url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-for-rural-health-transformation-plan,North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million for Rural Health Transformation Plan,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – When Congress passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, it established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural health care by providing states funding to support innovation, expand access, and enhance quality of care.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services will receive $199 million in initial funding for its RHTP. North Dakota’s approved application includes a five-year plan to strengthen and stabilize its rural workforce, bring high quality health care closer to home, and confront immediate threats to rural health while building lasting sustainability.

“Rural hospitals are essential to the health and economic stability of their communities,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “The creation of this fund reflects a clear commitment by the Trump administration to prioritize rural healthcare and protect access to care where it is needed most. I look forward to this money getting to North Dakota and providing the support it was designed to deliver.”

“North Dakota is taking bold steps to restore health, opportunity, and dignity to our prairies,” the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said in its application. “North Dakota’s RHTP delivers practical investments that honor local and tribal values, protect rural independence, and get America back to what matters: healthy people, prosperous communities, and common-sense service delivery.”

The unprecedented funding provides key opportunities for North Dakota’s rural health care systems:

Strengthens and Stabilizes Rural Health Workforce:

The funding allows rural hospitals in North Dakota to expand rural healthcare training programs, improve retention in rural and Tribal communities, and use technology as an extender for rural providers.

Makes North Dakota Healthy Again:

North Dakota’s RHTP initiatives support the launch of Eat Well ND to enhance nutrition education for North Dakotans, initiates ND Moves Together to provide education on the benefits of physical activity across the state and promotes connection and resilience to improve mental health with a focus on children.

Brings High-Quality Health Care Closer to Home:

The state’s five-year plan right-sizes rural healthcare delivery systems, enhances the telehealth and mobile clinic infrastructure; and expands community health worker and paramedic infrastructure, training, and certification. It ensures rural residents have access to transportation and develops care coordination programs with payers in the state for patients with chronic disease or behavioral health conditions.

Connects Tech, Data, and Providers for a Stronger North Dakota:

North Dakota’s application outlines key initiatives to gain efficiency with modern tech and data, including cooperative purchasing agreements for technology, regulatory and financial infrastructure, use of staff, and bulk purchasing of supplies and equipment.

It also summarizes plans to harness artificial intelligence to detect early signs of chronic disease and behavioral health conditions, expand the capacity of rural providers, and utilize new technology for rapid transport, automated prescription pickup kiosks, and laboratory capability to process self-collected specimens.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-north-dakota-awarded-nearly-200-million-from-one-big-beautiful-bill-rural-health-transformation-fund,Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: North Dakota Awarded Nearly $200 Million From One Big Beautiful Bill Rural Health Transformation Fund

State Receiving Initial Funds for FY26, Expected to Receive $500 Million Over Five Years

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced North Dakota will receive more than $198 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill’s (OB3) Rural Health Transformation Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The state is expected to receive a total of $500 million over five years to improve health care quality and access in rural areas, using the funds to:

Build and retain a rural health workforce.

Prevent chronic disease and reduce costs.

Leverage telehealth and care coordination to bring health care closer to home, while improving the timeliness of care.

Hoeven worked to support the state as it developed its application for the program, which was submitted in November. A summary of North Dakota’s application can be found here.

“This nearly $200 million award is a tremendous step toward implementing North Dakota’s plan for creating a more accessible and robust health care system for our rural communities,” said Hoeven. “With nearly $500 million expected to be awarded to the state over the next five years, these funds will help address staffing needs over the long-term, open up new care opportunities for local residents and improve efficiency to reduce providers’ costs. Through efforts like these, we can improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans across our state and support the continued resiliency of our rural communities.”

As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to empower local communities to better meet their health care needs. This includes leveraging Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement to build state-of-the-art hospitals in communities like Rugby, Grafton and Hazen and improve health care access in those regions. Hoeven also advanced a multi-year effort to ensure the best possible health care for the residents of the Devils Lake region. This resulted in the agreement between Altru and CommonSpirit Health for Altru to acquire Devils Lake Hospital, benefiting both patients and health care providers.

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https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-cramer-announces-2025-service-academy-nominees,Senator Cramer Announces 2025 Service Academy Nominees,2025-12-26,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced his nominees to the U.S. service academies:

“One of the great joys of serving North Dakota in Congress is nominating some of our best young patriots for appointments to our service academies,” said Cramer. “After visiting with Cormac and Oliver, I am honored and grateful they are willing to answer the call to serve. They will be great ambassadors of our state.”

The nominees are as follows:

Cormac Dunnick – U.S. Military Academy (West Point). Cormac, son of Ev and Kendra Dunnick, competes in basketball and trapshooting. He is a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and enjoys hunting, weight-lifting, and golf. Cormac is from Grand Forks and attends Red River High School.

Oliver Schaefer – U.S. Air Force Academy. Oliver, son of Mark and Kristi Schaefer, competes in track and field and cross country. He volunteers for the Serenity Therapeutic Equine Program and enjoys reading, military history, and board games. Oliver is from Minot and attends Des Lacs Burlington High School.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-alsobrooks-curtis-merkley-introduce-bill-to-reauthorize-wildlife-crossings-program,"Cramer, Alsobrooks, Curtis, Merkley Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Wildlife Crossings Program",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – The Wildlife Crossings Program provides grants for infrastructure improvements designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. States and tribes can apply for grants to create safe paths for wildlife to cross roads and highways, often in the form of enlarged culverts, underpasses, and bridges. The program was authorized for five years in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is set to expire next year.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, EPW T&I Ranking Member U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to reauthorize the program.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Wildlife Crossings Program to better protect people and animals from the dangers of vehicle collisions, especially in rural states like North Dakota where the two frequently cross paths,”said Cramer. “Our bill reauthorizes and expands the program to support infrastructure projects directly aimed at improving roadway safety. I’m grateful to Senator Alsobrooks for her leadership of this bipartisan effort, which will benefit critters and communities across the nation.”

“The Wildlife Crossings Program at the Federal Highway Administration provides a unique opportunity to protect both our wildlife and our drivers – it is a true win-win,” said Alsobrooks. “I am proud of the ongoing work in Maryland to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across our state and look forward to supporting Maryland’s efforts by reauthorizing this important program. I want to thank Senators Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for their partnership on this legislation.”

“The North Dakota Department of Transportation supports the reauthorization and improvements to this discretionary grant, as it creates safer connections to communities and provides critical passage for wildlife across North Dakota’s transportation system,” said North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Ron Henke. “These crossings will enhance year-round recreation by providing safer travel for people of all ages looking to enjoy the outdoor activities that North Dakota has to offer.”

""Reauthorizing the Wildlife Crossings Program is a priority for state fish and wildlife agencies to enhance the movement of wildlife and ensure safer roads,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Every year, more than 1 million wildlife-vehicle collisions are reported across the United States, resulting in human and wildlife fatalities and costing billions of dollars in damages. We know there are proven solutions - such as culverts, bridges and tunnels that allow animals to migrate safely - to reduce these incidents and save lives. We applaud Senators Alsobrooks, Cramer, Merkley, and Curtis for the bipartisan introduction of this important bill.”

According to the Federal Highway Administration, each year there are over 1 million wildlife vehicle collisions. These accidents result in tens of thousands of injuries, hundreds of fatalities, and cost over $8 billion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-highlights-fair-access-to-banking-at-senate-banking-committee-hearing,Cramer Highlights Fair Access to Banking at Senate Banking Committee Hearing,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for video. Click here for audio***

BISMARCK, N.D. – As part of its commitment to improve economic opportunity and rebuild the economy, the U.S. Senate held a hearing on fair access to banking. During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) highlighted his Fair Access to Banking Act, a response to the practice commonly referred to as debanking, in which banks discriminate against law-abiding industries and groups by refusing to provide financial services to them.

In preparation for the hearing, Cramer submitted a recent report on debanking released by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency last week. The report details debanking activities practiced by some of the largest banks in America.

Cramer began his questioning by asking Dean of the University of Wyoming College of Law Julie Hill, a banking and commercial law expert, about her earlier testimony regarding reputational risk, which is sometimes created by rumors and exploited by regulators, creating uncertainty.

“As bad as bad regulation is, bad regulators are worse, and as bad as regulators are, uncertainty is even harder,” said Cramer. “And the reality is that reputation comes from rumors and rumors of rumors as much as it does from bad regulation. If we don't put some guardrails on the debanking side, we leave decisions up to a variety of views, political views and otherwise, both in the industry and with the regulators.”

Hill described her research, explaining how in a study on reputation risk, it was almost always ancillary to other risky or illegal actions.

“So they find a bank that engaged in money laundering, and they say, ‘You shouldn't have engaged in money laundering, because it's illegal, and it causes reputation risk,’ or they find a bank that opened unauthorized accounts, and they say, ‘You shouldn't open unauthorized accounts, because it's illegal, and it causes reputation risk,’” said Hill. “In those instances, reputation risk isn't really doing anything. We might 100% agree that it exists, but regulators don't need that tool to stop that illegal behavior or that risky behavior.”

Hill continued, “Reputation risk becomes troublesome when it acts all on its own. So when it's just reputation risk, when you can't point to a violation of the law or increased financial risk, that's when regulators can use it just to punish people for political reasons. And in that case, it's not doing anything to make the financial industry safer. It's just politicizing the regulators, and that's what's wrong.”

Cramer also asked about the mixed signals sent by regulators because of a lack of guardrails. “Some people would submit to you that the regulators are sort of a useful excuse for bankers to do what they want anyway. And I might ask each of you, if you think there's some truth to that, because we're seeing bankers who, on one hand, especially large banks, have said, ‘we're never going to do that.’ And then, there's a change in the administration. They say, ‘we didn't really say that.’ And then, of course, they wait later, and then they go with political winds. Do you think it's the banks as much as regulators?”

Hill explained how the secrecy surrounding financial supervision as making “it very easy for both the regulators and the banks to point at the other and cast blame, and we never really know who's telling the truth.”

Cramer referred to his Fair Access to Banking Act, which would eliminate the ability of banks to use ambiguous terms such as reputational risk to discriminate against customers and penalize banks for denying services based on anything other than empirical data consistent with the banks’ established, impartial risk-management standards. He asked witnesses for their perspective on whether “a penalty, or enforcement mechanism help hold those banks accountable […] and provide for better guidance? […] Does prohibiting debanking imply a mandate to bank?”

Kathleen Sgamma, a Principal at Multiple-Use Advocacy which represents the oil and gas sector, responded by stressing the importance of regulators refraining from encouraging debanking “the biggest issue over the last five years from my industry has been making sure the regulators can’t use all these levers. To me, that's the really important part.”

Dean Hill concluded by explaining “banks benefit from government supervision and government insurance, which they pay for. So at least in theory, you should be pricing that into your bank model. But the truth of the matter is that there are customers, which it is just difficult to profitably bank. That can be people who overdraw their account or bad credit risks, or it could be marijuana businesses, where the compliance burden is just so high that when you price that into the cost of the account, it becomes prohibitive. I think that there is something of a line between de-banking and being forced to bank, but you've got to be careful about it, because...it will be very difficult, for a bank, to bank some customers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-army-corps-of-engineers-releases-final-environmental-review-for-dapl,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Releases Final Environmental Review for DAPL,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for video. Click here for audio***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dakota Access Pipeline. After months of illegal protests and costly bureaucratic delays, Judge James Boasberg issued a highly partisan ruling in March 2020 requiring the EIS.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, released a statement following its publication:

“This announcement of the Dakota Access Pipeline’s final Environmental Impact Statement has been nearly a decade in the making, for one EIS over a couple hundred yards. The Dakota Access Pipeline has already been safely operating for over eight years, which we all know in North Dakota. It moves millions of barrels of oil every single week, which just proves that an EIS is nothing more than a very expensive formality.”

“The opposition and delay from within the Obama and Biden administrations was never about the environment or public safety, frankly everyone knows that pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move product. But it was kowtowing to a fringe of activists and serial litigants who have as their goal nothing more than killing fossil fuels. Requiring the EIS was pure regulatory abuse, in my view, but it does confirm what we already knew: the Dakota Access Pipeline is operating safely, and it gets Bakken crude to market cleaner, safer, and quicker than any other mode of transportation. Finalizing the EIS and finally granting the easement puts this waste of time in the rearview mirror, thank goodness, so we can finally focus on what really matters: American energy dominance.”

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of major federal actions, in this case an easement covering 0.21 miles of federal land under Lake Oahe. During the Obama administration, on July 25, 2016, the USACE published a final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Mitigated Finding of No Significant Impact for the DAPL crossing of Lake Oahe. Litigation was filed against the USACE on this determination. The Obama administration allowed thousands of protesters to illegally reside on USACE land causing serious public safety issues and environmental damage, including 9.8 million pounds of garbage and hazardous materials cleanup at taxpayer expense. After President Donald Trump took office, the USACE granted the easement on Feb. 8, 2017, allowing construction to be completed. Judge Boasberg ordered a remanded EA on June 14, 2017, which was completed in Aug. 2018, but rejected by the court on March 25, 2020. The court then ordered a full EIS.

The DAPL has safely delivered crude oil since becoming operational on June 1, 2017. Nevertheless, several federal court decisions have directed further analysis under NEPA. This is the third NEPA analysis covering the roughly 1,000-foot reservoir crossing provided by the USACE in over nine years. The Record of Decision is expected 30 days after after EIS publication in the Federal Register.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-corps-issues-final-eis-for-dapl-recommending-pipeline-maintain-operation-and-easement-be-reinstated,"Hoeven: Army Corps Issues Final EIS for DAPL, Recommending Pipeline Maintain Operation & Easement Be Reinstated",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Army Corps Issues Final EIS for DAPL, Recommending Pipeline Maintain Operation & Easement Be Reinstated

Senator Worked to Advance EIS, Sets Stage for Final Approval in Q1 2026

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Hoeven spoke with Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle this morning about the EIS, which recommends that:

The pipeline operations are maintained.

The easement to cross Lake Oahe be reinstated.

Hoeven has been working to move the EIS process forward, having repeatedly discussed this issue with Army Corps officials. Today’s recommendations align with the priorities Hoeven has advanced with the Corps and will provide certainty for energy production in North Dakota and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation.

The Record of Decision for the pipeline, which is the final approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, may be issued 30 days after the EIS is published in the Federal Register and is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2026.

“The Dakota Access Pipeline has been operating safely for more than eight years, moving more than a half a million barrels a day of light, sweet crude from North Dakota’s oil patch,” said Hoeven. “That’s energy we don’t need to import from our adversaries, and this is the proven, safest method for moving the oil we need to market. That’s why we’ve stayed on the Corps throughout this process to ensure they reach the right decision for our economic and national security. Today’s EIS sets up the final approval for DAPL in Q1 2026 and provides needed certainty for the continued operation of this critical infrastructure.”

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https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-introduces-legislation-to-prevent-discrimination-against-energy-sources,Cramer Introduces Legislation to Prevent Discrimination Against Energy Sources,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the unprecedented anti-fossil energy initiatives from the Obama and Biden administrations, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced legislation to prevent discrimination against fossil energy sources when awarding Defense Production Act (DPA) funds. The Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act amends the DPA to ensure the Executive Branch does not disadvantage projects simply because certain sources of energy are utilized.

U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-06) introduced similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The reality is that the Defense Production Act is, in fact, an essential tool to secure our supply chains,” said Cramer. “Critical supply chains are critical for a reason. Discrimination against energy sources under the DPA is rich with irony. It undermines the very mission of defending our nation’s security. Remember, this is the Defense Production Act and this is national security. Our Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act removes that discrimination from the project selection process, preventing future administrations from weaponizing our national security against ourselves to meet their political objectives.”

“API supports legislative initiatives that don’t force the government to pick winners and losers in energy policy,” said Kristin Whitman, Senior Vice President of Federal Relations, American Petroleum Institute. “If the Defense Production Act is invoked to support our national security, all forms of energy should be freely available to power industrial efforts, including oil and natural gas. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in supporting a broader all-of-the-above energy policy.”

“The Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act is a vital step toward restoring commonsense decision making to our national security supply chain programs,” said Jonathan Fortner, President & CEO, Lignite Energy Council. “America cannot afford to disqualify domestic projects simply because their production pathways involve fossil-based energy. Our defense readiness, energy independence, and resource security depend on evaluating projects based on performance, reliability and strategic value, not political preferences. North Dakota’s lignite industry and related fossil-based energy systems provide dependable power, critical minerals recovery opportunities and industrial feedstocks that strengthen domestic manufacturing and defense supply chains. This legislation ensures these resources can be fully considered under the Defense Production Act to meet our nation’s security needs with American energy and American production.”

""The North Dakota Petroleum Council strongly supports the Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act, Senator Kevin Cramer's companion legislation to the Strategic Resources Non-discrimination Act introduced by Congressman Andy Barr in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Ron Ness, President, North Dakota Petroleum Council. “This set of commonsense legislation ensures that federal programs designed to support America's strategic industrial capacity are evaluated on merit and national security needs rather than discriminatory bias against essential energy sources. For too long, federal agencies have been allowed to arbitrarily exclude projects simply because they utilize fossil fuels as part of their production process, regardless of how critical those projects are to our national defense and economic security. This bill rightfully prohibits that discrimination and ensures a level playing field where all American energy resources can compete fairly. North Dakota's oil and gas industry is vital to our nation's energy security and economic strength, and federal policy should reflect that reality rather than punish it. We commend Senator Cramer for his leadership on this important issue and urge swift passage of this legislation.""

This legislation is endorsed by the American Exploration and Production Council, the American Petroleum Institute, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Lignite Energy Council, and the North Dakota Petroleum Council.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/department-of-education-awards-10-million-to-nddpi,Department Of Education Awards $10 Million to NDDPI,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education announced an award of $10,000,000 to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction through the Education Innovation and Research Program. This grant will allow the creation, development, implementation, replication, and scaling of entrepreneurial, evidence-based, field-initiated innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-need students.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-appointed-to-serve-on-us-air-force-academy-board-of-visitors,Cramer Appointed to Serve on U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). The Board of Visitors offers advice and recommendations on USAFA operations, including morale and discipline, curriculum and instruction, academic methods, facilities, and fiscal affairs.

Cramer represents a state with two major active-duty Air Force bases, Grand Forks Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base, and a vital Air National Guard base in Fargo which remotely operates MQ-9 Reapers.

“It’s an honor to be appointed as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors,” said Cramer, who has an advanced degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck and serves on its Board of Trustees.“Our nation’s service academies train future officers to operate in any environment, and their commitment to excellence is what ensures the U.S. Air Force remains the greatest fighting force in the world. I look forward to working with fellow Board members to train and educate leaders who are prepared to meet today’s threats and excited to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.”

The Board of Visitors is comprised 17 members appointed by the President of the United States, the Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, the Chair and Ranking Member of SASC, or the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-fy26-ndaa-advances-strategic-wins-for-north-dakota-national-security,"Senate Passes FY26 NDAA, Advances Strategic Wins for North Dakota, National Security",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Defense bill boosts readiness and modernization, locks in wins for North Dakota’s military communities

***Click herefor media resources.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following negotiations between House and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) members, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 77 to 20. The bill passed the House overwhelmingly last week by a vote of 312 to 112 and now advances to the White House to be signed into law.

The NDAA returns the U.S. Department of War to its first Constitutional duty to protect the American people by securing the southern border, reforming the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition processes to better facilitate innovation, and focusing on a peace through strength approach.

Chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) said the annual defense authorization bill not only invests in national security, but it improves North Dakota’s defense capabilities and ecosystem.

“We’re confronting some of the most consequential national security challenges, I believe, since World War II,” said Cramer. “It’s unbelievable aggression from our adversaries, a rapidly changing global security landscape, for sure, and the need to rebuild our arsenal of democracy after decades of basically retreating from modernization. This NDAA really makes one thing unmistakably clear: the United States will deter our adversaries, and we will defend our freedoms.”

“For North Dakota, the legislation delivers big because, of course, North Dakota delivers big for national defense,” continued Cramer. “It upgrades the early warning radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, it invests heavily in Grand Forks Air Force Base’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, and really important here, it funds Tranche 3 of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a big part of modernization, now these are all missions that are operated right out of Grand Forks. It also advances what’s really the number one priority, it advances the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program. It’s a cornerstone of our nuclear deterrence strategy and has been for decades. Finally, it directs the Secretary of War to provide a plan on establishing a combat status identifier or equivalent for our Remote Piloted Aircraft crews operating in Fargo. This is something I’ve been working on for a long time. Really, at every turn, this legislation prioritizes modernization, it recognizes that those Remotely Piloted Aircraft are being piloted by people, it provides innovation, and American strength. Without it, we risk losing our edge, and that’s happening quickly. Our adversaries are modernizing very fast. With this legislation, we do put the safety and security of the American people first.”

The NDAA incorporates the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, authored by Cramer and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), which provides support for families of first responders who die from service-related cancers caused by exposure to carcinogens, ensuring their sacrifice is recognized and honored.

Through his role on SASC, Cramer secured funding authorization and policy language supporting several North Dakota-based missions to strengthen national security. The FY26 NDAA will authorize the following projects across the state:

Cavalier Space Force Station (SFS)

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

“Well, Cavalier is a very special asset in North Dakota and in our country,” said Cramer. “By mandating modernization of that very old PARCS radar at Cavalier, the National Defense Authorization Act really advances President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense framework, and it sharpens America’s edge against today’s threats. It delivers the legislative backing that’s needed to push the missile defense network into its next generation, and we badly need it.”

This year’s bill provides $22 million to upgrade the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier SFS. The system, which tracks more than half of all objects orbiting the Earth, will see enhanced capabilities in detecting intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats, as well as improved space domain awareness. Cavalier SFS will be central to President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense shield, which aims to expand U.S. missile defense across all domains—protecting the homeland against ballistic, cruise, hypersonic missile, and drone threats.

Cramer and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the bicameralGOLDEN DOME Act. The bill works together with President Donald Trump’s executive order on deploying a next-generation missile defense shield, ensuring the United States has the tools it urgently needs to defend against emerging missile threats.

Grand Forks

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

“We all know, don’t we, that Grand Forks Air Force Base is way more than just a base,” said Cramer. “It’s really a hub for America’s global mission. The RQ-4 Global Hawks - and their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities - keeps our nation secure and it keeps our reach unmatched really. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act ensures these missions stay strong, keeping North Dakota at the heart of our nation’s strategic and technological excellence.”

The legislation delivers major investments in Grand Forks Air Force Base’s (GFAFB) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The bill ensures the base can maintain inventory requirements for its RQ-4 Global Hawks, a critical component of the U.S. Air Force’s ISR operations.

Among the provisions, the bill allocates $10 million for the development of corrosion-resistant coatings produced by Technology Applications Group (TAG) in Grand Forks. TAG, a leader in magnesium surface protection and the inventor of the Tagnite anodize coating, will enhance the durability and longevity of key aircraft systems.

The NDAA also designates $500 million for Tranche 3 of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Cramer recently visited Vandenberg Space Force Base with Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy Meink, observing 21 satellites from SDA’s Tranche 1 ahead of their launch, underscoring North Dakota’s growing role in the nation’s cutting-edge space defense efforts.

Minot

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

“The Minot Air Force Base is really a symbol of North Dakota’s unmatched role in national defense,” said Cramer. “As the only base to host two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles and the majestic B-52 bombers, it really stands as a powerful reminder to the nation, and to the world, especially to our adversaries, of America’s deterrent might. The National Defense Authorization Act supports long-range and land-based nuclear capabilities while also driving the modernization of our nuclear arsenal to safeguard our nation not just for the time being, but for many generations.”

The FY26 NDAA secures $3.8 billion to advance the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, a cornerstone of the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The Sentinel ICBM will replace the aging Minuteman III missiles, which have faithfully served for more than 50 years, ensuring that the United States maintains a modern and reliable nuclear arsenal. This funding builds on the $2.5 billion investment included in the budget reconciliation bill, signed into law on July 4, highlighting Congress’ bipartisan commitment to maintaining America’s strategic edge.

The NDAA also mandates a minimum ICBM count of 400, reinforcing the nation’s capability to deter nuclear aggression and protect the homeland. Beyond nuclear modernization, the legislation encourages the U.S. Air Force to establish wing-level additive manufacturing facilities. These state-of-the-art facilities will support both conventional and nuclear long-range strike platforms, improving readiness while reducing repair costs and turnaround times, a key step in maintaining a nimble and technologically advanced force.

Together, these measures position the United States to stay ahead of emerging threats, modernize its strategic deterrent, and ensure the men and women defending the nation have the tools and infrastructure they need to succeed.

