Need for Reliable Mail Service in Rural Areas | 2016-10-20 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced the results of a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report she requested which confirmed what Heitkamp and rural North Dakotans have long known – that families and businesses in rural areas still rely strongly on the U.S. Postal Service regardless of their high-speed internet connection. Last year, Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) called for the GAO to examine the correlation between limited access to high-speed internet in rural areas and the reliability of the U.S. Postal Service in those areas. The study found that rural Americans count on efficient, reliable mail service, and that reliance is even higher in areas where high-speed internet access is limited. Today’s report builds on the case Heitkamp has been making to the U.S. Postal Service about the need to improve mail service in rural communities, where demand for consistent, dependable service is particularly high. In August, Heitkamp brought U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to Bismarck to hear directly from community members about the impact of mail service issues on their families and businesses. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has included concerns from North Dakotans in her push for legislative reforms for better rural mail service. “For North Dakotans in rural communities – whether they have access to high-speed internet or not – reliable mail service is a key ingredient to a successful business and staying connected,” said Heitkamp. “But too often, that high-quality service is not delivered – and that’s exactly what Senator McCaskill and I are working to improve. Today, we received the results of a Government Accountability Office study we requested which affirmed what folks in rural states have long known – that communities and businesses in rural areas depend on mail service regardless of their internet connection. By providing more clarity, we can make sure dependable mail service is prioritized in the rural communities where it is needed the most.” Nort… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=49CCEDA3-1C21-43BE-BE53-0BAED9066EF6 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for North Dakotas Specialty Crop Industry | 2016-10-18 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, announced over $2.5 million in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to support 28 projects in the state that will research, develop, and promote specialty crops – such as peas, dry beans and flax – in North Dakota. “Standing up for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers is a top priority of mine in the U.S. Senate, and research investments in particular are a top priority for me going into the next Farm Bill,” said Heitkamp. “As our state’s agricultural industry continues to diversify, we must support specialty crops through research and development so that farmers are able to reduce their cost, increase yields, and get their crops to market. This federal funding announced today will help economies grow by improving the production of locally grown crops and getting them to consumers’ tables in North Dakota and across the globe.” These federal funds are authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill, which Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass. The federal grants are made available through the U.S. Department Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and will specifically provide federal funding to universities, like North Dakota State University, and other agricultural organizations that will bolster the development and competitiveness of specialty crops, including the study of plant disease that can destroy dry pea and lentil crops and promoting the trade of crops grown in North Dakota to other countries. A full list of the projects and descriptions can be found here. Since the 2014 Farm Bill became law Heitkamp has been working to make sure it is implemented properly by meeting with farmers and ranchers throughout the state, like she recently did with a two-day tour of North Dakota’s agricultural industry. Heitkamp took this opportunity to hear directly from farmers and ranchers about what is working for them in the current … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=85A76ABA-4EB0-44BB-AD53-6A357A2BB686 | Heitkamp Calls on USPS to Address Service Disruptions in Halliday, Amidon | 2016-10-18 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called on U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to take concrete steps to protect quality mail delivery and service in Amidon and Halliday now and in the future following the news of the anticipated post office closure in Amidon and service disruption in Halliday. Heitkamp pressed Brennan to make sure her agency is listening to the needs of the Amidon and Halliday communities, and to communicate a comprehensive plan on how the needs of both communities to access the full array of postal services will be met. “No North Dakotan should have to see their standard of service interrupted or their local post office disappear – but too often, many rural families and businesses experience disruptions – without much prior warning, explanation, or future plan in place from USPS,” said Heitkamp. “That’s unacceptable. Today I called on Postmaster General Brennan to address the recently announced post office challenges in Amidon and Halliday – communities that rely heavily on mail service. It’s absolutely critical that the Postal Service not only listens to their concerns, but communicates a solid plan on how their service will be maintained. When I brought Postmaster General Brennan to Bismarck two months ago, I know she heard the challenges expressed by our business owners and community members loud and clear – and I’ll keep pressing to make sure the Postal Service puts the lasting solutions we discussed to work for mail service folks can count on.”Click here to read Heitkamp’s letter to Brennan about the impending post office closure in Amidon, and here to read her letter to Brennan about the post office closure in Halliday. Today’s call builds on months of Heitkamp’s work to improve mail service across North Dakota – particularly in rural areas – through her Fix My Mail initiative and survey, to which hundreds of North Dakotans have responded with stories on the mail challenges they have experienced at their home, business or community. Just two months ago, Heitkamp bro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D14E567E-68F1-462F-8FC2-4047DE59ACDA | ND Congressional Delegation Denounce Criminal Displacement of Livestock, Call for Federal Reinforcements | 2016-10-18 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In denouncing the recent news of the unlawful butchering and displacement of livestock near Cannon Ball, U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp, John Hoeven, and Congressman Kevin Cramer today called for federal resources to support the efforts of Morton County law enforcement to keep tribes, ranchers, workers, and their property safe. “When tensions are high, North Dakotans have always been able to count on one another to treat our neighbors, our land, and our livestock with dignity and respect,” said Heitkamp. “That’s what makes the news of unlawful butchering and taking of livestock so appalling. If the Administration is serious about maintaining the peace and sanctity of this land and our communities, it’s absolutely critical that it steps in with the support our local law enforcement needs to keep our ranchers, our tribes, and the protesters protected. For months I’ve been pushing our federal agencies to provide the resources and certainty North Dakotans need, and I’ll keep it up – because no family or business should have to fear for their personal safety or the safety of their property.” “Stealing and butchering livestock is something no one can justify,” said Hoeven. “It represents not only the destruction of private property, but also deprives hardworking ranchers of their livelihood and causes them to fear for the safety of themselves and their families. We continue our call for the Obama Administration to provide much-needed assistance to state and local law enforcement to ensure that people and property are protected from this kind of unlawful activity. Also, the administration needs to act decisively and allow pipeline construction to proceed to completion so that the protest can be brought to an end and residents can resume their lives without fear of harm.” “The Administration is to blame for this senseless act,” said Cramer. “Unfortunately, the President and his bureaucrats will be able to hide behind sovereign immunity, providing no means for civil relief from those who are most at f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3E21F537-3500-406F-A6CD-D9C749D95803 | President Signs Heitkamp, Murkowski Bill to Stand up for Native Children into Law | 2016-10-14 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today announced that President Obama signed their bipartisan bill to improve the lives of Native American children into law. Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives last month, and last year in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate again affirmed the bill which included minor changes made in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources when it unanimously approved the bill in July. The vote followed Heitkamp’s testimony before the Committee in May about the urgent need to pass their bill to implement solutions that will help address the overwhelming obstacles Native children face – including experiencing levels of post-traumatic stress similar to levels faced by newly returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, dramatically increased risks of suicide, and lower high school graduation rates than any racial or ethnic demographic in the country. Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill will work to address these and other challenges to promote better outcomes for Native youth. Specifically, Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill creates a Commission on Native Children to identify the complex challenges facing Native children in North Dakota, Alaska, and across the United States by conducting an intensive study on these issues – including high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and dire economic opportunities – and making recommendations on how to make sure Native children get the protections, as well as economic and educational tools they need to thrive. “For every Native child whose chance to flourish has been stifled by the overwhelming odds stacked against them, today belongs to them,” said Heitkamp. “For these children, the president’s signature on a bill dedicated to fighting the myriad of challenges they face means more than tackling barriers including unsafe housing conditions, epidemic levels of suicide, and a dire lack… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6AD70EE-90F7-40C2-875A-DE0247FFEBC0 | Heitkamp Encourages Eligible North Dakota Fire Departments to Apply for Federal Grants | 2016-10-12 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heitkamp Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, encouraged eligible North Dakota fire departments, first responders, and state fire training academies to apply for federal grant funding that will help make sure they have the training, equipment, and resources needed to do their jobs and stay safe. “As a daughter of a volunteer firefighter, I understand the sacrifice and risk North Dakota first responders sign up for to keep our communities safe. That’s why I’ve been working in the U.S. Senate to make sure they have the right training and equipment to answer the call during emergencies,” said Heitkamp. “These federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants can help support and prepare our first responders for urgent situations when our families need them most, and I encourage all eligible fire departments and first responders to apply.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The AFG Program provides federal funding directly to North Dakota fire departments, first responders, and state fire training services academy to help purchase equipment and further training that will help them stay safe when they are responding to emergencies. Eligible applicants can start to apply for AFG grants starting today and must have their application materials in by Friday, November 18, 2016. All eligible fire departments, first responder organizations, and state fire training academies are encouraged to apply. Information on AFG funds can be found by clicking here and additional assistance on applying for grants can be found by going to grants.gov. A “Get Ready Guide”, is also available to provide further information and to help prepare grant applications. Since the train derailment in Casselton in late 2013, Heitkamp has been working to make sure firefighters and first responders have the tools and proper training they need… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ECE7BFA8-09B5-4F88-8436-912B92314654 | Heitkamp Addresses the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the New Williston Basin International Airport | 2016-10-10 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WILLISTON, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today reinforced the need to continue strong support for western North Dakota’s growing community during her remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Williston Basin International Airport. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction of the region’s much-needed transportation infrastructure project. “The northwest region of North Dakota has experienced rapid growth of its economy and population, putting a large demand on the area’s transportation infrastructure including Williston’s airport,” said Heitkamp. “We have to make sure we are doing what we can support North Dakota’s needs for tomorrow. Through the hard work and dedication the city of Williston and the surrounding area, we are now marking a significant step forward on a new and modern airport. The new Williston Basin International Airport is a significant investment in the region that will allow families to get to where they need to go, help small business transport their goods to market, and handle new demands of our growing communities.” The new Williston Basin International Airport will be able to accommodate the growing needs of Williston and the surrounding area. Heitkamp has been a steadfast partner and advocate for the construction of a new airport in Williston that can meet the needs of an expanding region of North Dakota. In April 2014, Heitkamp brought Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to western North Dakota to see firsthand the impact the energy boom has had on the state. Following Huerta’s visit, Heitkamp urged him to approve the construction of a new airport in Williston and fought for appropriate funding to move forward on the construction. In September 2015 the FAA invested $27 million in federal funding to support the relocation of Williston’s airport and in September 2016 the FAA invested an additional $26 million for construction of the new airport. The current airport in Williston has witnessed a significant increase in travel. Starting in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A2DB677-36C6-4927-81C5-B6B936EF8D0E | Heitkamp Statement on Federal Appeals Court Decision Regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline | 2016-10-09 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp released the following statement on today’s federal appeals court ruling to dissolve the administrative injunction on the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. “For North Dakota communities, today’s court decision does not deliver the finality or the safety they deserve – nor is it likely the last legal step,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I’ve been pressing the Army Corps of Engineers to make a decision determining the course of the pipeline while pushing for federal law enforcement resources our officers need to keep the peace on the ground. As a harsh North Dakota winter approaches and tensions continue to rise, protecting protesters, workers, and surrounding communities will be crucial – and I’ll keep working to secure the resources and the certainty they need to stay safe.