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1,353 rows where state = "ND" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending

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  • 2014 · 1,353 ✖

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http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressional-watchdog-group-nd-radio-managers-recognize-cramer-town Congressional Watchdog Group, ND Radio Managers Recognize Cramer Town Hall Record 2014-12-30 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – Today North Dakota radio managers joined national Congressional watchdog group Legistorm in recognizing Congressman Kevin Cramer for holding the most town hall events with constituents, both in person and on the airwaves. According to Legistorm, Cramer participated in more town halls than any other member of the U.S. House or Senate in 2014, with 81 events. During the past year, Rep. Cramer continued to hold “Coffee with Cramer” events around North Dakota in larger cities and smaller communities. These discussions offer a chance for constituents to ask their questions in a relaxed and informal setting. Congressman Cramer also conducts a weekly hour-long radio town hall on the What’s On Your Mind program, which can be heard statewide Wednesday mornings at 10:00am central on five North Dakota stations: KFYR 550 AM (99.7 FM) in Bismarck, AM 1100 The Flag in Fargo, KLTC 1460 AM in Dickinson, KCJB 910 AM in Minot, and KTGO 1090 AM in Tioga. “Our listeners appreciate having a weekly platform to interact with their sole Representative in the U.S. House. In addition to taking live questions during the time on the air, we also have a dedicated voice mailbox which listeners can call anytime to leave a question for the next show,” said Todd Mitchell, Operations Manager for Clear Channel Radio in Bismarck. In addition to his Wednesday radio town hall, Cramer also appears for segments each Thursday on News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks and KHND “The Mix” in Harvey. His weekly interviews can be heard on KNOX’s The Jarrod Thomas Show at approximately 10:10am central, and KHND’s “Get It Off Your Chest” program at approximately 10:45am central. “Having Rep. Cramer as a guest on such a regular basis has generated a lot of positive reactions from our listeners. I don’t think they ever expected to have this kind of access to a member of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation,” said Jarrod Thomas, host of the Jarrod Thomas Show and operations manager at News/Radio 1310 KNOX in Grand Forks. Cramer plans to continue … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=475616b6-e73b-4364-81ae-852d6a1137c2 Heitkamp Statement Ahead of One-Year Anniversary of Train Derailment in Casselton 2014-12-29 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the derailment of a train carrying crude oil near Casselton, North Dakota on December 30, 2013. Over the past year, Heitkamp has worked with federal and local agencies to determine what happened at the derailment in Casselton, put in place policies that help prevent future derailments, and equip North Dakota first responders with the training and resources they need to respond such emergencies if they occur. In the wake of the train derailment in Casselton, the question on everyones mind was what if? said Heitkamp. What if families had been hurt? What if homes had been damaged? Immediately, I started working with local fire chiefs and officials to get to the bottom of what happened. And I have been pressing our federal agencies for improved rail safety standards to help prevent future train derailments, and pushing on the railroads to make needed investments. We have seen progress on all fronts, but there is still much work to do. Our emergency responders are often our first line of defense and they usually do it without pay. Its on all of us to make sure they have the training and resources they need to protect our families and communities. Thats why I fought to secure federal funding for state-of-the-art training for our responders, and its why I wrote my RESPONSE Act, which would see to it that emergency teams continue to get the best possible tools to keep us safe. The most recent derailment near Casselton just last month reignited public focus on ramping up these public safety measures because even though weve been lucky that both the derailments didnt hurt anyone, we know we cant rely on luck alone. We have come a long way in the past year, but must keep pushing to get our safety standards up to pace, and to make sure our emergency response teams get the training they need. Because we cant let North Dakota families live in fear of what if? They need to know were working from all sides… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rail-companies-issue-new-status-reports-on-grain-car-backlog-8 Rail Companies Issue New Status Reports on Grain Car Backlog 2014-12-26 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BNSF Number of outstanding cars Average number of days late Number of new car orders Number of car orders filled Number of orders canceled by shipper Number of orders canceled by railroad 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-welcomes-sugar-agreement-between-us-and-mexico Cramer Welcomes Sugar Agreement Between U.S. and Mexico 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement concerning the settlement of the American sugar farmers' trade challenge against Mexico's dumping of heavily subsidized sugar imports onto the U.S. market: “I am pleased by the agreement, which reflects the agriculture and trade policies I have consistently advocated. Mexico has been swamping the market with heavily subsidized sugar. Clearly, the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce recognized this action violated the spirit and letter of the North American Free Trade Agreement. This decision is good news for the economy of the Red River Valley and other sugar producing areas.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2cf1fb09-39ef-457b-ad70-41206cd4b168 Heitkamp Presses Air Force on Keeping Commitments to General Aviation & Businesses 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today pressed the U.S. Air Force to improve its plan for the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) airspace so it better addresses the concerns of local communities and businesses. These improvements will help the Air Force keep the commitments it has made to protect the commercial and safety interests of surrounding communities and local aviators. Heitkamp called on the Air Force to provide better and more information to general aviators, and to make sure aviators, as well as businesses which use the airspace and impacted medical facilities, have direct access to real-time information about Powder River activity. Making sure our aviators, as well as local airports, businesses, and hospitals have a direct line to Air Force operations for Powder River is absolutely critical, said Heitkamp. While Im encouraged by the Air Forces commitment to heeding the economic concerns of surrounding communities, we must make sure aviators and businesses can easily access the information they need and get their questions answered. Thats why Im asking the Air Force to take additional steps to make sure it is proactively working with these groups, and remedying their concerns. If the Air Force falls short of its commitments, businesses and livelihoods could be threatened and thats unacceptable. Ill continue working together with the Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration, and our local towns and businesses to strike the right balance between strengthening our national security and allowing our regional businesses to flourish. Heitkamp is calling on the Air Force to make important improvements and provide additional details on its plans to heed the concerns of local pilots, airports, businesses and hospitals. Heitkamp is calling on the Air Force to: Better communicate with general aviation, including pilots and businesses. The Air Force needs to proactively reach out to pilots and businesses so they have direct access up-to-the-minute information on Powde… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=52955af3-755b-4b8b-8c65-2e54a2a0db30 Heitkamp Offers Christmas Message to North Dakotans 2014-12-23 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today offered the following Christmas message to North Dakotans: As families travel from far and wide to come together around this time of year, I hope you also take a moment to think about those who dont have a place to go, are struggling to make ends meet, or are dealing with the heartbreak of losing loved ones. As North Dakotans, we know that times can sometimes be tough. We have faced severe winters, crop losses, and economic stresses. But we also know the importance of resilience because we always come out on top. But we cant do it alone. We need the support of our family, friends, neighbors, and others in our communities. We are a people that put aside our differences and help each other in good times and bad. The holiday season is a particular reminder of that ethic and of why we are proud to be North Dakotans. This season, and throughout the entire year, I encourage all North Dakotans to put this spirit into action. Whether its visiting folks at your local senior center, volunteering your time and energy at a food bank or homeless shelter, giving a gift for an Angel Tree, or donating some of the clothes you no longer wear, there are countless ways to give back to your community. I know many of us can be incredibly busy with our day-to-day lives. But we cant ever forget to press pause and lend a hand to our neighbors in need. Its the North Dakota way. God Bless and Merry Christmas. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/us-army-reverses-separation-policy-following-legislation-cosponsored-by US Army Reverses Separation Policy Following Legislation Cosponsored by Cramer 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – The Secretary of the Army John McHugh has announced a change in retirement policy which echoes a bill Congressman Kevin Cramer cosponsored. Under the new rule, prior-enlisted military officers selected for involuntary separation from the service will be allowed to remain on active duty, or retire at their current commissioned rank with full benefits. The policy reversal follows the Proudly Restoring Officers of Prior Enlistment Retirement (PROPER) Act, which was introduced on December 10 with Congressman Cramer as an original cosponsor. Under the Obama Administration’s restructuring plan, many prior-enlisted commissioned officers were being forced to involuntarily retire at their highest enlisted rank, despite years of service in commissioned status. The policy requires soldiers serve at least 20 years to be eligible for retirement, and at least eight years after receiving a commission in order to retire with officer rank. The misguided eligibility requirement caused soldiers who served over 20 years total, but less than eight years as commissioned officers, to be involuntarily retired at their highest enlisted rank instead of their commissioned rank. This equated to forced demotions and large reductions in retirement benefits. The PROPER Act, cosponsored by Cramer, would have enabled soldiers to keep their commissioned rank upon retirement by lowering the eligibility requirement from eight to four years. The decision by Secretary McHugh waives the eight year requirement entirely. “I am pleased the Army Secretary has acted to change a misguided policy for this group of dedicated military officers. While we must make every effort to fund our national defense wisely, this does not mean shortchanging those who have served their country,” said Cramer. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=665cf67d-0060-43f4-be32-7964f7d5ab65 Heitkamp Announces Bismarck Small Business Owner to Join National Womens Business Council 2014-12-22 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy Click here for photo of Heitkamp and Kari Warberg Block from June 2013 BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today announced that a Bismarck-based small business owner will join the National Womens Business Council. The Council is a federal group comprised of 15 women from around the country that advises the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on economic issues and concerns relevant to women business owners throughout the country. Heitkamp recommended Kari Warberg Block for a position on the National Womens Business Council based on her strong business leadership and innovative vision as Founder and CEO of Bismarck-based Earth-Kind Inc., a biobased manufacturing company that produces organic rodent repellent and air fresheners. In June 2014, Warberg Block participated in an event in Washington, at Heitkamps invitation, to provide a firsthand perspective on the economic and environmental opportunities that biobased manufacturing provides. Last year, Warberg Block was named North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year by SBA for her outstanding success in starting and growing a small business in the state. In North Dakota and throughout our country, small businesses employ folks from all walks of life, help families put food on their tables, and keep our economy moving forward. But success on Main Street wouldnt be possible without the hard work and tenacity of small business owners like Kari, said Heitkamp. She is such a passionate woman leader and it was a great honor to recommend Kari for a position on the National Womens Business Council, where she will bring a unique and important perspective to solving some of our nations biggest economic challenges for years to come. I feel so honored to have received a congressional nomination to serve in this capacity by Senator Heitkamp, said Warberg Block. Its an important role, as we are witnessing the most unprecedented growth in the number of women … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5449fba4-5a9a-46c8-85da-6a36aa372e00 Hoeven: Congress Takes First Step to Eliminate Proposed Waters of the U.S. Regulation 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Hoeven: Congress Takes First Step to Eliminate Proposed Waters of the U.S. Regulation Year-End Omnibus Appropriations Bill Defunds Interpretive Rule WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today said he is working on a two-step process to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Waters of the U.S. regulation, which would bring almost every acre of wet ground under federal Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction. The U.S. Congress took the first step in its recently passed omnibus appropriations bill by defunding the Waters of the U.S. Interpretive Rule, which the EPA issued to implement the Waters of the U.S. regulation for farmers and ranchers. The senator said he will continue to work in the new Congress as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to defund and eliminate the regulation in its entirety. In effect, defunding the Interpretive Rule means farmers and ranchers can now operate, as they have for years, under the CWA’s exemption from having to get a dredge and fill permit before practicing normal farming and ranching activities such as plowing, seeding and minor drainage. However, Hoeven said Congress still needs to defund or eliminate the Waters of the U.S. regulation itself because farmers and ranchers, as well as other industries like construction, energy and commercial development, remain exposed to other burdensome and costly regulations in the Waters of the U.S. proposal. “Defunding the Interpretive Rule is the first step toward making sure our farmers and ranchers can continue to carry out the basic farming and ranching activities they’ve practiced responsibly for generations,” Hoeven said. “Now, we need to focus on eliminating the Waters of the U.S. regulation completely in the new Congress.” Along with working to defund the Waters of the U.S. regulation, Hoeven will also work to rescind the rule outright with legislation. In 2014, Hoeven cosponsored the Prote… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7d9aa8b2-1325-4371-b2c8-15c1f589c12a Hoeven Statement on President Obama's Remarks Today on the Keystone XL Pipeline 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Hoeven Statement on President Obama's Remarks Today on the Keystone XL Pipeline FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s remarks about the Keystone XL pipeline: “After six years of delay, President Obama’s comments about the Keystone XL pipeline today were more of the same and just not accurate. “The President said that the pipeline would move only Canadian oil and that it would all be exported. He’s wrong on both counts. The Keystone XL pipeline will also carry light sweet crude from North Dakota and Montana, and the president’s own Department of Energy produced a report that said the oil would be used in the United States. “The president also claims the Keystone XL pipeline project will create only ‘a couple thousand jobs.’ The Obama State Department reported in its fifth and most recent environmental review that the project would create more than 42,000 jobs in the construction phase of the project, and would generate about $2.05 billion in earnings. Is the president really telling the families of those union workers that these high-paying jobs are not important? “Finally, the State Department reported it would take 1,400 tanker rail cars every day to ship the same amount of oil as the pipeline. Ironically, not building the pipeline will result in more emissions from trucks, trains and oil tankers than would ever be produced by the Keystone XL pipeline. The same State Department report said the pipeline will have no significant environmental impact. “Just today, a poll was released showing that nearly 70 percent of the American people support the Keystone XL pipeline. They know it’s about energy, jobs, helping to grow our economy and increasing national security by increasing energy security. They don’t want to depend on the Middle East for oil when we can produce it at home, along with our closest ally Canada. Incoming Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that my bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=86ab7e23-5fee-4c92-8f03-031c0ac7486a Tour of National Guard Maintenance Facility & Readiness Center 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event December 19 2014 11:00 AM Friday morning, Hoeven will tour the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) maintenance center in Valley City to discuss the constraints of the existing facility and review plans for the construction of a new vehicle maintenance, training and administrative facility. The project was funded in the 2015 omnibus appropriations legislation, which passed Congress Saturday. Hoeven serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he worked to include $10.8 million in the annual military construction funding bill to replace the outdated facility. 