Fargo

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

“Well, what could I say about the pride of Fargo? The Happy Hooligans are a shining example of American strength and ingenuity,” said Cramer. “The Reapers flying out of Fargo don’t just fly exceptionally well, they do that for sure, but they also deliver lethal attacks against enemy targets with great precision. The missions of the MQ-9s protect our homeland, support our allies across the globe, they provide incredible ISR, they demonstrate the precision, the skill, and dedication of all our armed forces. The airmen of the 119th operate on the front lines of modern warfare, and now their service is being properly acknowledged and supported.”

The North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, nicknamed the ""Happy Hooligans,"" plays a central role in the state’s growing mission in remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations. These airmen conduct critical missions in support of combat operations, providing real-time intelligence and precision capability to strengthen U.S. forces at home and abroad.

The FY26 NDAA includes report language, based on an amendment introduced by Cramer and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). It directs the Secretary of War to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives no later than June 1, detailing the Department’s plan to establish a status identifier or equivalent recognition for such personnel, including a plan to communicate this information to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

North Dakota National Guard

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

“The men and women of North Dakota’s National Guard are the finest defenders of our state and frankly, for the nation,” said Cramer. “They are well known across the country and certainly in the Pentagon for their expertise and their incredible productivity. The NDAA supports the Jamestown National Guard Armory specifically, which makes sure our guardsmen there are ready, they’retrained, they’re prepared for every mission, whether at home or across the world.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-secures-ndaa-provisions-to-bolster-north-dakotas-nuclear-uas-and-national-guard-missions,"Hoeven Secures NDAA Provisions to Bolster North Dakota’s Nuclear, UAS and National Guard Missions",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Secures NDAA Provisions to Bolster North Dakota’s Nuclear, UAS and National Guard Missions

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes a just under 4% pay raise for service members, streamlines the defense acquisition process and supports North Dakota’s military missions.

“Our service members are the best in the world, and with challenges around the globe, we need to keep them ahead of our adversaries. This year’s NDAA supports our troops – providing them with a pay raise and bolstering their missions,” said Hoeven. “Importantly for our state, we secured provisions to keep our nuclear modernization efforts moving forward at Minot Air Force Base; to advance our unmanned aerial systems (UAS), hypersonic missile testing and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite missions in Grand Forks; and authorizations for the radar upgrades at Cavalier Space Force Station and for our National Guard Readiness Center in Jamestown. North Dakota’s missions are vital to the defense of our nation, and this NDAA ensures our state has the support necessary to continue leading the way.”

Hoeven worked to secure provisions in the legislation for North Dakota, including:

Grand Forks Region

RQ-4 Global Hawks: Maintains the current inventory requirements of Block 40 RQ-4 Global Hawks through September 30, 2030.

Roadmaps: Directs the Air Force to submit a comprehensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap & comprehensive bomber roadmap.

Space Development Agency (SDA): Authorizes $500 million for Tranche 3 of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Corrosion Resistant Coatings: Authorizes $10 million for development of coatings produced by Technology Applications Group.

Minot Air Force Base

Sentinel Program: Authorizes $4.2 billion for the Sentinel program.

ICBMs: Sets minimum inventory requirements for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) at no less than 400.

MH-139 Grey Wolf: Authorizes additional procurement of the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter to modernize the aging fleet of UH-1 helicopters.

Global Strike Command: Reinforces and codifies the importance of Air Force Global Strike Command as a major command in supporting United States nuclear deterrence requirements.

Cavalier Space Force Station

PARCS: Authorizes $22 million for radar modernization to improve detection of missile threats and space domain awareness capabilities of the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station.

North Dakota National Guard

Future MQ-9 replacement: Includes Hoeven-language directing the Air Force to analyze the feasibility of developing and deploying a next-generation version of the MQ-9, capable of performing the missions currently conducted by the MQ-9 at a comparable scale.

Jamestown Readiness Center: Authorizes $5.2 million in planning and design for the facility.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-enr-committee-approves-legislation-to-maintain-wild-horses-at-theodore-roosevelt-national-park,Hoeven: Senate ENR Committee Approves Legislation to Maintain Wild Horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Senate ENR Committee Approves Legislation to Maintain Wild Horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Senator’s Legislation Moves to Full Senate for Consideration

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today secured approval by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee of his bipartisan legislation to maintain wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). The bill, which now goes to the full Senate for consideration, would require the Secretary of the Interior to:

Maintain a genetically-diverse herd of no fewer than 150 horses in TRNP’s South Unit.

The Department of the Interior is prohibited from removing horses from the park except as part of a plan to improve genetic diversity, in the case of an emergency or to protect public health and safety.

Within 120 days of the bill’s enactment, develop a plan to provide for the management of horses in the park.

On an annual basis, make available to the public information regarding the population, structure and health of the horse herd.

“Securing committee approval is an important milestone in our efforts to permanently preserve the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park,” said Senator Hoeven. “The horses are an essential aspect of the park’s experience, capturing the imagination of visitors and helping maintain the historic scene from Teddy Roosevelt’s time in North Dakota. We now bring our legislation to the full Senate, where we will continue our efforts to move the bill forward and secure its passage.”

The bipartisan legislation, introduced with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), comes as part of Hoeven’s efforts to ensure the National Park Service (NPS) maintains a herd of free-roaming horses at TRNP on a permanent basis. The senator previously:

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, passed a provision in annual funding legislation directing NPS to maintain “the historic scene commensurate with the historic herds during the period when President Theodore Roosevelt was a rancher in the area.”

Advanced this priority with NPS officials, including Midwest Regional Director Bert Frost.

On April 25, 2024, NPS formally terminated its proposed removal of horses at TRNP under the environmental assessment process initiated in 2022, and as a result, horses continue to be maintained at the park.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-vatican-approves-altru-healths-acquisition-of-devils-lake-hospital,Hoeven: Vatican Approves Altru Health’s Acquisition of Devils Lake Hospital,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Vatican Approves Altru Health’s Acquisition of Devils Lake Hospital

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Vatican approved Altru Health’s acquisition of the Devils Lake Hospital. As part of his efforts to address community concerns and ensure quality health care in the region, Hoeven worked to secure the acquisition agreement between Altru and CommonSpirit Health to the benefit of both patients and health care providers.

“We appreciate Altru and CommonSpirit for joining with us in this effort and for reaching agreement on the future of health care at the Devils Lake Hospital. Altru does a tremendous job and will provide quality health care for the entire Lake Region,” said Senator Hoeven. “This is the result of tremendous collaboration. We thank Devils Lake Mayor Moe, Altru CEO Todd Forkel, Altru President Dr. Josh Deere, CommonSpirit Health Central Region President Tim Bricker, and everyone in the community who worked with us to identify solutions to the region’s health care needs and make this agreement a reality.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Devils Lake hospital team to Altru; and to continue our commitment of strengthening care for the residents of the Lake Region,” shared Todd Forkel, CEO at Altru Health System. “This would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Senator Hoeven, Mayor Moe and others whose efforts ensure a bright future for health care in the community.”

“Reaching this point has taken patience, partnership and a shared focus on what's best for Devils Lake,” said Tim Bricker, President of CommonSpirit Health's Central Region. “We're thankful for Senator Hoeven's engagement and for the collaboration that helped bring this process to completion.”

Today’s announcement follows Hoeven’s multi-year effort to advance community-led solutions to ensure the best possible health care for the residents of the Devils Lake region. Hoeven repeatedly met and spoke with local leaders and officials from CommonSpirit and Altru on this issue, having:

Arranged three community meetings across 2023 and 2024 with local residents, regional leaders, including from Spirit Lake Tribe, and health care providers to gather feedback and address community concerns.

After the first community meeting, Hoeven met with CommonSpirit Health CEO Wright Lassiter III in Washington, D.C., where the senator secured a commitment to work towards a solution.

CommonSpirit subsequently undertook a $10 million renovation of the hospital’s emergency department.

Held more than a dozen discussions with CommonSpirit Health Regional President Tim Bricker, Altru Health CEO Todd Forkel and Devils Lake Mayor Jim Moe to advance this priority.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dow-awards-more-than-39-million-contract-modification-for-space-operations-in-grand-forks,DOW Awards More Than $39 Million Contract Modification for Space Operations in Grand Forks,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of War (DOW) announced an increase in the size of its contract with General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, by $39,307,155. This contract modification will support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) ground management, integration, operation, and sustainment efforts.

The supplemental funding will verify and validate PWSA system capability readiness and performance and raises the contract ceiling for materials. In addition to Grand Forks, work will also be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Huntsville, Ala. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is the contracting organization. Grand Forks Air Force Base hosts SDA’s ground-based Operations Center North where PWSA satellites are remotely piloted.

“We all know that North Dakota is on the front lines of innovation for our national defense, and certainly, Grand Forks is central to the mission,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee and co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus. “This contract modification strengthens our military presence, it really invests directly in the Grand Forks Air Force Base community, and it ensures our warfighters get the advanced capabilities they need without any delay. As we know, there’s a lot of delay in this business, but we’re finally moving along quickly on modernization, acquisition, and deployment.”

The project is expected to be completed by August 2027. The cumulative face value of the contract is $1,085,940,546.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-veterans-affairs-committee-considers-cramer-bill-to-improve-access-to-care-for-rural-veterans,Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Considers Cramer Bill to Improve Access to Care for Rural Veterans,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) examined U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tim Sheehy’s (R-MT) legislation to improve veterans access to local care options, the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. This bill would allow veterans living in rural America to seek health care services at local Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics.

“The Community Care program literally can be a lifeline,” said Cramer.“[What] prevents it from being a lifeline as often as it ought to be is all of the roadblocks that get put up. […] After hearing from veterans and rural health care providers and leaders across North Dakota, I proposed a solution with Senator Sheehy to simplify access to the Critical Access network, whether it’s a Critical Access Hospital [or] Rural Health Clinic.”

The North Dakota Rural Health Association and a coalition of 22 rural healthcare providers across North Dakota submitted letters of support for Cramer’s legislation, writing “Far too long veterans have been stuck in a system where access has been overshadowed by bureaucratic procedure. This legislation offers a streamlined, practical approach which builds on existing infrastructure and recognized designations in rural health care to meaningfully improve veteran access to care.” The bill is also supported by the American Hospital Association, America’s Warrior Partnership, and the National Rural Health Association.

North Dakota Veteran and Critical Access Hospital CEO Marcus Lewis similarlysubmitted a letter of support for the bill, writing, “My circumstances reflect those of many rural veterans. I live more than three hours from the nearest VA hospital and work more than two hours from that facility. Yet within 50 miles of my home are three community healthcare facilities, including the one I lead, First Care Health. Despite the availability of this high-quality local care, I am currently paying out of pocket for needed therapy because accessing services through the Community Care Network has proven prohibitively difficult.”

Lewis concluded, “S.1868, the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act, is an important and necessary step toward addressing these long-standing inequities.”

Many of America’s veterans live in rural or highly rural areas and face major challenges to accessing quality and timely health care. North Dakota has one VA Medical Center in Fargo and eight Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) located in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston.

There are 37 Critical Access Hospitals in towns across North Dakota, but only five of those communities also have a VA CBOC.

The bill would amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to create a new category under which care is required to be furnished through community providers, specifically for care sought by a veteran residing with 35 miles of the Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic.

“Our VA system effectively discriminates against our veterans compared to their neighbors, their non-veteran neighbors and friends, and family, by giving them less access to care that’s readily available,” said Cramer. “The goal is to give rural veterans access to local Critical Access Hospitals without the strings attached. […] I worry if the bill is watered down, quite honestly, that we turn the authority back over to the bureaucracy to decide.”

At the hearing, Dr. Thomas O’Toole, Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Clinical Services for the Veterans Health Administration, said the agency strongly supports the intent of this legislation as sees the need for it to meet the needs of rural veterans.

“I think the sticking point, which you noted, is really how do we create some clarity in language and direction as it relates to prior authorization versus clinical necessity,” said Dr. O’Toole. “That can be achievable and we’re very much looking forward to working with you on how we get appropriate language to make that work.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/first-listening-session-on-wotus-held-by-cramer-trump-administration-in-bismarck,"First Listening Session on WOTUS Held by Cramer, Trump Administration in Bismarck",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"BISMARCK, N.D. – Not even a Midwest winter storm could keep concerned landowners, developers, farmers, and ranchers from making their voices heard as U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) hosted key Trump administration officials at the first national Waters of the United States (WOTUS) listening session.

Cramer, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, welcomed state, local, and federal officials to North Dakota’s Capital City for the event. Held in Bismarck State College’s light-filled Frank Bavendick Stateroom overlooking the scenic Missouri River, the listening session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on the new rule to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials. The WOTUS rule was announced last month and the EPA and the Army Corps described it as “a clear, durable, common-sense definition of WOTUS.”

“Thank you to the EPA and to the Army Corps for making this the very first WOTUS listening session on the new rule,” said Cramer. “We are in the heart here of the prairie pothole region and our hydrology has vaulted North Dakota to this leadership role on WOTUS. We know the issue really well. The Clean Water Act abides by the tenets of cooperative federalism by recognizing the responsibility of the states to address water pollution and states are tasked with primacy. Past administrations have completely ignored states’ rights. We are going to get this rule right. This is the legal prescription of clarity we’ve needed for years, and I'm grateful that the Trump administration, unlike the Biden administration, crafted a rule within the confines of the law. Farmers, developers, and landowners shouldn’t need to hire expensive consultants to determine [jurisdictional waters]. Any definition of WOTUS must not impact state's primary authority over their water. And I look forward to working on this rule, and making it a durable one that will stand the test of time, and one that the Supreme Court doesn't have to fix for us every few years.”

“I am honored to join Senator Cramer and other leaders from North Dakota for the first national public listening session to gather input on our proposed definition of waters of the United States,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “This rule would fully implement the clear direction provided by the U.S. Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA and reduce red tape to accelerate economic prosperity while protecting water quality under the Clean Water Act and state authorities. As someone who grew up in rural Wisconsin, I am excited to hear local perspectives as EPA and Army work to finalize a clear and durable definition of WOTUS that will benefit North Dakotans, including farmers, ranchers, energy producers, developers, and landowners.”

The proposed rule makes important clarifications to align WOTUS with the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA, rightsizing federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Specifically, it defines critical terms like “relatively permanent,” “continuous surface connection” and “tributary” to prevent future administrations from implementing expansive definitions. Prior WOTUS rules assumed authority outside the intent of the CWA, unnecessarily complicating the process of determining whether a water qualified as a WOTUS. The Trump administration’s proposed WOTUS rule would provide needed clarity, reinforce state’s rights, and adhere to the Sackett decision while still protecting water quality.

Today’s listening session is part of the EPA and Army Corps’ public outreach as the administration gathers input from stakeholders across the country ahead of the rule’s finalization. Cramer, EPA, and the Army Corps encourage the public to make their voices heard by participating in listening sessions and submitting public comments. The WOTUS rulemaking public comment page can be found here; the public comment period ends on Jan. 5.

Cramer and the Trump administration have actively worked to provide WOTUS certainty. In March, Cramer joined EPA for its announcement of WOTUS guidance to assist landowners as it began the rulemaking process. At the event, he highlighted North Dakota farmers, ranchers, and landowners who “have always managed their water with the same respect as their land.”

At his confirmation hearing before EPW, Cramer questioned Administrator Lee Zeldin on the role of cooperative federalism and the prescriptiveness of the Sackett decision. During the Biden administration, Cramer repeatedly questioned witnesses at EPW hearings on the Biden WOTUS rule.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-trump-signs-cramer-bill-honoring-1980-miracle-on-ice-hockey-team,President Trump Signs Cramer Bill Honoring 1980 Miracle on Ice Hockey Team,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for media resources.***

BISMARCK, N.D. – During a ceremony at the White House today, President Donald Trump signed U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer’s (R-ND) bipartisan, bicameral Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act into law. The legislation honors the 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team and its victory over the four-time reigning champion Russian Olympic Hockey Team in the Lake Placid Olympic Games. It awards the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow on civilians, to recognize their extraordinary achievement. U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

***Click here for audio***

“The Miracle on Ice was such an incredible display of American excellence, of our grit, and of course of our patriotism,” said Cramer. “In the face of the challenges America was experiencing at the time, which were significant, it was especially important, and it was exactly the miracle we needed as a nation. I’m really grateful to my friend Pete Stauber for his leadership in the House, this whole thing was his idea. As a hockey player, a hockey fan, and a patriotic Minnesotan, Pete really led the charge on this, and it was my honor to join him and take the lead in the Senate. And of course [I’m grateful] to the many Senators that got on board, it was not a hard sell. It was great to get this across the finish line and of course to see President Trump sign it.”

“But more importantly, I’m really grateful we, as a nation, can remember and honor the members of this spectacular team, these incredible American patriots, these Midwesterners in many cases, and celebrate 45 years later, at a time when America could use another miracle, another boost, another moment, or event that brings us together,” continued Cramer. “These gold medals as they’re presented to the three locations on behalf of these great American icons –it’s just a great moment, and I’m glad I can be a part of it. I’m grateful to my friend Pete, to my friend President Trump, and mostly grateful to that incredible team for inspiring us 45 years ago and so many, many, many more times since.”

“This was one of the biggest moments that I’ve ever seen in sports,” said President Trump. “These are the men who gave us one of the most storied athletic wins of all time. It's called the ‘Miracle on Ice.’”

The game took place against the backdrop of political division, economic shifts, and global conflict. The Cold War loomed large, American hostages were being held in Iran, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan had stoked international anxiety, and the United States was in the midst of a painful recession at home. Reviving American patriotism and unity, the Miracle on Ice transcended the rink where 20 amateur hockey players battled for victory.

The 1980 American team was the youngest in the Olympics and consisted of amateur collegiate hockey players, including former University of North Dakota hockey player Dave Christian. Meanwhile, the juggernaut Russian team was an international force, favored to easily win gold after not having lost an Olympic hockey game since 1968. Despite being the underdog in the semifinal game, the Americans achieved the impossible and mounted a comeback in the third period to beat the Russians 4-3.

Counting down the seconds at the end of the game, ABC sportscaster Al Michaels exclaimed, “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” Team USA advanced to clinch the gold medal against Finland, and their improbable, miraculous win over the Soviet Union team forever became known as the Miracle on Ice, with this year marking the 45th anniversary.

Members of the team gathered at the U.S. Capitol before heading to the White House where President Trump signed the Congressional Gold Medal Act into law. Medals will be awarded to the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado.

Cramer penned an op-ed in The Hill with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), urging their Senate colleagues to pass the legislation to honor this historic team. Along with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cramer hosted members of the team to Capitol Hill for a lunch with Senate colleagues.

Cramer’s bill unanimously passed the Senate in September and was supported by over 70 senators. Cosponsors include U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Husted (R-OH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-trump-signs-north-dakota-delegation-bill-to-repeal-disastrous-biden-era-north-dakota-rmp,"President Trump Signs North Dakota Delegation Bill to Repeal Disastrous, Biden-Era North Dakota RMP",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for audio.***

BISMARCK, N.D. – During a ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump signed a historic resolution to unwind the awful Biden-era Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by North Dakota U.S. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) and in the Senate by U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). This bill initiates the process for BLM to replace the RMP while preventing the bureaucracy from issuing a substantially similar plan in the future.

“This signing was historic, it reinforces the multiple use mandate the Biden Bureau of Land Management blatantly ignored,” said Cramer. “I mean let’s face it, it’s not a complicated term. Multiple use means multiple use, it doesn’t mean single use, it doesn’t mean a withdrawal of lands from use at all, it means multiple use. Our landowners, our energy producers, our ranchers, our farmers, really everyone who uses public lands understands this and they can celebrate now knowing the plan has been thrown out.”

“I’m looking forward to the Trump administration writing a new one that respects the mandate that Congress gives it, that doesn’t just ignore it and do whatever the heck they want,” Cramer continued. “I look forward to working with the Trump administration on writing a new one that does all of that. I also just want to congratulate Congresswoman Fedorchak for taking the lead on this. She brought it to her colleagues in the House, she was persuasive, as always, makes the case and makes the argument. As a freshman member in her very first year serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I could not be more honored to be her partner in all of this. This is a big day for North Dakota.”

North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak with President Donald Trump and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act instructs the BLM’s management of public lands. RMPs are the plans outlining the agency’s management of its acreage within individual areas. In North Dakota, the BLM is the landlord of 58,500 surface acres and 4.1 million acres of mineral estate. BLM lands are supposed to be managed under a “multiple use” framework, meaning oil, gas, coal, grazers, and recreationists alike can use the land in a sustainable manner.

The Biden administration released its final RMP for North Dakota in August 2024, and adopted it in January without incorporating changes the State of North Dakota and its Congressional delegation requested. Instead, the RMP prohibited coal leasing on over four million acres, or nearly 99% of federal coal acreage in the state. It also blocked 213,000 acres, or 44%, of federally owned fluid mineral acreage, reducing state revenues and weakening American energy dominance. Economic data provided by the state of North Dakota estimates the state would have been deprived of $34 million annually in oil and gas royalties and tax revenue if the Biden RMP would have been implemented.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remains-of-north-dakota-world-war-ii-veteran-officially-identified,Remains of North Dakota World War II Veteran Officially Identified,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for audio statement.***

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Pentagon announced it identified the remains of North Dakotan U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson, 80 years after his aircraft was shot down during a combat mission to Tokyo, Japan. While Ellingson survived the crash, he was held as a prisoner of war and perished in the Tokyo Military Prison during a fire.

Near the end of World War II, 62 American service members were held captive in Tokyo. Ellingson served as a radar observer aboard a Boeing B-29 ""Superfortress"" bomber assigned to 878th Bombardment Squadron, 499th Bombardment Group.

Ellingson will be buried in his hometown, Dahlen, N.D., on June 20.

“Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson gave his life in World War II fighting for our freedom, obviously as Americans, but really for the freedom of the world,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “It was such an incredible time in our history, and after all these years, 80 years nearly, he’s finally returning home. It’s heartwarming and it’s cause for gratitude for his family’s tireless work in identifying his remains. I just pray this gives them some closure, but more importantly even than closure at this point is that they’re able to bring him home and then to celebrate the incredible life and sacrifice of their hero, of our hero. His sacrifice is similar to the many, many that were made by so many people during World War II. We can’t ever forget any of them, but Irvin’s courage really reminds us of the extraordinary prices paid for by the Greatest Generation for our liberties. It’s why their legacies are going to endure forever, and it’s to be modeled, it’s to be emulated, it’s to be celebrated, it’s to be grateful for.”

U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) said Ellingson’s name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Honolulu. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he is now accounted for.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-cortez-mastos-badges-act-to-strengthen-indian-country-public-safety-unanimously-passes-senate,"Hoeven, Cortez Masto’s Badges Act to Strengthen Indian Country Public Safety Unanimously Passes Senate",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven, Cortez Masto’s Badges Act to Strengthen Indian Country Public Safety Unanimously Passes Senate

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today announced that the Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.), Ruben Gallego (D-A.Z.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) to strengthen Tribal public safety, unanimously passed the Senate. This legislation would support the recruitment and retention of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers, bolster federal missing persons resources, and give Tribes and states tools to combat violence.

“The BADGES for Native Communities Act will help improve and increase resources for Tribal law enforcement,” said Senator Hoeven. “By enabling the BIA to conduct its own background checks on law enforcement applicants, this legislation gives Tribes critical tools to address staffing shortages. This not only enhances public safety within Tribal communities but also helps ensure offenders are held accountable, empowering Tribes to better protect their citizens and uphold justice.”

“Since my time as Nevada’s Attorney General, I have worked closely with law enforcement to keep families safe in every corner of the Silver State, including in Indian Country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It is past time to get this bipartisan legislation across the finish line to provide Tribes with the resources they need to protect their communities. I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly send this bill to the President’s desk.”

Specifically, the BADGES for Native Communities Act would:

Allow the BIA to conduct its own background checks for law enforcement officer applicants to improve officer recruitment.

Increase Tribal access to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) by requiring Tribal facilitators to conduct ongoing Tribal outreach and serve as a point of contact for Tribes and law enforcement agencies, as well as conduct training and information gathering to improve the resolution of missing persons cases.

Require a report on Tribal law enforcement needs, including staffing, replacement and repairs for corrections facilities, infrastructure and capital for Tribal police and court facilities, and emergency communication technology.

Establish a grant program to support states, Tribes, and Tribal organizations in the coordination of efforts related to missing and murdered persons cases and sexual assault cases.

Evaluate federal law enforcement evidence collection, handling, and processing crucial to securing conviction of violent offenders.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-joins-wotus-listening-session-working-to-advance-rule-that-protects-private-property-rights,"Hoeven Joins WOTUS Listening Session, Working to Advance Rule that Protects Private Property Rights",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Joins WOTUS Listening Session, Working to Advance Rule that Protects Private Property Rights

Senator Worked to Defund Expansive WOTUS Rules, Protect Against Unworkable Mandates & Permitting Requirements

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined a first-in-the-nation listening session with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer, hosted by Senator Kevin Cramer, on the EPA’s proposed “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule. The event comes as part of the official rulemaking process, giving North Dakotans the opportunity to provide direct feedback on this consequential regulation, which seeks to restore the traditional WOTUS definition to protect private property rights and respect the role of states in managing water resources within their borders. Specifically, rule will:

Reverse the expanded, overreaching WOTUS definition, which was advanced by both the Obama and Biden administrations.