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=595620F3-15B8-4900-9101-F54467D2E3B0 | Heitkamp: Arrest of Backpage.com CEO is Needed Step Toward Holding Site Accountable for its Role in Online Human Trafficking | 2016-10-07 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp called the arrest of Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer a needed step in halting his website’s role in enabling sex trafficking online. The arrest follows months of Heitkamp’s work to hold Ferrer and the website accountable for providing a platform for human trafficking of men, women, and children, which helped lead to the U.S. Senate’s unanimous and historic vote to hold Ferrer in contempt of Congress. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Heitkamp has been working to help the subcommittee gain information on how websites such as Backpage.com contribute to human trafficking and allow perpetrators to advertise their victims. Last fall, Heitkamp blasted Ferrer for refusing the subcommittee’s subpoena to testify and for his company’s refusal to provide information on its purported use of safeguards to prevent human traffickers from using the site as a platform, and voted unanimously with the subcommittee to hold Ferrer and Backpage.com in civil contempt of Congress. That vote preceded the U.S. Senate’s unanimous vote in March, which Heitkamp joined, to launch civil contempt proceedings against site – the first time in 20 years the U.S. Senate has held anyone in contempt of Congress. “Human trafficking is among the most insidious crimes our nation has ever seen – in part because websites like Backpage.com provide the anonymity and the platform for them to thrive,” said Heitkamp. “If we’re serious about stopping these crimes, we need to hold Backpage.com accountable – that’s why it’s great news that the website’s CEO Carl Ferrer has been arrested for his role in promoting and profiting from trafficking of women, children and men for sex. For months I’ve been working to pull back the curtain on Ferrer and Backpage, which led to the U.S. Senate’s first vote in 20 years to hold someone in contempt of Congress. But our fight isn’t over. I’ll keep working to halt one of the top mediums for… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A9AEABA5-65ED-4527-BCEE-8DA62CF28024 | Heitkamp Welcomes 7 Interns and 2 Fellows to Washington and North Dakota Offices | 2016-10-07 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced a total of nine interns and fellows in her Washington, D.C. and North Dakota offices. “The ability to serve North Dakota communities is the most rewarding aspect of working in the United States Senate,” said Heitkamp. “Each day, the interns working in my offices in North Dakota and Washington bring their passion and enthusiasm to learning invaluable skills about public service whether they are communicating with folks from back home or helping move legislation forward that will have positive impact on North Dakota families and businesses. I encourage any current college student or recent graduate interested in making a difference in our state to apply for an internship and explore their potential in public leadership.” Watch this video to learn more about internship opportunities in Heitkamp’s offices. Washington, D.C. Office Anna Diederich from Fargo – Anna is a graduate from Arizona State University where she studied business management with a concentration in international business and tourism. Beaumont Dixon from Charleston, S.C. – Beau will be attending Boston College next fall to study political science. Chris Griffin from Portland, O.R. – Chris is a third-year law student at Lewis and Clark Law School. Prior to law school, Chris worked in health care as a radiologist in the U.S. Air Force and within the Department of Veterans Affairs and received his M.D. from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Felicia Luccia from Scranton, P.A. – Felicia received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College and her PhD in chemistry from Tufts University. Tariro Makoni from Minot – Tariro is a junior at the Johns Hopkins University where she is pursuing a double major in sociology and international studies with a focus on global business. Virginia Hagerott from Annapolis, M.D. – Virginia attends the University of Maryland where she is studying environmental science. Fargo Office Kelsey Boe from Mylo – Kelsey is c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74CAE8CB-DDF2-4091-9382-C76DDD8A2B2C | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Mental Health Services and Combating Drug Abuse | 2016-10-06 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $290,000 to support mental health services and combat substance abuse in North Dakota and on the Spirit Lake reservation. “Taking a comprehensive view of mental health in how we treat, diagnose, and understand it will lead to a better way of life for the countless folks who experience mental health challenges,” said Heitkamp. “We know that substance addiction and abuse can often be traced back to mental health issues, so if we’re serious about treating substance abuse we must strive to improve our understanding of mental health and how to treat it. The federal funds announced today will strengthen North Dakota’s and the Spirit Lake Tribe’s ability to combat substance abuse and treat mental health so individuals and families can lead healthy and productive lives.” These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Mental Health Services and are distributed as follows: Spirit Lake Tribe: $195,587 North Dakota Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health: $95,000 Heitkamp is a strong advocate for addressing mental health challenges and the potential substance abuse that they can lead to. This summer, Heitkamp worked to address the challenges children in Indian Country face by highlighting the impact that a traumatic experience can have on the mental wellbeing of individuals, particularly among children. Additionally, as part of her Strong and Safe Communities Report, Heitkamp emphasized the need to address mental health challenges that can potentially lead to problems in the future, such as crime and drug abuse. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=78FE7E28-2F88-40B1-970C-C8B45C35D27D | Heitkamp Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tour of Rape & Abuse Crisis Center | 2016-10-06 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured Fargo’s Rape and Abuse Crisis Center – which offers resources for domestic, sexual, and dating violence survivors – and thanked staff and board members for helping victims, educating the community, and preventing violence. Heitkamp’s tour of the center coincided with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is recognized every October to encourage conversation about rape and abuse, to reduce stigma, and to help victims escape and recover from violent situations. “As North Dakota’s attorney general in the 90s and now in the U.S. Senate, I’ve fought to combat domestic violence, bring perpetrators to justice, and help victims recover,” said Heitkamp. “During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s our duty to say thank you to folks at organizations like the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center who are on the ground making victims’ lives better every day, and raising awareness across our community. The counseling, education, and prevention the center provides make a difference for so many North Dakota women, children, and men who have been survived these crimes, and those who are still seeking recovery.” “As Senator Heitkamp has said, our center supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault every month of the year – 24 hours a day, seven days a week” said Myla Korbel, program director at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. “I’d like to thank Senator Heitkamp for joining us to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and for being a strong advocate since her days as attorney general. Last year alone, our staff of 40 helped more than 3,000 victims of sexual and domestic violence, including 500 children. We work every day through advocacy, outreach, counseling, and education to prevent domestic violence and help victims in our community.” The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center operates a 24-hour crisis hotline staffed by trained advocates. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, you can reach out to the Rape and Ab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=89AAB236-2C24-451C-A213-E02B8420378B | Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session in Jamestown on October 13 | 2016-10-06 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session in Jamestown on Thursday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jamestown Public Library’s Alfred Dickey Branch. The library is located at 105 3rd Street SE. During the session Heitkamp’s staff will help North Dakotans address federal concerns such as veterans’ benefits, social security, and more. “Holding ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions in Jamestown and across North Dakota is a great way to make sure folks have easy access to my staff and the support they can provide with federal issues,” said Heitkamp. “Past ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions – from Bottineau to Wahpeton and beyond – have been a great opportunity for North Dakotans to meet with my staff, especially for folks who don’t live near one of my five state offices. Getting into your communities helps me stay informed about how I can best advocate for you in the U.S. Senate.” Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota. Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, and Langdon. Members of Heitkamp’s staff will be available to assist North Dakotans with questions and casework, and to provide information about internship opportunities and service academy nominations. All information provided is private and confidential. No appointments are necessary. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=621C7B72-712D-4FCE-82F2-41A2D5D3BE5C | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Rural Businesses and Communities | 2016-10-05 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, announced 11 federal grants and one federal loan totaling over $1.7 million that will support employment and infrastructure improvements for small businesses in rural North Dakota. “Rural North Dakota is a top priority of mine in the U.S. Senate,” said Heitkamp. “These small communities are homes to families, friends, and small businesses that make up the heart of rural America, that’s why we need to make smart investments in their future. Today’s federal funding will help rural businesses find new markets, develop their products, and expand to create new employment opportunities.” The federal grant funding is made available through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants that assist small and emerging businesses in rural communities with training and development to expand their businesses. The grants are distributed as follows: Anamoose: $218,462 in federal funding to renovate an existing building that will be leased as a restaurant which will serve locally grown produce and meats as well as support job growth in the area. Dakota College, Bottineau: $108,800 in federal funding to expand the aquaponics facility that will help students and local entrepreneurs start businesses to grow employment opportunities and increase food production. Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $103,994 in federal funding that will provide training and education to support locally produced foods and services at local farmers markets. REAP Investment Fund, Inc.: $86,764 in federal funding to support training and education of local producers to grow foods like grapes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables that can be sold to schools, hospitals, and nursing homes as well as help with expanding the North Dakota wine industry. Tuttle Betterment Club, Inc.: $51,090 in federal funding to purchase kitchen eq… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A917EA91-ECFF-43A9-B999-E146C610A6A4 | Heitkamp, Ernst Announce House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Federal Efficiency | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa released the following statements after their bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Making sure federal programs are well managed is key to creating effective and helpful relationships among federal agencies, communities and businesses, whether it’s in energy, agriculture, or any other field,” said Heitkamp. “This bipartisan bill aims to give federal agencies a framework for better managing their programs, helping us reduce waste and promote effective management practices. Now that my bipartisan bill with Senator Ernst has passed in the House, we’ll continue to work to send it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” “I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed our bipartisan legislation that will help put a stop to the billions of wasted taxpayer dollars that fall victim to mismanagement throughout the federal government,” said Ernst. “By requiring the government to streamline and adopt commonsense management standards, I am confident our bill can help prevent lax oversight, cost overruns, and deficiencies, while also raising the level of accountability for those that manage large federal programs. This is an important step toward making government more cost-effective and efficient. I look forward to continuing to work together with Senator Heitkamp and Congressmen Young and Connolly to ultimately send this much-needed government reform to the President’s desk.” Only two weeks after Heitkamp and Ernst introduced their bill in 2015, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs passed their bipartisan legislation. The full U.S. Senate passed a version of the bill in November 2015. By increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst’s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E9B2EAF8-9524-4D8F-95D9-87C6D03A5ED7 | Heitkamp: New Fargo VA Pilot Program Will Improve Scheduling & Care for North Dakota Veterans | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that a new pilot program will allow veterans to use the Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System to schedule appointments through the Veterans Choice Program starting today. Area veterans currently schedule appointments for non-VA care under the Choice Program through HealthNet, a third party administrator that has created headaches for veterans seeking everything from routine checkups to life-saving cancer treatments in their home communities. Effective today, the Choice Program Care Coordination initiative will allow veterans to contact the Fargo VA’s Clinical Resource Management Department at 866-517-9363 to schedule appointments directly rather than relying on HealthNet. “Making sure veterans can use the Fargo VA to schedule appointments is a critical step in fixing the Veterans Choice program, and it’s a move I’ve long called for,” said Heitkamp. “When I held a roundtable on the Choice Program in Grand Forks in August, I heard from veterans, the VA, and health providers about how to fix the program – and scheduling difficulties cropped up again and again in our discussion. Going forward, I’ll keep fighting to reform the Choice Program and guarantee our brave veterans get the care they need in their home communities.” In August, Heitkamp brought together veterans, local VA leaders, and health care providers in Grand Forks to discuss fixes she has proposed to improve the Veterans Choice program, so that North Dakota veterans get quality, timely care in their home communities. As Heitkamp works to reform the program, she has been gathering insight from veterans and care providers. Heitkamp helped introduce a bill to reform the Veterans Choice program in March. The Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community Act would give the VA flexibility to improve care for North Dakota veterans by streamlining and consolidating community care programs, while eliminating bureaucratic obstacles preventing veterans from accessing care. Two provi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FC59521F-DEC8-4D8E-80E2-E641311AD145 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds to Support Law