11 a.m. CT: Tour of Nat’l Guard Maintenance Facility & Readiness Center 850 Airport Road NW Valley City 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d59cae92-dc37-416e-bfb7-9998039c2dc6 Heitkamp Statement on EPA Designation of Coal Ash as Non-Hazardous 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 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 the new federal decision designating coal ash as non-hazardous material, and to leaving decisions on how to enforce new standards for disposal to the states: In North Dakota, we understand the value of our resources and we work hard to make them count, said Heitkamp. Thats why Ive been pushing our federal agencies not to overregulate materials that we have used safely in construction projects for years like coal ash by making it clear that these materials are not hazardous and that the federal government trusts our states to make responsible decisions when it comes to disposing or recycling this material. Ive been making this point to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for a long time now both before she was confirmed as administrator, and when I brought her to North Dakota last winter and Im glad to see that her agency took our states needs to heart. As we continue to look at the details of these new standards to fully understand how they will impact North Dakota, Ill keep seeking input from our utilities, construction industry, and environmental representatives throughout our state to make sure we provide as much certainty for them as possible, while maintaining the proper safeguards to make sure coal ash is managed in a safe and responsible way. Heitkamp has long held the position that coal ash should be treated as non-hazardous material, and therefore should not be classified or regulated as a hazardous substance. In multiple conversations with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy both before McCarthys confirmation as the head of the agency, as well as during her visit to North Dakota in February Heitkamp pushed for the EPA to issue standards clarifying that coal ash is not hazardous, to put in place tough but reasonable monitoring and disposal requirements, and to allow states to determine how they want to recycle the material, so that it can continue to be re-used for new buildings a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-takes-first-step-to-eliminate-proposed-waters-of-the-us-regulation Hoeven: Congress Takes First Step to Eliminate Proposed Waters of the U.S. Regulation 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Hoeven: Congress Takes First Step to Eliminate Proposed Waters of the U.S. Regulation Year-End Omnibus Appropriations Bill Defunds Interpretive Rule WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today said he is working on a two-step process to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Waters of the U.S. regulation, which would bring almost every acre of wet ground under federal Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction. The U.S. Congress took the first step in its recently passed omnibus appropriations bill by defunding the Waters of the U.S. Interpretive Rule, which the EPA issued to implement the Waters of the U.S. regulation for farmers and ranchers. The senator said he will continue to work in the new Congress as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to defund and eliminate the regulation in its entirety. In effect, defunding the Interpretive Rule means farmers and ranchers can now operate, as they have for years, under the CWA's exemption from having to get a dredge and fill permit before practicing normal farming and ranching activities such as plowing, seeding and minor drainage. However, Hoeven said Congress still needs to defund or eliminate the Waters of the U.S. regulation itself because farmers and ranchers, as well as other industries like construction, energy and commercial development, remain exposed to other burdensome and costly regulations in the Waters of the U.S. proposal. Defunding the Interpretive Rule is the first step toward making sure our farmers and ranchers can continue to carry out the basic farming and ranching activities they've practiced responsibly for generations, Hoeven said. Now, we need to focus on eliminating the Waters of the U.S. regulation completely in the new Congress. Along with working to defund the Waters of the U.S. regulation, Hoeven will also work to rescind the rule outright with legislation. In 2014, Hoeven cosponsored the Protecting… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-president-obamas-remarks-today-on-the-keystone-xl-pipeline Hoeven Statement on President Obama's Remarks Today on the Keystone XL Pipeline 2014-12-19 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.14 Hoeven Statement on President Obama's Remarks Today on the Keystone XL Pipeline FARGO, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's remarks about the Keystone XL pipeline: After six years of delay, President Obama's comments about the Keystone XL pipeline today were more of the same and just not accurate. The President said that the pipeline would move only Canadian oil and that it would all be exported. He's wrong on both counts. The Keystone XL pipeline will also carry light sweet crude from North Dakota and Montana, and the president's own Department of Energy produced a report that said the oil would be used in the United States. The president also claims the Keystone XL pipeline project will create only a couple thousand jobs.' The Obama State Department reported in its fifth and most recent environmental review that the project would create more than 42,000 jobs in the construction phase of the project, and would generate about $2.05 billion in earnings. Is the president really telling the families of those union workers that these high-paying jobs are not important? Finally, the State Department reported it would take 1,400 tanker rail cars every day to ship the same amount of oil as the pipeline. Ironically, not building the pipeline will result in more emissions from trucks, trains and oil tankers than would ever be produced by the Keystone XL pipeline. The same State Department report said the pipeline will have no significant environmental impact. Just today, a poll was released showing that nearly 70 percent of the American people support the Keystone XL pipeline. They know it's about energy, jobs, helping to grow our economy and increasing national security by increasing energy security. They don't want to depend on the Middle East for oil when we can produce it at home, along with our closest ally Canada. Incoming Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that my bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline congressi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6baa2058-1485-44d1-8567-d5c219c25270 Hoeven: Congress Supports Global Hawk, Invests in UAS Research 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.14 Hoeven: Congress Supports Global Hawk, Invests in UAS Research Senator Updates BRIC on Provisions He Included in Omnibus Bill to Support GFAFB Mission, UAS Test Site Operations WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today met with members of the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) to outline key provisions in the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus funding bill that support missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base and help to further the region as a leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Hoeven worked to include provisions in the bill to fund the Global Hawk in 2015 and support UAS research. “This legislation supports our efforts in the Grand Forks region, both on the base and as a test site for integrating UAS into the national airspace,” said Hoeven. “We worked to ensure that the bill supports our global hawk mission and also invests in UAS research for our test sites to further their work to safely fly both manned and unmanned aircraft together.” Hoeven worked to include the following provisions in the legislation: Full Funding for the Global Hawk: Provides funding for the RQ-4 Global Hawk in 2015.  The Air Force previously considered divesting the Global Hawk fleet but Hoeven worked to convince them to keep the Global Hawk and divest the older U-2 fleet. Grand Forks Air Force Base hosts a Global Hawk mission. Support for UAS Research: Includes an additional $7.8 million Hoeven requested for UAS research at the Department of Defense and an additional $6 million for UAS research at the FAA. This funding will support integration research projects that can be performed at the UAS test sites and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for UAS research. These provisions build on Hoeven’s work to support Grand Forks Air Force Base and to build the region into a premier center for UAS operations. Test Site Operations Hoeven continues working to bolster UAS operations at the test site … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=1e02484f-ffa1-49b4-a616-6cd4230c95f6 Minot Task Force 21 Meeting 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event December 18 2014 09:00 AM Thursday morning, Senator Hoeven will meet with members of Task Force 21 to update the group on important provisions to bolster Minot Air Force Base’s missions that were included in the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus funding bill approved Saturday by the Senate. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to include provisions in the bill that maintain the nuclear triad and fund important programs to update and upgrade nuclear equipment, develop an updated cruise missile warhead and replace the anti-skid system on the B-52 bomber. 9:30 a.m.  CT Minot Task Force 21 Meeting Grand Hotel, International Conference Room 1505 N Broadway Minot 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=c3eb4f29-a309-4604-b5ef-aa58c0b2abf9 UAS Research/Continuation of the Global Hawk program 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event December 18 2014 12:30 PM Thursday afternoon, Hoeven will meet with members of the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) to outline key provisions in the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus funding bill that support missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base and help to further the region as a leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Hoeven worked to include provisions in the bill to fully fund the Global Hawk in 2015 and support UAS research.  3:00 p.m. CT UAS Research/Continuation of the Global Hawk program Center for Innovation Ideas Lab 4200 James Ray Drive Grand Forks 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ce76105d-66ea-4cd7-b455-7277efcaa7ab Heitkamps Anti-Drug Trafficking Bill Passes in Senate 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced bipartisan legislation she helped introduce to combat international drug trafficking a problem which is unfortunately now coming directly into the U.S, and specifically North Dakota, passed unanimously in the Senate. Building on her work to combat drug crime and trafficking in North Dakota, Heitkamps bipartisan legislation would equip federal law enforcement with new tools to prosecute drug traffickers in foreign countries, and to tighten laws against them. As North Dakotas population has skyrocketed and more lucrative jobs are available in the oil patch, it has also brought some new challenges as major drug cartels and criminal gangs are now coming directly to the state to sell and traffic illegal drugs. This bill continues Heitkamps efforts through her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to combat drug crime and other safety challenges that have emerged in North Dakota. Heitkamp also visited Mexico earlier this year and met with Mexican officials who spoke of international cartels going to the U.S. to traffic illegal drugs. When Heitkamp was Attorney General, tracings mass quantities of drugs had to go three or four steps back to Mexican cartels, usually coming from Denver or the southwest, but now there is a direct link to the state. Mexican officials also stated that these cartels are involved in human trafficking as well, now that they have established routes in North Dakota. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate this week, was not taken up by the U.S. House of Representatives before it adjourned for the year. Heitkamp will work with bipartisan group of Senators to reintroduce and pass the bill again in the next Congress. International drug trafficking is a very real problem in North Dakota said Heitkamp. As North Dakota has grown so quickly, international drug traffickers have unfortunately taken advantage of a law enforcement infrastructure that hasnt been given the necessary resources or personnel to meet the rapid growth. We must t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-supports-global-hawk-invests-in-uas-research Hoeven: Congress Supports Global Hawk, Invests in UAS Research 2014-12-18 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.14 Hoeven: Congress Supports Global Hawk, Invests in UAS Research Senator Updates BRIC on Provisions He Included in Omnibus Bill to Support GFAFB Mission, UAS Test Site Operations WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today met with members of the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) to outline key provisions in the Fiscal Year 2015 omnibus funding bill that support missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base and help to further the region as a leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Hoeven worked to include provisions in the bill to fund the Global Hawk in 2015 and support UAS research. This legislation supports our efforts in the Grand Forks region, both on the base and as a test site for integrating UAS into the national airspace, said Hoeven. We worked to ensure that the bill supports our global hawk mission and also invests in UAS research for our test sites to further their work to safely fly both manned and unmanned aircraft together. Hoeven worked to include the following provisions in the legislation: Full Funding for the Global Hawk: Provides funding for the RQ-4 Global Hawk in 2015. The Air Force previously considered divesting the Global Hawk fleet but Hoeven worked to convince them to keep the Global Hawk and divest the older U-2 fleet. Grand Forks Air Force Base hosts a Global Hawk mission. Support for UAS Research:Includes an additional $7.8 million Hoeven requested for UAS research at the Department of Defense and an additional $6 million for UAS research at the FAA.This funding will support integration research projects that can be performed at the UAS test sites and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for UAS research. These provisions build on Hoeven's work to support Grand Forks Air Force Base and to build the region into a premier center for UAS operations. Test Site Operations Hoeven continues working to bolster UAS operations at the test site in Grand… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2296780b-c8dc-4b43-be8a-56ce3fc3bec2 Hoeven Worked to Include $4 Million in Water Bank Funding for Farmers and Ranchers in Omnibus Approps Bill 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven Worked to Include $4 Million in Water Bank Funding for Farmers and Ranchers in Omnibus Approps Bill WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill Congress approved last weekend included $4 million for 2015 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water Bank Program (WBP), which compensates farmers and landowners for flooded land using short-term conservation leases. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to get the funding approved annually since 2012. Severe flooding of agricultural land has been a problem in North Dakota and other states, parts of which lie in the prairie pothole region. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which administers the program, provides funding to help preserve and enhance wetlands for habitat, improve water quality and compensate producers for flooded land. It allows producers and landowners to enter into ten-year agreements to voluntarily protect wetlands and flooded agricultural lands in return for annual payments. Landowners interested in the program work through WBP to apply to receive assistance. “The Water Bank Program has proven to be well suited to the needs of many North Dakota farmers, particularly those in the Devils Lake Basin and Stump Lake Basin regions who have experienced regular flooding,” Hoeven said. “The funding will provide valuable assistance to help individual farmers and ranchers to make use of flooded lands until they can be used for production again. This, in turn, serves as effective flood control and helps to sustain local economies.” Applicants should work with their local USDA Service Center to submit applications and can obtain more information through the NRSC Water Bank Program website. North Dakotans can find their local USDA Service Center here.   -###- Print Email Tweet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7f31b7b0-7d79-4449-92a6-c9cf8028d690 Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Increase Prevention Act 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Increase Prevention Act Measure Extends Section 179 Expensing, Bonus Depreciation to Help Farmers, Ranchers, Small Businesses WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act, legislation that will extend through the end of 2014, certain tax credits and deductions that expired at the end of 2013 or during 2014. Of particular importance to North Dakotans, the measure extends Section 179, a part of the tax code that allows farmers, ranchers and other small businesses to expense the purchase of equipment they need to run their operations. Passage means they can now expense purchases made in 2014. The bill also includes the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a measure cosponsored by Hoeven that allows states to establish tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities for health care related expenses. Hoeven and other lawmakers were working to make many of the expired tax provisions permanent. President Obama, however, threatened to veto the bill, resulting in a temporary one-year extension. The senator said he will work to make the extensions permanent in the new Congress. The Tax Increase Prevention Act passed the House last week by a vote of 378-46, and the Senate 76 to 16. It will now go to the president’s desk for signature. “These extensions, and especially the Section 179 expensing and depreciation provision, will provide immediate tax relief and greater certainty to individuals, farmers, ranchers and small businesses for the current tax year,” Hoeven said. “That makes more cash available to reinvest in the business, which is good not only for small businesses, but also for the economy because it helps businesses grow and hire. Now, we need to work toward comprehensive tax reform, which would make these provisions permanent.” The Tax Increase Prevention Act includes the following provis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=96da6d4d-bb0f-4474-b8ef-334365a2cb82 Hoeven Statement in Response to the President's Announcement of a Change in Cuba Policy, the Release of Alan Gross 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven Statement in Response to the President's Announcement of a Change in Cuba Policy, the Release of Alan Gross WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s announcement that he will change U.S. policy toward Cuba: “Like all of us, I celebrate the release of American Alan Gross after five years of captivity in Cuba and welcome his return. I can only imagine his family’s relief and joy when they were reunited with him. “With regard to Cuba policy, I am committed to expanding agricultural trade where we can. Easing trade restrictions on selling food to Cuba could have mutual benefits for us and for the Cuban people. At the same time, however, we have to acknowledge that the Cuban government has a record of terrible human rights violations and that we have yet to see any real progress in that regard. If we are going to normalize economic and diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Castro regime needs to first change its approach to human rights.” -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4dc702cb-4f50-4af5-8246-7ee7d7684753 Heitkamp Welcomes Bismarck Student as New U.S. Senate Page 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy **Click Here for Photo of Heitkamp and Sedalia Mahlum from July 2013** WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a North Dakota high school student from Bismarck has been selected to be a U.S. Senate page in the upcoming Congress. Heitkamp selected Sedalia Mahlum to join the U.S. Senate page program, in recognition of her academic excellence and leadership in her school and community. Mahlum is currently a junior at Century High School in Bismarck, and will participate in the page program this coming semester from January to early June 2015. Participating in the U.S. Senate page program provides incredible opportunities for some of our nations brightest and strongest leaders, said Heitkamp. Its a privilege to sponsor and appoint Sedalia as a U.S. Senate page, and I know her hard work and passion in the classroom will be a driving force as she continues her educational experience in Washington this semester. Im proud of her commitment to North Dakota and this country, and honored to have sponsored her for the program. And I look forward to seeing her in the halls of the Senate in the coming months. Hopefully more high school students from across our state will consider applying to this unique and distinguished program in the future. I thank Senator Heitkamp for appointing me to the Senate page program this upcoming semester, said Mahlum. Im excited to learn firsthand about the U.S. government and how Congress works in Washington, D.C., and I look forward to all the great experiences Ill have with fellow leaders from around the country thanks to this wonderful opportunity. In July, Heitkamp met with Mahlum and the Young Democrats of America to discuss several issues, including student loan debt and voting rights. During their time in the program, pages complete a semester of high school in Washington, D.C. while also working in the U.S. Senate. Pages attend morning classes beginning at 6:15 a.m. at the United States Senate Page School before the Senate session begins for the day where they… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d363429b-ada1-4e9f-bea4-44fac7faa1f5 Heitkamp: Change to U.S.