These rules sought to expand federal regulatory authority beyond the limits established under the Clean Water Act.

This would have imposed unworkable mandates, burdensome new permitting requirements and compliance costs on landowners, energy and agriculture producers and other industries.

Bring the WOTUS rule in compliance with the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA ruling from 2023.

Reduce the regulatory burden, provide certainty to a wide range of industries and limit federal authority to navigable waters, consistent with the Clean Water Act.

The senator has been working with the Trump administration to advance this new rulemaking, similar to his efforts to establish the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) during President Trump’s first term.

Hoeven also previously led the effort to defund the expansive WOTUS rule and prevent its implementation.

“Considering the tremendous impact the Obama and Biden-era WOTUS rules would have had on our state’s farmers, ranchers, energy producers and construction industry, it makes sense for the EPA to hold its first listening session on this new rule right here in North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “This is about protecting private property rights, pushing back on federal overreach and ensuring the EPA complies with the law. That means restricting WOTUS to navigable waters and not allowing federal authority to be expanded to areas like ditches, intermittent waters and other water resources that fall under the authority of state and local governments. That’s exactly what I’ve been working to achieve since I first led the effort to defund the expansion of WOTUS under the Obama administration.”

Today’s meeting follows Hoeven’s work to push back against regulatory overreach by the Biden and Obama administrations. His efforts include:

Authoring and securing provisions to defund the 2015 Obama WOTUS rule implementation in 2016 and 2017.

Helping introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval, which Congress passed, to rescind the expanded WOTUS rule. The resolution was subsequently vetoed by President Biden.

Helping introduce legislation in the 117th Congress to codify the first Trump administration’s NWPR, which replaced the 2015 Obama WOTUS rule.

Joining his colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in Sackett v. EPA, urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to preserve state authority to regulate local waters and lands.

Pressing the EPA and the Army Corps to suspend rulemaking on WOTUS until SCOTUS completed its consideration of Sackett v. EPA.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-to-host-trump-administration-officials-for-first-in-nation-wotus-listening-session,Cramer to Host Trump Administration Officials for First in Nation WOTUS Listening Session,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced a proposed rule, Updated Definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The proposed rule clarifies definitions after the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA limited the federal government’s jurisdiction over water according to the Clean Water Act.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, will host the U.S. EPA Office of Water and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the nation’s first WOTUS listening session in Bismarck on Friday, Dec. 12.

“North Dakotans know the impacts of a good WOTUS rule better than anyone,”said Cramer. “This listening session is a great opportunity for North Dakotans to help craft the final rule and bring their feedback directly to EPA and Army Corps officials. I encourage North Dakotans to make their voices heard at the listening session and by submitting public comments throughout the rulemaking process.”

Cramer has been a longtime supporter of a clear, durable WOTUS rule throughout his time in Congress. In March, he joined EPA at its announcement of the pre-rulemaking guidance. At the event, he highlighted the North Dakota farmers, ranchers, and landowners who “have always managed their water with the same respect as their land.”

Earlier this spring, he questioned Administrator Zeldin on the role of cooperative federalism, at his nomination hearing. During the Biden administration, Cramer repeatedly questioned witnesses at EPW hearings on the Biden WOTUS rule. Cramer also sent a letter in June 2023 calling on the Biden administration to provide a “clear and swift change in administrative direction” regarding its then-pending WOTUS rule to adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling. In April 2022, Cramer joined 200 of his Congressional colleagues in filing an amicus brief supporting Sackett petitioners. Additionally, in February 2022, Cramer and his Republican EPW colleagues sent a letter requesting the Biden administration halt its plans to finalize its WOTUS rule until the Supreme Court decided Sackett. Weeks earlier, he joined a related effort alongside Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-transportation-awards-over-200000-to-north-dakota-airports,"U.S. Department of Transportation Awards Over $200,000 to North Dakota Airports",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $202,000 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for projects at two North Dakota airports. The funding will be distributed as follows:

$137,001 to the Grafton Municipal Airport for a 4,828 square foot hangar.

$64,999 to the Harvey Municipal Airport for a 5,625 square foot hangar.

The AIG Program was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide airports with funding for modernization and safety projects. Since its creation, airports in North Dakota have received over $50 million in program funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-joins-president-trump-at-white-house-as-resolution-rescinding-biden-era-resource-management-plan-for-north-dakota-is-signed-into-law,Hoeven Joins President Trump at White House as Resolution Rescinding Biden-Era Resource Management Plan for North Dakota Is Signed into Law,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Joins President Trump at White House as Resolution Rescinding Biden-Era Resource Management Plan for North Dakota Is Signed into Law

ND Delegation Sponsored Resolution to Help Ensure Access to State’s Taxpayer-Owned Energy Resources

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for the signing of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution he sponsored with Senator Kevin Cramer and Representative Julie Fedorchak to overturn the Biden administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota. The Biden-era RMP would have closed off leasing to 45 percent of potential federal oil and gas acreage and nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage in the state.

Accordingly, Hoeven, along with the North Dakota delegation, introduced and worked to pass the CRA resolution of disapproval, which rescinds the RMP and helps ensure access to taxpayer-owned energy resources in North Dakota.

“This Biden-era rule was an egregious overreach that would have severely locked down future energy development in North Dakota. I appreciate Senator Cramer and Representative Fedorchak for our shared efforts to advance and pass this CRA resolution, which preserves access to the vast federal coal, oil and gas acreage in our state,” said Hoeven “We welcome President Trump signing our resolution and putting an end to another of the Biden administration’s harmful policies. This comes as part of our continued work to push back on the Green New Deal-style policies of the Biden era, support a more robust energy industry in North Dakota and help advance U.S. energy dominance.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-remains-of-nd-wwii-servicemember-irvin-c-ellingson-pow-killed-in-tokyo-military-prison-fire-identified-by-dpaa,"Hoeven: Remains of ND WWII Servicemember Irvin C. Ellingson, POW Killed in Tokyo Military Prison Fire, Identified by DPAA",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Remains of ND WWII Servicemember Irvin C. Ellingson, POW Killed in Tokyo Military Prison Fire, Identified by DPAA

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the service of U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson, a Dahlen, North Dakota native who served during World War II. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of Ellingson, 25, were accounted for on June 17, 2025.

In the spring of 1945, Ellingson served as a radar observer aboard a Boeing B-29 “Superfortress” bomber assigned to 878th Bombardment Squadron, 499th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). During a combat mission to Tokyo, Japan, the aircraft was shot down over Chiba Prefecture. Ellingson survived the crash but was captured and held as a prisoner of war. He lost his life on May 26, 1945 in the Tokyo Military Prison during a fire.

“Thank you to the DPAA for their work in identifying Staff Sgt. Ellingson. We must never forget the courage and sacrifice made by our servicemembers during WWII,” said Hoeven. “Irvin, who was killed along with thousands of other Americans during the war, continues to remind us of the bravery of the Greatest Generation. May we always honor Irvin’s sacrifice and join his family, his fellow veterans and all North Dakotans in commemorating his life and service.”

Hoeven helped advance legislation in 2014 that created the DPAA, and since that time, he has worked to support the agency as it seeks to locate and bring home the remains of missing service personnel. Additionally in 2021, Hoeven along with several of his Senate colleagues sent a letter to the Defense Secretary requesting that the Department of Defense allow DPAA to disinter U.S. servicemember remains at the Manila American Cemetery. Ultimately, the DPAA was able to conduct the disinterment that led to the identification of Ellingson and his fellow servicemembers. The DPAA identified Ellingson’s remains using anthropological and DNA analysis and other circumstantial evidence. Ellingson’s name is listed on the Courts of the Missing at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, where a rosette will be placed next to his name to mark that he’s been identified. He will be buried in his hometown on June 20, 2026.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-supports-health-care-reforms-to-put-more-money-directly-in-consumers-pockets,Hoeven Supports Health Care Reforms to Put More Money Directly in Consumers’ Pockets,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Supports Health Care Reforms to Put More Money Directly in Consumers’ Pockets

WASHINGTON. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after supporting the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, legislation introduced by Senators Mike Crapo, chair of the Senate Finance Committee and Bill Cassidy, M.D., chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to lower health care costs and provide money directly to families for health care needs, instead of insurance companies.

“Giving billions of taxpayer dollars to health insurance companies to mask the true cost of Obamacare is not sustainable and is inflating the cost of health care for everyone – it’s clear that reforms are needed,” said Hoeven. “Instead of providing these dollars to insurance providers, this legislation gives money directly to individuals and families, so they have more control over their own health care decisions.”

Specifically, the legislation:

Sends money to patients, not insurance companies;

Americans on bronze and catastrophic plans would access these dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Funds cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to lower insurance premiums;

Empowers Americans to choose the insurance plan that fits their needs by increasing access to low-cost catastrophic plans;

Ensures assistance goes to American patients by requiring citizenship or immigration-status verification.

The original Obamacare tax credits will remain, however this legislation is an alternative to extending the enhanced COVID-era tax credits provided to insurance providers that have failed to lower health insurance premiums.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-cramer-op-ed-delivering-critical-access-to-care-for-rural-veterans,ICYMI: Sen. Cramer Op-Ed: Delivering Critical Access to Care for Rural Veterans,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Veterans live in every community across the country. Yet unlike most Americans, they can’t simply use the closest health care providers. A backwards Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requirement prevents veterans from seamlessly accessing certain health care providers in their communities. These men and women honorably served our country but must jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the VA health care they earned.

Over three million veterans received health care outside of the VA last year while still using their VA benefits, a testament to how far the system has come since its early crises. Yet today, the VA’s implementation of the Community Care Program still falls short of its original intent, largely because of the pre-approval requirement. In some cases, this burden requires multiple phone calls and authorizations before patients ever step foot into a clinic. The VA’s power to approve care comes with the power to disapprove. Whether through a finding of disapproval or use of bureaucratic delay, the outcome is too often the same: Tragedy for a hero.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) penned an op-ed in The Washington Times promoting his Critical Access for Veterans Care Act which would allow all veterans living within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital to receive care locally without pre-approval.

Delivering Critical Access to Care for Rural Veterans

The Washington Times – December 10, 2025

Veterans live in every community across the country. Yet unlike most Americans, they can’t simply use the closest health care providers. A backwards Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requirement prevents veterans from seamlessly accessing certain health care providers in their communities. These men and women honorably served our country but must jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the VA health care they earned.

Modern VA health care began with a network of VA-run hospitals and clinics to provide care for veterans, which became the largest integrated health care system in the nation. This system was designed to deliver consistent quality care for veterans and their unique needs. But it also hardwired the agency to prioritize care within its own facilities, even when better options are available nearby. When possible, it still makes sense for veterans to seek care at a VA facility. But when it’s not, they should have the freedom to access quality and timely care in their own communities.

Over three million veterans received health care outside of the VA last year while still using their VA benefits, a testament to how far the system has come since its early crises. It’s worth remembering the VA Community Care Program was born out of tragedy. The 2014 access scandal in Phoenix revealed long wait times and systemic failures within the VA as veterans literally died waiting in line for VA care.

Yet today, the VA’s implementation of the Community Care Program still falls short of its original intent, largely because of the pre-approval requirement. In some cases, this burden requires multiple phone calls and authorizations before patients ever step foot into a clinic. The VA’s power to approve care comes with the power to disapprove. Whether through a finding of disapproval or use of bureaucratic delay, the outcome is too often the same: Tragedy for a hero.

This is especially significant in rural America, where a disproportionate share of veterans live compared to the general population. Veterans living in rural areas like those in North Dakota choose non-VA care because going to the state’s only VA hospital can require driving many hours and traveling hundreds of miles. Forcing veterans to travel to a VA facility because of government preference, while passing several capable hospitals along the way, is absurd.

To address this, I introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act with U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. This legislation allows all veterans living within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital to receive care locally without pre-approval. These rural hospitals can receive a Critical Access designation if they are the sole health care provider within 35 miles, have 25 or fewer inpatient beds, and provide 24/7 emergency care services. They were created to solve the challenge of health care access for residents of rural communities and offer many of the same services available at other VA facilities.

North Dakota is home to 37 Critical Access Hospitals scattered in rural communities across the state. These hospitals already exist to bridge the gap for local residents, and veterans should be able to use them as easily as their neighbors.

This legislation is a win-win solution for veterans and local health providers. Our bill reduces onerous paperwork and travel barriers, increases easy, efficient access to care for veterans, and supports rural Critical Access Hospitals.

The promise to our veterans was quality care, not government-rationed care, and reforms are needed to deliver on this promise.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senator-hoeven-trump-administration-fighting-for-us-agriculture-producers,Senator Hoeven: Trump Administration Fighting for U.S. Agriculture Producers,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Hoeven: Trump Administration Fighting for U.S. Agriculture Producers

WASHINGTON – In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer this week, Senator John Hoeven outlined how the Trump administration is fighting on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers to open new markets and secure better trade deals for the long-term. Hoeven specifically highlighted:

The $12 billion in assistance announced this week to help the nation’s agriculture producers.

As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working with the administration to advance the agriculture assistance, and joined President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins in announcing the program at the White House on Monday.

The funding will serve as a bridge for producers, supporting them until the enhanced crop insurance and improvements to ARC and PLC, which Hoeven secured in the One Big Beautiful Bill, come into full effect.

The Farmer Bridge Assistance program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with assistance expected to be distributed by the end of February 2026.

China’s agreement to purchase 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans during the current crop season and 25 million tons in subsequent crop years.

Hoeven stressed that this means U.S. producers will see a total of 37 million tons of soybean sales to China in little more than a year.

Progress on securing improved trade terms, including with nations in southeast Asia.

Last month, Bangladesh committed to purchase $1.25 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over the next 12 months, a historic improvement in market access to the country for American farmers.

In addition, the Trump administration secured the near-elimination of tariffs on U.S. goods exported to Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, benefitting commodities such as soybeans, corn, sorghum, meat, poultry and dairy.

“The Trump administration is out there fighting to get better trade terms and a level playing field for our farmers, ranchers and all of our exporters. We appreciate Ambassador Greer and all those across the administration who are doing this important work,” said Hoeven. “The $12 billion in agriculture assistance is a key part of our efforts, as it sends a strong message to China that we won’t allow them to put pressure on us by going after our farmers. At the same time, we’re securing ag purchases, opening up better long-term market access, particularly in southeast Asia, and working to enforce those agreements, including the 37 million tons of soybeans that China committed to purchase between the current and following crop year.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-secure-senate-enr-committee-approval-of-his-legislation-to-maintain-wild-horses-at-trnp,Hoeven Working to Secure Senate ENR Committee Approval of His Legislation to Maintain Wild Horses at TRNP,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Working to Secure Senate ENR Committee Approval of His Legislation to Maintain Wild Horses at TRNP

Committee Holds Hearing on Senator’s Legislation to Ensure Future of Park’s Horses, Require Herd of No Fewer than 150 Horses

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today made the case to his fellow members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee for his legislation to maintain wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP). Specifically, Hoeven’s bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to:

Maintain a genetically-diverse herd of no fewer than 150 horses in TRNP’s South Unit.

The Department of the Interior is prohibited from removing horses from the park except as part of a plan to improve genetic diversity, in the case of an emergency or to protect public health and safety.

Within 120 days of the bill’s enactment, develop a plan to provide for the management of horses in the park.

On an annual basis, make available to the public information regarding the population, structure and health of the horse herd.

“Wild horses have long been a living, breathing part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and are a key part of the visitor experience,” said Senator Hoeven. “Unfortunately, there have been multiple attempts over the years to remove horses from the park. Each one has been met with overwhelming opposition from the public. That’s why we worked to craft this legislation, which provides a durable solution to permanently protect the horses at the park. I appreciate all of the partners and stakeholders who worked with us on this bill and urge my colleagues on the Senate ENR Committee to move to promptly approve this legislation. Doing so will bring us one critical step closer to ensuring the future of wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.”

The legislation comes as part of Hoeven’s efforts to ensure the National Park Service (NPS) maintains a herd of free-roaming horses at TRNP on a permanent basis. The senator previously:

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, passed a provision in annual funding legislation directing NPS to maintain “the historic scene commensurate with the historic herds during the period when President Theodore Roosevelt was a rancher in the area.”

Advanced this priority with NPS officials, including Midwest Regional Director Bert Frost.

On April 25, 2024, NPS formally terminated its proposed removal of horses at TRNP under the environmental assessment process initiated in 2022, and as a result, horses continue to be maintained at the park.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/und-voyager-technologies-sign-agreement-to-drive-innovation,"UND, Voyager Technologies Sign Agreement to Drive Innovation",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for media resources.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of North Dakota (UND) and Voyager Technologies [NYSE: VOYG], a defense and space technology company, officially signed a joint investment agreement during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. UND is a leading institution for national security and aerospace education, and its Space Studies Department is the oldest and largest in the nation. The university is the first school to join the U.S. Space Force’s University Partnership Program and is the only university to house a NASA-funded lab for designing and constructing space and planetary surface exploration suits.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, hosted UND President Andrew Armacost, Vice President Scott Snyder and Voyager President Matt Kuta at the event to celebrate the partnership between UND and Voyager. The agreement follows the introduction Cramer made between Voyager and UND to identify joint research and development opportunities.

The Joint Investment Agreement formalizes the partnership and builds a foundation for breakthroughs in pursuit of space dominance by establishing a framework for accelerating end-product deployment in targeted areas such as human spaceflight, planetary habitats, and orbital operations research. The partnership streamlines the use of innovative rapid prototyping and leverages shared access to UND facilities. Additional partnership work includes improving space policy and governance issues.

“When I became a senator and was able to join the Senate Armed Services Committee, I thought I achieved all that a kid from Kindred could ever achieve,” said Cramer. “I wanted to be on the Armed Services Committee because North Dakota has some important assets as I saw the future of warfare and defending freedom in the United States and around the world. The day the White House called me as a freshman member and asked if I’d be willing to carry the ball and create the Space Force, I thought they must have gotten the wrong number. But then I thought about how our state has the University of North Dakota and this world class aerospace and flight school, and people who innovate with great knowledge and experience.”

“The relationships I take the most satisfaction from are when I bring businesspeople to the University of North Dakota, when I show investors the community, and when I expose them to an incredible workforce and training,” continued Cramer. “The high-end, high level research institution is training workers for the future and the juxtaposition of the people who hire, invest, and build things, and students, researchers, and workers is the most exciting thing to me. I’m thrilled to be able to bring University of North Dakota officials and Voyager’s leadership here to sign this memorandum of understanding.”

“UND has always been a launchpad for innovation,” said UND President Andy Armacost. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing spaceflight and national defense, not only extending our impact from the classroom to real-world application but preparing the future commercial space economy’s workforce.”

“Voyager’s partnership with the University of North Dakota represents a powerful convergence of academic research and commercial execution,” said Matt Kuta, President of Voyager. “We’re expanding our ability to enhance crewed missions and long-duration Starlab spaceflight while also strengthening U.S. leadership across both civil and defense sectors.”

The collaboration enables the integration of early-stage technologies into Starlab, the next-generation space station, supports Golden Dome initiatives, and advances commercial space infrastructure through Voyager’s science park.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-president-trump-announces-12-billion-farmer-bridge-assistance-for-producers,Hoeven: President Trump Announces $12 Billion Farmer Bridge Assistance for Producers,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: President Trump Announces $12 Billion Farmer Bridge Assistance for Producers

Senator Working with Trump Administration to Support Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today joined an agriculture roundtable at the White House with President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to announce $12 billion in assistance to help the nation’s agriculture producers. The Farmer Bridge Assistance program will be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with assistance expected to be distributed by the end of February 2026.

“Between China targeting our producers, rising input costs and other challenges, our producers are really going through a tough stretch. That’s why we’ve been working with the Trump administration to advance agriculture assistance to serve as a bridge to the improvements we made to crop insurance, ARC and PLC in the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Hoeven. “This assistance will not only help our producers in the short-term but will ensure they aren’t used as leverage as the administration continues to negotiate for more markets and better long-term trade agreements. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Bessent for their work on this and will continue working to help our producers through this tough stretch.”

During President Trump’s first term, Hoeven worked with the administration to put in place similar agriculture assistance when U.S. producers were targeted during trade negotiations. Today’s announcement builds on that program and is part of a number of initiatives Hoeven has been working on to help North Dakota and the nation’s agriculture producers. Additionally, the senator has been working with the administration to:

Secure additional agriculture sales, including the recently announced soybean purchases by China.

Advance year-round E15 sales.

Put in place better long-term trade agreements to open markets for producers.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/trump-administration-repeals-misguided-biden-era-minimum-staffing-requirements-for-long-term-care-facilities,"Trump Administration Repeals Misguided, Biden-Era Minimum Staffing Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click hereto download audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally repealed Biden-era minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (LTC), which affected nearly 1.2 million residents across the nation. The rule exacerbated workforce shortages and significantly harmed access to care in rural communities. Reversal of the mandates demonstrates a commitment to “practical, sustainable approaches to improving nursing home care, and allows for further opportunity for engagement with community and Tribal stakeholders,” according to HHS.

The 2024 rule required applicable nursing homes to provide residents with a minimum total of 3.48 hours of nursing care per day, including at least 0.55 hours from a registered nurse per resident per day, and 2.45 hours from a nurse aide per resident per day. It mandated each facility have a registered nurse onsite 24/7. HHS said these measures disproportionately burdened rural and underserved communities already grappling with critical health care workforce shortages.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) raised concerns over the harmful impact of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) staffing ratio for rural communities and North Dakota families. He led multiple efforts, including bipartisan legislation, to push back against the rule, culminating in the passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act which included a 10-year moratorium on enforcement of the staffing mandate.

He applauded the Trump administration’s announcement this week saying, “rural America deserves solutions, not red tape.”

“Rolling back the burdensome, Biden-era staffing mandate is a major win for patients, providers, and every rural community depending on accessible, local long-term care,” said Cramer. “Congress mandated a 10-year moratorium of this debilitating rule in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, and now the administration has finished the job. Thank you, President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz, for prioritizing patients over bureaucracy.”

In a public comment before the rule was finalized, the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, North Dakota Hospital Association, North Dakota Medical Association, North Dakota Nurses Association, and the Quality Health Associates of North Dakota outlined their concerns.

The organizations highlighted CMS’ misunderstanding of nursing facilities’ operational realities and disclosed more than 500 nursing homes have closed since 2020, often due to the inability to hire qualified staff. They also noted CMS estimated the staffing rule would cost $4 billion annually, roughly $300,000 per facility.

The groups said, “North Dakota has always had one of the highest staff to resident ratios in the country. We are most concerned about the proposed 24/7 RN requirement. The number of RNs needed to fulfill this standard just simply do not exist. This mandate may force more nursing homes, many of which already operate on tight budgets, to close their doors, reducing access to care. North Dakota has had more nursing home closures in the last few years than ever before, largely due to staffing issues.”

They concluded, “the mandate's strict penalties and limited flexibility in addressing temporary staffing shortages demonstrate a lack of understanding of the operational realities of nursing homes.”

Nikki Wegner, President of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, reacted to the Trump administration’s revocation of the rule, “The formal repeal of the mandate is a long-awaited decision that acknowledges the ongoing workforce challenges facing providers and restores essential flexibility for facilities to staff in a way that best supports resident-centered care. This outcome reflects years of persistent advocacy by long term care providers, caregivers, residents, families, and partners across the country. We want to extend special thanks to Senator Cramer for his tireless leadership on this issue and to Senator Hoeven and Congresswoman Fedorchak for their steadfast support and advocacy.”

Cramer met with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in July to discuss the reforms needed to improve care for North Dakotans. He delivered a floor speech highlighting dangers of the rule and sent a letter to CMS requesting the agency avoid one-size-fits-all staffing mandates for nursing homes. In the letter, Cramer and his colleagues said staffing mandates are not the only solution and a “one-size-fits-all staffing mandate would undermine access to care for patients, particularly in rural communities.” In June 2023, he questioned CMS officials at a hearing about the mandate’s impact on already stressed staffing challenges.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-introduces-legislation-to-preserve-national-coal-council-codify-mission-in-law,"Hoeven Introduces Legislation to Preserve National Coal Council, Codify Mission in Law",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Introduces Legislation to Preserve National Coal Council, Codify Mission in Law

Senator Working to Keep NCC Focused on Development of Coal Resources, Advancing New Innovations

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, this week reintroduced the National Coal Council Act to preserve the mission of the National Coal Council (NCC) and help secure the future of U.S. coal production. The NCC is a federal advisory committee that provides advice, recommendations and insights to the Department of Energy (DOE) on issues related to the coal industry:

The NCC was originally established in 1984 and is comprised of coal producers and consumers, carbon researchers, academics, environmentalists and policy experts.