Enforcement in Grand Forks and West Fargo | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling $625,000 that will help the Grand Forks Police Department and West Fargo hire additional police officers. “Maintaining a robust law enforcement presence is a critical part of making sure officers can respond at a moment’s notice to keep North Dakota communities safe,” said Heitkamp. “Our peace officers face tough and increasing challenges every day – yet they continue to take the time to develop a deep relationship of trust and understanding with the neighborhoods and cities they protect. As North Dakota’s former Attorney General, I saw firsthand the positive impact our officers have on their communities, that’s why as a U.S. Senator for the state I’m advocating for the training, equipment, and federal support they need to stay safe. The federal funding announced today will help both the Grand Forks and West Fargo police department’s hire additional law enforcement officers with a priority on community policing that will keep all of North Dakota’s communities protected.” These federal funds are made available through the U.S Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program Awards that assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies hire law enforcement officers to prevent crime and keep communities safe through new or continuing community policing initiatives. The federal funds are distributed as follows: Grand Forks Police Department: $500,000 in federal funding to hire four law enforcement officers. West Fargo: $125,000 in federal funding to hire one law enforcement officer. Heitkamp, as a former North Dakota Attorney General, has a unique understanding of the COPS program’s role in supporting North Dakota’s law enforcement agencies and as a U.S. Senator has pushed the DOJ to appropriately fund North Dakota Law Enforcement Agencies. Recently, Heitkamp released her Strong & Safe Communities Report to address emerging challenges in North Dakota to kee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5696AD48-621E-4CED-A9A8-0DACC786604A | Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives Committee | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Even during Current Downturn in Oil Production, about One-Third of ND Crude Oil is Transported by Rail WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan legislation to make sure first responders are prepared to handle hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments, unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure – final step before a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. In May, Heitkamp’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. Since late 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Casselton, North Dakota, which was followed by several derailments nationwide, Heitkamp has been working to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for to hazmat incidents on the rails. After a train derailment in Casselton, North Dakota in late 2013, which was followed by several derailments throughout the country including a second derailment of a crude oil train in North Dakota, Heitkamp has been pushing to make sure first responders have the tools and resources they need when responding to hazmat incidents on the rails to keep North Dakota’s communities strong and safe, as her bill aims to accomplish. “Most of us can hardly imagine running toward flames in times of emergency, but that’s exactly what North Dakota’s emergency responders in Heimdal and Casselton did during crude oil train derailments, and it’s what our state’s nearly all-volunteer fire fighting forces prepare to do every day,” said Heitkamp. “After a crude oil train derailed in Casselton in 2013, I wanted to make sure that when oil trains derail, first responders across the country are equipped with the training and the tools they need to keep themselves are our communities safe. In May, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed my bill to provide those resources, and now, the U.S. House of Representatives is one step closer to making it a reality. Since Casselton, rural towns across the country have expe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5728DC71-9983-4237-87B4-870A5F9DCAA5 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds to Improve Safety of First Responders, Energy Infrastructure | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a subcommittee ranking member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced two federal grants totaling over $490,000 to boost energy infrastructure safety research and development at North Dakota State University (NDSU), and to make sure our first responders are prepared with the resources and protection they need to respond to emergencies. “Keeping our first responders and communities safe is a top priority of mine as North Dakota continues to lead the nation in energy production,” said Heitkamp. “By encouraging NDSU’s critical research through today’s federal funding, we can find new technologies that will improve the lifetime performance and safety of our energy infrastructure. Protecting our first responders who answer the call to emergencies brought on by energy transport like crude oil train derailments is another key element of safe energy production. Today’s federal support will help make sure North Dakota first response teams have the right training and resources to respond to emergencies while keeping themselves and our communities safe.” The federal funds are distributed as follows: North Dakota State University: $300,000 in federal funding to design and implement new materials that can prevent or mitigate pipeline corrosion that can keep our energy infrastructure safe. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Competitive Academic Agreement Program Awards that provides funding to universities to research and develop new technologies that will help to improve energy infrastructure. North Dakota: $194,331 in federal funding to improve the safety of crude by rail or road through improved emergency response strategies, monitoring of the frequency of hazardous material being transported near communities, and making sure first responders have the equipment and training to stay safe while res… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=77F67E55-B358-423F-B24F-3DFA9E438950 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Education, Health, & Economic Development in Indian Country | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced seven federal grants totaling over $4.9 million in support of a variety of resources in Indian Country that promote and support economic growth, educational resources, and health care services. “Supporting the future success for those in Indian Country begins with a healthy lifestyle, a quality education, and opportunity," said Heitkamp. “The federal government must work with local and tribal governments to make sure that these basic needs are met, especially for Native children whose voices I have been actively working to make sure are heard. This federal support will help Native American communities develop an economic blueprint to grow their businesses and job opportunities, as well as build health and education resources so that future generations of Native young people can thrive." The following federal funds are distributed as follows: Turtle Mountain Community College: $2,285,882 in federal funding will provide education and encourage individuals to enter high-demand health care careers for areas in need. This federal support comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Professional Grants for Tribes to support the program at Turtle Mountain Community College called the Health Education Access through Rural Training (HEART) Project. Cankdeska Cikana Community College: $1,272,956 in federal funding will support the education of individuals and encourage them to enter in-demand health careers for areas in need. This federal grant is similar to the resources provided to Turtle Mountain and made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Professional Grants for Tribes. University of North Dakota: $488,863 in federal funding will support the North Dakota Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Implementation