-Cuba Policy Supports Ag Exports for ND Farmers 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 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, today released the following statement on new federal action that will help expand export opportunities for United States agricultural products and equipment to Cuba. Heitkamp has continued a long-fought push to expand agriculture export access to Cuba from the Dakotas and Montana, which were also advocated by Senators Byron Dorgan, Kent Conrad, and Max Baucus when they were in the Senate. In February 2014, Heitkamp and U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) visited Cuba and met with several officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Antonio Carricarte, to discuss the economic benefits of expanding agriculture exports from North Dakota and the U.S. to Cuba. During their meetings, Heitkamp heard an increased willingness from Cuban officials to engage more regarding U.S. exports, and todays action aligns with what Heitkamp learned during her visit. To help our farmers do their jobs, we need to make sure they have export opportunities to ship their products around the country and the world, said Heitkamp. Cuba is a prime market for North Dakota farmers it imports the vast majority of its food, and there is strong demand for many of the products predominantly grown in our state, both for feeding the Cuban people and its growing agricultural sector. Rather than Cuba importing beans, corn, and grain from our agricultural competitors, our farmers should be able to provide more of our products to feed Cuba. North Dakotas former Senators also understood the importance of expanding agriculture export access to Cuba, as it will support North Dakotas economy and help address low American commodity prices by opening new markets. And todays announcement provides Cuba access to much-needed agriculture equipment made in the U.S. for its growing agricultural sector. This piece of todays announcement is good for our farmers, state, and the country. Cuba imports about 80 percent of the foo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-tax-increase-prevention-act Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Increase Prevention Act 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Increase Prevention Act Measure Extends Section 179 Expensing, Bonus Depreciation to Help Farmers, Ranchers, Small Businesses WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act, legislation that will extend through the end of 2014, certain tax credits and deductions that expired at the end of 2013 or during 2014. Of particular importance to North Dakotans, the measure extends Section 179, a part of the tax code that allows farmers, ranchers and other small businesses to expense the purchase of equipment they need to run their operations. Passage means they can now expense purchases made in 2014. The bill also includes the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a measure cosponsored by Hoeven that allows states to establish tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities for health care related expenses. Hoeven and other lawmakers were working to make many of the expired tax provisions permanent. President Obama, however, threatened to veto the bill, resulting in a temporary one-year extension. The senator said he will work to make the extensions permanent in the new Congress. The Tax Increase Prevention Act passed the House last week by a vote of 378-46, and the Senate 76 to 16. It will now go to the president's desk for signature. These extensions, and especially the Section 179 expensing and depreciation provision, will provide immediate tax relief and greater certainty to individuals, farmers, ranchers and small businesses for the current tax year, Hoeven said. That makes more cash available to reinvest in the business, which is good not only for small businesses, but also for the economy because it helps businesses grow and hire. Now, we need to work toward comprehensive tax reform, which would make these provisions permanent. The Tax Increase Prevention Act includes the following provisions:… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-in-response-to-the-presidents-announcement-of-a-change-in-cuba-policy-the-release-of-alan-gross Hoeven Statement in Response to the President's Announcement of a Change in Cuba Policy, the Release of Alan Gross 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven Statement in Response to the President's Announcement of a Change in Cuba Policy, the Release of Alan Gross WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's announcement that he will change U.S. policy toward Cuba: Like all of us, I celebrate the release of American Alan Gross after five years of captivity in Cuba and welcome his return. I can only imagine his family's relief and joy when they were reunited with him. With regard to Cuba policy, I am committed to expanding agricultural trade where we can. Easing trade restrictions on selling food to Cuba could have mutual benefits for us and for the Cuban people. At the same time, however, we have to acknowledge that the Cuban government has a record of terrible human rights violations and that we have yet to see any real progress in that regard. If we are going to normalize economic and diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Castro regime needs to first change its approach to human rights. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-worked-to-include-4-million-in-water-bank-funding-for-farmers-and-ranchers-in-omnibus-approps-bill Hoeven Worked to Include $4 Million in Water Bank Funding for Farmers and Ranchers in Omnibus Approps Bill 2014-12-17 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.14 Hoeven Worked to Include $4 Million in Water Bank Funding for Farmers and Ranchers in Omnibus Approps Bill WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill Congress approved last weekend included $4 million for 2015 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Water Bank Program (WBP), which compensates farmers and landowners for flooded land using short-term conservation leases. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to get the funding approved annually since 2012. Severe flooding of agricultural land has been a problem in North Dakota and other states, parts of which lie in the prairie pothole region. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which administers the program, provides funding to help preserve and enhance wetlands for habitat, improve water quality and compensate producers for flooded land. It allows producers and landowners to enter into ten-year agreements to voluntarily protect wetlands and flooded agricultural lands in return for annual payments. Landowners interested in the program work through WBP to apply to receive assistance. The Water Bank Program has proven to be well suited to the needs of many North Dakota farmers, particularly those in the Devils Lake Basin and Stump Lake Basin regions who have experienced regular flooding, Hoeven said. The fundingwill provide valuable assistance to help individual farmers and ranchers to make use of flooded lands until they can be used for production again. This, in turn, serves as effective flood control and helps to sustain local economies. Applicants should work with their local USDA Service Center to submit applications and can obtain more information through the NRSC Water Bank Program website. North Dakotans can find their local USDA Service Center here. -###- Print Email Tweet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=03fb3473-54d7-498f-b780-4ebd5ce6ed57 Hoeven Pushes on Senate Floor to Pass Tax Increase Prevention Act, Including Extension of Section 179 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Pushes on Senate Floor to Pass Tax Increase Prevention Act, Including Extension of Section 179 Senator to Speak on the Floor Every day Till Tax Extension Package Passes WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven Monday spoke on the Senate floor to press for a vote on the Tax Increase Prevention Act, legislation that will extend through the end of 2014, certain tax credits and deductions that expired either at the end of calendar year 2013 or during 2014. Of particular importance to North Dakota, the measure extends Section 179, a part of the tax code that allows farmers, ranchers and other small businesses to expense the purchase of equipment they need to run their operations. Hoeven announced he will speak on the floor every day this week until the measure passes, and on Monday, he focused on the importance of extending the Section 179 rule for the current tax year so that producers and small businesses can expense purchases made in 2014. Hoeven and other lawmakers were working to make many of the expired tax provisions permanent. President Obama, however, threatened to veto the bill, resulting in a temporary one-year extension. The senator said he will work to make the extensions permanent in the new Congress. “It’s so important for our small businesses and, in fact, for our entire economy,” Hoeven said. “Section 179 allows farmers and other small businesses to expense what they’ve purchased for their operations during the first year. That’s important, so they don‘t see a tax increase, but also to keep our economy going. Without it, small businesses will buy and repair less equipment, slowing down our manufacturing base and our economy. Quite simply, that means fewer jobs. It’s not only because small businesses’ costs are increased, but also because of the uncertainty that’s created when they don't know the rules of the road. We were working on a deal until the president threatened to veto that le… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=39516c34-ded3-4729-b676-aaf94b4a24a6 Hoeven Statement on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's Plan to Make Keystone XL First Order of Business in New Congress 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Statement on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's Plan to Make Keystone XL First Order of Business in New Congress WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the plan to make Hoeven's Keystone XL approval legislation the first order of business in the 114th Congress: “Leader McConnell announced today that my Keystone XL approval bill will be the first order of business in the new Congress. He has also indicated that we will take it up in regular order, with an open amendment process and debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate. By going to regular order and allowing amendments, we hope to build bipartisan support on this and other legislation to get the work of the Senate done. “Over the course of the last six years, as both a governor and a senator, I have worked to build bipartisan support for the Keystone XL pipeline. The project is in the national interest of our country and the American people. It will create good jobs for our citizens, boost economic activity in our states and generate revenues for our communities. “It is needed infrastructure to move our oil from the Bakken to refineries in the United States, as well as to move oil from Canada. We need to build infrastructure like the Keystone XL pipeline so that we can move energy safely and effectively as part of a comprehensive energy plan for the nation. It will make our country more secure and energy independent because we will be getting more oil domestically and from our closest friend and ally Canada and less oil from the Middle East and other hostile regions of the world.” -###-   Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e676ef86-7a4f-4b1e-9103-41e7ddb1ea31 Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.2 Million Grant for Flood Mitigation, Home Buyouts in Cass County 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.2 Million Grant for Flood Mitigation, Home Buyouts in Cass County HOEVEN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1.2 MILLION GRANT FOR FLOOD MITIGATION, HOME BUYOUTS IN CASS COUNTY WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding nearly $1.2 million dollars to North Dakota for flood mitigation in Cass County. The funds are made available through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and will be used for the acquisition and demolition of nine flood-prone residences in the county. “These FEMA funds will support the removal of structures regularly under the threat of flooding. That is important for reducing the impacts of flooding, and it is another step toward providing permanent flood protection for the Red River Valley,” Hoeven said. Senator Hoeven is working toward a four-part, comprehensive flood protection plan for the Red River Valley (RRV), including:  Regional flood protection including dikes, levees and other flood protection infrastructure. The federal government has contributed nearly $36 million toward such projects in the Fargo area since 2011, which includes over $16 million for home buyouts to prevent future losses, nearly $15 million for water and sewer system updates and nearly $5 million for new and updated infrastructure, such as bridge replacements and levees. Upstream flood protection. Hoeven worked as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and conferee on the 2014 farm bill conference committee to create programs and provide funding for rural water management and flood protection, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP). In July, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will use these programs to provide $50 million in targeted assistance to North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota to ad… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8bb2f439-4b38-4428-8599-31cac42e8b85 Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Flood Response Efforts in Cass County 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $1 million in federal funding to acquire and demolish nine flood prone residential structures in Cass County. They say the best offense, is a good defense. And that is the approach we need to take with flood prevention and control in the Red River Valley, said Heitkamp. We must work together and invest in projects to proactively protect North Dakotans. Cass County has been working diligently to better prepare and plan for the unforeseeable reach of the Sheyenne River, and these funds will help the county continue its great work. These funds will cover 75 percent of the cost to remove nine at-risk residences from the Special Flood Hazard Area. Acquiring and demolishing the residences will also increase deed restricted green space in the area and reduce public and private costs for flood response. These funds were authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d8c6c987-ada6-4acd-be38-0b8cde0eec38 Heitkamp Supports Extension of Tax Provisions for North Dakota Families and Businesses 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted to extend tax relief and provisions for North Dakota families, children, and businesses. Heitkamp has long advocated for lasting solutions for these tax credits and provisions that many low and middle-income families, North Dakota small businesses, and workers in the states energy industry depend on. Todays passage of a one-year extension is a positive step forward, but more long-term or permanent solutions are needed for families and businesses who need to plan for the future. In North Dakota, we have to plan ahead we plan for our harvests, for our winters, and for our childrens futures, said Heitkamp. Thats why Ive been pushing on Congress for the past year to quit delaying, and to start providing more certainty for our businesses and for our families who work hard every day just to make ends meet. Today, the Senate and House finally came together to extend tax relief so many of our communities need for the next year but its not enough. We have to seek practical, lasting solutions that really work, because nail-biting and foot-dragging is no way to legislate its not the way businesses run, its not the way families work, and its not the way this country should operate. We need to come together to find longer-term solutions for the communities that count on us to get the job done. Since her time as North Dakotas Tax Commissioner, Heitkamp has advocated for practical tax solutions that work for families and businesses across the state from working to close loopholes that put local brick-and-mortars at a tax disadvantage, to working on energy development throughout North Dakota Heitkamp continues to push for fair, long-term policies so that families and businesses can plan for the future. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-12-million-grant-for-flood-mitigation-home-buyouts-in-cass-county Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.2 Million Grant for Flood Mitigation, Home Buyouts in Cass County 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.2 Million Grant for Flood Mitigation, Home Buyouts in Cass County HOEVEN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1.2 MILLION GRANT FOR FLOOD MITIGATION, HOME BUYOUTS IN CASS COUNTY WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding nearly $1.2 million dollars to North Dakota for flood mitigation in Cass County. The funds are made available through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and will be used for the acquisition and demolition of nine flood-prone residences in the county. These FEMA funds will support the removal of structures regularly under the threat of flooding. That is important for reducing the impacts of flooding, and it is another step toward providing permanent flood protection for the Red River Valley, Hoeven said. Senator Hoeven is working toward a four-part, comprehensive flood protection plan for the Red River Valley (RRV), including: Regional flood protection including dikes, levees and other flood protection infrastructure. The federal government has contributed nearly $36 million toward such projects in the Fargo area since 2011, which includes over $16 million for home buyouts to prevent future losses, nearly $15 million for water and sewer system updates and nearly $5 million for new and updated infrastructure, such as bridge replacements and levees. Upstream flood protection. Hoeven worked as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and conferee on the 2014 farm bill conference committee to create programs and provide funding for rural water management and flood protection, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP). In July, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will use these programs to provide $50 million in targeted assistance to North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota to addres… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-pushes-on-senate-floor-to-pass-tax-increase-prevention-act-including-extension-of-section-179 Hoeven Pushes on Senate Floor to Pass Tax Increase Prevention Act, Including Extension of Section 179 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Pushes on Senate Floor to Pass Tax Increase Prevention Act, Including Extension of Section 179 Senator to Speak on the Floor Every day Till Tax Extension Package Passes WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven Monday spoke on the Senate floor to press for a vote on the Tax Increase Prevention Act, legislation that will extend through the end of 2014, certain tax credits and deductions that expired either at the end of calendar year 2013 or during 2014. Of particular importance to North Dakota, the measure extends Section 179, a part of the tax code that allows farmers, ranchers and other small businesses to expense the purchase of equipment they need to run their operations. Hoeven announced he will speak on the floor every day this week until the measure passes, and on Monday, he focused on the importance of extending the Section 179 rule for the current tax year so that producers and small businesses can expense purchases made in 2014. Hoeven and other lawmakers were working to make many of the expired tax provisions permanent. President Obama, however, threatened to veto the bill, resulting in a temporary one-year extension. The senator said he will work to make the extensions permanent in the new Congress. It's so important for our small businesses and, in fact, for our entire economy, Hoeven said. Section 179 allows farmers and other small businesses to expense what they've purchased for their operations during the first year. That's important, so they dont see a tax increase, but also to keep our economy going. Without it, small businesses will buy and repair less equipment, slowing down our manufacturing base and our economy. Quite simply, that means fewer jobs. It's not only because small businesses' costs are increased, but also because of the uncertainty that's created when they don't know the rules of the road. We were working on a deal until the president threatened to veto that legisla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-majority-leader-mitch-mcconnells-plan-to-make-keystone-xl-first-order-of-business-in-new-congress Hoeven Statement on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's Plan to Make Keystone XL First Order of Business in New Congress 2014-12-16 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.14 Hoeven Statement on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's Plan to Make Keystone XL First Order of Business in New Congress WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the plan to make Hoeven's Keystone XL approval legislation the first order of business in the 114th Congress: Leader McConnell announced today that my Keystone XL approval bill will be the first order of business in the new Congress. He has also indicated that we will take it up in regular order, with an open amendment process and debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate. By going to regular order and allowing amendments, we hope to build bipartisan support on this and other legislation to get the work of the Senate done. Over the course of the last six years, as both a governor and a senator, I have worked to build bipartisan support for the Keystone XL pipeline. The project is in the national interest of our country and the American people. It will create good jobs for our citizens, boost economic activity in our states and generate revenues for our communities. It is needed infrastructure to move our oil from the Bakken to refineries in the United States, as well as to move oil from Canada. We need to build infrastructure like the Keystone XL pipeline so that we can move energy safely and effectively as part of a comprehensive energy plan for the nation. It will make our country more secure and energy independent because we will be getting more oil domestically and from our closest friend and ally Canada and less oil from the Middle East and other hostile regions of the world. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-cramer-announces-public-schedule-9 Congressman Cramer Announces Public Schedule 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy Today Congressman Kevin Cramer announced his public schedule in North Dakota. The list of events is below: Tuesday, December 16 Tour of Dr. Susan Farkas’ Cardiology Practice 10:30AM Central  Sanford Heart Center 801 Broadway Fargo Tour of Monsanto Soybean Production Site 11:45AM Central Monsanto Soybean Seed Production 304 West Center Street West Fargo Thursday, December 18 Speaking to Mr. Carlson’s Government Class at Valley City High School 11:23AM Central Valley City High School, Room 105 460 Central Ave N. Valley City Friday, December 19 UTTC Honoring for Fall Graduates 10:00AM Central Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center United Tribes Technical College 3315 University Drive Bismarck 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e663bb58-39f4-4ef2-8886-730e6278674e Hoeven Announces $310,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.15.14 Hoeven Announces $310,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding grants totaling $310,000 to help support economic development in North Dakota communities. The grants will be used to implement comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) plans to bring together public and private sectors to strengthen and diversify regional economies. “These grants will help to develop and diversify the economies of communities across North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “This builds on our work to create good jobs for our people and ensure our state’s economy is healthy and strong now and into the future.” The following entities received grant funding: $62,000 for the Lake Agassiz Regional Council, which serves Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties. $62,000 for the Roosevelt-Custer Regional Council for Development, which serves Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark counties. $62,000 for the Souris Basin Planning Council, which serves Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward counties. $62,000 for Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council, which services Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties. $62,000 for the North Central Planning Council, which serves Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner counties, including Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain. Hoeven is a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.   -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-310-000-in-economic-development-grants-for-north-dakota Hoeven Announces $310,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota 2014-12-15 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.15.14 Hoeven Announces $310,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding grants totaling $310,000 to help support economic development in North Dakota communities. The grants will be used to implement comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) plans to bring together public and private sectors to strengthen and diversify regional economies. These grants will help to develop and diversify the economies of communities across North Dakota, said Hoeven. This builds on our work to create good jobs for our people and ensure our state's economy is healthy and strong now and into the future. The following entities received grant funding: $62,000 for the Lake Agassiz Regional Council, which serves Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties. $62,000 for the Roosevelt-Custer Regional Council for Development, which serves Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark counties. $62,000 for the Souris Basin Planning Council, which serves Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward counties. $62,000 for Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council, which services Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties. $62,000 for the North Central Planning Council, which serves Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner counties, including Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain. Hoeven is a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=172bead9-1d52-4dea-bb12-e431bdb5d76d Hoeven: Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Legislation for 2015 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Legislation for 2015 WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Senate and House have passed an omnibus appropriations bill, a bipartisan measure that will fund the U.S. federal government through September of 2015. The House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 219 to 206, with 162 Republicans and 57 Democrats voting for the bill. The Senate vote was 54 to 40. “It’s important that we passed this bill to keep the government funded,” Hoeven said. “It actually reduces spending, which is very important to reduce the deficit and the debt, but at the same time, funds important priorities, like agriculture and aviation, as well as defense, to keep our military strong, and law enforcement. Importantly, too, we begin to reduce regulatory overreach by directing the EPA to withdraw the interpretive rule for the Waters of the U.S., which is a step toward rescinding the entire rule.” The total discretionary spending level for Fiscal Year 2015 is consistent with the level provided in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. It reduces spending compared to FY 2014 from just over $1.1 trillion to under $1.1 trillion, and by almost $400 billion below 2009 levels, from $1.5 trillion to $1.1 trillion. The legislation funds all federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2015 except for the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded only through February 27, 2015. That will give lawmakers in the new Congress time to address President Obama’s executive action on immigration and work to strengthen border security. Priorities that Senator Hoeven pushed for North Dakota include measures to bolster America’s military strength and support veterans services; strengthen law enforcement in western North Dakota and on tribal lands; advance aviation; and support our farmers and ranchers. DEFENSE Maintaining the Nuclear Triad: Includes the Hoeven-Tester amendment that passed in committee … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=21d1c4d5-393f-4b3f-8fd9-1eba5e940141 Hoeven Statement on NDSU Bison's Win in Today's Quarterfinal Game 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.14 Hoeven Statement on NDSU Bison's Win in Today's Quarterfinal Game FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the North Dakota State University Bison win over Coastal Carolina in today’s quarterfinal game of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The final score was 39 to 32. “Once again, the Bison demonstrated their resilience and talent on the field. The Chanticleers played a lively game, leading right into the fourth quarter, but the Bison defense held them and our offense came back with a long, exciting touchdown run. “Congratulations and best wishes to Coach Chris Klieman and the Bison players, who once again performed with real skill and style. I wish I could have been there to cheer them on, but I’m going to do my best to get to next weekend’s game. Go Bison!”   -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-omnibus-appropriations-legislation-for-2015 Hoeven: Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Legislation for 2015 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Legislation for 2015 WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Senate and House have passed an omnibus appropriations bill, a bipartisan measure that will fund the U.S. federal government through September of 2015. The House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 219 to 206, with 162 Republicans and 57 Democrats voting for the bill. The Senate vote was 54 to 40. It's important that we passed this bill to keep the government funded, Hoeven said. It actually reduces spending, which is very important to reduce the deficit and the debt, but at the same time, funds important priorities, like agriculture and aviation, as well as defense, to keep our military strong, and law enforcement. Importantly, too, we begin to reduce regulatory overreach by directing the EPA to withdraw the interpretive rule for the Waters of the U.S., which is a step toward rescinding the entire rule. The total discretionary spending level for Fiscal Year 2015 is consistent with the level provided in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. It reduces spending compared to FY 2014 from just over $1.1 trillion to under $1.1 trillion, and by almost $400 billion below 2009 levels, from $1.5 trillion to $1.1 trillion. The legislation funds all federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2015 except for the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded only through February 27, 2015. That will give lawmakers in the new Congress time to address President Obama's executive action on immigration and work to strengthen border security. Priorities that Senator Hoeven pushed for North Dakota include measures to bolster America's military strength and support veterans services; strengthen law enforcement in western North Dakota and on tribal lands; advance aviation; and support our farmers and ranchers. DEFENSE Maintaining the Nuclear Triad: Includes the Hoeven-Tester amendment that passed in committee which… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-ndsu-bisons-win-in-todays-quarterfinal-game Hoeven Statement on NDSU Bison's Win in Today's Quarterfinal Game 2014-12-13 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.14 Hoeven Statement on NDSU Bison's Win in Today's Quarterfinal Game FARGO, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the North Dakota State University Bison win over Coastal Carolina in today's quarterfinal game of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The final score was 39 to 32. Once again, the Bison demonstrated their resilience and talent on the field. The Chanticleers played a lively game, leading right into the fourth quarter, but the Bison defense held them and our offense came back with a long, exciting touchdown run. Congratulations and best wishes to Coach Chris Klieman and the Bison players, who once again performed with real skill and style. I wish I could have been there to cheer them on, but I'm going to do my best to get to next weekend's game. Go Bison! -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0244d446-ecd1-4db6-a05f-b63a70d9a0f4 Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Improve Permitting Process for Energy Development, Grazing on Federal Lands 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Improve Permitting Process for Energy Development, Grazing on Federal Lands WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed provisions to improve the federal permitting process for oil and gas wells and grazing on federal lands. The provisions approved today include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Processing Improvement Act, legislation cosponsored by the senator that makes permanent the BLM’s pilot permitting office in Sydney, Montana. This bill builds on Hoeven’s BLM Streamlining Act, which made it possible for that BLM office to process permits for North Dakota. The second provision provides the BLM and U.S. Forest Service with greater flexibility to efficiently renew and process grazing permits and leases for ranchers. “The federal permitting process needs to be efficient and fair for our agriculture and energy industries,” said Hoeven. “The provisions approved by Congress today will help ensure that federal agencies are able to process oil and gas permits and grazing permits in a more effective manner.” Improved BLM Energy Permits The BLM Processing Improvement Act, cosponsored by Hoeven and authored by Senators Tom Udall (D- N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), extends the BLM pilot program for improving the permitting process for oil and natural gas wells on federal lands. The BLM established the pilot offices in 2005 to improve permitting in the field, but the program was scheduled to expire at the end of 2015. This provision extends the program for 10 years, starting in 2016. The pilot program has helped to reduce delays and increase inspection capabilities. The Senate approved this legislation earlier this year. Today, it was approved by the full Congress as part of broader legislation. This legislation builds on Hoeven’s BLM Streamlining Act, which expanded the service area of the BLM’s Miles City, Montana office to include North Dakota. That office is now able to process permits for North Dakota and has … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=a7a54027-1e05-4034-97f4-24faf5855356 Hoeven: Congress Passes Defense Authorization Legislation 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Defense Authorization Legislation Legislation Maintains ICBM Silos, Sustains Global Hawk, Blocks Administration’s Proposal for Base Closings WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes important provisions to benefit North Dakota and bolster the nation’s defense. “We worked to ensure that the defense authorization legislation supports the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk missions at Grand Forks and other North Dakota priorities,” said Hoeven. “The bill provides our military with the resources and tools they need to protect and defend our country.” Hoeven worked to ensure North Dakota priorities in the legislation, including provisions to: Maintain ICBM Silos: Requires that the Administration maintain all 450 of the nation’s current intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) silos in a “warm status” through 2021. Hoeven wrote the leaders of the Armed Services Committees to keep the provision in the final version of the bill as part of his efforts to maintain a strong ICBM force at MAFB and throughout the country. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate ICBM Coalition, Hoeven authored a provision in the fiscal year Fiscal Year 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill that blocks the administration from reducing the number of active silos containing Minuteman III ICBMs. Sustain the Global Hawk Program: Authorizes the President’s request for the Global Hawk program for Fiscal Year 2015. Grand Forks Air Force Base hosts a Global Hawk mission. Promotes Military Base Partnerships: Encourages military bases to enter into agreements with local governments to develop public-private partnerships. Hoeven has worked to bring Northrop Grumman, the County of Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Air Force Base together to create Grand Sky, a cutting-… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-defense-authorization-legislation Hoeven: Congress Passes Defense Authorization Legislation 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Defense Authorization Legislation Legislation Maintains ICBM Silos, Sustains Global Hawk, Blocks Administration's Proposal for Base Closings WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes important provisions to benefit North Dakota and bolster the nation's defense. We worked to ensure that the defense authorization legislation supports the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk missions at Grand Forks and other North Dakota priorities, said Hoeven. The bill provides our military with the resources and tools they need to protect and defend our country. Hoeven worked to ensure North Dakota priorities in the legislation, including provisions to: Maintain ICBM Silos: Requires that the Administration maintain all 450 of the nation's current intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) silos in a warm status through 2021. Hoeven wrote the leaders of the Armed Services Committees to keep the provision in the final version of the bill as part of his efforts to maintain a strong ICBM force at MAFB and throughout the country. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate ICBM Coalition, Hoeven authored a provision in the fiscal year Fiscal Year 2014 Omnibus Appropriations bill that blocks the administration from reducing the number of active silos containing Minuteman III ICBMs. Sustain the Global Hawk Program: Authorizes the President's request for the Global Hawk program for Fiscal Year 2015. Grand Forks Air Force Base hosts a Global Hawk mission. Promotes Military Base Partnerships: Encourages military bases to enter into agreements with local governments to develop public-private partnerships. Hoeven has worked to bring Northrop Grumman, the County of Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Air Force Base together to create Grand Sky, a cutting-edge un… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-legislation-to-improve-permitting-process-for-energy-development-grazing-on-federal-lands Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Improve Permitting Process for Energy Development, Grazing on Federal Lands 2014-12-12 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.14 Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Improve Permitting Process for Energy Development, Grazing on Federal Lands WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed provisions to improve the federal permitting process for oil and gas wells and grazing on federal lands. The provisions approved today include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Processing Improvement Act, legislation cosponsored by the senator that makes permanent the BLM's pilot permitting office in Sydney, Montana. This bill builds on Hoeven's BLM Streamlining Act, which made it possible for that BLM office to process permits for North Dakota. The second provision provides the BLM and U.S. Forest Service with greater flexibility to efficiently renew and process grazing permits and leases for ranchers. The federal permitting process needs to be efficient and fair for our agriculture and energy industries, said Hoeven. The provisions approved by Congress today will help ensure that federal agencies are able to process oil and gas permits and grazing permits in a more effective manner. Improved BLM Energy Permits The BLM Processing Improvement Act, cosponsored by Hoeven and authored by Senators Tom Udall (D- N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), extends the BLM pilot program for improving the permitting process for oil and natural gas wells on federal lands. The BLM established the pilot offices in 2005 to improve permitting in the field, but the program was scheduled to expire at the end of 2015. This provision extends the program for 10 years, starting in 2016. The pilot program has helped to reduce delays and increase inspection capabilities. The Senate approved this legislation earlier this year. Today, it was approved by the full Congress as part of broader legislation. This legislation builds on Hoeven's BLM Streamlining Act, which expanded the service area of the BLM's Miles City, Montana office to include North Dakota. That office is now able to process permits for North Dakota and has helpe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-omnibus-spending-bill-approved-in-house-of-representatives-0 Cramer: Omnibus Spending Bill Approved in House of Representatives 2014-12-11 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer voted with a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass an omnibus spending bill to keep the government running through September 30, 2015. The bill funds 11 of the 12 annual Appropriations bills through September 30. The 12th Appropriations bill, funding the Department of Homeland Security, is given a temporary extension through February 27, 2015 to give the new Congress leverage to influence immigration policy. “While any spending bill this large will be far from perfect, I am pleased it cuts waste significantly in large federal agencies including the IRS and the EPA, in order to focus on supporting national priorities including job creation, veterans benefits, and defense. It prevents provisions of the proposed Waters of the US rule from impacting farmers and ranchers, which North Dakotans have loudly and clearly spoken out against,” Cramer said. “The bill spends $164 billion less than President Bush’s last discretionary budget in 2008, and reduces regulatory overreach affecting millions of Americans.” Click here to view a summary of the bill Agriculture          Prevents provisions of the proposed Waters of the US rule from impacting farmers and ranchers          Exempts livestock producers from greenhouse gas regulations          Provides $79 million for Range Management to continue to reduce the backlog of grazing permit applications, and does not include Administration and Senate proposals to charge $6.5 million in new grazing fees on BLM and Forest Service lands Energy and Environment          Cuts EPA spending by $61 million, continuing a downward trend in EPA funding of $2.2 billion in cuts, or 21%, since 2010          Blocks the Interior Department from making any decisions on an Endangered Species Act listing for the greater and Gunnison sage grouses          Boosts fossil energy research programs by $8.9 million to fight back against the Obama Administration’s war on coal          Blocks President Obama’s attempts to real… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-applauds-elimination-of-unnecessary-daily-inspection-reports-for Cramer Applauds Elimination of Unnecessary Daily Inspection Reports for Truck Drivers 2014-12-09 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer applauded a decision by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to eliminate daily inspection reports on trucks when no safety problems are identified. Presently, commercial truck drivers are required to conduct pre- and post- trip inspections of their vehicles, and follow each inspection by filing a report. Approximately 95 percent of these inspections find no problems with the vehicle. Under the new rule, drivers will still conduct these routine inspections, but will no longer be required to complete paperwork in cases when no equipment or safety concerns are found. “The federal government estimates truckers spend 46.7 million hours each year filling out this paperwork. This rule change will maintain all existing safety standards while creating a time savings of $1.7 billion dollars each year by eliminating unnecessary filings,” said Congressman Cramer. The change does not affect any buses carrying passengers, which are also regulated by FCMSA. It is set to take effect on December 18, when the new rule will appear in the Federal Register. Congressman Cramer has consistently advocated for a fair regulatory process for the trucking industry. He cosponsored H.R. 3095, which stopped the FMCSA from skipping a transparent rulemaking process to require truck drivers to undergo burdensome screening and testing for sleep disorders. The legislation was signed by the President on October 15, 2013. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-urges-vilsack-to-withdraw-increased-agricultural-inspection-fees Cramer Urges Vilsack to Withdraw Increased Agricultural Inspection Fees 2014-12-08 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to withdraw a proposal to dramatically increase fees for agriculture inspections at U.S. ports of entry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) first proposed the increases to Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) fees in the Federal Register on April 24. The proposal would increase fees for commercial trucks by 52 percent, commercial trucks with transponders by 205 percent, commercial vessels by 66 percent, and commercial aircraft by 218 percent. “We are disappointed that APHIS officials did not...seek the views of many affected stakeholders before issuing the proposed rule making. Consequently, we urge APHIS to consider withdrawing the pending rule making and instead negotiate another more workable proposal with representatives of affected stakeholders,” wrote Cramer and 16 of his colleagues to Secretary Vilsack. The signed letter can be viewed here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d410e119-3731-4d7c-b1f7-f97ceb558d59 Hoeven Welcomes Home 2-285th Aviation Regiment at Freedom Salute 2014-12-06 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.14 Hoeven Welcomes Home 2-285th Aviation Regiment at Freedom Salute BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today welcomed home the C Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) at a Freedom Salute in Bismarck. The unit of 36 soldiers recently returned from a one-year deployment to Kosovo. “We have much to be thankful for during this holiday season and today we are reminded once again that the blessings we enjoy in this country are preserved by brave soldiers like those of the 2-285th,” said Hoeven. “We are grateful for their sacrifices and for their service and we welcome them home.” The C Company 2-285th Aviation Regiment is headquartered in Bismarck, with the soldiers hailing from ten North Dakota communities and three Minnesota communities. The unit served as part of the KFOR 18 Aviation Task Force, in support of the US-led Multinational Battle Group East, focusing on the tactical transport of troops, VIP transport, external sling-loads, cargo, casualty evacuation, as well as assistance and training for Kosovo security forces. This is the unit’s second deployment since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. They first deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to October 2010. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=189b24f5-8def-4072-861d-d5305aa4f104 NDNG 2-285th Freedom Salute 2014-12-06 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event December 06 2014 11:30 AM Saturday afternoon Hoeven will celebrate the recent return of the 2-285th, which is comprised of 36 soldiers who deployed for a year to Kosovo. The unit served in support of the US-led Multinational Battle Group East and provided tactical transport of troops, VIP transport, external sling-loads, cargo and casualty evacuation, and assisted in training Kosovo security forces. 1:00 p.m. CT Freedom Salute, Welcome Home for NDNG 2-285th Aviation Support Facility 3410 Airway Avenue Bismarck 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-welcomes-home-2-285th-aviation-regiment-at-freedom-salute Hoeven Welcomes Home 2-285th Aviation Regiment at Freedom Salute 2014-12-06 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.14 Hoeven Welcomes Home 2-285th Aviation Regiment at Freedom Salute BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today welcomed home the C Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) at a Freedom Salute in Bismarck. The unit of 36 soldiers recently returned from a one-year deployment to Kosovo. We have much to be thankful for during this holiday season and today we are reminded once again that the blessings we enjoy in this country are preserved by brave soldiers like those of the 2-285th, said Hoeven. We are grateful for their sacrifices and for their service and we welcome them home. The C Company 2-285th Aviation Regiment is headquartered in Bismarck, with the soldiers hailing from ten North Dakota communities and three Minnesota communities. The unit served as part of the KFOR 18 Aviation Task Force, in support of the US-led Multinational Battle Group East, focusing on the tactical transport of troops, VIP transport, external sling-loads, cargo, casualty evacuation, as well as assistance and training for Kosovo security forces. This is the unit's second deployment since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. They first deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to October 2010. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=12d097e2-eb2b-4f79-9610-0a67ce91bf5e Hoeven Presses NRCS Chief to Work with Producers for Local Solutions to Conservation, Flooding Issues 2014-12-05 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.14 Hoeven Presses NRCS Chief to Work with Producers for Local Solutions to Conservation, Flooding Issues Senator Invites Chief to North Dakota to Meet with Producers WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator John Hoeven this week urged Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Jason Weller to work closely with producers in North Dakota and across the country to dispel uncertainty and find solutions for issues created by Waters of the U.S., conservation compliance in the new farm bill and measures to help protect against flooding. The senator invited Weller to North Dakota to meet with producers directly to address these and other concerns they’ve raised about new regulations impacting farmers and ranchers. Rescinding Waters of the U.S. “Chief Weller needs to actually sit down with producers and use their input to find solutions. The Waters of the U.S. rule can’t be fixed with a multitude of exemptions,” Hoeven said. “It is ill-conceived and unworkable, and it needs to be entirely rescinded.” The senator told Weller that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Waters of the U.S. proposed rule and the interpretive rule that accompanied it, are a big problem for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, as well as other industries. Moreover, the new rule captures almost every acre of wet or even occasionally wet ground. The EPA and the Corps issued the interpretive rule in conjunction with the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule to clarify the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction over the nation’s waters and wetlands. Hoeven said Weller indicated that the EPA and Corps are considering a withdrawal of the non-binding interpretive rule that identifies 56 farming and ranching conservation practices that would be exempt from the Clean Water Act’s dredge-and-fill permits due to the confusion it has caused producers. USDA has made much of the interpretive rule… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4269f388-dcd7-48b7-9e06-f6a35b67d016 Hoeven Presses FERC Nominee to Build Energy Infrastructure, Ensure Efficient and Fair Application Process 2014-12-05 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.14 Hoeven Presses FERC Nominee to Build Energy Infrastructure, Ensure Efficient and Fair Application Process WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week pressed Collette D. Honorable, a nominee to be a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help build the nation’s energy infrastructure, including expediting the citing of transmission lines. Hoeven also pressed Honorable to help expedite the export applications for liquefied natural gas (LNG). “We can become energy secure in the United States, but we need to invest in the necessary energy infrastructure to do so,” said Hoeven. “We need to provide regulatory certainty to encourage investments. That includes making the application process for energy projects – everything from LNG export facilities to the citing of transmission lines – fair and efficient.” The senator received assurances from Honorable to work with him and other members of Congress to identify ways to streamline FERC’s oversight practices. Such reforms would provide additional clarity to the process and send signals of confidence to the market and potential investors. If confirmed by the Senate, Honorable would serve on the FERC with former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark. The FERC is an independent agency responsible for regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-presses-ferc-nominee-to-build-energy-infrastructure-ensure-efficient-and-fair-application-process Hoeven Presses FERC Nominee to Build Energy Infrastructure, Ensure Efficient and Fair Application Process 2014-12-05 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.14 Hoeven Presses FERC Nominee to Build Energy Infrastructure, Ensure Efficient and Fair Application Process WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven this week pressed Collette D. Honorable, a nominee to be a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help build the nation's energy infrastructure, including expediting the citing of transmission lines. Hoeven also pressed Honorable to help expedite the export applications for liquefied natural gas (LNG). We can become energy secure in the United States, but we need to invest in the necessary energy infrastructure to do so, said Hoeven. We need to provide regulatory certainty to encourage investments. That includes making the application process for energy projects everything from LNG export facilities to the citing of transmission lines fair and efficient. The senator received assurances from Honorable to work with him and other members of Congress to identify ways to streamline FERC's oversight practices. Such reforms would provide additional clarity to the process and send signals of confidence to the market and potential investors. If confirmed by the Senate, Honorable would serve on the FERC with former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark. The FERC is an independent agency responsible for regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-presses-nrcs-chief-to-work-with-producers-for-local-solutions-to-conservation-flooding-issues Hoeven Presses NRCS Chief to Work with Producers for Local Solutions to Conservation, Flooding Issues 2014-12-05 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.14 Hoeven Presses NRCS Chief to Work with Producers for Local Solutions to Conservation, Flooding Issues Senator Invites Chief to North Dakota to Meet with Producers WASHINGTON At a hearing of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator John Hoeven this week urged Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Jason Weller to work closely with producers in North Dakota and across the country to dispel uncertainty and find solutions for issues created by Waters of the U.S., conservation compliance in the new farm bill and measures to help protect against flooding. The senator invited Weller to North Dakota to meet with producers directly to address these and other concerns they've raised about new regulations impacting farmers and ranchers. Rescinding Waters of the U.S. Chief Weller needs to actually sit down with producers and use their input to find solutions. The Waters of the U.S. rule can't be fixed with a multitude of exemptions, Hoeven said. It is ill-conceived and unworkable, and it needs to be entirely rescinded. The senator told Weller that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Waters of the U.S. proposed rule and the interpretive rule that accompanied it, are a big problem for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, as well as other industries. Moreover, the new rule captures almost every acre of wet or even occasionally wet ground. The EPA and the Corps issued the interpretive rule in conjunction with the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule to clarify the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction over the nation's waters and wetlands. Hoeven said Weller indicated that the EPA and Corps are considering a withdrawal of the non-binding interpretive rule that identifies 56 farming and ranching conservation practices that would be exempt from the Clean Water Act's dredge-and-fill permits due to the confusion it has caused producers. USDA has made much of the interpretive rule's ex… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-passes-national-defense-authorization Cramer: House Passes National Defense Authorization 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the House of Representatives passed an amended National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) after a compromise was released by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The House passed the NDAA with a bipartisan majority in May, however the legislation stalled in the Senate. The Senate is now expected to take up the amended NDAA next week. “In the face of continued cuts advocated by President Obama to our defense priorities, this legislation contains bipartisan work to find savings which don’t pose the threat of irrevocable damage to our armed forces, or harm to recruitment and retention of military personnel,” said Cramer. “The negotiations came down to the President and the Senate trying to cut personnel benefits by $26.4 billion and the House advocating no personnel benefit cuts. Fortunately the House position prevailed and the vast majority of benefits were restored.” The amended NDAA contains important provisions for North Dakota: Ensures the administration follows through on retaining all 450 ICBM silos in warm status: this facilitates silo maintenance, ease deployment of a follow-on missile, complicates adversary targeting, and is a low-cost means of improving national security Prevents the administration’s proposed Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) proposal Restores $30 million to Impact Aid, which provides school district funding to compensate for federal tax-exempt property such as Air Force bases, and provides a $70 million down payment for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Makes additional $103.2 million investment in MQ-9 Reapers: currently the ND Air National Guard flies the MQ-1 Predators which are less capable, and this will help the Guard to receive the more capable MQ-9 sooner Includes language supported by Congressman Cramer to prevent the transfer of any National Guard Apache helicopters to the Active force Commissions the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the appropriate balance between the Active force and the Guard Extends the Bureau of Land… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rail-companies-issue-new-status-reports-on-grain-car-backlog-7 Rail Companies Issue New Status Reports on Grain Car Backlog 2014-12-04 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy CP Number of outstanding cars Average number of days late Number of new car orders Number of car orders filled Number of orders canceled by shipper Number of orders canceled by railroad 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-cramer-to-serve-on-three-energy-commerce-subcommittees Congressman Cramer to Serve on Three Energy & Commerce Subcommittees 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – It was announced last month Congressman Kevin Cramer will serve on the coveted Energy and Commerce Committee during the 114th Congress. Today, Committee Chairman Fred Upton announced Cramer’s subcommittee assignments as follows: Communications and Technology, Environment and the Economy, and Oversight and Investigations. "I am pleased to serve on these three important Subcommittees in the next Congress. Some of the most crucial issues facing North Dakota and our nation will be debated in their hearings and meetings," said Cramer. The Communications and Technology Subcommittee oversees electronic communications, including voice, video, audio and data, the broadcast, cable, and satellite industries, cybersecurity, privacy, and data security, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “In this subcommittee we have the opportunity to bring the Telecommunications Act into the 21st century by addressing issues including broadband deployment and Universal Service Fund reform, while looking out for rural telephone cooperatives and their customers. I intend to put my experience regulating telecommunications as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner to use,” Cramer said. The Environment and the Economy Subcommittee oversees soil and water health, including Superfund and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the regulation of energy combustion waste, emergency environmental response, the security of energy plants including cybersecurity, the regulation of drinking water (Safe Drinking Water Act), which includes hydraulic fracturing, and toxic substances (Toxic Substances Control Act). “This subcommittee provides an important opportunity for me to look out for North Dakota’s natural resources above and below ground, and their incredible contribution to national and economic security,” Cramer added. The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee has responsibility for oversight of agencies, departments, and programs related to the juri… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-passes-legislation-to-help-those-with-disabilities-and Cramer: House Passes Legislation to Help Those with Disabilities and Their Families 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill cosponsored by Congressman Kevin Cramer to create tax-free savings accounts for those who live with disabilities, allowing families to save for disability-related expenses in the same way that is provided for other major life events such as college and retirement. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act passed with a bipartisan vote including 221 Republicans and 183 Democrats. While American families currently enjoy tax incentives to save for significant future expenses, people with severe disabilities face who significant challenges of their own do not have an equivalent savings instrument. The ABLE Act allows parents to save for their child’s long-term disability expenses in a 529A (or “ABLE”) account. 529A accounts would be administered in a similar manner as 529 college savings accounts, allowing contributions in after-tax dollars to grow tax-free. In a speech on the floor of the House, Cramer shared the stories of four North Dakota families who strongly believe the legislation will help their children with Down syndrome lead fuller lives. “My intention this morning was to get up and try to eloquent in talking about the ABLE Act that we are going to be voting on later today,” Congressman Cramer said on the House floor. “But since yesterday I’ve received four emails from parents in North Dakota whose words are far more eloquent than mine could ever be.” “How exciting that we are at this point where the dreams of the act passing may come true in the next days,” wrote Roxane Romanick of Bismarck. “Last spring, my own daughter, Elizabeth, turned 15. Due to her diagnosis of Down syndrome, she has the support of an Individual Education Plan at school.  Required by law, the school will start working on a transition plan for her within a few short months.  Passage of the ABLE Act will mean that we can start a savings account for her in much the same way that we did for her brother.” “My son is young and only time will tell what service… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=70d56f63-f6cd-4b7a-b59b-683b261b435f Hoeven Announces More Than $450,000 in Grants for NDSU, NDDOH 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven Announces More Than $450,000 in Grants for NDSU, NDDOH WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is awarding nearly $435,000 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) in mental health research grant funding. The funds are made available through the HHS National Institute of Mental Health and will support research on information retention and memory. In addition, the North Dakota State Department of Health was awarded $25,000 to develop a State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) Grant Program to better serve women, infants, children and youth, and in particular, children and youth with special health care needs. “Our universities conduct innovative and important research projects and this grant is evidence of their good work,” said Hoeven. “It will help to advance NDSU’s study of human memory and do further research into mental health. Similarly, our health department strives to administer programs that benefit those with special health care needs, and this grant will help to support their effort.” Hoeven is a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=921f603a-9262-4d84-b189-63408abe91bc Hoeven Statement on the Death of Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven Statement on the Death of Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement upon news that Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker died Tuesday evening. The mayor had been fighting kidney cancer: “Denny Walaker truly loved Fargo and the people of Fargo. As mayor, he presided over one of the greatest periods of growth in the city’s history, and his relentless fights against flooding have become a permanent part of his legacy. “Mikey and I visited Denny in September following his treatment for kidney cancer. At that time, he had all of the fight and spirit we have all come to know in him. Ultimately, it appears cancer was too strong an adversary. It is with great sadness that Mikey and I express our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the residents of Fargo who admired and appreciated him.