The council’s core mission is to advance innovation and technological development, enabling the U.S. to continue making the best use of its abundant coal resources.

The Biden administration previously allowed the NCC’s charter to expire in November 2021, effectively terminating the organization.

The Biden administration then replaced the council with an agency focused on advancing Green New Deal-style policies instead of the responsible development and innovative use of coal.

The Trump administration re-chartered the NCC earlier this year, restoring the council’s original mission.

Hoeven’s legislation would permanently extend the NCC’s charter and codify it in law, preventing it from being terminated in the future and preserving the council’s core mission.

“Through innovation, regulatory relief and the right kind of pro-growth policies, we’re working to make the U.S. truly energy dominant. The affordable, reliable baseload power provided by coal is a critical part of these efforts,” said Hoeven. “That’s why we’re working to ensure the NCC stays focused on developing our coal resources and advancing new innovations, like we’re doing with Crack the Code 2.0 in North Dakota. By permanently extending its charter, our legislation would preserve the council’s mission and help keep DOE on the right track so the U.S. can continue to utilize its vast coal reserves.”

In addition to Hoeven, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.). Representative Michael Rulli (R-Ohio) sponsored companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-trump-administration-repeals-unworkable-staffing-mandate-provides-relief-for-rural-long-term-care-providers,"Hoeven: Trump Administration Repeals Unworkable Staffing Mandate, Provides Relief for Rural Long-Term Care Providers",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Trump Administration Repeals Unworkable Staffing Mandate, Provides Relief for Rural Long-Term Care Providers

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Trump administration repealed a Biden-era rule imposing unworkable minimum staffing mandates on long-term care (LTC) facilities. Hoeven opposed the rule when it was first proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2023, having:

Pressed the Biden administration to rescind the rule.

In a letter sent with a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues, Hoeven stressed that the one-size-fits-all approach would force many rural LTC facilities to close their doors.

Helped introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval, sponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), to rescind the rule.

Supported a 10-year moratorium on the CMS rule, which passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

“Our rural long-term care providers already face a range of challenges, and this staffing mandate from the Biden administration only added to their burden,” said Hoeven. “This one-size-fits-all approach would have actually reduced access to long-term care in rural areas by forcing providers to shut down when they were unable to comply. That’s why we worked to rescind the CMS rule and successfully passed a moratorium to keep it from going into effect. We appreciate the Trump administration for following through on our efforts and repealing this unworkable regulation.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-announces-inaugural-western-water-cooperative-committee-meeting,Cramer Announces Inaugural Western Water Cooperative Committee Meeting,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After years of bureaucratic delays, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, announced the first Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC) meeting will be held in Bismarck on Dec. 3 and 4.

The WWCC will ensure U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) projects in western states are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws. It also establishes a platform for western states to better coordinate and engage with the Army Corps.

“Holding this meeting is long overdue, but I’m hopeful it will lead to a more productive relationship between western states and the Army Corps,” said Cramer. “States and water users know their unique water issues better than any bureaucrat in Washington and I look forward to collaborative cooperative federalism from the Army Corps.”

“The Western Water Cooperative Committee is a forum to bring those most knowledgeable about western water challenges together to find solutions that balance diverse interests,” said Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. “This advisory committee is now up and running thanks to the leadership of Senator Cramer, Secretary Driscoll, Secretary Hegseth, and President Trump, and I look forward to continuing to support the committee’s work.”

Cramer introduced legislation creating the WWCC and secured its inclusion and passage in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022. His bill was endorsed by the Western Governors’ Association, Western States Water Council, and Conference of Western Attorneys General.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-fedorchak-introduce-fair-act-to-stop-states-from-being-forced-to-pay-for-other-states-green-energy-mandates,"Cramer, Fedorchak Introduce FAIR Act to Stop States From Being Forced to Pay for Other States’ Green Energy Mandates",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) introduced H.R. 6336, the Fair Allocation of Interstate Rates (FAIR) Act, to prevent households from being forced to subsidize transmission projects built to satisfy another state’s green energy goals. The bill establishes a clear principle: states must bear the costs of the policies they choose, and consumers in other states should not be stuck with the bill.

“States must pay the costs of their own goals. That’s a basic principle of cost allocation—and it’s being ignored across the country right now,” Fedorchak said. “Families and businesses in states like North Dakota shouldn’t be paying higher electricity bills because other states choose unrealistic, expensive mandates. The FAIR Act restores fairness, respects state sovereignty, and reins in transmission cost-shifting that’s driving up electricity bills nationwide.”

Under current policy, regional transmission organizations spread the costs of large interstate transmission lines—designed to meet individual states’ aggressive renewable mandates—across all consumers in the region, regardless of whether those consumers need the lines. This cost-shifting raises electricity bills, encourages unnecessary permitting battles, and expands the use of eminent domain.

The FAIR Act amends Section 205 of the Federal Power Act to:

The legislation follows Fedorchak’s September 2025 letter, signed by North Dakota Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to rein in unjust transmission cost-shifting practices. Senator Cramer introduced the Senate companion to the House bill and Senator John Hoeven cosponsored.

“Unrealistic energy policies hurt consumers by enabling policymakers across state borders to pass senseless climate mandates and then build expensive, redundant infrastructure on the backs of consumers. Too often, ratepayers in North Dakota are left holding the bag after the dust settles on failed energy policies enacted by other states. Our legislation protects the principle of “user pay” by ensuring if activists in Los Angeles, Chicago, or Minneapolis mandate expensive, unreliable electricity, they foot the bill for their decisions,” said Cramer.

“FERC’s 2024 cost allocation rule allows for states with expensive green energy mandates to unfairly shift costs to consumers in other states. North Dakotans shouldn’t be forced to pay higher energy costs to help other states meet their unworkable energy mandates,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation will help to stop this cost-shift while also protecting landowners and consumers from being compelled to host or subsidize new transmission lines when those lines fail to serve their needs.”

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THE FAIR ACT:

Mark Christie, former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:

""Transmission costs are one of the major drivers of rising consumer power bills. Rep. Fedorchak's legislation is critically needed to ensure that consumers are paying only for the transmission needed to provide them with reliable power, not for transmission to promote public policy agendas in other states without their state's consent.

""This is a serious problem in regional planning organizations (RTOs) that have been directing billions of dollars’ worth of transmission projects to serve mandatory renewables policies of some states, and without the consent of other states who do not support such policies. Rep. Fedorchak—a former state utility regulator as I am—knows that states in multi-state RTOs should be given the authority to consent before costs are imposed on their consumers for such public policy projects.""

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong:

“North Dakotans work hard to power this nation, and they shouldn't have to pay for misguided energy policies enacted by other states. I applaud Rep. Fedorchak for standing up for ratepayers and for state sovereignty with this common-sense legislation.”

North Dakota Public Service Commission:

“The North Dakota Public Service Commission strongly supports the Fair Allocation of Interstate Rates Act and believes this legislation is necessary to protect North Dakota consumers. This legislation ensures energy transmission facility costs are borne by those who benefit from them and prevents North Dakota utility ratepayers from subsidizing expensive renewable energy strategies advanced by policymakers in other states.

“Transmission costs have rapidly become a large portion of electric customer bills. Over the past 20 years, North Dakota customers saw the portion of their investor-owned utility bill attributed to transmission costs nearly triple. Much of this cost increase is due to the aggressive renewable energy strategies implemented in other states. By nature, renewable energy sources are built in rural locations far from the load they serve. This requires additional transmission, which drives up costs for North Dakota ratepayers, who receive minimal benefit from these facilities.”

North Dakota Farm Bureau:

“NDFB supports the FAIR Act as introduced. Our members should not bear the costs or lose productive farmland to fulfill another state’s energy policy priorities. The FAIR Act is a step toward ensuring citizens are treated fairly, landowners are respected, and states are responsible to pay for their own energy decisions.”

Paul N. Cicio, President & CEO, Industrial Energy Consumers of America:

“The manufacturing sector consumes 29 percent of U.S. electricity and employs 12.7 million people. Electricity transmission prices are escalating across the country due in part to state cost-shifting socialization of transmission costs. We need transmission capacity for reliability and cost-reduction purposes—not state policy-driven socialization of transmission costs.”

Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity:

“Congress has offered a range of proposals on transmission, cost allocation, and how to ensure Americans continue receiving reliable electric service. We are at a pivotal moment for determining the path toward true energy abundance and needed transmission buildout.?

“Rep. Fedorchak brings rare, practical expertise as one of the few Members to have served on a Public Service Commission—reflected in her FAIR Act. As the Energy & Commerce Committee considers transmission policy, Members should closely evaluate her legislation, especially as they weigh how differing state energy choices can shift costs onto others.

“We must also avoid unfairly socializing costs across states or demographics. The FAIR Act is a constructive contribution to this important and complex debate.”

Competitive Enterprise Institute:

""The FAIR Act is an important step towards ensuring that ratepayers in one state aren’t paying for the bad policy of neighboring states. When the costs of complying with renewable portfolio standards and other mandates can be socialized to other states, it allows states adopting those policies to avoid the true costs of their decisions. If states want to adopt such policies, then that’s their call. But they shouldn’t expect other states to help foot the bill.”

Justin Forde, State Director, North Dakota Americans for Prosperity:

“As a native North Dakotan, it is a pleasure to see Rep. Fedorchak apply her extensive experience in the utility and transmission space for the benefit of our state.?

“As a newer Member of Congress, AFP–North Dakota is encouraged to see Rep. Fedorchak fully embrace her role on the Energy & Commerce Committee and advance real solutions for her constituents and for all Americans.

“The FAIR Act continues an important conversation about the future of our energy and transmission systems—one that the committee should consider in coordination with their colleagues in the U.S. Senate. We thank Rep. Fedorchak for her leadership and her willingness to champion promising solutions in the energy space.”

Mississippi Public Service Commission:

“The Mississippi Public Service Commission (Mississippi Commission) fully supports the proposed Fair Allocation of Interstate Rates (FAIR) Act. The Mississippi Commission is one of five commissions challenging the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc.’s (MISO) designation of twenty-two billion dollars in transmission projects as multi-value projects. The Mississippi Commission agrees with North Dakota that these cross subsidies should not be allowed.” [...]

“Cost allocation decisions should be made based on the benefit a project will provide to a state. Policies that promote these unequitable transmission expenditures and promote cross subsidization should be stopped. The Mississippi Commission is confident that the FAIR Act will restore equity and balance to transmission investment and promote fair cost allocation procedures.”

The Hon. Chuck DeVore, Chief National Initiatives Officer, States Trust – Texas Public Policy Foundation:

“This legislation takes an important step toward restoring the constitutional balance between the states and the federal government while ensuring that American ratepayers are not forced to subsidize the policy agendas of other states. This core commitment to state sovereignty and consumer protection aligns directly with the mission of States Trust.

“Texas has demonstrated the benefits of states maintaining control over their own electric systems. In recent years, however, transmission costs in Texas have more than doubled, driven largely by policy decisions that have prioritized connecting distant wind and solar generation to demand in the cities. Texas should serve as a warning to other parts of the country that are making the same mistake: when policymakers socialize transmission costs to pursue objectives other than cost and reliability, the result is higher costs, diminished accountability, and an erosion of local decision-making.”

Cameron Sholty, Executive Director, Heartland Impact:

“No transmission line crossing state boundaries should be constructed, at a minimum, unless and until it has been approved by the appropriate authorities in every state along the transmission line’s proposed route. This bill puts legitimate authority back in the hands of the states.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hhs-awards-27-million-to-tgu-school-district,HHS Awards $2.7 Million to TGU School District,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2,771,248 to the TGU School District for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Towner and Granville. This award will bolster early childhood learning, health, and development initiatives, along with family and community support services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nathan-f-twining-elementary-and-middle-school-at-gfafb-receives-55-million-to-address-capacity-condition-deficiencies,"Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School at GFAFB Receives $55 Million to Address Capacity, Condition Deficiencies",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of War (DOW) announced the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation awarded $55,249,082 to Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) Public School District No. 140. This grant is part of a larger project to address capacity and condition deficiencies at Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School, located at GFAFB.

The Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School provides an education to hundreds of children of military men and women who live or work at the base. The school is unique within the Grand Forks Public Schools system, as it is the only school with a K-8 grade configuration. After completing 8th grade, students transition to Grand Forks Central High School.

“When we talk about supporting our military families, this kind of investment is exactly what we mean,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee. “Grand Forks Air Force Base is a durable base with a durable mission, and needs equally durable, sustained quality of life improvements. Military families make many sacrifices as they defend our freedom, and their children who attend the Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School shouldn’t settle for outdated, unsafe, or overcrowded schools. Every child deserves to learn in safe and modern facilities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-more-than-55-million-awarded-to-grand-forks-afbs-nathan-f-twining-school-project,Hoeven: More Than $55 Million Awarded to Grand Forks AFB’s Nathan F. Twining School Project,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: More Than $55 Million Awarded to Grand Forks AFB’s Nathan F. Twining School Project

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) has awarded more than $55 million to Grand Forks Air Force Base Public School District No.140 as part of a larger $69 million project to build a new Nathan F. Twining Elementary and Middle School on Grand Forks Air Force Base in order to address capacity and condition concerns. Once completed, the new facility will support 500 pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students, while providing students from military families with a high-quality education and a learning environment focused on the principles of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“North Dakota is home to some of the nation’s leading U.S. Air Force bases, and it’s vital that our installations have the capacity to support the educational needs of our service members’ families. We worked to fund and advance this OLDCC grant to help ensure that students at Grand Forks Air Force Base receive the high-quality education they deserve,” said Hoeven.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-observing-thanksgiving-day,Hoeven Statement Observing Thanksgiving Day,2025-11-27,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement Observing Thanksgiving Day

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement to wish all North Dakotans a happy Thanksgiving:

“Happy Thanksgiving to the people of North Dakota and families across our nation. Today we give thanks for the liberties we enjoy, the opportunities our country provides, and the hardworking spirit that defines our state. May this day bring you together with loved ones and renew a sense of gratitude and peace. From Mikey, me, and our family, we wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-packet-digital-selected-for-us-military-procurement-award-will-receive-up-to-50-million,"Hoeven: Packet Digital Selected for U.S. Military Procurement Award, Will Receive Up to $50 Million",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Packet Digital Selected for U.S. Military Procurement Award, Will Receive Up to $50 Million

Senator Worked to Secure Funding for Packet Digital to Expand Domestic Battery Manufacturing to Support Army, Navy, Air Force & Special Forces Operations

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Packet Digital has been selected to receive up to $50 million to expand its domestic battery manufacturing capacity under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) Program. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to:

Fund the APFIT initiative and advance the company’s selection under this competitive, merit-based program.

APFIT seeks to more quickly meet warfighter needs and address gaps in U.S. military capabilities by procuring mature technologies from small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors.

Build upon partnerships that the senator previously funded and established between Packet Digital and the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Space Force.

The award will enable the company to expand production lines at its Badland Batteries manufacturing facility in Fargo in order to meet demand for high-power battery packs for unmanned systems operated by the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces.

“Every day, North Dakota is finding new ways to meet the needs of our warfighters in innovative and cost-effective ways. This up to $50 million award to Packet Digital is a testament to these efforts, building on the partnerships we established between this company and the Navy, Air Force and Space Force,” said Senator Hoeven. “This funding is about expanding our domestic industrial base, ensuring our nation can produce the battery technology we need to strengthen U.S. unmanned operations, while reducing our reliance on materials from adversaries like China. Packet Digital has a proven track record, and this award will help them scale up their operations at the Badland Battery facility in Fargo.”

“Our next-generation lithium-ion cell technology delivers both high power and high energy density, making it essential for unmanned air, sea and space missions,” said Packet Digital CEO Terri Zimmerman. “This award will help us ensure our military maintains a technological edge and has a reliable domestic battery supply chain.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-and-nps-reopen-trnp-scenic-loop-following-major-restoration,Hoeven & NPS Reopen TRNP Scenic Loop Following Major Restoration,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven & NPS Reopen TRNP Scenic Loop Following Major Restoration

Senator Highlights Completion of Multi-Year Infrastructure Project at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

MEDORA, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and the National Park Service (NPS) today reopened the Scenic Loop Road in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s (TRNP) south unit, celebrating the completion of a multi-year reconstruction project. A segment of the roadway, a key route for park visitors, had partially collapsed in 2019 due to unstable soil conditions in the Badlands.

Since then, Hoeven:

Worked to fund the 6.15-mile reconstruction through the Restore Our Parks Act, legislation he sponsored and helped pass as part of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).

The GAOA established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, authorizing up to $1.9 billion in funding over five years through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2025.

The fund leverages revenue from on- and offshore energy production on federal lands, without impacting mineral and energy revenue shared with the states.

Secured $51.25 million to fund the Scenic Loop reconstruction, including $50.8 million from the Restore Our Parks Act (GAOA) and $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Construction began in 2022 and quickly became a major engineering effort. After the initial 4-mile section collapsed, NPS discovered an additional 2 miles were unstable and likely to fail.

The project included enhanced landslide mitigation, drainage improvements, and expanded infrastructure and parking to improve visitor accessibility.

“Reopening the Scenic Loop is an important milestone for Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel here each year,” said Hoeven. “This restoration not only repairs the roadway but also strengthens the park’s infrastructure for decades to come, addressing erosion and landslide risks and preserving the park’s most iconic routes for future generations to enjoy.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-breaks-ground-on-veterans-memorial-center-outlines-completed-va-master-plan-for-expanding-fargo-national-cemetery,"Hoeven Breaks Ground on Veterans Memorial Center, Outlines Completed VA Master Plan for Expanding Fargo National Cemetery",2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Breaks Ground on Veterans Memorial Center, Outlines Completed VA Master Plan for Expanding Fargo National Cemetery

Senator Hosts VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown at Groundbreaking

HARWOOD, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, along with members of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard (FMHG) and federal, state and local leaders, today broke ground on the Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC). Construction on the up to 6,734 sq. ft. facility will begin in earnest during the next construction season, with construction expected to take approximately seven months. A rendering of the planned facility can be found here.

In addition, Hoeven announced the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has completed its master plan for expanding the FNC from 5 to 35 acres, representing millions of dollars of federal funding for infrastructure, parking and better access, as well as for ongoing operations and maintenance. Hoeven has been working with the VA to advance a master plan that incorporates the Honor Guard’s project and brings additional enhancements to the FNC, following his efforts to secure an additional 30 acres and initial improvements to the cemetery’s facilities. The phase 1 expansion is expected to be completed by the Spring of 2028, bringing the total number of burial spaces at the FNC to more than 8,500 with 1,337 veterans having been interred at the cemetery to date. Upon completion of all 9 phases of the Master Plan, the cemetery will provide over 45,000 burial spaces, serving veterans and their families far into the future. The layout of the VA master plan can be found here.

Hoeven worked to secure approval of the conceptual design put together by ICON Architects with VA Secretary Doug Collins and VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs (USMA) Sam Brown, who attended today’s groundbreaking at the senator’s invitation. Hoeven stressed that these efforts will result in a first-class federal veterans cemetery, on par with the state-run North Dakota Veterans Cemetery (NDVC) in Mandan. The senator further outlined the essential role of the innovative public-private partnership, which spans all levels of government, in bringing the project to this milestone, highlighting:

The efforts of the Hoeven-led community working group and the FMHG to reach agreement with the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) on a plan that:

Incorporates input from local stakeholders.

Preserves the spirit and intent of the FMHG project.

Achieves the goal of ensuring the FNC has the facilities required to meet the needs of veterans, their families and volunteers over the long-term.

The support of both VA Secretary Collins and VA USMA Brown for the conceptual design.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a hard-earned achievement, requiring the cooperation of stakeholders across all levels of government and from the private sector. I truly appreciate Jason Hicks, Jim Graalum and all the members of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard for their persistent work over the years, as well as the efforts of our community working group, to make this project a reality to the benefit of veterans, their families and the cemetery’s volunteers for decades to come,” said Hoeven. “Between the Veterans Memorial Center and the improvements coming under the VA’s master plan, we are set to build a federal veterans cemetery that matches the first-class state-run cemetery we’ve built in Mandan – a project that properly honors our veterans.”

The conceptual design, which was put together by ICON Architects and advanced by Hoeven’s working group and the FMHG, includes the following features:

Indoor committal shelter.

Gathering area to be used by family and friends of the deceased veteran prior to or following the interment.

Gallery to showcase the lives and service of our veterans.

Office space for VA staff.

Breakroom for the Honor Guard members.

Kiosk to assist with locating graves.

Kitchenette.

Indoor restrooms.

Garage to accommodate a hearse.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-underscores-importance-of-democracy-at-halifax-international-security-forum-meets-with-key-defense-leaders,"Cramer Underscores Importance of Democracy at Halifax International Security Forum, Meets with Key Defense Leaders",2025-11-23,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for media resources.***

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA – Each year, global defense leaders from more than 80 countries gather in Nova Scotia, Canada, for the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX). Framed around the themes of “Dialogue, Decency, Democracy,” the 2025 forum showcases the United States’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the strength of the U.S.-Canada partnership, and collective security challenges facing democratic allies around the world.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues traveled to Halifax for the annual event. Cramer participated in a panel, moderated by CBC Radio host Susan Bonner, examining how democracies pair power with moral responsibility. The panel, titled, “Democracies Demand Decency,” focused on how the future of democracies is determined by the citizens who vote and the institutions, leaders, and values they vote for.

“In our unique form of democracy, a representative republic where the citizens are self-governed and the government is a true reflection of the people, the future is shaped by the citizens, not the preferences of self-ascribed world leaders,” said Cramer, chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee and the Republican lead on both the American Canadian Economy and Security Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. “I was very encouraged over the last couple of days by the commitment and conviction of European leaders, Canadian Members of Parliament, the Minister of National Defence, and others. I’m very grateful to Senator Shaheen for thinking me worthy, frankly, and inviting me here to Halifax. But without question, as intriguing and compelling as some of the panels were, the bilateral meetings were really of the upmost importance this weekend.”

Additional panelists included Colombian Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez, Executive Director of Campaign for Uyghurs & World Uyghur Congress Rushan Abbas, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Sean Fraser.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-awarded-ncfas-friend-of-adoption-award,Cramer Awarded NCFA’s Friend of Adoption Award,2025-11-22,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Across North Dakota and the nation, adoption advocates recognize November as National Adoption Month. To celebrate, the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) held its Adoption Hall of Fame ceremony to honor individuals “who have made significant contributions to building a culture that supports all members of the adoption constellation.”

NCFA awarded U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) with the Friend of Adoption Award to recognize his commitment and contributions to the cause of adoption. Cramer and his wife, Kris, are adoptive parents, and he has described adoption as “one of the greatest joys of my life.”

Cramer shepherded through a provision in the Working Families Tax Cuts bill this past summer to restore partial refundability of the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC) for the first time since 2011, easing the financial cost of adoption and supporting prospective and adoptive families. As of September, significant changes to the tax credit’s refundability have already taken effect for tax year 2025 to provide relief for lower- and middle-income families. To ensure the successful administration of the restored ATC this tax filing season, Cramer and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service urging the administration to work together to improve the process, so families can effectively utilize the credit.

In a strong show of the bipartisanship inherent in adoption advocacy, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced Cramer at the ceremony and presented him with the NCFA’s Friend of Adoption Award. Klobuchar and Cramer serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption.

Cramer highlighted his relationship with Klobuchar in his remarks, explaining how their shared commitment to supporting adoption in Congress has led to partnering on other bipartisan issues.

“Adoption unites us because children are worth uniting for,” said Cramer. “It’s really an honor to receive the National Council For Adoption’s Friend of Adoption Award. Being able to work on behalf of adoption, this cause that matters so much, is a great joy.”

Cramer and Klobuchar frequently partner on adoption legislation, like the Supporting Adopted Children and Families Act to expand eligible uses of federal adoption funding, and the Safe Home Act to spread awareness of the practice of unregulated custody transfers. The co-chairs also passed this year’s National Adoption Month and Day Resolution designating November as National Adoption Month and November 22 as National Adoption Day, encouraging Americans to prioritize the safety, permanency, and welfare of all children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-klobuchar-pass-resolution-recognizing-national-adoption-month-and-day,"Cramer, Klobuchar Pass Resolution Recognizing National Adoption Month and Day",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Across the United States, more than 100,000 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted. For many, adoption provides children the stability of a permanent home and the opportunity they need to thrive. To encourage families throughout the nation to consider adoption, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chairs of the Senate Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA), passed a resolution designating Nov. as National Adoption Month and Nov. 22 as National Adoption Day.