Partnership program. The program will support ICWA implementation with training services, relationship building, needs assessment, and collaboration among tribal governments that wi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EABAF244-0CE4-4674-AA6C-B494020DB5FF | Heitkamp Announces $200,000 in Federal Funding for North Dakota Cooperatives | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $200,000 in federal funding for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will be used to provide cooperatives with technical assistance so they can better service rural communities. “In North Dakota, we know that the cooperative model can be a recipe for success – especially in rural communities,” said Heitkamp. “This federal funding will provide our rural cooperatives with an added boost to help create jobs and opportunity throughout our state’s more rural areas. From Beulah and Hazen to Bowdon and Cavalier, this funding will provide the training and technical assistance our rural cooperatives need.” Specifically, the funds will help develop cooperative and community-owned child care facilities in Hazen and Beulah, support local food initiatives by working with Bowdon and Cavalier meat processing plants, and provide technical assistance for cooperative housing in Wahpeton. USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant program provided the funding. Projects across 22 states are receiving a total of $5.8 million through the program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F21D424A-998F-4502-8B44-5BC07AB4764A | President Signs into Law Heitkamp-backed Bill to Boost Tourism, Economic Development Across Indian Country | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law the bipartisan bill she supported to build economic and cultural opportunities in Indian Country by improving tourism across tribal lands. Just two weeks ago, the legislation unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. In April, the bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate. The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, which Heitkamp cosponsored, will work to improve job growth and promote economic development in Native communities and tribal reservations – as the Sitting Bull Visitor Center on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, and cultural events like the annual United Tribes Technical College’s International Powwow aim to do. By supporting infrastructure development and increased coordination with tribes, the bill will work to enrich and expand opportunities for cultural tourism across the country. While North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.1 percent, the unemployment rate at Standing Rock was nearly 60 percent in 2014, reinforcing the need to support tribal economic development that creates jobs and grows businesses. In addition, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), those living in North Dakotan’s tribal communities live in poverty at 2.7 times the rate of the rest of the country. “It’s a good day when our federal lawmakers stand united in support for lasting economic growth and job creation across Indian Country,” said Heitkamp. “With the president’s signature on the bipartisan bill I supported to help Native communities build the infrastructure they need to boost tourism on their lands, we can raise cultural awareness of their rich history while promoting long-term economic opportunity on tribal lands in North Dakota and across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=97CF1436-D0F2-4DF7-818A-5CE98496B069 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Flood Recovery | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $2,124,929 in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to assist in covering the cost of the damage incurred during the 2011 flooding. “North Dakota is no stranger to flooding that can devastate communities in almost any region of the state,” said Heitkamp. “Having the right resources in place and the backing of the federal government, we can make sure that recovery efforts can be made quickly to get folks affected back to normal. The federal funding announced today will help cover the cost of flood devastation that ravaged so many of North Dakotans in 2011.” This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Heitkamp has been pushing to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities to assist North Dakota in recovery from past flooding and helping protect communities from future potential flood damage. In May 2016, Heitkamp joined leaders and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials in signing a cost share agreement on the study of the Souris River basin flood protections. Last year, Heitkamp successfully pushed for the year-end spending bill Congress passed to include new Army Corps study and construction starts for flood projects. Once the spending bill made 10 new study starts available, Heitkamp ramped up pressure on the White House to make sure the Administration’s 2017 budget included $500,000 for Minot flood protections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AFF60C16-57F1-473B-97C1-31BE18936EA1 | Heitkamp Underscores the Need to Help Millennials Flourish in the Federal Workforce | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | Nearly a third of permanent federal employees will be eligible to retire by 2019, but Millennials Currently Make up Less Than 19 Percent of the Federal Workforce WASHINGTON, D.C. – Building on her work to reinforce the urgency of addressing recurring challenges federal agencies face in recruiting and retaining federal workers, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called for and helped lead a hearing focused on solutions to grow the next generation of federal workers. During a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, where Heitkamp serves as the ranking member, Heitkamp discussed the strides agencies have made in attracting millennials to grow their careers within the federal workforce and how to continue that progress. Specifically, Heitkamp spoke with key federal leaders about solutions to improve and address chronic issues younger employees face in navigating the application process, and prioritizing workplace atmosphere to make sure younger federal workers are able to grow personally and professionally. According to the Government Accountability Office, nearly a third of career permanent employees will be eligible to retire by 2019. This means that the federal government must be prepared to recruit top talent from the millennial generation both as effectively as possible, and as soon as possible. Millennials currently make up less than 19 percent of the total federal workforce, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). “Millennials have the creativity, talent, and the drive to invigorate the federal workforce and make our government more effective and efficient for years to come – we just need to work together to make sure we are investing properly in that future” said Heitkamp. “Today I gathered top representatives from key agencies that are working to spark the changes needed to attract millennials to public service. From streamlining the hiring process to promoting a workplace that encour… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A47A4815-21AB-4DB7-B0DE-E3E4570F553F | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Reduce Crime in Indian Country | 2016-09-27 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced ten federal grants totaling over $5 million to support criminal justice efforts in Indian Country that will help improve response and recovery efforts for victims, families, and their communities, while working to reduce violence against women, and make sure law enforcement have the resources they need to do their jobs. “Improving criminal justice efforts in Indian Country will help communities respond, recover and reduce the number of individuals in the court system,” said Heitkamp. “As North Dakota’s Attorney General I worked closely with law enforcement and as a U.S. Senator I have been pushing for additional law enforcement resources that will make sure communities in Indian Country have the safety and security they deserve. Today’s federal funding will