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=bbd6d756-20e0-44b2-8ecb-33d10e409319 Hoeven's Minot Field Office Relocates to Federal Building 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven's Minot Field Office Relocates to Federal Building MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that his Minot field office has relocated to the Judge Bruce Van Sickle Federal Building, 100 1st Street SW, Suite 107. The new office will open Friday, December 5. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, with Sally Johnson, a Minot native, serving as the regional director. “We look forward to continuing to serve the people of the Minot region from our new location in the federal building,” said Hoeven. “Our regional offices provide a local contact for North Dakotans who need information or assistance with federal issues. We welcome them to stop by to visit with a regional representative.” Contact information for the new Minot office is as follows: Senator John Hoeven 100 1st Street SW, Suite 107 Minot, ND 58701 Phone: 701-838-1361 Fax: 701-838-1381 In addition to the Minot office, the senator has also established permanent offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks, with a Western North Dakota Regional Representative based in Williston. Hoeven’s state staff manage constituent requests, serve as liaisons between citizens and federal agencies and gather input from North Dakotans on policy issues the senator is working on in Washington. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-450-000-in-grants-for-ndsu-nddoh Hoeven Announces More Than $450,000 in Grants for NDSU, NDDOH 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven Announces More Than $450,000 in Grants for NDSU, NDDOH WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is awarding nearly $435,000 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) in mental health research grant funding. The funds are made available through the HHS National Institute of Mental Health and will support research on information retention and memory. In addition, the North Dakota State Department of Health was awarded $25,000 to develop a State Systems Development Initiative (SSDI) Grant Program to better serve women, infants, children and youth, and in particular, children and youth with special health care needs. Our universities conduct innovative and important research projects and this grant is evidence of their good work, said Hoeven. It will help to advance NDSU's study of human memory and do further research into mental health. Similarly, our health department strives to administer programs that benefit those with special health care needs, and this grant will help to support their effort. Hoeven is a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-the-death-of-fargo-mayor-dennis-walaker Hoeven Statement on the Death of Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven Statement on the Death of Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement upon news that Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker died Tuesday evening. The mayor had been fighting kidney cancer: Denny Walaker truly loved Fargo and the people of Fargo. As mayor, he presided over one of the greatest periods of growth in the city's history, and his relentless fights against flooding have become a permanent part of his legacy. Mikey and I visited Denny in September following his treatment for kidney cancer. At that time, he had all of the fight and spirit we have all come to know in him. Ultimately, it appears cancer was too strong an adversary. It is with great sadness that Mikey and I express our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the residents of Fargo who admired and appreciated him. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoevens-minot-field-office-relocates-to-federal-building Hoeven's Minot Field Office Relocates to Federal Building 2014-12-03 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.14 Hoeven's Minot Field Office Relocates to Federal Building MINOT, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today announced that his Minot field office has relocated to the Judge Bruce Van Sickle Federal Building, 100 1st Street SW, Suite 107. The new office will open Friday, December 5. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, with Sally Johnson, a Minot native, serving as the regional director. We look forward to continuing to serve the people of the Minot region from our new location in the federal building, said Hoeven. Our regional offices provide a local contact for North Dakotans who need information or assistance with federal issues. We welcome them to stop by to visit with a regional representative. Contact information for the new Minot office is as follows: Senator John Hoeven 100 1st Street SW, Suite 107 Minot, ND 58701 Phone: 701-838-1361 Fax: 701-838-1381 In addition to the Minot office, the senator has also established permanent offices in Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks, with a Western North Dakota Regional Representative based in Williston. Hoeven's state staff manage constituent requests, serve as liaisons between citizens and federal agencies and gather input from North Dakotans on policy issues the senator is working on in Washington. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-cramer-statement-on-pay-increase-for-civilian-workers-at Congressman Cramer Statement on Pay Increase for Civilian Workers at Minot Air Force Base 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement on the Office of Personnel Management approving a Department of Defense request for a special pay rate increase for civilian employees at the Minot Air Force Base. "I am pleased the federal civilian employees, often working side-by-side with our Airmen, will see increased pay closer to salaries in the area," said Cramer. “With the exceptional economic growth in North Dakota we’ve seen increasing wages, but our federal employees stuck in their bureaucracy have fallen behind. I will continue to work towards getting all North Dakota federal agency employee’s compensation to competitive levels.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-asks-fema-administrator-to-allow-fargo-basement-exception Cramer Asks FEMA Administrator to Allow Fargo Basement Exception 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer and North Dakota’s Senators asked Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate to favorably review the City of Fargo’s application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In a letter to Fugate, Cramer and the state’s Senators expressed their strong support for the application. “The City of Fargo has successfully implemented the basement exception in the NFIP for close to 40 years.  Fargo has continually updated what elevations should be required for flood proof basements in order to minimize the risk of damage to the homes,” they wrote. “As the Federal Emergency Management Agency reviews Fargo’s application for the basement exception, we urge the agency to keep in mind how important the basement exception is to the people of Fargo and strongly support its continuation.” After the letter was sent, Cramer spoke with FEMA about his support for the City of Fargo’s application. They discussed the exception, basement construction, and economic concerns, including the already-significant increases in construction costs in North Dakota.  Congressman Cramer was instrumental in making sure the basement exception policy stayed intact during formulation of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which was signed by the President on March 21, 2014. The text of the letter is below: Mr. Craig Fugate Administrator United States Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency-FEMA 500 C St SW Washington, DC 20472-3198 Dear Administrator Fugate,           We are writing to express our support of the City of Fargo’s application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  This exception, which has been granted to Fargo since 1975, has been crucial in Fargo’s implementation of the National Flood Insurance Program.           Basements are an important part of the homes of Fargo residents. They serve as shelters during severe weather, and they have been effectively… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/legislation-gives-tribes-greater-control-over-housing-assistance-program Legislation Gives Tribes Greater Control Over Housing Assistance Program 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to provide individual tribes greater control over the Native American Housing Assistance Program. Congressman Kevin Cramer supports the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the program through 2018, turns it into a block grant program, and contains additional measures giving tribes more flexibility and autonomy in its implementation. The legislation would: Automatically approve tribal waiver requests for exemptions from housing plan, environmental review, or development cost requirements if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development does not act within 60 days of receiving the request Give tribes the authority to substitute their own environmental reviews and maximum rent and homebuyer payment provisions for current federal reviews and provisions Waive the 30% rent cap currently in place for tribal affordable housing Establish a joint program between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to prevent homelessness among Native American veterans “This is a common sense bill to make housing assistance more efficient for individual tribes. It prevents unnecessary delays in housing project construction, and gives Native American tribes more room to implement the program in a way that fits their needs,” said Congressman Cramer. The bill is supported by the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=e4c97173-37ae-472f-8742-371526d324f9 Hoeven, Heitkamp Call on FEMA to Approve Fargo Basement Exception 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.14 Hoeven, Heitkamp Call on FEMA to Approve Fargo Basement Exception WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp today called on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate to approve the City of Fargo’s application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city has been granted the basement exception since 1975. FEMA, however, has redrawn the floodplain following recent flood fights, and the new map will go into effect on January 15, 2015. Consequently, the city must reapply for the exception to be included. In a letter to Fugate, the delegation wrote: “Basements are an important part of the homes of Fargo residents. They serve as shelters during severe weather, and they have been effectively flood-proofed to reduce damage to the home. The construction methods of basements have allowed Fargo’s residents to have access to reliable shelter that is both affordable to construct and insure. The residents of Fargo have made long-term investments in their homes by making sure that their basements are protected from significant flood damage. These flood-proof basements have been an effective part of reducing risk of damage to the property due to flooding. “The City of Fargo has successfully implemented the basement exception in the NFIP for close to 40 years. Fargo has continually updated what elevations should be required for flood-proof basements in order to minimize the risk of damage to the homes. The City of Fargo has proactively addressed the potential flooding issues in the past, and renewing Fargo’s basement exception will help to continue this practice in to the future.” Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=f5714c85-7d97-49a0-8dcb-2614cd7f0e52 Hoeven Announces OPM Approves Pay Increases for Federal Workers at Minot Air Force Base 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.14 Hoeven Announces OPM Approves Pay Increases for Federal Workers at Minot Air Force Base Senator Called on OPM to Address Federal Staffing Challenges in Region WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved a Department of Defense request for special rate increase for federal civilian workers at the Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). The action will increase the pay of base laborers, custodians, maintenance mechanics, cooks and other food service employees. Hoeven has been pushing OPM to address cost-of-living challenges faced by federal workers at the base and in western North Dakota owing to economic growth in the oil patch. The increases are designed to help recruit and retain a high-quality federal workforce. “This is good news for the civilian employees at Minot Air Force Base,” Hoeven said. “Now we continue to work with OPM and the Department of Interior to address the challenges other federal employees face trying to make ends meet in western North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “The U.S. Park Service, law enforcement agencies, oil and gas licensing offices and other federal service providers are feeling the impact of higher costs, especially for housing.” Hoeven first made the case for cost-of-living adjustments for affected federal employees in western North Dakota in a March letter to the Federal Salary Council, which does salary and market analysis and makes recommendations to OPM. Subsequently, OPM indicated that consideration was underway at DOI, which is currently working on a special rate request for the Bakken region. In a letter of response OPM Acting Deputy Associate Director Brenda L. Roberts, acknowledged the problem and said the Federal Salary Council would review market and salary data in Minot and western North Dakota to find programs that would help ensure that federal wages keep up with increases in cost-of-living. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-opm-approves-pay-increases-for-federal-workers-at-minot-air-force-base Hoeven Announces OPM Approves Pay Increases for Federal Workers at Minot Air Force Base 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.14 Hoeven Announces OPM Approves Pay Increases for Federal Workers at Minot Air Force Base Senator Called on OPM to Address Federal Staffing Challenges in Region WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has approved a Department of Defense request for special rate increase for federal civilian workers at the Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). The action will increase the pay of base laborers, custodians, maintenance mechanics, cooks and other food service employees. Hoeven has been pushing OPM to address cost-of-living challenges faced by federal workers at the base and in western North Dakota owing to economic growth in the oil patch. The increases are designed to help recruit and retain a high-quality federal workforce. This is good news for the civilian employees at Minot Air Force Base, Hoeven said. Now we continue to work with OPM and the Department of Interior to address the challenges other federal employees face trying to make ends meet in western North Dakota, Hoeven said. The U.S. Park Service, law enforcement agencies, oil and gas licensing offices and other federal service providers are feeling the impact of higher costs, especially for housing. Hoeven first made the case for cost-of-living adjustments for affected federal employees in western North Dakota in a March letter to the Federal Salary Council, which does salary and market analysis and makes recommendations to OPM. Subsequently, OPM indicated that consideration was underway at DOI, which is currently working on a special rate request for the Bakken region. In a letter of response OPM Acting Deputy Associate Director Brenda L. Roberts, acknowledged the problem and said the Federal Salary Council would review market and salary data in Minot and western North Dakota to find programs that would help ensure that federal wages keep up with increases in cost-of-living. At a fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-heitkamp-call-on-fema-to-approve-fargo-basement-exception Hoeven, Heitkamp Call on FEMA to Approve Fargo Basement Exception 2014-12-02 2014 2014-12 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.14 Hoeven, Heitkamp Call on FEMA to Approve Fargo Basement Exception WASHINGTON Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp today called on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate to approve the City of Fargo's application for the basement exception in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The city has been granted the basement exception since 1975. FEMA, however, has redrawn the floodplain following recent flood fights, and the new map will go into effect on January 15, 2015. Consequently, the city must reapply for the exception to be included. In a letter to Fugate, the delegation wrote: Basements are an important part of the homes of Fargo residents. They serve as shelters during severe weather, and they have been effectively flood-proofed to reduce damage to the home. The construction methods of basements have allowed Fargo's residents to have access to reliable shelter that is both affordable to construct and insure. The residents of Fargo have made long-term investments in their homes by making sure that their basements are protected from significant flood damage. These flood-proof basements have been an effective part of reducing risk of damage to the property due to flooding. The City of Fargo has successfully implemented the basement exception in the NFIP for close to 40 years. Fargo has continually updated what elevations should be required for flood-proof basements in order to minimize the risk of damage to the homes. The City of Fargo has proactively addressed the potential flooding issues in the past, and renewing Fargo's basement exception will help to continue this practice in to the future. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=39127c41-cf16-462b-8632-32510deec20d Heitkamp Statement on Powder River Training Complex 2014-11-28 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the U.S. Air Forces announced plan to expand air space at the Powder River Training Complex for increased training and readiness opportunities for Air Force servicemembers, including the B-52 bombers stationed at Minot Air Force Base. The new plan will make Powder River Training Complex the largest training airspace over the continental U.S. It will enable servicemembers at Minot Air Force Base to expand their mission, reinforcing the crucial military work done in our state, and it will bring servicemembers from around the country to this region to get top notch training to help them protect our country, said Heitkamp. At the same time, we need to also make sure the Air Force keeps its promise to limit the impact of the expansion on our communities, businesses, local airports, pilots, ranchers, and tribes who rely on our land and unobstructed air space to do their jobs. By working together with the Air Force and our local towns and businesses, we can strike the right balance between strengthening our national security and heeding the economic, cultural, and safety concerns of our communities. Heitkamp has been a strong advocate for North Dakotas Air Force bases and our servicemembers, and has fought to make sure our troops have the resources they need to do their jobs. Throughout the decision making process, she has worked closely with the Air Force to make sure that any work it does to expand air space at the Powder River Training Complex will not negatively impact the commercial and cultural interests of surrounding communities. Heitkamp will continue to work closely with the Air Force and North Dakotas businesses and communities to make sure the Air Force fulfills its promises. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-northrop-grumman-signs-letter-of-intent-for-grand-sky Cramer: Northrop Grumman Signs Letter of Intent for Grand Sky 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer announced Northrop Grumman Corporation, the anchor tenant of the Grand Sky Technology Park, adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base, has signed a letter of intent which will enable the Air Force to finalize the enhanced use lease (EUL) for the property. “The signing of this letter is another step toward the development of Grand Sky, and helps Grand Forks County move forward to develop the leased property. Grand Sky is a first of its kind hub for unmanned aerial systems which will contain hangar space, data center facilities, and other aviation support for both private business and government agencies involved in the UAS industry. I continue to be confident in the ability of North Dakota and the Grand Forks Air Force Base to lead the way for our nation and world in responsibly developing this rapidly advancing technology,” said Cramer. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-epa-ozone-rule Cramer Statement on EPA Ozone Rule 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – Today Congressman Kevin Cramer released a statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a massive new proposal to drastically tighten the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone: “This drastic change to ozone standards would be the most expensive regulation ever issued by the U.S. government according to a study released in July. This is the same overzealous rule President Obama himself asked the EPA to withdraw in 2011. What has changed since then which would make him think this is a good idea? The President decided to wait until after his re-election, and after the midterm elections, to put out this rule to devastate the economy right before Thanksgiving. This massive ozone rule is a chunk of coal in the stockings of every American consumer.” The July 2014 study by NERA Economic Consulting reveals the rule change could reduce GDP by $270 billion per year and create $2.2 trillion in new compliance costs from 2017 to 2040. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=fea97bea-7e64-4e4d-8c6c-7addce0cdb62 Hoeven Donates 165 Books to New Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.26.14 Hoeven Donates 165 Books to New Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck Books Secured Through the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today visited Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck to donate 165 books for the new school’s library. The senator presented the books, which include both new and classic titles in a range of reading levels, and read to the students at an assembly. Hoeven’s office secured the books through the Surplus Books Program of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. “We hope these books help fill the shelves of Liberty Elementary School’s library and instill a love for reading in these students,” said Hoeven. “Good literacy skills are fundamental for our students and provide a strong foundation for success now and into the future.” As the ranking member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven oversees funding for the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress’ Surplus Books Program makes volumes available for donation to educational institutions, nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and public agencies of local and state governments or other federal agencies. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20141206003105/http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=24953187-7336-4bf7-8ac6-edcd06f001d2 Liberty School Book Donation 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 web.archive.org     legacy Senator Hoeven will visit Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck on Wednesday to present 165 books for the new school’s library. Hoeven’s office secured the books through the Surplus Books Program of the Library of Congress. 1:30 p.m. CT Liberty School Book Donation Liberty Elementary School 5400 Onyx Drive Bismarck 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4247f332-b749-440b-9149-6ad6f619c254 Heitkamp Nominates Three Students from North Dakota to Military Service Academies 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated three outstanding students from North Dakota for admission to the nations military service academies. Heitkamp nominated Jessica Brodeur and Justin Kovich from Minot, and Barrett Sogard from Williston. North Dakota is home to some of the best, and brightest students and these three are the cream of the crop, said Heitkamp. Jessica, Justin and Barrett have the determination, work ethic and ambition that will help them succeed at our nations military service academies, and Im honored to nominate them. 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 more details about the students Heitkamp nominated: Jessica Brodeur, originally from Minot - Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy Brodeur is currently a senior in Mechanicsburg, PA. Her father is active duty in the Air Force and has helped her understand and adjust to military life through nine moves and three different high schools. She is outgoing and motivated, a varsity athlete, top scholar and has participated in a student leadership program at West Point. In addition, Brodeur has spent her free time volunteering, including during the summer of 2012 when she worked to rebuild flood damaged homes in Minot. Justin Kovich from Minot - Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy Kovich lives on the Minot Air Force Base with his family, and has a multi-generational family legacy with the Air Force. As a member of the National Honor Society and varsity athlete in soccer and swimming, Kovich excels in both academics and athletics, and is eager to embrace the lifestyle and responsibility of a military career. Barrett Sogard, originally from Williston - Nominated to the United States N… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5e68dfdc-ed31-4059-837e-7c1cccfcde4d Heitkamp: Letter of Intent Signed for Grand Sky Business Park 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy Senator Has Led Efforts to Complete Enhanced Use Lease Which Will Support Growth of UAS Industry in North Dakota GRAND FORKS, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that Northrop Grumman has formally signed a Letter of Intent for the Grand Sky business and technology park at Grand Forks Air Force Base, completing the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) project and making the Northrop Grumman Corporation a tenant at Grand Sky. Heitkamp, co-founder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, has been at the forefront of advancing the Grand Sky project which will greatly expand public-private partnerships at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the potential of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in North Dakota. Finalizing the EUL makes Northrop Grumman a worldwide leader in UAS technology the first tenant of the 217-acre business park which will be located on Grand Forks Air Force Base. Grand Sky will provide Northrop Grumman and future tenants with state-of-the-art facilities, added security, access to the bases runway, and the ability to closely collaborate with the Air Force. Finalizing Grand Sky is a significant step forward for the future of public-private partnerships and the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems in North Dakota, said Heitkamp. The Grand Sky business park will have an incredible impact throughout the Grand Forks community, allowing it to fully harness the potential of this emerging and exciting technology. Grand Forks County officials, Grand Forks BRIC members, Northrop Grumman, and the Air Force have all worked hard to make today possible, and Im proud to have been a part of these efforts. Im confident that this agreement will lead to great success for North Dakota, and demonstrate the importance and value of public-private partnerships in our economy moving forward. The UAS industry has the potential to greatly help our state grow and thrive, and I will continue to support efforts to make that possible. Grand Sky is an example of the value of close partnerships between military bases and local co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f6eb9965-edf3-4be8-849a-b71df9f067f5 Heitkamp Calls on U.S. Trade Rep. to Defend Country of Origin Labeling Law 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp called on the top official dealing with trade between the U.S. and other countries to defend U.S. law and appeal a recent decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which would harm U.S. consumers ability to know where their food comes from. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pressed United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to support current U.S. law which requires American retailers to clearly label where meat wasraised and processed. She also called on them to push back against a WTO compliance panels October 2014 decision regarding Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). While last months WTO ruling reaffirmed U.S. authority to require meat labeling, the ruling also stated that U.S. law discriminates against imported meat and livestock, and doesnt meet WTO standards. Froman has until this Friday, November 28, 2014, to formally appeal the WTO decision. Our nations ranchers and livestock industry are important to not only our economy, but also to families and communities all across the country, said Heitkamp. And laws such as Country of Origin Labeling which was passed by Congress and supported by the American people let consumers know exactly where the meat theyre about to put on their dinner table for their families comes from. Folks across this country have made it clear that they want and deserve this information, and I will keep pushing to protect this bipartisan law from attempts to weaken it now and in the future. Heitkamp was joined in her efforts urging appeal of the WTO ruling by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Tim Johnson (D-SD). To view a copy of their letter, click here. Heitkamp beat back efforts to repeal COOL when she helped write, negotiate, and pass into law the 2014 Farm Bill, and has worked to promote its implementation. Last month, Heitkamp joined a group of bipartisan Senators urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject efforts to weaken or susp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-donates-165-books-to-new-liberty-elementary-school-in-bismarck Hoeven Donates 165 Books to New Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck 2014-11-26 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.26.14 Hoeven Donates 165 Books to New Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck Books Secured Through the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today visited Liberty Elementary School in Bismarck to donate 165 books for the new school's library. The senator presented the books, which include both new and classic titles in a range of reading levels, and read to the students at an assembly. Hoeven's office secured the books through the Surplus Books Program of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. We hope these books help fill the shelves of Liberty Elementary School's library and instill a love for reading in these students, said Hoeven. Good literacy skills are fundamental for our students and provide a strong foundation for success now and into the future. As the ranking member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven oversees funding for the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress' Surplus Books Program makes volumes available for donation to educational institutions, nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and public agencies of local and state governments or other federal agencies. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3ce5cd39-231d-41a3-b639-5d86986b5291 Hoeven Presents Military Medals to North Dakota WWII, Gulf War Veterans 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Presents Military Medals to North Dakota WWII, Gulf War Veterans MINOT, N.D. – At a medal presentation ceremony in Minot today, Senator John Hoeven presented military service medals to Gulf War veteran James J. Capps, World War II veteran Loren G. Fenner and the family of World War II veteran Herbert A. Skeldum. Hoeven’s office has been working to secure the medals earned by the veterans during their military service. “At this time of Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve them,” said Hoeven. “Today we present these military medals and honor these brave men, who served and fought on our behalf. We hope these medals serve as a tangible reminder of our tremendous gratitude.” James J. Capps Military Honors Hoeven presented James J. Capps with the medals he earned while serving in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. He entered the military in July 1989 and served eight years active duty. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, Boatswain’s Mate Third Class and sailed on four different ships, the USS Independence, USS Sacramento, USS Ingraham and USS Camden. He was honorably discharged in 1997. Following his service, Jim started over the road truck driving and continues that now in the oil fields. He is the father of 10-year-old Anaelijah Marie and lives in Minot. Navy Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Star Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy “E” Ribbon Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Three Bronze Stars Navy Discharge Button Loren G. Fenner Military Honors Hoeven presented World War II veteran Loren G. Fenner with the medals he earned serving in the U.S. Army. Loren was drafted into the Army in October 1943 and became a heavy machine gunner. He served in campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5740360d-5860-490f-94ac-d488b7a8cbf5 Hoeven Calls on FAA to Expedite UAS Test Flight Approvals 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Calls on FAA to Expedite UAS Test Flight Approvals BISMARCK, N.D. – In a letter sent last week to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) head Michael Huerta, Senator John Hoeven said the nation’s six designated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test sites could be doing more to integrate UAS into the National Air Space. The senator called on the administrator to expedite approvals to test UAS flights in concurrent air space and take other steps to more fully utilize the sites’ specialized capabilities. Hoeven also asked Huerta to meet with him to discuss these issues and future operations at the test sites. “When Congress mandated the creation of six UAS test sites as part of the 2012 FAA authorization bill, it intended for the sites to play a leading role in integrating UAS into the NAS,” Hoeven wrote. “I continue to believe that UAS technology represents a key part of the future of aviation and that U.S. aviation leadership depends on the safe integration of UAS into the NAS.” Hoeven introduced language in the FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Last December, North Dakota was selected as one of the six sites. Hoeven has also signed on to a letter to Huerta from senators representing test-site states asking him to expedite Certificates of Authorization (COA), which are essentially permits allowing UAS operations in federal air space. “To research UAS technology and determine appropriate industry regulations and standards, Congress charged the FAA with establishing six UAS Test Sites,” the senators wrote. “These test sites are located in our states and are an integral part of determining the safest and most efficient way of opening our national airspace to UAS technology. The work being done at the test sites is critical for the industry to further develop and advance UAS technology, and for the operators and manufacturers of these state of the a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=99f511c0-ad8b-48a7-aad9-e2bdb2081946 Hoeven Celebrates Manvel Elementary School's Designation as National Blue Ribbon School 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Celebrates Manvel Elementary School's Designation as National Blue Ribbon School MANVEL, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today congratulated the students, educators and families of Manvel Elementary School on their designation as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School Award Winner. “The designation as a National Blue Ribbon School is a high honor that is only given to the nation’s best schools,” said Hoeven. “The Manvel School community should be extremely proud of their work to receive this designation, which comes as a result of dedicated efforts from students, educators and families,” said Hoeven. Hoeven presented the students with a North Dakota flag that he will hang in his Capitol office in their honor then return to the school to be displayed along with their National Blue Ribbon School flag. National Blue Ribbon designees are presented with a special blue ribbon flag to fly as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Manvel Elementary and Sweetwater Elementary in Devils Lake were named as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon Program was founded in 1982 to recognize the work of the nation’s top schools. Since the program’s founding, the blue ribbon distinction has been awarded to schools achieving impressive results through exemplary teaching practices. Earlier this month, the North Dakota schools were formally recognized by the Department of Education at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=ddc30a94-dcf8-440b-832b-d6aba2f84653 Hoeven Honors Ward County Couple for Adoption Work 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Honors Ward County Couple for Adoption Work MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today recognized Rod and Tracey Belzer as Angels in Adoption at a ceremony held in Minot to honor their outstanding commitment to adoption. Hoeven selected the Belzers to receive the national Angels in Adoption award after considering a pool of inspiring candidates. “Rod and Tracey Belzer exemplify the powerful and positive impact individuals can have on the lives of North Dakota foster children,” said Hoeven. “During their 26-year marriage, the Belzer family has cared for 132 different children in addition to their five children, two of whom are adopted. It is an honor to nominate Rod and Tracey as Angels in Adoption, and I hope their work will inspire others and increase awareness about the importance of adoption and foster care.” Rod and Tracey Belzer have been foster parents in Ward County for 16 years. They are also the parents of five daughters. Their youngest daughter was adopted when she was four, and their second youngest was made a permanent member of their family through guardianship when she was 11. They are currently fostering four children. Tracey works with Easter Seals, where she is a buddy for two young people, and Rod is a territory development manager for Culinex, a Fargo-based restaurant supply and equipment company. The Angels in Adoption program is the signature public awareness campaign of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). It provides an opportunity for all Members of Congress to honor the efforts of individuals working in their home states to enrich the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad. The Belzers are among more than 150 local and national angels from around the United States who have been formally recognized this year by the CCAI. The CCAI held a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in September to recognize this year’s awardees. Hoeven has previously recognized three North Dakotans as Angels in Adoption awardees.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=261c2e24-084b-4977-bbf4-21883acb00a5 Veterans Medal Presentation 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event November 25 2014 10:30 AM Senator Hoeven will be in Minot to present military service medals to Gulf War veteran James J. Capps, World War II veteran Loren G. Fenner and the family of World War II veteran Herbert A. Skeldum. Capps earned nine medals in his service with the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. Fenner earned six medals while serving in the U.S. Army in World War II. Skeldum earned seven medals while serving with the U.S. Army in World War II. 10:30 a.m. CT Medal Presentations to Veterans Ward County Courthouse, Ex-Servicemen’s Room 315 3rd Street SE Minot 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=597ca80c-ef1d-4acf-a114-e39daa8a38cb Manvel Blue Ribbon School Event 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event November 25 2014 01:30 PM Hoeven will speak at the Blue Ribbon School Award presentation at Manvel Elementary School in Manvel on Tuesday afternoon. The Blue Ribbon School Award was given by the Department of Education to Manvel Elementary for being a high performing school. The school was formally recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. 1:30 p.m. CT Manvel Blue Ribbon School Event Manvel Elementary School 801 Oldham Avenue Manvel 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/public-events?ContentRecord_id=908cfcde-c239-455a-9a17-144597edd04c Angels In Adoption Ceremony 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy Event November 25 2014 11:15 AM Hoeven will recognize Rod and Tracey Belzer for their outstanding commitment to adoption. The senator selected the Belzers to receive the Angels in Adoption award which is given to selectees every year by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). 11:15 a.m. CT Ceremony Honoring Rod and Tracey Belzer’s Adoption Work Ward County Courthouse, Ex-Servicemen’s Room 315 3rd Street SE Minot 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=01a67015-ca96-4434-ab5c-6e7e24809b45 Heitkamp Fights to Protect Homeless & Runaway Youth from Human Trafficking 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today joined a legislative push to target runaway and homeless youth as a key group to protect against human trafficking, as they are particularly susceptible to getting caught up in these horrific crimes. Heitkamp announced her support for the legislation on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, to continue her work to raise awareness about the problems of human trafficking and stop them. Since her time as North Dakotas Attorney General, Heitkamp has worked to fight human trafficking across the state, and she has quickly emerged as a leader in the effort to combat it in the Senate. Her support for this legislation continues those efforts by reauthorizing proven programs to support at-risk homeless youth, which is a growing problem in North Dakota, particularly on Indian reservations. The number of homeless youth across the country is staggering nearly 2 million nationwide and that number is growing in North Dakota and surrounding states. These young people, who have nowhere else to turn, are the often the easiest and most susceptible targets for human traffickers, said Heitkamp. If we want to end the exploitation and slavery of our most vulnerable youth, we have to dig deeper we have to provide the necessary resources, shelter, and services for these young people so they realize someone out there does care about them and they do not have to give themselves to a life of being someone elses property. For years, Ive been fighting for better protections of our young people who need to be pulled out of this life, and working to stop the pipeline of trafficking around the world and Ill keep working to tackle this issue from all sides. We are the guardians of our childrens future, and its up to us to make sure they dont fall victim to horrific crimes like trafficking that pull them into a lifelong cycle of abuse, crime, and violence. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, first signed into law in 197… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8f49986e-65a2-4649-a361-e77f45b85473 Heitkamp & Bipartisan Group of Senators Call on FAA to Move UAS Industry Forward 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and a bipartisan group of five Senators pressed the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for answers on the progress the agency is making to improve the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site program, and avoid delays that could hinder innovation and the growth of the industry. In April, Heitkamp helped announce that Grand Forks became the first UAS Test Site in the nation to be officially up and running. Across the country, the UAS industry has already created thousands of jobs, and has the potential to benefit search and rescue operations, energy and agriculture production, as well as other commercial businesses. Despite this positive impact on local economies, the FAA has not made it easy for the UAS Test Sites to work with private industry, and has failed to provide the overall UAS industry with needed safety and privacy guidelines. Heitkamp voiced concern that the FAA will miss its September 2015 deadline to integrate UAS technology into federal airspace for commercial use, and wants to make sure the FAA takes steps to meet that deadline and support UAS development in North Dakota. Grand Forks is on the forefront of this burgeoning UAS technology, which is already growing jobs, communities and businesses across the country, said Heitkamp. But even though its Test Site has been up and running since April, the FAA needs to do more to make its Test Site program a success, including providing needed flexibility and guidance so private industry can work with Test Sites to develop UAS technology and strategies. Thats why Im calling on the FAA to efficiently do its job and provide the most basic and necessary standards this industry needs to take its first steps out of infancy. UAS technology has the potential to help grow agriculture and energy production, search and rescue techniques, and commercial businesses and its already created thousands jobs at home in the U.S. Ill continue working with the FAA to get this innovative project moving, just like I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a30f6844-0843-4457-9ab4-5b340c8bcada Heitkamp, Hoeven Invite Agriculture Producers, Community Members to Attend Conference on Transporting Agriculture 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Democrat House ND Heidi Heitkamp H001069 www.heitkamp.senate.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today invited farmers, elevators, and agricultural processors to attend a comprehensive conference they are hosting with North Dakota State Universitys (NDSU) Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies to examine ways to improve the transportation system for agricultural products in the Northern Plains. The conference is particularly timely as it aims to discuss the agriculture transportation challenges that many farmers and producers have experienced over the past year, including through harvest, which have prevented them from getting many of their crops to market. The conference, entitled Post-harvest Handling and Transportation for Agricultural Products: Issues and Alternatives, will take a closer look at several of these issues and challenges North Dakota and other Northern Plain states have faced, including transportations effects on farm income. Additionally, panelists will include key federal, state, and local leaders, including top officials from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Canadian Pacific railways, among others. To make sure our farmers and producers can get their products to market, and to help prevent the types of backlogs they have faced through the past year, and which they continue to face, we need to work together to address them, said Heitkamp and Hoeven. This conference will bring together transportation, agricultural, and energy leaders in the region and provide an opportunity to discuss our transportation challenges together enabling all sides to find workable and sustainable paths forward. We hope North Dakotans from a variety of industries attend this conference to help provide their perspective and input about the challenges and how to address them. What: Post-harvest Handling and Transportation for Agricultural Products: Issues and Alternatives Conference Who: Hosted by U.S. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven, and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-calls-on-faa-to-expedite-uas-test-flight-approvals Hoeven Calls on FAA to Expedite UAS Test Flight Approvals 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Calls on FAA to Expedite UAS Test Flight Approvals BISMARCK, N.D. In a letter sent last week to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) head Michael Huerta, Senator John Hoeven said the nation's six designated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test sites could be doing more to integrate UAS into the National Air Space. The senator called on the administrator to expedite approvals to test UAS flights in concurrent air space and take other steps to more fully utilize the sites' specialized capabilities. Hoeven also asked Huerta to meet with him to discuss these issues and future operations at the test sites. When Congress mandated the creation of six UAS test sites as part of the 2012 FAA authorization bill, it intended for the sites to play a leading role in integrating UAS into the NAS, Hoeven wrote. I continue to believe that UAS technology represents a key part of the future of aviation and that U.S. aviation leadership depends on the safe integration of UAS into the NAS. Hoeven introduced language in the FAA Reauthorization bill passed by Congress in February 2012 that directed the agency to establish the test sites and integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. Last December, North Dakota was selected as one of the six sites. Hoeven has also signed on to a letter to Huerta from senators representing test-site states asking him to expedite Certificates of Authorization (COA), which are essentially permits allowing UAS operations in federal air space. To research UAS technology and determine appropriate industry regulations and standards, Congress charged the FAA with establishing six UAS Test Sites, the senators wrote. These test sites are located in our states and are an integral part of determining the safest and most efficient way of opening our national airspace to UAS technology. The work being done at the test sites is critical for the industry to further develop and advance UAS technology, and for the operators and manufacturers of these state of the art syste… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-celebrates-manvel-elementary-schools-designation-as-national-blue-ribbon-school Hoeven Celebrates Manvel Elementary School's Designation as National Blue Ribbon School 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Celebrates Manvel Elementary School's Designation as National Blue Ribbon School MANVEL, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today congratulated the students, educators and families of Manvel Elementary School on their designation as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School Award Winner. The designation as a National Blue Ribbon School is a high honor that is only given to the nation's best schools, said Hoeven. The Manvel School community should be extremely proud of their work to receive this designation, which comes as a result of dedicated efforts from students, educators and families, said Hoeven. Hoeven presented the students with a North Dakota flag that he will hang in his Capitol office in their honor then return to the school to be displayed along with their National Blue Ribbon School flag. National Blue Ribbon designees are presented with a special blue ribbon flag to fly as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Manvel Elementary and Sweetwater Elementary in Devils Lake were named as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon Program was founded in 1982 to recognize the work of the nation's top schools. Since the program's founding, the blue ribbon distinction has been awarded to schools achieving impressive results through exemplary teaching practices. Earlier this month, the North Dakota schools were formally recognized by the Department of Education at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-honors-ward-county-couple-for-adoption-work Hoeven Honors Ward County Couple for Adoption Work 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Honors Ward County Couple for Adoption Work MINOT, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today recognized Rod and Tracey Belzer as Angels in Adoption at a ceremony held in Minot to honor their outstanding commitment to adoption. Hoeven selected the Belzers to receive the national Angels in Adoption award after considering a pool of inspiring candidates. Rod and Tracey Belzer exemplify the powerful and positive impact individuals can have on the lives of North Dakota foster children, said Hoeven. During their 26-year marriage, the Belzer family has cared for 132 different children in addition to their five children, two of whom are adopted. It is an honor to nominate Rod and Tracey as Angels in Adoption, and I hope their work will inspire others and increase awareness about the importance of adoption and foster care. Rod and Tracey Belzer have been foster parents in Ward County for 16 years. They are also the parents of five daughters. Their youngest daughter was adopted when she was four, and their second youngest was made a permanent member of their family through guardianship when she was 11. They are currently fostering four children. Tracey works with Easter Seals, where she is a buddy for two young people, and Rod is a territory development manager for Culinex, a Fargo-based restaurant supply and equipment company. The Angels in Adoption program is the signature public awareness campaign of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). It provides an opportunity for all Members of Congress to honor the efforts of individuals working in their home states to enrich the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad. The Belzers are among more than 150 local and national angels from around the United States who have been formally recognized this year by the CCAI. The CCAI held a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in September to recognize this year's awardees. Hoeven has previously recognized three North Dakotans as Angels in Adoption awardees. In 2… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-presents-military-medals-to-north-dakota-wwii-gulf-war-veterans Hoeven Presents Military Medals to North Dakota WWII, Gulf War Veterans 2014-11-25 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.14 Hoeven Presents Military Medals to North Dakota WWII, Gulf War Veterans MINOT, N.D. At a medal presentation ceremony in Minot today, Senator John Hoeven presented military service medals to Gulf War veteran James J. Capps, World War II veteran Loren G. Fenner and the family of World War II veteran Herbert A. Skeldum. Hoeven's office has been working to secure the medals earned by the veterans during their military service. At this time of Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve them, said Hoeven. Today we present these military medals and honor these brave men, who served and fought on our behalf. We hope these medals serve as a tangible reminder of our tremendous gratitude. James J. Capps Military Honors Hoeven presented James J. Capps with the medals he earned while serving in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War. He entered the military in July 1989 and served eight years active duty. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, Boatswain's Mate Third Class and sailed on four different ships, the USS Independence, USS Sacramento, USS Ingraham and USS Camden. He was honorably discharged in 1997. Following his service, Jim started over the road truck driving and continues that now in the oil fields. He is the father of 10-year-old Anaelijah Marie and lives in Minot. Navy Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Star Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy E Ribbon Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Three Bronze Stars Navy Discharge Button Loren G. Fenner Military Honors Hoeven presented World War II veteran Loren G. Fenner with the medals he earned serving in the U.S. Army. Loren was drafted into the Army in October 1943 and became a heavy machine gunner. He served in campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He serv… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://cramer.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/bnsf-announces-major-infrastructure-improvements-near-casselton BNSF Announces Major Infrastructure Improvements Near Casselton 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND Kevin Cramer C001096 cramer.house.gov     legacy BISMARCK, N.D. – BNSF Railway has announced they are committing to major infrastructure improvements to improve railway through Casselton following recent derailments, Congressman Kevin Cramer said today. In a letter to North Dakota’s Congressional delegation, BNSF provided an update on the progress of a major review of its rail operations and infrastructure in the Casselton vicinity. “The derailments near Casselton last December and again earlier this month, combined with repeated incidents on this stretch of railroad prior to 2013, are too overwhelming to ignore. I am pleased BNSF is moving forward with a robust plan to prevent future accidents from occurring. I continue to be in close communication with BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose, and am encouraged by the commitment from him and his team. The increase in rail transportation as America advances toward energy security, and recent derailment incidents, make it clear rail safety needs to be a national priority,” said Cramer. BNSF has committed to: •       Increase Rail Detection Testing Frequency. BNSF will more than double the frequency of testing rail for defects on the KO Subdivision to 12 per year. Existing frequency on crude routes under the industry crude by rail safety initiative is three per year, one more than required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). BNSF currently tests five times per year. •       Increase the Number of Equipment Detectors. Install supplemental Warm Journal/Dragging equipment detectors on all routes leading into Casselton. These detectors flag equipment issues as the train passes, which gives BNSF the ability to intervene before an accident occurs. •       Intensify Day-to-Day Track Maintenance Focus. BNSF will provide additional supervision and oversight of track quality by assigning maintenance engineers to focus on this segment of the railroad. BNSF is also adding additional winter seasonal manpower for maintenance. The availability of this winter team will provide more resources and focus on a day-to-day basis.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=9cf038dd-072f-4da8-948f-85db99f23b29 Hoeven, Heitkamp: BNSF to Accelerate Steps to Improve Safety on Casselton Stretch of Rail 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.24.14 Hoeven, Heitkamp: BNSF to Accelerate Steps to Improve Safety on Casselton Stretch of Rail CASSELTON – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp today announced that BNSF Railway will accelerate steps to enhance rail safety in a stretch of track through Casselton, N.D. that has been the site of two derailments within the last year. The delegation, which has been pressing BNSF officials to take timely and substantive measures to mitigate the likelihood of accidents in the region, welcomed the railroad’s actions. “We have been in regular contact with BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose, as well as other railroad officials to press them to promptly and effectively improve safety not only on this section of track, but on all track in the state,” Hoeven and Heitkamp said. “The company’s specific steps announced to reduce the risk of accidents in the future is welcome news.” BNSF has committed to: Accelerate Capital Maintenance Investments. BNSF will replace rail relay and ties within a seven-mile-range of Casselton in 2015. The action will harden rail infrastructure. Increase Rail Detection Testing Frequency. BNSF will more than double the frequency of testing rail for defects to 12 per year. The railroad currently tests five times per year. Existing frequency on crude routes under the industry crude by rail safety initiative is three per year, one more than required by the Federal Railroad Administration. BNSF will also increase testing frequency with the high-tech Track-Geometry Testing vehicle from three to four inspections per year. Increase the Number of Equipment Detectors. These detectors flag equipment problems as the train passes them. Early detection gives the railroad the ability to fix the problem before an accident occurs. Intensify Day-to-Day Track Maintenance Focus. BNSF will provide additional supervision and oversight of track quality by assigning maintenance engineers to focus on the Casselton segment of the railroad. It will also add additional staff to winter maintena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d5a9adb9-6f0d-4f8d-b7f7-19b22d8aed06 Hoeven Announces More Than $1 Million, Five-Year Head Start Grant for TGU School District 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.24.14 Hoeven Announces More Than $1 Million, Five-Year Head Start Grant for TGU School District WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a five-year grant of more than $1 million to Early Explorers, a grantee of the Towner-Granville-Upham (TGU) School District, to support two early education programs: Head Start and Early Head Start. Early Explorers’ Head Start program serves children ages three to five in the communities of Anamoose, Devils Lake, Harvey, Rugby, Towner, Turtle Lake and Velva while its Early Head Start serves children ages three and younger across Wells and Ramsey counties. “We all understand the desire to build a better future for our children,” Hoeven said. “By investing in education, we help them grow, learn and succeed, which will empower them throughout their lives. This HHS grant will support the development of children in a large part of rural North Dakota, promoting their well-being and future academic success.” The funds are made available through HHS’ Head Start program, which seeks to promote school readiness for low-income children through comprehensive health, educational, nutritional, social and other services. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven works to support programs that supplement state and local efforts to improve student achievement in primary and secondary education, especially for the disadvantaged and those in rural communities. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.hoeven.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=d967d71f-c16c-4eb5-95f9-47225bff7fe1 Hoeven Worked to Ensure CRP Works For Farmers, Ranchers, Sportsmen 2014-11-24 2014 2014-11 Republican House ND John Hoeven H001061 www.hoeven.senate.gov     legacy 11.24.14 Hoeven Worked to Ensure CRP Works For Farmers, Ranchers, Sportsmen WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today told members of the N.D. Association of Soil Conservation Districts that he worked to ensure that the conservation measures like CRP, SAFE and EQIP in the 2014 farm bill work for North Dakota farmers, ranchers and sportsmen. The senator served on the joint Senate-House Conference Committee that crafted the final version of the five-year bill. “Conservation measures in the new farm bill will help to protect and preserve our soil and water, valuable resources for our state both agriculturally and recreationally,” Hoeven said. “Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement work for our farmers, ranchers, hunters and anyone who enjoys the outdoors, and I welcome input from ASCD members and others who are out there on the land and know it well.” Hoeven reviewed measures that will help maintain North Dakota’s good stewardship of the land. • State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program (SAFE): The farm bill includes language encouraging the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate a greater number of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to programs like SAFE, which allow producers to create habitat that is beneficial for wildlife. This is a good program for both farmers and sportsmen because it will allow farmers to optimize CRP acreage to encourage wildlife populations. States like North Dakota have lost CRP acreage, which has a reduced habitat for a number of sports species like deer and pheasants. Combined with North Dakota’s PLOTS program, which make private lands available to hunters, the SAFE program can create more habitats to increase wildlife populations and hunting opportunities. That’s a win for soil quality, farmers, ranchers and sportsmen and women. • The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The farm bill reauthorizes EQIP, a voluntary program under the Natural Resource Conserva… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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