Since the first National Adoption Day in 2000, more than 85,000 children have joined permanent families through celebrations happening across the country. In 2023 alone, 50,193 children were adopted from foster care. Yet 36,411 children remained in foster care despite being legally free for adoption and having a primary permanency plan of adoption.

The resolution celebrates children and families involved in adoption, as well as promotes national awareness of adoption and children awaiting families. It importantly encourages Americans to prioritize the safety, permanency, and welfare of all children.

“Adoption is one of the greatest joys of my life and I am grateful for the role it played in growing my family,” said Cramer. “It’s an honor to pass this resolution with Senator Klobuchar recognizing National Adoption Month and Day. This is a great opportunity to promote adoption and the safety and stability of adoptive families.”

“We’re grateful for the dedication and commitment of adoptive families who open their homes and hearts to children,” said Klobuchar. “As co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I will continue to work with Senator Cramer and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure every child has a safe, loving, and permanent family.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-to-speak-at-halifax-international-security-forum,Hoeven to Speak at Halifax International Security Forum,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven to Speak at Halifax International Security Forum

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, will speak on a panel at the 17th annual Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada to outline U.S. security priorities. Hoeven is part of a bipartisan Senate delegation attending the national security forum which brings together defense leaders from around the globe. Hoeven will speak on a panel today and is planning to meet with world leaders including both the Canadian and Colombian Defense Ministers.

“I look forward to joining my colleagues at the Halifax International Security Forum to meet with global leaders and build our shared security priorities,” said Hoeven. “Given the security challenges around the world and the threats facing our nation and allies, this forum provides an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and ensure our nation can meet its security challenges now and into the future.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-to-attend-halifax-international-security-forum-in-nova-scotia-canada,"Cramer to Attend Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) will join a bipartisan group of senators in attending the Halifax International Security forum (HFX) this weekend in Nova Scotia, Canada. Cramer is the chair of the Airland Subcommittee on the Senate Armed Services Committee and is the Republican lead on both the American Canadian Economy and Security Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group.

The forum provides an opportunity to showcase the United States’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the U.S.-Canada partnership, and the shared security challenges with allies around the world. The U.S. has traditionally provided the largest portion of NATO’s military strength, but global peace is going to depend on our allies building up their military strength to meet the growing threats in their regions and across the globe.

This year’s agenda centers around the shared belief democracies are resilient on their own, but together they are unbreakable. Peter Van Praagh, HFX President, said the program declares “only democracies can create the environment in which individuals feel safe to question established ideas, leading in turn to inventions that secure the future.” As part of the forum, Cramer will participate in a panel titled, “Democracies Demand Decency – How Democracies Decide Destiny.”

“It’s an honor to join my colleagues as part of this bipartisan delegation to Nova Scotia for the Halifax International Security Forum,” said Cramer. “Events like this are a powerful reminder of why democracies are worth defending because they are a better form of government than tyranny. I look forward to learning from defense leaders and leading a panel to highlight democracy’s role in determining a nation’s future.”

The panel will take place at 8:00 a.m. CT / 9:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 23. It will be live streamed on the HFX website as well as its YouTube channel.

Global defense leaders gather each year at the forum to gain innovative insights into the nation’s security landscape and engage in a wide range of informational sessions covering paramount topics such as energy demands, disinformation, global security, defense technologies, democratic resilience, and food security. More than 80 countries are represented at the annual event.

While in Halifax, the delegation of senators is expected to meet with key defense leaders from across the globe, including Minister of Defense of Colombia Pedro Sanchez-Suarez, Minister of National Defense of Canada David McGuinty, European Union Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-duckworth-introduce-mental-health-in-aviation-act,"Hoeven, Duckworth Introduce Mental Health in Aviation Act",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven, Duckworth Introduce Mental Health in Aviation Act

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approach to mental health and medical certification.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act improves aviation safety by encouraging both pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care, when needed, while reducing the stigma associated with mental health and the potential impact on a pilot’s career. Under current FAA regulations, pilots and air traffic controllers are required to obtain and maintain an FAA Medical Certification, which requires the disclosure of medical treatment, including for mental and behavioral health treatment. Once disclosed, even pilots with minor or well-managed conditions can face prolonged uncertainty and bureaucratic delays as they work through the existing processes that allow for treatment and safe return to operation. Further, the FAA has limited psychiatric staff to process pilot mental health evaluations, compounding the bureaucratic delays and leading to a significant backlog of special issuance applications.

In recognition of these challenges, the FAA convened the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee (ARC) in 2023 to assess barriers for pilots and controllers to acknowledge, seek care and treatment, and report mental health concerns, and to develop and implement policy and protocol recommendations. The ARC delivered 24 targeted recommendations aimed at removing obstacles to mental health care while upholding the highest of aviation safety standards. The Mental Health in Aviation Act builds on these recommendations to modernize the FAA’s approach, promote early intervention, provide additional resources to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and support the well-being of aviation professionals and the overall safety of our skies. Specifically, the legislation would require the FAA to:

Modernize mental health guidance regulations for pilots and air traffic controllers to encourage the early disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions, and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation.

Annually review the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process, appropriate mental health treatments and medication use, and overall mental health training for Aviation Medical Examiners.

Allocate $15 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine to expand and train additional medical examiners, including specialists, to improve the efficiency of the FAA’s Special Issuance Medical Certification process.

Allocate $1.5 million annually (FY2026–FY2029) for a public information campaign to help reduce the stigma around mental health care in aviation and encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek treatment.

This legislation builds upon efforts taken at the University of North Dakota (UND) after John Hauser, a UND Aviation student, took his own life in an aircraft in October 2021. These efforts include the establishment of:

The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Initiative Fund at UND, which helped develop the UpLift Peer Support program, to offer mental health support for aviation students from their own peers. This first of its kind program for an educational aviation institution is being replicated globally.

An annual Aviation Mental Health Summit, to foster collaboration among collegiate aviation training programs, mental health professionals, industry leaders, and the FAA to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in aviation.

The North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at the University of North Dakota, which recently signed a $5 million aeromedical research agreement with the FAA.

“It’s imperative that our pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation professionals have access to the resources they need to maintain their mental health,” said Hoeven. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act seeks to address mental health issues throughout the aviation industry, promote early intervention, provide additional resources to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and support the well-being of aviation professionals and the overall safety of our skies.”

“I sincerely thank Senator Hoeven for his leadership in advancing the Mental Health in Aviation Act. This bill ensures members who serve in our aviation community, including pilots and air traffic controllers, have access to the critical mental-health support they need,” said Andy Armacost, President of the University of North Dakota, a global leader in aviation education, research, and safety. “We are grateful to Senator Hoeven for recognizing the vital connection between mental wellness and aviation safety. His steadfast commitment to this cause sends a powerful message about safety in the aviation industry and reinforces UND’s own efforts to strengthen mental health awareness and support among our students. Since the passing of UND student-pilot John Hauser in 2021, the University has launched several pioneering initiatives for UND aviation students, including the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Fund, which encourages our student pilots to seek help when facing mental health challenges. John Hauser's legacy along with Senator Hoeven’s leadership, continue to inspire all of us to prioritize the well-being of every member of the aviation community.”

“Pilots and air traffic controllers often operate under immense amounts of stress—pursuing mental health care shouldn’t be a career-ending decision,” Duckworth said. “The fear and hesitancy around reporting mental health conditions and accessing care is hurting our pilots and isn’t making our skies any safer—reforms are critically needed. I’m proud to introduce the Mental Health in Aviation Act with Senator Hoeven, commonsense legislation to help improve aviation safety and reduce bureaucratic delays and overregulation that can create a dangerous culture of silence and stigma around mental health.”

Joining Senators Hoeven and Duckworth in cosponsoring this legislation include Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

The Mental Health in Aviation Act is the Senate companion to Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber’s (R-MN) bill, H.R. 2591, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously by voice vote on September 8, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ntia-approves-north-dakotas-final-proposal-for-the-broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-program,"NTIA Approves North Dakota’s Final Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it approved North Dakota's final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was a product of the fully-paid-for-Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Approval of North Dakota’s proposal makes it one step closer to being the first state in the nation to be 100% connected with reliable, high-speed internet.

“Not only does approval of North Dakota’s final proposal unlock new opportunities across the state, that’s a given, but it really opens the door to a more connected future which is everything,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “Thanks to the hard work of President Trump, our providers, the state partners, and thanks to all of those folks, our state is now on track to be the first state with 100% connectivity. None of this progress would be possible without our entrepreneurs, it starts with them, our cutting-edge technology delivered by those entrepreneurs, and of course the innovative spirit and the pioneering spirit of North Dakota.”

The state utilizes allocated funds through the BEAD program to expand access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service. These funds will be used for infrastructure deployment projects and other initiatives to help bridge the digital divide.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-air-force-welcomes-general-ken-wilsbach-as-chief-of-staff,U.S. Air Force Welcomes General Ken Wilsbach as Chief of Staff,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"*** Click herefor media resources.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – General Ken Wilsbach formally assumed responsibility of serving as the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff on Tuesday during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews. As the 24th Air Force Chief of Staff, he oversees 665,000 active, guard, reserve, and civilian personnel, and sets the strategic direction for force modernization and global operations.

General Wilsbach previously served as the Commander of Air Combat Command (ACC), which operates more than 1,600 aircraft, 35 wings, 12 bases, and 1,371 units at more than 263 operating locations worldwide with 155,205 total force military and civilian personnel. ACC develops strategy, doctrine, concepts, tactics and procedures for air, space, and cyber-power employment.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, attended the ceremony and celebrated General Wilsbach’s milestone.

“I can’t think of anyone better prepared to take the helm as Chief of Staff of the Air Force than General Ken Wilsbach, he is eminently prepared,” said Cramer in a video statement after the event. “From a warfighter to leading the Air Force in the Pacific to Air Combat Command, he’s the perfect person for the slot. By the way, Cindy [Wilsbach] is a rockstar as well. I’ve watched her with Airmen, she deeply cares about them, she serves the spouses and others with great care and compassion. They’re a dynamic team for sure, and I’m just really grateful for his knowledge of the assets in North Dakota and his commitment to building a more modern, faster, and more lethal Air Force than ever before. He already heads the greatest Air Force in the world.”

General Wilsbach joined Cramer in visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base in June 2024 to discuss base quality of life, current and future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the growth of the Space Development Agency, and other potential missions. They also visited the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo.

After his nomination, General Wilsbach sent a letter to the Air Force where he said “readiness is fundamental” and stressed his goal of modernizing “to win today and into the future.” He said, “…air superiority is not guaranteed. It must be earned every day. […] Every Airman has a role to play in ensuring the United States Air Force remains the world’s most capable, most lethal, and most respected fighting force. I’m excited to see the ingenuity and the capability of our Airmen. Fight’s on!”

General Wilsbach succeeds General David Allvin, who retired at the beginning of the month. He was commissioned in 1985 as a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida’s ROTC program and earned his pilot wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. He has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, two wings, two Numbered Air Forces and held various staff assignments including Director of Operations, Combined Air Operations Center and Director of Operations, U.S. Central Command. General Wilsbach is a command pilot with more than 6,000 hours in multiple aircraft and has flown 71 combat missions in operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-epa-issues-proposed-wotus-rule-to-protect-property-rights-bring-regulation-into-compliance-with-the-law,"Hoeven: EPA Issues Proposed WOTUS Rule to Protect Property Rights, Bring Regulation Into Compliance With the Law",2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: EPA Issues Proposed WOTUS Rule to Protect Property Rights, Bring Regulation Into Compliance With the Law

Senator Worked to Protect Against Biden and Obama-Era Overreach, Prevent Implementation of Expanded WOTUS Definitions

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to restore the traditional definition of “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS). Once finalized, the rule will:

Reverse the expanded, overreaching WOTUS definition, which was advanced by both the Obama and Biden administrations.

These rules sought to expand federal regulatory authority beyond the limits established under the Clean Water Act.

This would have imposed unworkable mandates, burdensome new permitting requirements and compliance costs on landowners, energy and agriculture producers and other industries.

Bring the WOTUS rule in compliance with the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA ruling from 2023.

Reduce the regulatory burden, provide certainty to a wide range of industries and limit federal authority to navigable waters, consistent with the Clean Water Act.

The senator has been working with the Trump administration to advance this new rulemaking, stressing the importance of protecting both private property rights and the role of states in managing water resources within their borders.

This follows Hoeven’s efforts to protect against the implementation of previously expansive WOTUS rules.

The EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 45 days. Interested stakeholders may submit their feedback here once the proposed rule has been published in the Federal Register.

“The impact of the Biden-era WOTUS rule would have been far-reaching and costly. Our farmers, ranchers and energy producers, among many others, would have been bogged down in federal permitting for everyday activities, imposing an unworkable regulatory burden and inflating not only their operating costs, but ultimately prices for consumers,” said Hoeven. “That’s why I worked to hold back this regulatory overreach under the Biden and Obama administrations and support the Trump administration in advancing a WOTUS definition that respects private property rights and the regulatory role of states. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin for working with us on this priority, and I encourage North Dakotans to submit their feedback to the EPA to ensure the final rule meets the needs of our state.”

Prior to today’s announcement, Hoeven worked to push back against regulatory overreach by the Biden and Obama administrations, having:

Helped introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval, which Congress passed, to rescind the expanded WOTUS rule. The resolution was subsequently vetoed by President Biden.

Helped introduce legislation in the 117th Congress to codify the first Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which replaced the 2015 Obama WOTUS rule.

Hoeven previously worked to advance the NWPR, following his efforts to defund WOTUS in 2015 and 2016 and prevent its implementation.

Joined his colleagues in submitting an amicus brief in Sackett v. EPA, urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to preserve state authority to regulate local waters and lands.

Pressed the EPA and the Army Corps to suspend rulemaking on WOTUS until SCOTUS completed its consideration of Sackett v. EPA.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-fy26-appropriations-provides-more-than-50-million-to-help-north-dakota-drive-future-of-ag-technology-and-policy,Hoeven: FY26 Appropriations Provides More Than $50 Million to Help North Dakota Drive Future of Ag Technology & Policy,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: FY26 Appropriations Provides More Than $50 Million to Help North Dakota Drive Future of Ag Technology & Policy

Senator Secured Increased Support for NDSU Ag Policy Center, AgTech Partnership with Grand Farm

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined how priorities he worked to include in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture Appropriations legislation will provide more than $50 million to strengthen North Dakota’s role as a driving force in the development of future agriculture technology and policy. Hoeven made the remarks as part of a roundtable he held at North Dakota State University (NDSU) with agriculture researchers, producers and commodity groups. The senator discussed his efforts as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee to secure the following priorities in the agriculture funding legislation:

Approximately $25 million for ag research in North Dakota with NDSU and its partners, funded through the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

These programs cover a wide variety of commodities, supporting better yields and disease resistance for crops like wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, potatoes, pulse crops and canola, among others.

$18.5 million for NDSU-led research initiatives, ranging from autonomous technologies to machine learning and data security in agriculture.

Nearly $2.5 million for the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center, which provides timely economic analysis on high-impact issues in farm country.

This brings the total funding Hoeven has secured for this initiative to nearly $6.5 million since FY2024.

Hoeven stressed the leading role that NDSU is now playing in agriculture policymaking for the nation, providing insights and driving policies that have a real-world benefit for producers.

For instance, the policy center’s analyses have been key in shaping the updates to crop insurance and reference prices that Hoeven advanced in the One Big Beautiful Bill, as well as ongoing work on an agriculture assistance package.

$5 million for the AgTech Cooperative Agreement between Grand Farm, NDSU and ARS.

This includes $2 million to establish an ARS work site at Grand Farm and brings total funding for the partnership to $11 million.

The partnership is working to develop the next generation of precision agriculture technologies, helping to secure U.S. farmers and ranchers’ competitive edge now and into the future.

$3 million for continued renovations at the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo, bringing total funding for the project to $18 million since FY2022.

“North Dakota has long been a powerhouse in agriculture, but with these latest initiatives in agriculture policy and technology, we are truly taking our leadership to the next level,” said Hoeven. “NDSU’s Ag Risk Policy Center is just over a year old, but it has already proven to be a key tool for policymakers and is shaping our nation’s ag policy to the benefit of farmers and ranchers as we speak. At the same time, the university’s AgTech partnership with Grand Farm and ARS is breaking new ground to empower our farmers to produce greater yields with fewer input costs. That’s just two examples of the cutting-edge work that we’ve funded in our FY2026 appropriations legislation.”

SUPPORT FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS

In addition, Hoeven worked to ensure the FY26 agriculture funding legislation continues to provide strong support for farmers and ranchers, which includes:

Helping ensure producer access to credit by fully funding the demand for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) direct and guaranteed operating and ownership loans.

A measure prohibiting closure of FSA offices.

$500,000 for blackbird depredation in the Northern Great Plains.

Priorities for North Dakota livestock producers, including:

$13.5 million to help ranchers comply with electronic identification (EID) requirements.

Support for avian influenza and chronic wasting disease (CWD) prevention and research efforts.

Measures to promote competition and transparency in cattle markets, such as:

$1 million to continue Hoeven’s cattle contract library pilot program.

Funding to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.

-###-

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-crack-the-code-20-supports-us-energy-dominance-helps-secure-future-of-coal-fired-baseload-power,"Hoeven: Crack the Code 2.0 Supports U.S. Energy Dominance, Helps Secure Future of Coal-Fired Baseload Power",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Crack the Code 2.0 Supports U.S. Energy Dominance, Helps Secure Future of Coal-Fired Baseload Power

Senator Outlines Efforts to Secure Federal Support for Deploying EOR in North Dakota, Senator Outlines Efforts to Link Coal-Fired Electric Plants to Oil Production in Bakken

BISMARCK, N.D. – During the Lignite Energy Council’s (LEC) annual meeting today, Senator John Hoeven outlined his efforts to secure the future of North Dakota’s coal industry. Hoeven, who participated in a panel discussion with leaders from the LEC, North Dakota Petroleum Council, the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) and Rainbow Energy, discussed:

Advancing his Crack the Code 2.0 initiative which seeks to partner the state’s oil and gas industry, using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to double both oil recovery in the Bakken and the life of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants.

This is possible due to a policy Hoeven worked to include in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) that properly aligned the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR, which:

Supports coal producers’ continued operations by providing access to a new revenue stream through selling CO2 to oil producers.

Makes EOR the clear, commercially-viable choice for improving oil recovery in the Bakken, opening access to at least 5 billion additional barrels of oil in the formation that were previously inaccessible.

Hoeven is working to secure up to $50 million to support the deployment of EOR in North Dakota, having provided $12 million for the effort to date.

The senator also recently secured a commitment from the nominee to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to work with him and the electric cooperatives on using federal credit programs to accelerate this initiative.

Providing regulatory relief and continuing to roll back the burdensome federal rules imposed during the Biden administration.

To this end, Hoeven worked with the Trump administration earlier this year to rescind the Clean Power Plan 2.0 and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule.

Hoeven, along with then-Congressman Kelly Armstrong, previously led bicameral legislation to block the EPA from implementing its new MATS rule.

Hoeven also joined the North Dakota delegation in sponsoring and passing legislation to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Resource Management Plan for North Dakota.

The new RMP would have locked away nearly all federal coal and the majority of oil and gas acreage in North Dakota.

“Crack the Code 2.0 is about realizing the potential of North Dakota’s vast, untapped energy reserves, particularly our oil, gas and coal resources,” said Hoeven. “We know EOR works, because we’ve been shipping CO2 from the Dakota Gasification Company up to Weyburn Field for this purpose for 25 years. Now, due to the changes we made under OB3 and with the federal support we’re advancing, we can utilize this approach in the Bakken. Doing so gives our coal producers a new revenue stream while opening up at least 5 billion barrels of additional oil for production, both of which are supported by our efforts to roll back the regulatory onslaught imposed under President Biden. The result is continued access to reliable baseload power and more domestic oil and gas – that’s a win for American consumers, our economy and U.S. energy dominance.”

-###-

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-after-house-approves-legislation-ending-government-shutdown,Hoeven Statement After House Approves Legislation Ending Government Shutdown,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement After House Approves Legislation Ending Government Shutdown

Senator Helped Negotiate Package to Fund Government, Pass Three Full-Year Appropriations Bills

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives approved legislation to reopen the government. The Senate approved the bill on Monday and it will now go to the President to be signed into law. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped to negotiate the legislation, which includes three full-year appropriations bills, including the final Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

“Now that both houses of Congress have approved this legislation we can get the government reopened for the good of the American people. We worked to negotiate this package to both fund the government but also get us back to regular order with passage of three full-year appropriations bills, including our ag appropriations bill for our farmers and ranchers. That’s the right way to appropriate so we can fund our priorities while finding savings to reduce the debt and deficit. Next, the Senate will take up the Defense Appropriations bill to ensure we properly fund our great troops and their defense missions. This shutdown has gone on for too long and now that the government is funded we can continue moving forward with the appropriations process and the work of the American people.”

More information on the Hoeven-secured priorities in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations bill is available here and the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill here.

###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-honors-nations-veterans-outlines-priorities-included-in-milcon-va-approps-bill,"Hoeven Honors Nation’s Veterans, Outlines Priorities Included in Milcon-VA Approps Bill",2025-11-11,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Honors Nation’s Veterans, Outlines Priorities Included in Milcon-VA Approps Bill

As Member of Appropriations Committee, Senator Included Provisions to Improve VA Health Care and Veterans Cemeteries

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (Milcon-VA) Appropriations Committee, today honored the sacrifices of all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day. Hoeven outlined important priorities included in the Milcon-VA Appropriations bill that was part of an agreement to reopen the government that is advancing through Congress.

“Our nation’s veterans have served honorably and made tremendous sacrifices to secure our liberties and keep us safe. Every day, but particularly on Veterans Day, we pay tribute to these brave Americans and thank them for their service,” said Hoeven. “The best way to honor our veterans is by providing them with the benefits and recognition that they have earned. We included important provisions in this year’s Milcon-VA funding bill to ensure that we keep our nation’s promise to care for those who have served so honorably, including better access to care as well as a provision to help advance the Veterans Memorial Center at the Fargo National Cemetery.”

Hoeven outlined important veterans priorities in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Milcon-VA appropriations bill. In addition to strong funding for veterans medical care and veterans benefits, the legislation:

Supports construction of additional infrastructure at Rural Initiative national cemeteries, like the Fargo National Cemetery (FNC) and ensures the VA prioritizes investments that involve state and local contributions, similar to the Veterans Memorial Center being advanced by the Hoeven-led FNC working group.

Improves veterans access to long-term care by recruiting and retaining more partners and pressing the VA to work toward permanently exempting providers from onerous contracting requirements at the Department of Labor.

Expands access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) by encouraging the VA to continue researching the therapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), while permitting case-by-case referrals for HBOT through VA Community Care.

Additionally, Hoeven secured funding and language supporting military construction priorities in North Dakota including:

Continued nuclear modernization at the Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven included measures in the bill directing the Air Force to prioritize and fund security enhancements at Minot Air Force Base’s existing Weapons Storage Area, and develop a plan, including a construction timeline for Sentinel launch facilities that incorporates concurrent construction at all three missile bases.

$1.5 million in additional funding for the North Dakota National Guard’s Jamestown Readiness Center.

Hoeven-provision to ensure the Army National Guard meets lodging needs at facilities like Camp Grafton’s Regional Training Institute.

The housing project is fully designed, supported by $2 million in funding Hoeven secured in FY2024.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-advances-bill-to-end-schumer-shutdown,Senate Advances Bill to End Schumer Shutdown,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Bolsters National Security, Supports Veterans, Farmers, and Ranchers

***Click hereto download audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After 41 days of gridlock, the United States Senate voted 60 to 40 to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and extend current funding through the end of January 2026. The measure advanced after eight Senate Democrats voted alongside Republicans to move the package forward, which includes three Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills supporting military construction, veterans’ affairs, agriculture, rural development, food safety, technology infrastructure, and national security programs.

In addition to reopening the government, the appropriations package secures funding to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers, fully funds veterans medical care, invests in rural infrastructure, housing, and business development, and supports approximately 300 military construction projects across the nation. Among other provisions, it prohibits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from purchasing technology equipment manufactured by specific Chinese companies subject to influence by the Chinese Communist Party and protects American farmland from being purchased by foreign adversaries.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement, touting the wins included in this funding package:

“The passage of this package is big, it’s a win for our veterans, law enforcement officers, farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers, as well as every American across the nation. It’s really important because not only does it reopen the government, which is the fundamental point, but it pays the people who’ve earned their pay and it keeps vital programs running, all while delivering some key wins for North Dakota which afterall is my first priority. It provides funding for the Jamestown Armory and ensures North Dakota is not neglected when we pursue certain suicide prevention grants for veterans. The bill supports North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers through programmatic funding increases by prohibiting the closure of FSA county offices, which we know are critical to servicing our farmers and ranchers every day. This vote really reflects the Senate’s commitment to those who serve, those who produce, and keep our nation strong. I hope the House will act swiftly to get this across the finish line and reopen the government by mid-week.”