build on those efforts by helping troubled Native American youth improve their lives and access opportunities that reduce repeat offenses. This support will also help provide courts and law enforcement with the resources to effectively do their jobs protecting their communities.” The federal grants are made available to Indian tribes in North Dakota from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation program that works to comprehensively address crime and public safety. The federal grants are distributed as follows: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $876,182 in federal funding to Indian tribal governments authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to support tribal governments in decreasing the violence Native American women face, strengthen tribal government’s ability to quickly respond, and make sure those who commit such crimes are held accountable. $753,801 in federal funding under the Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program that will improve facilities at the Turtle Mountain adult detention center by installing a new camera system, replacing the heating and cooling system, and installing a perimeter fence to increase safe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A20C7C9-4A9E-4BE9-907A-2AE7360C8908 | On Minot Visit, Heitkamp Secures Defense Secretarys Continued Support for Nuclear Modernization | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped host U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter for his first visit to Minot Air Force Base, as Secretary Carter reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range strike bombers – two vital legs of the country’s nuclear triad. Secretary Carter’s visit comes two months after Heitkamp and U.S. Senator John Hoeven sent a bipartisan letter calling on Secretary Carter to clarify his department’s position on nuclear modernization efforts, including those in Minot. The senators’ request responded to concerns that the administration was falling behind schedule on nuclear modernization. “Minot’s airmen have shown Secretary Carter today how committed they are to our nuclear missions, and I’m glad Secretary Carter has demonstrated that he remains committed to modernizing our nuclear arsenal,” said Heitkamp. “Now more than ever, smart investments in deterrence can keep our communities and families safe. Earlier this month, after North Korea launched another nuclear test, I urged Congress to commit to modernizing our nuclear arsenal. Our defense leaders owe it to our airmen – and to families and communities across America – to keep nuclear modernization efforts on track.” Last week, Heitkamp spoke at the 5th annual Nuclear Triad Conference organized by Minot’s Task Force 21 in Washington, detailing her extensive work to protect and strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Earlier this month Heitkamp and her North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming colleagues urged House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders for strong nuclear modernization provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act – on the heels of North Korea successfully launching another nuclear test – reinforcing that a robust nuclear deterrent is key to maintaining national security. Heitkamp announced in August that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range St… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B4EF2914-B875-4777-9292-E83723962450 | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Education and Economic Development in Indian Country | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced eight federal grants totaling over $1.4 million to spur economic development in Indian Country and further education that will support Native American communities. “All students should be able to grasp every opportunity to obtain the education, training, and initiative they need to support themselves, their families, and lift their communities up,” said Heitkamp. “With the right investments in education we can boost economic development, especially in Indian Country where the need for well-paying jobs is critical for future success. This federal funding will assist tribal colleges in making critical infrastructure investments that will support education and spark innovation to help solve challenges in tribal communities.” The following two federal grants are made available through the Indian Education Professional Development Program administered under the U.S. Department of Education to increase training and education of Native Americans to become educators in Indian Country: University of Mary: $367,702 Sitting Bull College: $290,837 The following federal funds are made available through the Tribal College Initiative Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Candeska Cikana Community College: $143,000 in federal funds to construct a cultural center. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College: $ 143,000 in federal funds to make physical improvements on campus. Sitting Bull College: $143,000 in federal funding to improve student housing. Turtle Mountain Community College: $143,000 in federal funding to upgrade facilities. United Tribes Technical College: $143,000 in federal funding to improve road infrastructure on campus. The following federal grant is made available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program authorized under USDA: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $103,994 in federal funding for entrepreneurship training and technical support for a local food initiative. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5767627F-207E-4653-B26A-340D38505C09 | Heitkamp Highlights Innovation in ND UAS Industry at Packet Digital, Botlink | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a strong supporter of North Dakota’s growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, today toured Packet Digital in Fargo to learn more about its ground-breaking technology to increase energy efficiency and battery life as well as the affiliated Botlink, another Fargo-based startup on the forefront of UAS development. Packet Digital, a women-owned small business in Fargo, specializes in innovative power management applications, including a new technology that extends battery life by 400 percent in wireless sensors. Its cutting-edge technology has the potential to expand UAS applications in fields such as precision agriculture and infrastructure inspection – helping farmers work more efficiently, and make sure inspections of railroads and pipelines are done effectively. In June 2014, Packet Digital partnered with Aerobatic Innovations to form Botlink, which Heitkamp also toured. Botlink develops technology for pilots, allowing them to track their aircraft in flight using real-time mapping technologies, communicate with air traffic control and other pilots, and receive real-time aircraft avoidance and assurance alerts. “North Dakota is a known leader in the UAS industry, and it’s critical that we capitalize on this momentum to keep our businesses and state on the cutting edge,” said Heitkamp. “Today at Packet Digital and Botlink, I saw firsthand the commitment of these women-owned companies to turn ideas into reality by making the applications necessary to help businesses thrive. Packet Digital and Botlink are at the forefront of our state’s UAS revolution, and I’ll keep working to encourage a business-friendly climate that bolsters their innovative work, as well as the public-private partnerships the UAS industry needs to prosper.” For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies across the state. In 2014, she brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6A428881-C925-4DB6-8A50-F36290F2C719 | At U.S. Senate Hearing, Heitkamp Fights to Protect Farmers & Retailers from Harmful Fertilizer Standards | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a U.S. Senate hearing, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp pushed key administration officials for a solution that protects North Dakota farmers, fertilizer retailers and rural communities from harmful new federal fertilizer standards. Heitkamp called on the administration to voluntarily delay the standards given the impact they would have. The