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs:

The Military Construction, VA, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 secures approximately $1.5 million to design an armory for the North Dakota Army National Guard in Jamestown. It also provides $702.8 million for the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program, which serves every county in North Dakota through the Williston, Minot, Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, and Dickinson regional Community Action Agencies.

As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Cramer has fought to ensure veterans receive timely access to high quality mental health care, no matter where they live. In April, Cramer and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the bipartisan Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act to provide priority consideration of SSG Fox SPGP applications to entities in states, like North Dakota, which have not previously received a grant. The CR reflects Cramer’s work to ensure North Dakota veterans receive suicide prevention support if they need it by extending SSG Fox SPGP through Sept. 30.

It provides support for housing, infrastructure, and facilities for U.S. military forces and their families, as well as increased funding for veterans’ health care and mandatory benefits such as disability compensation programs, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation and employment training, and more.

The bill includes a provision prohibiting the VA from purchasing technology equipment from any Chinese manufacturer on a list maintained by the U.S. Department of War (DOW), the U.S. Department of Treasury, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It also provides funding for the DOW military construction program, which supports roughly 300 projects at military installations within the U.S. and around the world; construction and modernization of military infrastructure critical to warfighter readiness; support the integration and deployment of new and emerging technologies.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration:

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 secures food supply chains, provides funding for programs to support producers and rural communities, facilitates agricultural research, and offers nutritional and housing assistance for low-income families.

Specifically, the legislation allocates $10 billion for farm loans, provides $1.4 billion for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and prohibits closures of FSA county offices. It funds essential programs producers rely on to protect crops and livestock from diseases and pests, facilitates domestic and international marketing of agricultural products, and supports frontline personnel for state meat and poultry inspection programs. Notably, it also provides resources to help ranchers comply with electronic identification (EID) tag requirements.

To support rural communities, this bill provides $4.1 billion for rural development programs, $1.7 billion for rental assistance, $26 billion for housing loans, $1.4 billion for water and waste grants and loans, and $1.8 billion to support rural business and industry programs. It also delivers $109 million for rural broadband grants and loans aimed at the nation’s most hard-to-reach areas.

It includes $3.8 billion for agricultural research programs, securing U.S. dominance in agricultural innovation. The Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative ensure American farmers and ranchers can harness cutting-edge technologies while supporting innovation and agriculture production. To build on the Trump administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan, the bill supports efforts to protect the U.S. agricultural economy and maintain U.S. global leadership in animal health, biodefense, and biosecurity.

Further, the legislation maintains the Secretary of Agriculture’s position on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to protect food supply chains from adversaries. It also provides funding increases for the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the FDA’s state inspection programs to improve food safety systems and prevents the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including Delta-8, from being sold online, in gas stations, and corner stores, while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.

The legislation funds food assistance programs for seniors, mothers, and children through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Legislative Branch:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-approves-legislation-to-end-shutdown,Hoeven: Senate Approves Legislation to End Shutdown,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Senate Approves Legislation to End Shutdown

Ag Approps Chairman Helped Negotiate Package Including Three Approps Bills

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate approved an agreement to fund the government and pass three full-year appropriations bills, including funding for agriculture and veterans. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped to negotiate the package, including the final Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

“We worked with Leader Thune and our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to find a solution to reopen the government. Importantly, the package will help us get back to regular order with passage of three of the full-year appropriations bills, including the Agriculture Appropriations bill to support our farmers and ranchers. Under regular order, we are able to fund our priorities while finding savings to reduce the debt and deficit. In addition, the Senate will tee up the Defense Appropriations bill for consideration next week to properly and adequately fund our great troops. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives, and we hope they will quickly approve it to get government open.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-fy2026-agriculture-appropriations-bill-part-of-legislation-to-re-open-government,"Hoeven: Senate Passes FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Part of Legislation to Re-Open Government",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Senate Passes FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, Part of Legislation to Re-Open Government

As Chairman, Senator Worked to Negotiate & Secure Ag Appropriations Bill’s Passage Supporting Ag Research, Producer Access to Credit

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 agriculture funding bill. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to negotiate and secure the legislation’s passage as part of a package to re-open the federal government. This follows Hoeven’s efforts to author the bill and ensure it provides strong support for farmers and ranchers, agriculture research and rural America.

“We advanced this year’s agriculture funding legislation through regular order, showing that we can support our priorities and find savings to reduce the debt and deficit, while securing bipartisan support both in committee and on the Senate floor. That’s the right way to approach our appropriations work, and this agreement to re-open government helps us get that process moving again,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, we worked to ensure our ag funding legislation supports the innovative research being conducted by NDSU, Grand Farm and their partners. At the same time, this bill supports better access to credit and the services our producers rely on at FSA. This is important not only as harvest wraps up, but as we work to advance an ag assistance bill to provide a bridge to help producers until the new reference prices come into effect.”

Agriculture Research

Nearly $2.5 million for the Agricultural Risk Policy Center at North Dakota State University (NDSU), bringing the total funding Hoeven has secured for this initiative to nearly $6.5 million since FY2024.

$5 million for the AgTech Cooperative Agreement between Grand Farm, NDSU and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). This includes $2 million to establish an ARS work site at Grand Farm.

$3 million for continued renovations at the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center in Fargo.

Maintains and strengthens a wide range of agriculture research conducted in North Dakota, funded through ARS and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supporting better yields and disease resistance for crops like wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, potatoes, pulse crops and canola, among others.

Support for Farmers and Ranchers

Helps ensure producer access to credit, providing sufficient funding to meet demand for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) direct and guaranteed operating and ownership loans.

Continues the prohibition on FSA county office closures.

Gives ranchers the necessary resources to comply with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) electronic identification (EID) tag requirement.

This follows Hoeven’s efforts last year to secure an additional 3 million EID tags to prevent an unfunded mandate from being imposed on U.S. ranchers.

Provides $500,000 for blackbird depredation in the Northern Great Plains.

Empowers APHIS to protect the nation’s livestock against diseases, including avian influenza and chronic wasting disease (CWD), while supporting continued CWD research at ARS.

Supports a more competitive and transparent cattle market by:

Providing $1 million to continue Hoeven’s cattle contract library pilot program.

Maintaining funding for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-advances-bipartisan-bills-takes-key-step-toward-ending-schumer-shutdown,"Senate Advances Bipartisan Bills, Takes Key Step Toward Ending Schumer Shutdown",2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 60 to 40, the U.S. Senate voted to proceed to an appropriations package, bringing Congress one step closer to ending the longest-lasting government shutdown in history. Late hour negotiations delivered five additional Democrats, securing the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture. Three Democrats had voted with Republicans during the previous 14 attempts. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) credited the progress to President Donald Trump’s engagement over the past few days.

The vote is the first step of a plan by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to reopen the government. It opens the door to passing a modified version of the continuing resolution (CR) Senate Republicans have now voted for 15 times. The latest version of the CR will extend current government funding levels through the end of January 2026 and incorporate the content of three individual appropriations bills the Senate passed this year, including Agriculture-FDA, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction-VA.

Cramer issued the following statement after voting in favor of the motion:

“After a record-breaking shutdown, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Cramer. “Advancing this appropriations package gets us one step closer to paying the troops, the border patrol agents and all the other federal workers who were inexcusably used as leverage by Democrats. While Chuck Schumer may have believed it got better and better each day the government was closed, the rest of the country paid the price for his political games.”

The Senate will vote to pass the CR and appropriations bills later in the week and send them to the House, which is expected to pass the bills. The legislation will then be sent to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statementafter-senate-advancesagreement-to-fund-government,Hoeven Statement After Senate Advances Agreement to Fund Government,2025-11-09,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement After Senate Advances Agreement to Fund Government

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate advanced a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to reopen and fund the government through January 30. In addition to opening the government, the agreement includes three of the twelve full-year appropriations bills, including the Agriculture Appropriations bill. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped to negotiate the package, which cleared a key procedural hurdle today and is now advancing in the Senate.

“We worked to negotiate a path forward to reopen the government with a short-term CR through January 30 and passage of three of the full-year appropriations bills. These three bills, including the Agriculture Appropriations bill, will help get us back to regular order. This shutdown has gone on for far too long. Let’s get this CR approved so we can get back to the work of the people, and pass the remaining appropriations bills to fund our priorities while finding savings.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-on-senate-floor-open-the-government-and-get-back-to-appropriating,Hoeven on Senate Floor: Open the Government And Get Back to Appropriating,2025-11-08,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven on Senate Floor: Open the Government And Get Back to Appropriating

Measure to Pay Federal Employees Blocked by Democrats

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the Senate floor about the impacts of the ongoing government shutdown and the need to reopen the government and pass the appropriations bills. Hoeven voted last night for legislation offered by Senator Ron Johnson to pay federal employees during the government shutdown, however Senate Democrats blocked the bill.

“The Senate Democrats have not only shut down the federal government for more than a month, but are now blocking pay for federal employees, including our military, national guard, air traffic controllers, TSA agents and others, who have continued to keep our nation safe, and provide essential services to the American people during the shutdown. We need to reopen the government and get back to appropriating, and the best way to do that is to pass a clean, short-term continuing resolution.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-discusses-opportunities-for-usda-loan-programs-to-advance-energy-security-meet-rural-health-care-housing-and-livestock-producer-needs,"Hoeven Discusses Opportunities for USDA Loan Programs to Advance Energy Security, Meet Rural Health Care, Housing & Livestock Producer Needs",2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Discusses Opportunities for USDA Loan Programs to Advance Energy Security, Meet Rural Health Care, Housing & Livestock Producer Needs

Senator Secures Commitment from Rural Development Nominee to Work with Electric Cooperatives on Accelerating Crack the Code 2.0

WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed with Glen Smith, the nominee to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development, the opportunity to leverage credit programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to advance a range of priorities in rural America. Smith currently serves as chairman of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) and a member of the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) board of directors. Accordingly, both in the hearing and a meeting Hoeven held with Smith in September, the senator outlined how Smith’s experience will empower Rural Development to make the best use of its credit programs and how they can work together to:

Advance Hoeven’s Crack the Code 2.0 initiative to double the life of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants and double oil production in the Bakken.

Hoeven stressed that rural electric cooperatives will be a key player in deploying enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies in the Bakken.

The senator secured a commitment from Smith to work with him and the electric cooperatives to accelerate this initiative, which will establish a new revenue stream for coal producers while using EOR to access more than 5 billion barrels of additional oil in North Dakota.

Address health care, housing and other critical needs in rural America.

Hoeven highlighted successful efforts to build state-of-the-art hospitals in communities like Rugby, Grafton and Hazen as a model for meeting similar rural needs.

Hoeven worked as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee to support communities in leveraging both Rural Development loans and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) reimbursement to secure new facilities and vastly improve health care access in those regions.

Expand access to local, small meat processing facilities, giving ranchers more options for selling and marketing their products.

“In North Dakota, we’ve made good use of credit programs at USDA to empower communities to meet local and regional needs, particularly for health care. We’re working to expand upon those efforts, including by working with our rural electric cooperatives to advance Crack the Code 2.0 in the Bakken, and Glen Smith will be an important partner in moving that initiative forward,” said Hoeven. “Whether it’s energy security, health care, housing or better helping livestock producers sell their commodities, we have real opportunities through Rural Development to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. I look forward to working with Mr. Smith to do just that once he’s confirmed to his new role.”

CRACK THE CODE 2.0

This week’s hearing comes as the latest in Hoeven’s efforts to secure federal support for Crack the Code 2.0, which seeks to partner North Dakota’s oil and coal industries to double both the ultimate oil recovery in the Bakken and the operational life of the state’s coal-fired power plants. To move this priority forward, Hoeven:

Is working as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee to secure up to $50 million from the federal government for the project, having provided $12 million for the effort to date.

The initial $12 million award enabled the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) and Chord Energy to conduct 18 months of field and laboratory research to study the viability of injecting CO2 and natural gas liquids into unconventional oil reservoirs for the purposes of enhanced oil recovery.

Hoeven has since secured commitments from Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy Kyle Haustveit to collaborate with North Dakota on this effort and increase federal support from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The federal and state funding will be used to leverage $76 million in private investment, bringing the total project funding to approximately $171 million.

Worked to ensure the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) properly aligned the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR. Doing so:

Provides a strong, long-term incentive for EOR, making it the clear, commercially-viable choice to improve oil recovery in the Bakken.

Establishes an additional revenue stream for coal producers to extend the life of coal power plants and continue providing a critical source of baseload power.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-questions-defense-nominees-at-senate-armed-services-committee-hearing,Cramer Questions Defense Nominees at Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to consider the nominations of Timothy D. Dill to be Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Dr. Maurice L. Todd to be Assistant Secretary of War for Readiness; Michael Payne to be Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE); and Alexander J. Velez-Green to be Deputy Under Secretary of War for Policy.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, questioned Payne about independent assessments being diluted by program advocacy. He also asked Velez-Green about a reported “pause” in Ukraine aid and claims made by Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby that the British Royal Navy should reduce its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

If confirmed as the senior civilian official leading CAPE in the U.S. Department of War (DOW), Payne would be responsible for independent analysis of force structure, program alternatives, cost-effectiveness of defense systems, and advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War. Cramer expressed concern that too often, independent assessments get diluted by program advocacy and can be masked by cherry picking operational scenarios to match or disadvantage the platform being evaluated.

Cramer asked Payne if this happens at CAPE, either inadvertently or through orders by leadership.

“At times in the past, yes, I have seen CAPE take on an advocacy role that I think is inappropriate for an independent analytic organization,” responded Payne. “If confirmed, you have my commitment that my priority would be focusing CAPE on its true mission, which is being an advisory, not a policy making or decision-making organization.”

As Deputy Under Secretary of War for Policy in the DOW, Velez-Green would support the civilian head on strategy, deterrence, alliance management, and doctrinal posture for the United States. Over the summer, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales sailed in the Pacific. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby reportedly made a comment to the British along the lines of “is it too late to call it back? Because we don’t want you there.”

Cramer asked Velez-Green if he had knowledge of the specific discussion. Velez-Green said it would be inappropriate to comment on private discussions between different governments given the setting, but Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has publicly said “it is most important for our European allies to focus on their home theater as they work to build out their capacity.”

“That is the guidance that the Secretary has offered in a public setting, and my personal view is, I think that does make a lot of sense because we believe in a NATO that is as strong as possible,” said Velez-Green. “That is a sincerely held view. My personal belief is we have an interest in NATO being as strong as possible on an enduring basis, with the United States deeply engaged. But for that to happen, especially as we face the rise of China, our allies simply have to step up and focus those resources where they're needed most.”

Cramer asked if anyone coordinated the statement with allies or the U.S. Department of State.

“There are other agencies for whom international relationships are the higher party, not at least, which, of course, is the State Department,” said Cramer. “And so, I'd be interested to know if this position was reconciled with the State Department, or if this was just, again, a private conversation to your point, or for that matter, if other allies were consulted, allies that welcome the British having a ship in the Pacific.”

Velez-Green said the undersecretary has been “ruthless and specific” about ensuring the office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy focuses on military matters, and in this case, thinking about the allocation of defense resources across theaters. He said they also interact with their interagency colleagues to ensure those cross-cutting interagency conversations continue.

Following up on a statement made earlier this week by Austin Dahmer, nominee for Assistant Secretary of War for Strategy, Plans and Forces, regarding a pause in aid to Ukraine, Cramer asked Velez-Green to reconcile statements denying a pause with a DOW publication which states, “some assistance provided to Ukraine — as well as assistance to other nations — is on pause as the Defense Department reviews its own capabilities.”

“I can say categorically, the policy leadership neither ordered nor even recommended a pause to any weapons shipments to Ukraine as it was reported,” said Velez-Green. “Full stop, no caveats. That reporting was completely inaccurate in substantial part because we do not have the authority to order any adjustment to weapons deliveries one way or the other. I am aware of brief disruptions to certain deliveries as a result of the capabilities review that Mr. Purnell referenced in the July 2 transcript that I believe was referenced on Tuesday, but I am not aware of a pause ordered by the Secretary to any of the weapons shipments at the time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-epa-north-dakota-sign-agreement-implementing-coal-ash-recycling-program,"Hoeven: EPA, North Dakota Sign Agreement Implementing Coal Ash Recycling Program",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: EPA, North Dakota Sign Agreement Implementing Coal Ash Recycling Program

Senator Authored, Passed 2016 Legislation Creating State-Led Permitting Program to Provide Regulatory Relief for Coal Producers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement congratulating Governor Kelly Armstrong and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on signing an agreement formally implementing the State of North Dakota’s coal ash recycling and disposal program. The program is made possible through bipartisan legislation Hoeven authored and passed in 2016, which was needed after an EPA rule issued in 2014 correctly regulated coal ash as a non-hazardous material, but did not create an effective enforcement mechanism. The 2014 regulation made coal ash recycling more difficult and created uncertainty and added cost for coal producers.

Instead, the Hoeven-created, state-led approach will:

Provide certainty for the safe and efficient recycling of coal ash, helping to reduce costs and creating a potential revenue stream for coal producers.

Coal ash recycling allows for the productive use of coal residuals in applications like construction, where it serves as an ingredient in a less-expensive, stronger and more durable form of cement.

Coal ash was used in the construction of the North Dakota Heritage Center and the National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College.

Establish an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash, which requires protective infrastructure for disposal sites as well as timely and effective groundwater monitoring, among other standards.

States that choose not to create a permit program or that do not have an approved application from EPA will continue to be regulated directly by EPA.

“We created this state-led program through my legislation passed in 2016 to help give a more stable footing to coal producers, providing efficient, cost-effective methods for recycling and disposing of coal ash,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate Governor Armstrong and Administrator Zeldin for their work to finalize and approve North Dakota’s program. This state-led approach means lower costs and more regulatory certainty, benefiting both the environment and our economy – a win-win for U.S. energy dominance. This is part of our work to maintain access to the reliable, affordable baseload power provided by coal that is available 24/7, no matter the weather.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-klobuchar-lead-bipartisan-effort-calling-on-surface-transportation-board-to-closely-scrutinize-proposed-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger,"Hoeven, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Effort Calling on Surface Transportation Board to Closely Scrutinize Proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Railroad Merger",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Effort Calling on Surface Transportation Board to Closely Scrutinize Proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Railroad Merger

Senators Stress Need to Ensure Competition in Rail Industry, Potential Impacts on U.S. Ag Producers

WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan effort calling on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to closely scrutinize the proposed merger of Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway and ensure competition in the railroad industry over the long term. In a letter to STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs, Vice Chair Michelle Schultz and Member Karen Hedlund, the senators stressed the potential disruptions to U.S. rail service resulting from a merger of this scale and outlined the need for the STB to fully analyze the potential impact on long-term competition, including for agriculture producers, many of whom already face limited options for accessing rail service.

“The STBs post-2001 ‘Major Rail Consolidation Procedures’ were adopted specifically to place heightened emphasis on whether Class I railroad mergers enhance, rather than merely preserve, competition… The proposed UP/NS merger will be the first to come before the Board under these rules, and it is essential that you establish a strong precedent and apply these heightened standards in the way they were intended,” wrote the senators. “If approved, a combined UP/NS would handle more than 40 percent of all U.S. freight rail traffic… a transcontinental system spanning 50,000 route miles across 43 states. Service interruptions of this magnitude could have severe consequences, especially for agricultural producers. Time-sensitive shipments during harvest could be delayed or spoiled, export windows could be missed, and access to global markets could be sharply reduced.

“We look forward to working with you to ensure the STB continues to promote an efficient, competitive, and economically viable freight rail network that serves the public interest,” concluded the senators.

The Hoeven-Klobuchar letter was co-signed by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The full text of the senators’ letter can be found here.

This effort has been endorsed by the following organizations: Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC), Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), American Chemistry Council (ACC), American Crystal Sugar, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Freight Rail Customer Alliance (FRCA), Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, Minn-Dak Farmers’ Cooperative, Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), Montana Agricultural Business Association, National Industrial Transportation League (NITL), National Farmers Union (NFU), North Carolina Agribusiness Council, North Dakota Agricultural Association, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Petroleum Council, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, North Dakota Trade Office and the Southern Rail Commission.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-questions-stratcom-commander-nominee-at-sasc-hearing,Cramer Questions STRATCOM Commander Nominee at SASC Hearing,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to consider the nomination of Vice Admiral Rich Correll to be Admiral and Commander of United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM). As STRATCOM Commander, Vice Admiral Correll would be responsible for strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, global strike, nuclear command, control, and communications enterprise operations, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, and missile threat assessment.

Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota is the only base in the nation to house two legs of the nuclear triad, including B-52 bombers and Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The Sentinel program was established to replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III ICBM weapon system with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. Minot AFB will be the last base to receive Sentinel ICBMs.

If confirmed, Vice Admiral Correll would lead more than 41,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and civilians who execute STRATCOM’s global missions.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee, questioned Vice Admiral Correll about the importance of the Sentinel program, modernizing B-52 bombers, and the United States’ strategic posture and nuclear deterrence.

Cramer, co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, asked what steps are being taken to ensure continuous alert coverage and personnel readiness during construction and testing of the transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel at Minot AFB.

“If confirmed as a STRATCOM Commander, one of my most [important] responsibilities that I see with respect to the transition from what we have to what we need in the future, is understanding where the risks are within the portfolio and where additional risks might manifest themselves, and communicating that with precision, together with the services to make sure that we're accounting for it,” said Vice Admiral Correll. “That's as we transition. […] But I’m comfortable with where we are. We need to continue to keep the pressure on, to pull new capabilities to the left and deliver sooner. But you know, the services are very focused on understanding where the margin is and how our systems are operating, and STRATCOM is as well.”

Cramer then asked if it would be acceptable to reduce our nation’s ICBM count below 400 to accommodate Sentinel’s cost and schedule challenges. Vice Admiral Correll said based on the strategic environment, his military advice would be to not reduce the numbers. He said, “the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts, and each leg of the triad has unique attributes that are really important.”

The conversation then shifted to the strategic, 70-year-old B-52, a long-range, heavy bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds and carrying nuclear or precision guided conventional ordinance. Cramer said, “not to be outdone by the age of missiles, we have some really old airplanes too at Minot,” and noted how the B-52s are due for modernization as well.

Cramer asked Vice Admiral Correll about how STRATCOM plans to sustain the aging B-52 fleet during the transition period before B-21 full operational capability, especially given its critical role in both nuclear and conventional deterrence.

Vice Admiral Correll echoed Cramer’s comment about the importance of B-52s and its “essential nature to our strategic deterrent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-provide-up-to-50-million-in-federal-funding-for-crack-the-code-20-initiative,Hoeven Working to Provide Up to $50 Million in Federal Funding for Crack the Code 2.0 Initiative,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Working to Provide Up to $50 Million in Federal Funding for Crack the Code 2.0 Initiative

Senator Marks $45.1 Million in State Funding Approved for EOR Project by Industrial Commission

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement commending the North Dakota Industrial Commission for approving $45.1 million to advance the implementation of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Bakken. The state funding supports Hoeven’s Crack the Code 2.0 initiative, which seeks to partner North Dakota’s oil and coal industries to double both the ultimate oil recovery in the Bakken and the operational life of the state’s coal-fired power plants. To move this priority forward, Hoeven:

Is working as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee to secure up to $50 million from the federal government for the project, having provided $12 million for the effort to date.

The initial $12 million award enabled the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) and Chord Energy to conduct 18 months of field and laboratory research to study the viability of injecting CO2 and natural gas liquids into unconventional oil reservoirs for the purposes of enhanced oil recovery.

Hoeven has since secured commitments from Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy Kyle Haustveit to collaborate with North Dakota on this effort and increase federal support from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The federal and state funding will be used to leverage $76 million in private investment, bringing the total project funding to approximately $171 million.

Worked to ensure the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) properly aligned the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR. Doing so:

Provides a strong, long-term incentive for EOR, making it the clear, commercially-viable choice to improve oil recovery in the Bakken.

Establishes an additional revenue stream for coal producers to extend the life of coal power plants and continue providing a critical source of baseload power.