standards – set to be enforced October 1 – would apply tough, across-the-board restrictions on agricultural retailers that sell anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer, seriously burdening retailers and farmers. Complying with those new standards could cost $25,000 to $50,000 per facility, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. More than 30 North Dakota retailers say they will stop selling the fertilizer October 1, forcing farmers to pay more and travel farther for inputs. In July, Heitkamp and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to stop these harmful federal standards from going into effect. “Farmers and retailers in North Dakota have made it clear that these new federal standards would hurt retailers, family farmers and rural economies,” said Heitkamp. “More than 30 retailers in North Dakota alone could stop carrying this critical fertilizer in October if these new standards go into effect. And it’s no secret why – complying with the new standards could cost as much as $50,000 per facility, according to North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture. Sweeping actions like this fail to take into account the full and harmful impact on rural America, which is the message I drove home at the hearing. To get a solution that works for our family farmers, I’m pushing my bipartisan bill with Senator Fischer so we give retailers and farmers meaningful input in the rulemaking process.” Heitkamp spoke at hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs & Federal Management, which she helps lead. Witnesses testifying included M. Patricia Smith, an official at the U.S. Department of Labor, which issued the anhydrous … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6B1F756E-1088-4A2C-B738-7C2FB3C8B34A | Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $1.2 million for the North Dakota Department of Health to provide vital support services and enhance criminal justice efforts on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence. “It is critically important that we can deliver quality intervention and support services for domestic and sexual assault victims as well as coordinated criminal justice efforts for those affected by this unacceptable abuse,” said Heitkamp. “These services can help individuals recover from abuse and remove themselves from dangerous situations. Throughout my time in public service I have been a staunch advocate for better policies, support services, and criminal justice efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence. Today’s federal funds will build on that work by helping the North Dakota Department of Health provide direct intervention services for victims of sexual assault to empower them as they heal and to bring their abusers to justice.” These federal funds are made available through two grant programs under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecution (STOP) Formula Grant will provide $874,549 and the Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Program will provide $349,368 in federal funding. In the Senate, Heitkamp is building on her work as North Dakota’s Attorney General in the 1990s to combat sexual violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children. Among the first bills Heitkamp cosponsored and helped pass in the Senate was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in VAWA to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities by strengthening existing programs and providing tribal governments with the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land. As North Dakota’s Attorney General, Heitkamp helped implement the initial VAWA after the bi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=977FEAAF-E08A-423A-9261-A6E90952AED6 | Heitkamp: OSHA to Withdraw Harmful Fertilizer Standards, Protecting Farmers, Retailers | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that fertilizer retailers in North Dakota and across the country will not have to comply with harmful standards issued last year by the Administration. The standards – which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must withdraw – would have applied tough, across-the-board restrictions on agricultural retailers that sell anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer, seriously burdening retailers and farmers. In a decision issued this morning, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the administration should have gone through a formal rulemaking process, seeking more meaningful input from farmers and fertilizer retailers. The Administration created the new standards in a July 2015 memorandum, and they became effective immediately. However, because of language Heitkamp helped include in the end-of-the-year spending bill Congress passed last December, OSHA postponed enforcement of the guidance until October 1, 2016. “As I said yesterday at a hearing I helped lead, the administration should have listened to farmers, retailers and rural communities before creating these standards – and today the courts agreed,” said Heitkamp. “This is a victory for rural communities whose economies rely on farmers’ accessing inputs like anhydrous ammonia fertilizer. Complying with those standards could have cost each facility up to $50,000, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. More than 30 North Dakota retailers said they would have had to stop selling the fertilizer. With those huge impacts on our farmers, it was clear all along that there should have been a formal rulemaking process rather than just agency guidance with little input from those impacted.” Just yesterday, Heitkamp pushed key administration officials for a solution on the standards, pointing out – as the court said in its decision today – that the proposed standards looked more like rulemaking than guidance. Heitkamp called on the administra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0F4753AA-BE27-4C5B-85D5-C179521C19BD | Heitkamp Reinforces Importance of Minot Nuclear Missions at Task Force 21 Nuclear Conference | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at the 5th annual Nuclear Triad Conference organized by Minot’s Task Force 21, detailing her extensive work to protect and strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal – one of our country’s toughest, most effective national security tools. At the conference, Heitkamp discussed the critical role Minot Air Force Base plays in maintaining the nation’s security by hosting two legs of the nuclear triad. Minot is home to long-range strike bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Military, policy, industry and scientific experts in the nuclear field were all in attendance. Heitkamp reinforced the need to make sure the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense uphold their commitments to improving the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base and across the country, and that Congress appropriates sufficient funds for those missions. “Growing hostility from adversaries like North Korea has made it clear just how valuable our nuclear arsenal is. With two legs of the triad in Minot, we know that smart investments in nuclear missions are smart investments in national security,” said Heitkamp. “This annual event has cemented Minot’s reputation as a nationwide leader in nuclear deterrence. Yesterday I met with Task Force 21 to discuss how the community supports the base and its missions, and to update them on my work to strengthen Minot Air Force Base – including my call last week for the next defense policy bill to include provisions modernizing our nuclear missions.” Last week, Heitkamp and her North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming Senate colleagues urged House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders for strong nuclear modernization provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The senators emphasized that modernizing our nuclear triad is needed for the U.S. to deter aggression from adversaries like North Korea. Earlier this month North Korea successfully launched another nuclear test, reinforcing that a robust nuclear deterrent is key to maintai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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