“EOR is a longtime proven technology. North Dakota demonstrates that every day through the Dakota Gasification Company, which has been providing CO2 to the Weyburn Field in Canada for EOR for 25 years. Now through Crack the Code 2.0, we’re working to bring this technique to the Bakken to benefit both our oil and coal industries, and today’s funding from the North Dakota Industrial Commission is an important step in that effort,” said Hoeven. “The back-end of this project is already taken care of, as the corrections we made to tax incentives in the One Big Beautiful Bill provide a solid, long-term foundation for using EOR in the Bakken. In addition, we’ve already provided $12 million in federal research funding for EERC and Chord Energy to get this project going on the front-end. We’re working to bring that number up to $50 million to make this initiative a reality, and I look forward to continuing my efforts with Energy Secretary Wright and his team at DOE to do just that.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-resolution-designates-october-26th-as-day-of-the-deployed,Hoeven Resolution Designates October 26th as 'Day of the Deployed',2025-10-26,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Resolution Designates October 26th as 'Day of the Deployed'

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven introduced a resolution declaring October 26th as the “Day of the Deployed.” The resolution calls upon the American people to remember and honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who are, or who have been deployed, on behalf of the United States Armed Forces. As Governor of North Dakota, Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed, on October 26, 2006, and as Senator, has continued to lead the national effort in the U.S. Senate. Presently, more than 2 million individuals serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, including active duty, Guard and Reserve components.

“Freedom isn’t free, and the Day of the Deployed is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice it takes to protect our country,” said Hoeven. “Every year on October 26, we recognize the men and women who leave the comforts of home to serve, and the families who support them with strength and dedication.”

Click here for the full text of the resolution.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-bill-to-pay-troops-and-federal-workers,Senate Democrats Block Bill to Pay Troops and Federal Workers,2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats voted against the Shutdown Fairness Act today, blocking pay for federal employees who are required to work during government shutdowns. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), would have paid Coast Guard and active duty service members, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, federal contractors, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, federal law enforcement officers, and excepted employees in the legislative and judicial branches of U.S. government.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Shutdown Fairness Act:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-american-families-pay-the-price-for-democrats-shutdown,Hoeven: American Families Pay the Price For Democrats’ Shutdown,2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: American Families Pay the Price For Democrats’ Shutdown

Senator Votes Again for Clean CR to Re-Open Government, Supports Legislation to Pay Essential Federal Workers During Shutdown

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate, pressing his Democratic colleagues to re-open the federal government. The senator outlined the impacts of the shutdown on everyday Americans and federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents and air traffic controllers, among others, who continue to work without pay. Accordingly, Hoeven voted again this week for a clean, short-term continuing resolution to fund the government, as well as legislation sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) to ensure federal workers who are deemed essential and work during a lapse in appropriations continue to receive their paychecks. Both measures were blocked by Senate Democrats.

“Today marks the 23rd day of this government shutdown, now the second longest in our nation’s history. Yet despite the mounting consequences, our colleagues across the aisle continue to block a clean, non-partisan continuing resolution, one that would simply keep the government open and allow us to continue our work on the appropriations process. To be clear, there are no Republican priorities included in this bill. It is the same kind of CR that Democrats passed 13 times under President Biden, yet now they refuse to vote for it.

“Instead, my colleagues across the aisle have chosen a different path. They’ve taken our government hostage, demanding more than a trillion dollars in new spending, just to keep the lights on and pay federal employees and our military for a few weeks. That’s not compromise. That’s coercion. And while this political stalemate drags on, American families are paying the price.

“Vital programs that hardworking families rely on, programs they’ve paid into and depend on, have been shuttered or are dangerously close to running out of money. Several states are now warning they will be forced to shut down Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as soon as November 1st if this shutdown continues. That means millions of Americans could lose access to the assistance that helps them put food on the table…The list goes on and on.

“The bottom line is this – we need to get government open. We have offered time and again to work on any and all issues, but you do it once you get the government open. This has gone on way too long.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-talks-agriculture-with-president-administration-officials,"Hoeven Talks Agriculture With President, Administration Officials",2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Talks Agriculture With President, Administration Officials

USDA to Resume Core FSA Operations

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, was at the White House today and discussed agriculture issues with President Donald Trump and key administration officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. Hoeven also met with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today to discuss livestock issues.

“We had a good opportunity to meet at the White House with President Trump, Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer, and later in the day with Secretary Rollins on the need to support our farmers and ranchers through this tough stretch,” said Hoeven. “We had productive discussions about trade, rising input cost and other challenges facing rural communities. We appreciate President Trump and his administration’s commitment to support our producers, including their announcement today that USDA will resume critical FSA services for our farmers and ranchers.”

Hoeven spoke with Secretary Bessent and USTR Ambassador Greer on trade and is hopeful that there will be more forthcoming agriculture sales as a result of meetings with Chinese officials later this month in South Korea.

The senator and Secretary Rollins talked about the importance of supporting cattle ranchers and how producers’ increased input costs over the past four years have impacted beef prices.

This afternoon, Secretary Rollins announced that USDA would resume Farm Service Agency operations, including processing farm loans and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)/ Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payments starting Thursday.

Hoeven will meet additional administration officials in the coming days as Congress continues working to support the nation’s agriculture producers.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/amtrak-completes-over-30-million-in-upgrades-at-north-dakota-train-stations,Amtrak Completes Over $30 Million in Upgrades at North Dakota Train Stations,2025-10-17,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Amtrak Completes Over $30 Million in Upgrades at North Dakota Train Stations

BISMARCK, N.D. – Amtrak announced it has spent over $30 million to complete work at five North Dakota train stations for accessibility upgrades and improvements. These improvements bring the five stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is still delivering for North Dakota,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “It’s great to see Amtrak stations across the state receive some much-needed upgrades. These funds at the Devils Lake, Fargo, Rugby, Stanley, and Williston stations will go a long way increasing safety and accessibility for travelers.”

$10.4 million to the Rugby station for a 750-foot boarding platform equipped with a snowmelt system and accessible paths between the station and parking area. Construction included sloped walkways and safety barriers, LED light fixtures for full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, new signage, and refreshed station interior.

$10 million to the Williston station for a 700-foot boarding platform equipped with a snowmelt system, new parking area, and accessible paths between the station and parking. Construction will conclude next month with completion of sloped walkways, railings, egress, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems, and signage.

$4.5 million to the Devils Lake station for a new 300-foot boarding platform equipped with a snowmelt system, sloped walkways and safety barriers, and accessible paths to the station building. The platform has energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.

$4.5 million to the Fargo station for a 645-foot boarding platform with sloped walkways and accessible paths. Platform construction included railings, egress gates, energy efficient LED light fixtures, detectable warning systems, new signage, and a refreshed interior.

$400,000 to the Stanley station for an accessible path between the station building and parking area, repair and replacement of detectable warning systems on the platform, station signage, and a refreshed interior.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-defense-bill-pay-raise-for-us-service-members,"Senate Democrats Block Defense Bill, Pay Raise for U.S. Service Members",2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Democrats blocked consideration of a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government 10 times and have pivoted to obstructing the passage of individual appropriations bills. Today, Senate Democrats voted against taking up the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Defense Appropriations Act. This key bill would have supported service members and their families, funded military readiness efforts, strengthened the defense industrial base, and more.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of advancing the bill:

“I wish I could say I’m surprised but unfortunately, this has become par for the course for Democrats. They are literally playing not just politics, but hardcore partisan politics with our national security. And of course, that means they’re playing politics with the wellbeing of our troops and their families that sacrifice so much for our freedom and frankly, freedom around the world. Holding the federal government hostage just for these partisan games is awful, it’s so reckless, there’s no way to defend it. Yet somehow, they and their friends and the mainstream media rationalize it. I don’t have much hope that they’re going to come to their senses anytime soon, but we just have to keep trying, keep fighting, keep putting up the bills to fund our government and fund our priorities. Maybe one of these days they’ll come around, maybe after their rowdy weekend with their left-wing nut jobs at the No Kings rallies across the country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-after-senate-democrats-block-consideration-of-defense-appropriations-bill,Hoeven Statement After Senate Democrats Block Consideration of Defense Appropriations Bill,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement After Senate Democrats Block Consideration of Defense Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the Defense Appropriations Bill, legislation to fund the military, including a pay raise for troops, and provide support for key military missions.

“Not only are Senate Democrats refusing to pass a clean, short-term continuing resolution to open the government, now they are blocking consideration of the individual appropriations bills,” said Hoeven. “This legislation would fund a military pay raise and support servicemembers’ families, while providing support for vital defense missions, including in North Dakota. It makes no sense to block national security funding. We’ll continue working to overcome Senate Democrats’ obstruction, so we can get government back open and get back to regular order.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-counter-drone-must-become-a-cornerstone-of-us-defense-strategy,Hoeven: Counter-Drone Must Become a Cornerstone of U.S. Defense Strategy,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Counter-Drone Must Become a Cornerstone of U.S. Defense Strategy

Senator Hosts Air Force Secretary for Virtual Fireside Chat, Outlines Opportunities to Develop New Unmanned Applications, Counter-UAS Capabilities

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a virtual fireside chat with U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink as part of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit in Grand Forks. Hoeven invited Meink to attend the summit as part of his ongoing efforts to leverage North Dakota’s unique UAS ecosystem to:

Advance counter-drone technologies and capabilities to address the threat posed to military and civilian installations by the misuse of unmanned aircraft.

Realize practical applications for drones to strengthen and streamline U.S. military operations.

“Technology is rapidly changing warfare around the world. We developed Project ULTRA because we can’t wait on the traditional acquisition process. The U.S. needed a new approach to keep pace with our adversaries and overcome the serious risk posed by unmanned aircraft, and there is no better place in the world to do that work than Grand Forks,” said Hoeven. “Ultimately, this is about getting to a unified counter-drone defense strategy, like we did with missile defense. That’s the long-term goal, and considering the threat we face, it needs to be a cornerstone of U.S. defense. We’re taking the first steps right here in North Dakota, and we’re able to do so because of the unique set of partnerships and capabilities that we’ve brought together.”

ADVANCING COUNTER-UAS DEFENSES

Hoeven discussed how the prevalence of inexpensive and expendable unmanned aircraft is changing the way war is fought.

Adversaries can easily target high-value assets with minimal expense and risk, while measures to counter such attacks come at a high cost.

The senator stressed that, just as missile defense has been key to national security for decades, counter-drone must become a cornerstone of U.S. defense.

The U.S. needs cost-effective measures to detect and neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft, and Project ULTRA is set to begin work on this priority to enhance the defense capabilities of domestic military installations.

This emerging threat drives home the importance of the two announcements Hoeven made earlier this week, with:

Air Combat Command (ACC) selecting Grand Forks Air Force Base as the home of the new Point Defense Battle Lab.

AeroVironment bringing its counter-UAS system, AV Halo, to GrandSKY.

In addition, Grand Forks Air Force Base is set to begin repairs on its runway, creating a unique opportunity for counter-UAS research and testing.

With the skies clear of other aircraft, GrandSKY will be able to fly small UAS systems at the base to gather data and assess tracking and detecting capabilities.

DEVELOPING PRACTICAL MILITARY APPLICATIONS

Hoeven stressed the benefits UAS provide to routine operations, like resupply missions, helping improve efficiency and, for missions in dangerous areas, keeping servicemembers out of harm’s way.

Such operations tie in directly with Project ULTRA’s current efforts to write the playbook for unmanned military cargo deliveries between bases.

Further, the model used by the initiative outpaces the traditional military acquisition process.

This enables the U.S. to keep up with adversaries and the fast pace of technological development, while staying on-time and on-budget.

With an increased contract ceiling of $100 million and a recent partnership with U.S. Central Command, Project ULTRA is positioned to help all military services to cost-effectively and quickly develop the capabilities they need.

-###-

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-delivers-virtual-remarks-at-19th-annual-uas-summit,Cramer Delivers Virtual Remarks at 19th Annual UAS Summit,2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Announces Grand Forks Air Force Base as Home of the New Point Defense Battle Lab

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) addressed attendees virtually at the 19th annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit and Expo in Grand Forks today. This is a gathering of policymakers and industry leaders from around the world who discuss the regulatory, economic, and technological events in the unmanned aerial system industry.

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, both Cramer and his guest, U.S. Secretary of Transportation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Interim Administrator Sean Duffy, were unable to attend the event in person.

***Click here to watch his full remarks. Click here for audio.***

“This ecosystem I talk about so much that has been developed right there in the very place you’re hanging out, it can’t be overstated,” said Cramer. “Look around, you created what’s going on in the room you’re in right now. […] I’m just standing on your shoulders. […] I just want to say thank you, thanks for what you do, thanks for hanging in there. Be encouraged. […] Keep inspiring me to do what I do. Love you all, I wish I could be with you, and I look forward to doing it again next year. God bless you.”

He also announced Grand Forks Air Force Base will serve as the home of the new Point Defense Battle Lab, which will play a pivotal role in countering the type of small drone warfare being instigated by adversaries.

In his remarks, he said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a memo directing Pentagon leadership from around the world to establish Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 to better align existing authorities and resources to rapidly deliver joint Counter-UAS capabilities to America’s warfighters. Cramer said the JIATF is “critical, it’s urgent, and it needs to happen quickly.” As chairman of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, he immediately started pitching North Dakota’s well-established expertise in this area.

“It was an easy sell,” said Cramer. “[Air Combat Command] and the Air Force are looking closely at Grand Forks and are prepared to announce, if you haven’t heard it already, that Grand Forks Air Force Base is going to play a lead role. In fact, they’ll be the ACC Point Defense Battle Lab to support the Counter-UAS fielding and policy for the Department of Air Force installation defense initiatives. […] Grand Forks is now going to be at the epicenter, not surprising, again with the expertise that’s been developed there. […] It’s pretty cool to see us playing that leadership role in something that’s so relevant and so current right now.”

The ACC’s Point Defense Battle Lab will play a major part in the service’s efforts to develop and test advanced technologies to defend military installations from threats of UAS.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fy26-ndaa-includes-cramer-klobuchar-language-providing-free-credit-monitoring-for-all-service-members,"FY26 NDAA Includes Cramer, Klobuchar Language, Providing Free Credit Monitoring for All Service Members",2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 77 to 20, including U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar’s (D-MN) Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act. The annual bill, which passed the House in September, will now be negotiated by the House and Senate to reconcile differences.

The provision requires the expansion of free credit monitoring for all service members and their families, including non-active-duty reservists and traditional National Guard members. Eligibility was previously limited to active-duty service members and full-time National Guard members.

“Our service members put so much on the line and are frequently deployed or regularly moving, leaving them more vulnerable to financial fraud,” said Cramer. “The inclusion of the Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act in this year’s NDAA is an important step to protecting their financial security.”

“Servicemembers are heroes who put their lives on the line for our nation and we must support them in every way we can,” said Klobuchar. “By making free credit monitoring available for every single member of our armed forces, this bipartisan legislation will improve the financial security of military families and give them greater peace of mind.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-grand-forks-taking-two-major-steps-forward-in-counter-uas-leadership,Hoeven: Grand Forks Taking Two Major Steps Forward in Counter-UAS Leadership,2025-10-13,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Grand Forks Taking Two Major Steps Forward in Counter-UAS Leadership

Senator Worked to Secure Grand Forks’ Selection for Air Force Battle Lab, Bring AV Halo Counter-UAS System to GrandSKY

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – At a reception to kick off the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit today, Senator John Hoeven announced two major developments in counter-drone operations in the Grand Forks region:

The U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) has selected Grand Forks Air Force Base as the home of the new Point Defense Battle Lab.

Hoeven worked with both General Kenneth Wilsbach, former ACC Commander and nominee to be Air Force Chief of Staff, and current ACC Commander General Adrian Spain to advance Grand Forks’ selection.

The battle lab is a key part of the service’s effort to develop and test advanced technologies to defend installations from small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) threats.

The initiative will work to rapidly test and validate technologies that can help defend specific locations against UAS threats, aligning closely with the work of Project ULTRA.

The specific details of the lab’s operations will be developed in the coming months, and Hoeven will work with the ACC to best leverage the existing partnerships in the region.

AeroVironment is bringing its counter-UAS system, AV Halo, to GrandSKY.

Earlier this year, AeroVironment acquired BlueHalo, a company that Hoeven previously worked to partner with the Sky Range program and Grand Forks Air Force Base, having secured a total of nearly $16 million for those efforts.

AeroVironment is now expanding its presence in the state with the installation of AV Halo, which includes the Titan radar system, providing 360-degree long range surveillance.

AV Halo’s command software uses data from the Titan radar to provide a mission-ready operating picture for counter-UAS detection and air domain awareness.

AV Halo will be immediately positioned to support both Project ULTRA’s counter-drone research and testing as well as that of the new ACC battle lab.

“Our efforts to bring both the Point Defense Battle Lab and AV Halo to the region truly add to the unique UAS ecosystem we’ve built in Grand Forks, further securing our role as the premier location for unmanned aviation, including drone and counter-drone research and testing. Importantly, these two announcements work in tandem. The Air Force needs help to address UAS threats, particularly those to our domestic bases, while companies like AeroVironment have the technical solutions the Air Force needs,” said Hoeven. “We’ve seen in Israel and Ukraine how drones are being used to wage war in new and dangerous ways. Between Project ULTRA at GrandSKY, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and the Grand Forks Air Force Base, the capabilities and partnerships we’ve built in this region will enable our nation to tackle this emerging threat.”

-###-

Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-questions-air-force-chief-of-staff-nominee-general-wilsbach-on-importance-of-airborne-isr-modernizing-nuclear-triad,"Cramer Questions Air Force Chief of Staff Nominee General Wilsbach on Importance of Airborne ISR, Modernizing Nuclear Triad",2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing today to discuss the nomination of General Ken Wilsbach, former Air Combat Command (ACC) leader and fighter pilot, to be the 24th U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff. Upon confirmation, General Wilsbach will be responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving both in the United States and abroad.

During the hearing, chair of the SASC Airland Subcommittee U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) thanked General Wilsbach for answering the call to serve.

“I have to say, I can’t imagine a person better prepared and equipped than you are for this job,” said Cramer. “I’m really grateful you said yes, and I’m really grateful you got the call.”

Cramer, co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, began with comments on the Sentinel program, which was established to replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) weapon system with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. Minot Air Force Base (AFB) in North Dakota is the only base in the nation to house two legs of the nuclear triad, including B-52 bombers and Minuteman III ICBMs.

“Thank you for your commitment to the Sentinel program,” said Cramer. “It’s really important to us in Minot, having two of the three legs [of the nuclear triad], to know that we’re going to see it all the way through. We’re not going to stop two-thirds of the way. In fact, I maintain that if you’re going to stop anywhere along the way of developing Sentinel and putting those new missiles in the ground, you shouldn’t start. […] I really appreciate your commitment to Sentinel.”

Cramer then questioned General Wilsbach about his plan for maintaining or acquiring airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as “space catches up to the demand.” For the last two years, Cramer has sent a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Defense in both the Biden and Trump administrations, highlighting concerns over the Air Force’s escalated retirement of airborne ISR capabilities and emphasizing the necessity of the platforms. The letter echoes concerns expressed by combatant commanders on the need for airborne and the insufficiency of space-based ISR alone.

“You’re exactly right,” said General Wilsbach. “The RQ-4, the MQ-9, both are really important to us, especially prior to the conflict. Admittedly, if they go into a high threat environment, they could be shot down. But, if it’s not a high threat environment, we can get great value out of those platforms to do missions that if we didn't have them, and you didn’t have that capability on space, you would have to go without. So as we go forward into the future, we need to balance that. And frankly, it’s a simple math problem, right? You take the entirety of the collection that you wish to have, and you determine what you’re actually collecting. And if you have a big gap, then you can easily make decisions, resource decisions, on what you want to keep and what you can afford to get rid of, because you have, you know, have that capability to collect elsewhere.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-cramer-klobuchars-honoring-our-fallen-heroes-act,"Senate Passes Cramer, Klobuchar’s Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act",2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click hereto download audio.**

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to ensure all first responders who die or become disabled due to service-related cancers are covered under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. While the program recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-related cancers, it does not cover other first responders who lose their lives due to other service-related cancers.

“Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty – which are extreme – and the lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Cramer. “Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects. It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Public Safety Benefits Program covers service-related cancers— honoring the commitment we make to our firefighters like Captain Paidar and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. We must uphold our promise to care for their families.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-fy26-ndaa-invests-in-national-security-and-north-dakotas-defense-capabilities,"Senate Passes FY26 NDAA, Invests in National Security and North Dakota’s Defense Capabilities",2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 77 to 20, the United States Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing more than $900 billion in FY26 for defense-related initiatives. The annual bill accelerates the rebuilding of the United States’ arsenal of democracy by reforming the Pentagon’s budgeting and acquisition process to spur innovation, returning the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to its warfighting mission, and increasing military readiness. Additionally, it strengthens military recruitment and improves service member quality of life, and more.

This year’s NDAA includes bipartisan language, led by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), expanding free credit monitoring for all service members and their families to also include non-active-duty reservists and traditional National Guard members. Eligibility was previously limited to active-duty service members and full-time National Guard members. The NDAA also includes the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, authored by Cramer and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, which supports families of first responders who pass away from service-related cancer caused by carcinogen exposure.

Cramer, chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, celebrated the passage of the NDAA. Cramer is a steadfast advocate for modernization and is a founding co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus.

“As we face what I believe to be the most dangerous national security moment since World War II, this NDAA really recognizes the need to deter our adversaries. And to do that, we need to invest in our offensive capabilities and our innovation, and make generational reforms to the Pentagon, all the while staying focused on the mission at hand,” said Cramer. “This bill does that. Peace Through Strength isn’t just a bumper sticker, as I like to say. It’s a fundamental principle, and if we don’t shake up the status quo and accelerate modernization we’re going to lose. By passing this bill, we’re prioritizing the safety and security of the American people across the board. Thanks to Leader Thune and Chairman Wicker for getting this bill on the floor and getting it the time on the Senate floor it deserves. I really look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, President Trump, and his administration to rebuild what is, and always has been, and must always be the arsenal of democracy.”

The bill included several amendments Cramer supported, including language tightening restrictions on United States investments in China. Specifically, the measure authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to prohibit certain transactions and require notification of U.S. investment in sensitive technologies in China. In addition, the Secretary can impose sanctions on Chinese entities affiliated with the country’s military or intelligence sectors.

Through his role as a member of SASC, Cramer secured funding authorization and the inclusion of language supporting multiple North Dakota-based missions which improve national security. This NDAA will authorize the following projects across the state:

Cavalier Space Force Station (SFS)

“This NDAA supports the development of President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense architecture by requiring the modernization of PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station, making it more relevant than ever against today's threats. The bill puts the legislative muscle behind modernizing our missile defense infrastructure.”

This NDAA provides $22 million for modernizing the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) at Cavalier SFS. PARCS tracks over half of all earth-orbiting objects. This funding will improve the single-faced, multi-function, UHF-Band, and phased-array radar system’s detection of intercontinental and sea-launched missile threats and space domain awareness capabilities.

Cavalier SFS will play a pivotal role in President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome layered missile defense shield for America, which calls for the modernization and expansion of U.S. missile defense capabilities across all domains to protect the homeland against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, and drone threats.

Cramer and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced the bicameral Ground and Orbital Launched Defeat of Emergent Nuclear Destruction and Other Missile Engagements (GOLDEN DOME) Act, a sweeping legislative initiative which complements President Trump’s executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation.

Grand Forks

“With its RQ-4 Global Hawks and strategically important ISR capabilities, Grand Forks Air Force Base significantly contributes to the global engagement mission. This NDAA ensures our country sustains RQ-4 Global Hawk operations and secures funding for future satellite missions to be controlled in Grand Forks.”

This bill includes major investments in Grand Forks Air Force Base’s (GFAFB) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Among other provisions, the bill ensures the base maintains inventory requirements of RQ-4 Global Hawks. Specifically, it provides $17 million for the development of corrosion resistant coatings produced by Technology Applications Group (TAG) in Grand Forks. TAG is a leader in magnesium surface protection and inventor of the Tanite anodize coating.

Additionally, the FY26 NDAA designates $277 million for Tranche 3 of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. According to SDA, Tranche 3 satellites will “accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.” Cramer visited Vandenberg Space Force Base with Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy Meink and viewed 21 satellites from SDA’s Tranche 1 prior to their launch.

Minot

“As the only base to house two legs of the nuclear triad, Minot Air Force Base is the pinnacle of defensive capabilities, serving as a reminder to the nation and world of North Dakota’s exceptional deterrent capabilities. This NDAA ensures we strategically maintain the base’s long-range strike and land-based nuclear response capabilities against global adversaries while fulfilling our commitment to modernize our nuclear arsenal against future threats.”

The NDAA secures $2 billion for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program. The Sentinel ICBM, which will replace 50-year-old Minuteman IIIs, is a key component of the nation’s nuclear deterrence. This is in addition to the $2.5 billion investment included in the budget reconciliation bill, which was signed into law on July 4. The NDAA requires the ICBM count to be a minimum of 400 to adequately deter nuclear aggression.

Additionally, the legislation encourages the U.S. Air Force to establish wing-level additive manufacturing facilities to better support conventional and nuclear long-range strike platforms. The initiative improves readiness while decreasing cost and time of repair.

Fargo

“The Happy Hooligans’ military excellence and airborne ISR MQ-9 mission demonstrates the vital role they play in precision attacks both at home and abroad. My bill with Senator Rosen, the CARE for RPA Crews Act, creates a status identifier for Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews to support our service members and designates resources to keep them fit for duty.”

North Dakota’s “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operate MQ-9 Reapers, which are central to the state’s growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The NDAA establishes a formal combat identifier to recognize the participation of RPA crew members who conduct operations in direct support of combat missions. This identification would enable the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to administer benefits and services for RPA combat-related service.

Cramer and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act which ensures provides RPA crew members with the recognition and access to services they deserve.

North Dakota National Guard (NDNG)

“Our North Dakota National Guardsmen are the best of the best, providing key support defending the homeland and supporting the state and nation. The Jamestown National Guard Armory acts as a central facility for our Guardsmen to maintain their readiness and ensure they’re prepared for state and federal missions.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-nd-delegation-resolution-to-overturn-biden-era-north-dakota-rmp,Senate Passes ND Delegation Resolution to Overturn Biden-Era North Dakota RMP,2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"Resolution Now Advances to President Trump For Signature

***Click here for media resources***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate voted today to pass a Congressional Review Act (CRA) Joint Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the Biden-era Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for North Dakota.

Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the BLM must adopt RMPs to govern how the agency will manage its acreage. In North Dakota, the BLM is the landlord of 58,500 surface acres and 4.1 million acres of mineral estate. BLM lands are supposed to be managed under a “multiple use” framework, meaning oil, gas, coal, grazers, and recreationists alike can use the land in a sustainable manner.

The Biden administration released its final RMP for North Dakota in August 2024, and adopted it in January without incorporating changes the State of North Dakota and its Congressional delegation requested. Instead, the RMP prohibits coal leasing on over four million acres, or nearly 99 percent of federal coal acreage. It also blocks 213,000 acres, or 44 percent, of federally owned fluid mineral acreage, reducing state revenues and weakening American energy dominance. Economic data provided by the state of North Dakota estimates the state would be deprived of $34 million annually in oil and gas royalties and tax revenue alone if the Biden RMP is implemented.

Following the BLM’s refusal to listen to North Dakotans’ concerns regarding the RMP, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) led the delegation in requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to determine if the RMP qualified for repeal under the CRA. Once the GAO determined the RMP qualified for repeal, Cramer and U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval in the Senate and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak introduced its companion in the U.S. House of Representatives. The CRA passed the House in September and the resolution will now advance to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

The North Dakota Congressional Delegation released the following statements after the bill passed the Senate.

***Click here for audio. Click here for video***

“The thing that frustrates me the most is that the Bureau of Land Management, like so much of the federal bureaucracy, simply ignores the law because they don't agree with it,” said Cramer. “They don't have that option. Their resource plan requires the mandate to implement multiple use. Multiple use includes energy development. It includes grazing. It includes agriculture. It includes recreation. It includes development of resources. It's multiple use. And that's what frustrates us and that's why we had to pass this, this resolution of disapproval to roll that thing out of there, make sure it never happens again. And then, of course, we need a new Resource Management Plan that recognizes the modern technologies and recognizes that America's dominance and energy dominance is a national security issue. North Dakota is a main contributor to that goal.”

“Our energy producers operate under the highest environmental standards in the world. But the Biden administration’s North Dakota RMP ignores that record of responsible energy development, locking away taxpayer-owned energy reserves and jeopardizing our nation’s energy security,” said Hoeven.“As manufacturing is brought back home, and new industries are coming online, our need for affordable, reliable energy is only growing. It makes no sense for the federal government to restrict access to the very resources needed to power this economic opportunity. Passing today’s resolution is part of our efforts with President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum to take the handcuffs off and unleash North Dakota’s full energy potential.”

“North Dakotans saw the Biden administration's plan for exactly what it was: a backdoor attempt to shut down fossil fuels in our state. It would have been devastating to our state’s energy industry, the men and women who power it, and millions who rely on its affordable, dependable power,” said Fedorchak.“Today's Senate passage of our CRA is a major victory for North Dakota and for American energy dominance. I appreciate the partnership with Senators Cramer and Hoeven and look forward to President Trump signing this legislation into law.”

Cramer and Hoeven delivered remarks on the Senate floor prior to passage of the resolution, highlighting the disastrous RMP and the need to repeal it.

“Despite vocal objection from the state – the people who actually use the land – the final plan prohibits coal leasing on over four million acres by inexcusably prohibiting all future development outside of a 4-mile radius from current development,”said Cramer on the Senate floor. “Whether it’s coal, oil, or gas, federally-owned subsurface minerals are intermingled with state and private mineral owners. In plain speak, the Biden Resource Management Plan is a de facto taking from the state and private mineral owners. Throughout the rulemaking process this point was made very clear, but BLM ignored them…By passing this resolution, we reassert Congressional intent and remind the bureaucracy our boundaries are not optional.”

“This flawed plan, finalized during the closing days of the Biden administration, undermines BLM’s multiple-use mandate and restricts access to vast, taxpayer-owned energy reserves in North Dakota. It is yet another example of the Biden administration’s overreaching Green New Deal agenda intended to block access to domestic energy production,” said Hoeven on the Senate floor. “I am pleased to join Senator Cramer and Congresswoman Fedorchak in introducing this CRA resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it and help overturn this overreaching and restrictive plan.”

“We urge Congress to pass this Congressional Review Act and reject federal overreach that would devastate North Dakota’s energy industry,” said Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. “The BLM's Resource Management Plan ignores modern drilling technologies and imposes blanket closures that are inconsistent with federal law and harmful to our state’s economy. We thank Senator Cramer for his leadership on this critical issue and call on both chambers to swiftly pass this legislation to protect North Dakota workers and America's energy independence.”

“The Western Dakota Energy Association thanks our Congressional Delegation for their tireless work to pass the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the anti-energy Resource Management Plan,” said Alison Ritter, Executive Director of the Western Dakota Energy Association. “This action is a major victory for common sense and our rural communities. Keeping North Dakota’s towns and schools thriving starts with allowing for the smart, responsible development of our oil and gas resources — the backbone of good-paying jobs, strong local economies, and reliable energy for our nation.”

“The BLM’s plan would shut down nearly all coal development on federal lands in North Dakota, ignoring decades of responsible energy production,” said Jonathan Fortner, Executive Director of the Lignite Energy Council.“We thank our delegation for fighting back. This resolution is a critical step toward restoring regulatory balance and protecting the affordable, reliable power our industry provides.”

“Energy development on federal lands is critical to strengthening America’s energy security, powering our economy, and supporting state and local conservation efforts,” said Holly Hopkins, Vice President of Upstream for the American Petroleum Institute. “Congressional action to rescind this midnight rule by the previous administration to restrict access to North Dakota’s abundant oil and natural gas resources is key to strengthening American energy dominance, and we thank Sen. Kevin Cramer for his leadership.”

“In recent years, BLM finalized multiple RMPs that imposed unnecessary restrictions on federal lands, creating significant barriers to achieving American energy dominance,” said Parker D. Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Exploration & Production Council.“Onshore production from these lands generates substantial economic value at the state and local levels – creating jobs, funding public programs, and supporting communities. AXPC commends Senator Cramer for his leadership on this critical issue and urges swift passage of S.J. Res. 62.”

“This RMP, crafted and finalized under the Biden Administration, created de facto moratorium on new energy development by locking up more than four million acres of land in North Dakota,” said Rich Nolan, President & CEO of the National Mining Association in a letter of support. “At a time when energy demand is soaring, the Biden RMPs for North Dakota ignored the Federal Land Policy and Management Act’s (FLPMA) multiple-use mandate, which charges the federal government with managing public lands according to the principles of multiple use and sustained yield… I urge swift passage of this important resolution to protect access to our public lands and ensure that the long-recognized requirement that multiple-use public lands are available to meet U.S. energy needs.”

“The Biden Administration instituted several RMPs across the West that closed off millions of acres of public lands from multiple uses,” said Melissa Simpson, President, Western Energy Alliance. “For example, the North Dakota plan closed over 200,000 acres, or nearly 45%, of available land from oil and natural gas leasing. The Senate resolution is a welcome step that will bring more certainty to energy development and other multiple uses on public lands managed by BLM.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-cramer-secure-senate-confirmation-of-nick-chase-to-be-us-attorney-for-the-district-of-north-dakota,"Hoeven, Cramer Secure Senate Confirmation of Nick Chase to Be U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota",2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven, Cramer Secure Senate Confirmation of Nick Chase to Be U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today announced the U.S. Senate has confirmed Nicholas W. Chase to serve as United States Attorney for the District of North Dakota. Earlier this year, the senators recommended President Trump nominate Chase to the position and have been working to secure his confirmation by the full Senate.

“The Senate confirmed Nick Chase to be U.S. Attorney for North Dakota because he has the right background and experience to lead federal law enforcement efforts in North Dakota,” said Senators Hoeven and Cramer. “Over his career, he has tried cases ranging from trafficking and child exploitation to fraud and money laundering, and will bring strong expertise to the role. We appreciate his willingness to serve in this position and his work to uphold law and order in our state.”

Chase was appointed by Governor Doug Burgum to serve as a North Dakota District Court Judge for the East Central Judicial District. Prior to that, he served 20 years in the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of North Dakota, including as Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney. A North Dakota native, Chase has worked in private practice and as a federal judicial law clerk.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-confirms-kirsten-baesler-as-assistant-secretary-for-elementary-and-secondary-education,Hoeven: Senate Confirms Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Senate Confirms Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) at the Department of Education. Hoeven has been working to advance Baesler’s confirmation, after recommending her for the position to Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

Baesler was confirmed as part of a Senate measure that allowed 108 civilian nominees, who were favorably reported out of committee, to be considered en bloc. The vote comes in response to unprecedented obstruction by Senate Democrats, who have drug out the confirmation process for every single one of President Trump’s civilian nominees, having refused to allow even nominations with strong bipartisan support to be confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent (UC).

“Kirsten Baesler is the right person for this job. Her career and experience have equipped her well for the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary position, and she will be a great partner as we work to both improve outcomes for students and return decision-making to the state and local levels,” said Hoeven. “Her confirmation is long overdue. Thankfully, working together with my Senate Republican colleagues, we have created a path forward for overcoming Democratic obstruction and confirming these routine nominations, all of whom were approved by the committees of jurisdiction.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/department-of-education-awards-over-950000-to-north-dakota-schools,"Department of Education Awards Over $950,000 to North Dakota Schools",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education announced a total of $956,506 to North Dakota schools and colleges.

A total of $658,478 will be distributed to two schools under the Demonstration Grants for Indian Children Program. These grants fund the development, testing, and demonstration of the effectiveness of services and programs to improve educational opportunities and achievement of Native American children in preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. Turtle Mountain will receive $364,016 and the Devils Lake Public School District will receive $294,462.

The University of North Dakota will receive $298,028 for Indian education and professional development. This funding comes from the Indian Education Professional Development Grant, which trains Native students to become teachers and administrators and helps students pursue careers serving Native communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/dot-awards-over-9-million-to-north-dakota-department-of-transportation-for-roadway-repairs,DOT Awards Over $9 Million to North Dakota Department of Transportation For Roadway Repairs,2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded $9,413,942 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program. The FHWA’s ER Program provides grants to repair eligible roads, bridges, and infrastructure after natural disasters such as flooding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-makes-case-to-reopen-government-stresses-need-for-agriculture-assistance,"Hoeven Makes Case to Reopen Government, Stresses Need for Agriculture Assistance",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Makes Case to Reopen Government, Stresses Need for Agriculture Assistance

Senate Democrats Again Vote Against Clean, Short-Term Continuing Resolution

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the Senate floor to make the case to his colleagues for re-opening the government by passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR). At the same time, the senator outlined priorities Congress should be focused on, including passing the appropriations bills through regular order and providing assistance to help the nation’s agriculture producers. Hoeven stressed the need to push back on China’s attempt to target U.S. agriculture producers and give the administration leverage in its ongoing trade negotiations.

Hoeven’s remarks come as Senate Democrats again voted against a clean, short-term CR to fund the government through November 21. The measure has already passed the House of Representatives and would give Congress additional time to finish the annual appropriations process under regular order.

“Once again, our Democrat colleagues are going to have the opportunity to vote for a clean, non-partisan continuing resolution that would open the government and allow us to continue working on the appropriations process. Unfortunately, the Democrat leadership is demanding more than $1 trillion in new spending just to keep the government open until November 21,” said Hoeven. “Let’s end this Schumer shutdown and pass a clean, short-term CR – the same kind of clean CR mind you that 96 percent of Democrats voted to support 13 times during the Biden administration.

“We need to re-open the government, return to our bipartisan appropriations work, and get back to conducting the business of the American people. A good example is our work to support our ag producers… With harvest season underway, the Trump administration continues to fight for better markets for our farmers and ranchers, but in the meantime, our producers need a bridge to stronger markets and the updated farm safety net, which we included as part of the Big Beautiful Bill.

“Due to China’s efforts to reduce commodity prices and push up the cost of production, our farmers are having a hard time right now. It’s critical that we don’t allow China to use our farmers as a pressure point in negotiations… By acting now and providing assistance for our producers during these negotiations, we will send a very strong signal to China that their tactics will not work. That’s how we secure better market access for our producers for the long-term.

“That’s exactly what President Trump did during his first term in his negotiations with China, when we worked with him on the Market Facilitation Program to keep our farmers in the game. The result was that President Trump secured a $50 billion agreement from China to purchase our ag commodities. That’s what we’re working to do once again, and it’s just one example of the hard work that needs to get done for the American people. So, once again I ask our Democrat colleagues to join with us and vote to get this government open.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/department-of-war-awards-19-million-contract-for-runway-repairs-at-grand-forks-air-force-base,Department of War Awards $19 Million Contract for Runway Repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of War awarded a $19,817,205 task order contract to United Crane and Excavation for runway repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB). Due to cracking and weathering, the runway has deteriorated over time and degraded pavement sections require repair. This task order will provide the necessary materials, plans, travel, labor, and equipment for the construction. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 20, 2026.

“A good runway is the beating heart of any Air Force Base, critical for current and future aircraft operations,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee. “I heard the concerns of our base leaders and worked hard to get this project authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act, knowing how important it will be to the really important future missions of Grand Forks Air Force Base.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-nearly-20-million-awarded-for-runway-repairs-at-grand-forks-air-force-base,Hoeven: Nearly $20 Million Awarded for Runway Repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Nearly $20 Million Awarded for Runway Repairs at Grand Forks Air Force Base

Senator Worked to Fund, Accelerate Construction Project to Ensure GFAFB Can Support a Wide Range of Future Missions

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced that earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded nearly $20 million to United Crane and Excavation of Grand Forks, North Dakota, to conduct runway repairs at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to fund the project through Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations legislation and has been pressing the Air Force to accelerate the project so the airbase can continue to support a wide range of current and future missions, including:

Unmanned operations out of Grand Sky, including MQ-9 flights and Project ULTRA activities.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unmanned flights.

Future intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that Hoeven continues working to advance.

“The Grand Forks Air Force Base is at the center of many critical missions and defense priorities for our nation, including the current Global Hawk mission, the UAS research and development at Grand Sky through Project ULTRA and unmanned border protection operations. That’s why we worked to advance this nearly $20 million award to accelerate runway repairs at the base, which are needed to ensure the base continues to have the capacity to support these and other future missions, like additional ISR operations, that we are working to bring to the base,” said Hoeven.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/army-corps-of-engineers-awards-13-million-contract-for-fm-diversion,Army Corps of Engineers Awards $13 Million Contract for FM Diversion,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded a contract of $13,377,389 to R.J. Zavoral & Sons Inc. for construction of the Southern Reach SE-2B section in support of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

These funds were provided by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) helped craft and shepherd through Congress. The USACE received $437 million in funding under the BIL to complete all remaining federal work for the diversion project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/general-wilsbach-nominated-to-serve-as-next-air-force-chief-of-staff,General Wilsbach Nominated to Serve as Next Air Force Chief of Staff,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here to download audio.***

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Air Force announced the nomination of General Kenneth Wilsbach, former Air Combat Command (ACC) leader and fighter pilot, to serve as its next Chief of Staff. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, issued the following statement applauding the announcement:

“I know Ken Wilsbach pretty well, and I can’t think of a more competent, better prepared, and experienced General to lead the Air Force as its Chief of Staff than General Wilsbach. His experience as a fighter pilot and his background in leadership of the Air Force and the Pacific uniquely qualifies him for the current geopolitical fight we’re in. Certainly, his command of Air Combat Command makes him well aware of North Dakota’s assets and committed to North Dakota’s assets. He is the right man at the right time for the job, and I’m grateful to the President for choosing him. I could not be more pleased with an announcement than I am with this announcement. I look forward to doing everything I can on the Armed Services Committee and on the Airland Subcommittee as its leader to get him confirmed as quickly as possible.”

General Wilsbach joined Cramer in visiting Grand Forks Air Force Base to discuss base quality of life, current and future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the growth of the Space Development Agency, and other potential missions. They also visited the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo.

As the 24th service chief, General Wilsbach will be responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces serving both in the United States and abroad. Through this position, he will serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and act as a military adviser to the Secretary of War, National Security Council, and the President.

General Wilsbach’s nomination will advance to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If confirmed, he will succeed General David Allvin, who is set to retire once General Wilsbach is confirmed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hhs-awards-1635823-to-cankdeska-cikana-community-college,"HHS Awards $1,635,823 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1,635,823 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten. These funds are distributed through the Tribal College and University Head Start Partnership Program, which seeks to increase the number of qualified staff working in Native American Head Start programs within tribal nations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-dot-awards-260009-to-north-dakota-agencies-for-pipeline-safety,"Sen. Cramer: DOT Awards $260,009 to North Dakota Agencies for Pipeline Safety",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced an award of $260,009 to North Dakota agencies.

$211,834 to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to complete 395 emergency responder trainings through various HAZMAT courses and full-scale and table-top exercises. This funding comes through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant.

$48,175 to the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop and implement the PSC’s damage prevention program. This funding is distributed through the FY 2025 Pipeline One Call Grant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-democrats-block-second-clean-funding-measure-causing-government-shutdown,"Senate Democrats Block Second Clean Funding Measure, Causing Government Shutdown",2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the second time in as many weeks, Senate Democrats blocked a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through Nov. 21, initiating a government shutdown and cutting off access to many programs and services. Because the CR previously passed the House of Representatives, the bill would immediately become law and fund the government upon Senate passage and being signed by President Trump.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Republicans' clean CR, and against the Democrats’ partisan bill:

“Instead of voting to keep the government open and protect services their constituents rely on, Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats prefer to make Americans suffer to score political points. These major health care policy changes Senate Democrats are demanding should be negotiated through the legislative process, not a short-term continuing resolution. Their wish list of demands is not serious and is an act of extortion at the expense of troops, border patrol agents, farmers, and the very Americans we represent. The Schumer Shutdown was caused by Democrats, and Democrats alone. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can come to their senses, put their partisan games aside, and pass a clean continuing resolution funding the government.”

Rather than support the clean short-term extension, Senate Democrats instead proposed an alternate CR, which included more than $1 trillion in unrelated spending. The alternate proposal, which also failed to pass, reflects spending demands and priorities already soundly rejected by the American people, including cutting $50 billion for America’s rural hospitals and providing free health care to illegal immigrants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-of-education-awards-21-million-to-north-dakota-colleges,U.S. Department of Education Awards $2.1 Million to North Dakota Colleges,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education announced $2,139,556 for student support services at six colleges across North Dakota. The Student Support Services Program provides funding to assist students with basic college requirements and motivate them toward degree completion. The funds will be distributed as follows:

$523,609 to North Dakota State University

$416,200 to the University of North Dakota

$348,514 to the University of Mary

$306,505 to Lake Region State College

$272,364 to Minot State University

$272,364 to Turtle Mountain Community College",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-government-shutdown,Hoeven Statement on Government Shutdown,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven Statement on Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after Senate Democrats again refused to pass a clean, short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through November 21. The U.S. House of Representatives has already approved the legislation.

“Throughout this year, we have taken a bipartisan approach to the annual appropriations process in the Senate, with the bills we’ve advanced so far receiving broad support from both parties in committee and on the Senate floor. Senate Democrats have decided to suspend this process and force a shutdown over a list of partisan demands totaling more than $1 trillion. During President Biden’s term, Congress passed 13 clean CRs, with 96 percent of Democrats voting in support of those bills, so why are they not willing to join us in passing a clean, short-term continuing resolution now? This would keep the government funded and give us time to finish our appropriations work under regular order.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-corps-awards-more-than-13-million-for-continued-advancement-of-fargo-moorhead-flood-protection-project,Hoeven: Army Corps Awards More than $13 Million for Continued Advancement of Fargo-Moorhead Flood Protection Project,2025-09-29,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,hoeven,https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Hoeven: Army Corps Awards More than $13 Million for Continued Advancement of Fargo-Moorhead Flood Protection Project

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a more than $13 million contract modification to R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc. of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, for continued construction of the Fargo-Moorhead region’s permanent flood protection project. The funding will support construction on the Southern Reach SE-2B segment of the project’s southern embankment, a key component of the region’s comprehensive flood protection. The modification brings the total contract value to nearly $60 million with work scheduled to be completed in Fargo by October 23, 2027.

“This latest funding builds on our longstanding efforts to deliver permanent, comprehensive flood protection for the Red River Valley,” said Hoeven. “For more than a decade, we’ve worked to secure support and move this project forward. Each milestone brings us closer to protecting homes, businesses, and communities across the Fargo-Moorhead region.”

This contract follows Hoeven’s efforts to:

Pass 16 acts of Congress, including:

9 legislative provisions, such as the project authorization in 2014 and a new construction start authorization in 2016.

7 separate appropriations to fund the project’s construction.

Fully fund the $750 million federal cost share.

Hoeven helped renegotiate the Project Partnership Agreement to increase the federal funding commitment from $450 million.

Advance this as the first major Army Corps project to utilize the public-private partnership (P3) split-delivery model and a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.

Coordinate efforts across four federal agencies.

Secure funding and flexibility to concurrently raise I-29 and begin excavating the Red River Control Structure to keep the project on schedule.

Resolve the easement issue on lands purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding, allowing the project to use an alternative route.

This work is part of the $437 million federal funding award that Hoeven secured in 2022 to support comprehensive flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead region.

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-turner-announce-over-600000-in-tribal-hud-vash-grants-to-standing-rock-sioux-tribe-turtle-mountain-band-of-chippewa-indians,"Cramer, Turner Announce Over $600,000 in Tribal HUD-VASH Grants to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians",2025-09-26,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,www.cramer.senate.gov,cramer,https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"***Click here for audio***

BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Banking Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner announced Tribal HUD-VA Supportive Housing (VASH) grants for two North Dakota Tribes for veteran housing programs totaling $608,450.

$348,194 to the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority

$260,256 to the Standing Rock Housing Authority

“Across North Dakota and across the entire nation, Native Americans serve at the highest rates of any demographic group in our country’s armed forces and their willingness to serve frankly deserves the highest thanks from a grateful nation,” said Cramer. “These grants from the Tribal HUD-VASH program are an excellent tool to combat tribal veteran homelessness, and it’s really an honor to announce it with Secretary Turner today.”

“It is an honor to see how the Tribal HUD-VASH program is creating economic opportunity and pathways to self-sufficiency for Native American veterans,” said Turner. “Today’s funding announcement will expand the impact of this program to more Native American veterans across the country.”

""The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is deeply grateful for Secretary Turner's and Senator Cramer's support for affordable housing for our at risk and homeless Veterans,” said Chairwoman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Janet Alkire. “Our Tribal Veterans served to protect us and it is up to us to provide for them. The grant funding that our Housing Authority receives through the Tribal HUD-VASH program is a critical part of providing the housing our Veterans need and deserve. Providing housing on our Standing Rock Reservation is one of our highest priorities. The United States has an ongoing commitment under our 1851 and 1868 Treaties to provide housing on our Reservation. Our Tribal Leadership and Tribal Housing Authority look forward to engaging with Secretary Turner to find innovative solutions that will continue to expand our housing resources for our Veterans and all tribal members.""

Secretary Turner was previously scheduled to be in North Dakota for the grant announcement at Standing Rock but was unable to attend.

The Tribal HUD-VASH program combines rental assistance and administrative fees from HUD with case management, clinical and supportive services provided by the VA. It is specifically for Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Native Americans serve in the military at five times the national average and have the highest per-capita service of any ethnic group. Cramer is a strong proponent for HUD-VASH funding and has consistently advocated for robust annual appropriations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z