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.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=475616b6-e73b-4364-81ae-852d6a1137c2,Heitkamp Statement Ahead of One-Year Anniversary of Train Derailment in Casselton,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the derailment of a train carrying crude oil near Casselton, North Dakota on December 30, 2013. Over the past year, Heitkamp has worked with federal and local agencies to determine what happened at the derailment in Casselton, put in place policies that help prevent future derailments, and equip North Dakota first responders with the training and resources they need to respond such emergencies if they occur. In the wake of the train derailment in Casselton, the question on everyones mind was what if? said Heitkamp. What if families had been hurt? What if homes had been damaged? Immediately, I started working with local fire chiefs and officials to get to the bottom of what happened. And I have been pressing our federal agencies for improved rail safety standards to help prevent future train derailments, and pushing on the railroads to make needed investments. We have seen progress on all fronts, but there is still much work to do. Our emergency responders are often our first line of defense and they usually do it without pay. Its on all of us to make sure they have the training and resources they need to protect our families and communities. Thats why I fought to secure federal funding for state-of-the-art training for our responders, and its why I wrote my RESPONSE Act, which would see to it that emergency teams continue to get the best possible tools to keep us safe. The most recent derailment near Casselton just last month reignited public focus on ramping up these public safety measures because even though weve been lucky that both the derailments didnt hurt anyone, we know we cant rely on luck alone. We have come a long way in the past year, but must keep pushing to get our safety standards up to pace, and to make sure our emergency response teams get the training they need. Because we cant let North Dakota families live in fear of what if? They need to know were working from all sides to keep them safe and thats exactly what Ill continue doing every single day. Since the derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp has been unwavering in her commitment to understand what happened, to push on all sides to advance improvements for rail safety, and to secure top-notch training for emergency responders. She has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) including hosting Secretary Anthony Foxx in North Dakota where they spoke about rail safety issues the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as other federal, state, and local officials, and industry. Heitkamp has long sought a holistic approach to improving safety on the rails by: Working to prevent future train derailments. The National Transportation Safety Board released its Preliminary Report on the Casselton train derailment in January 2013 which showed that 18 of the 20 derailed tank cars were punctured during the derailment of a train in Casselton last December. Heitkamp has continued to stress the need to update standards for tank cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes and train speeds, and enhanced track inspection standards for the rail lines carrying crude oil. Earlier this year, Heitkamp called on the Federal Railroad Administration to increase track inspections of the rail lines around Casselton. She also pushed the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety (PHMSA) and industry to share information so the PHSMA could finalize its study on the quality and characteristics of crude, and offer a rule. And she has pressed the railroads to make needed improvements to the tracks. In July, the DOT released new rules specifically responding to issues she called on the agency to address, including updated standards to tank cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes, and improved inspection standards for rail lines carrying crude oil. Since then, Heitkamp has continued to press DOT to finalize its railroad tank car safety rule so that is efficient and workable, as quickly as possible. Heitkamp helped bring together Senators, federal government regulators, and energy and railroad industry leadersfor a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing in April to examine ways to improve rail transportation safety and encourage all sides to work together to make that possible. She also participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in April where she called for needed investments to keep our railways safe for passengers and communities. Better preparing for incidents for when they do occur. Heitkamp has stressed that oil will move on the rails for the foreseeable future, and while we need to do everything possible to prevent incidents, we also need to better prepare in case they do occur. She has continued to bring all sides together to help foster better coordination between rail and oil industries, federal government, and local communities. She has continued to work with Burlington Northern Santa Fe and other railroads. Giving first responders the training and resources they need to prepare for new hazards. Heitkamp wants to make sure first responders in communities near railroad tracks get quality training and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications to respond to potential incidents on the rails and make sure North Dakota families and their communities are safe. In June, Heitkamp introduced her RESPONSE Act to better prepare emergency personnel in North Dakota and across the country tasked with responding to potential incidents, such as derailments of trains carrying materials like crude oil. That same month, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $2 million in federal funding, which Heitkamp pushed for, to train first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail. In March, Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to testify at a Senate Committee on Homeland Security hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. At the hearing she pressed a top FEMA official to release federal funding for a one-of-a-kind training facility that helps train first responders to handle derailments of trains carrying potentially hazardous materials, like crude oil. Less than a year later, Heitkamp announced $5 million in federal funds were finally provided. Heitkamp continued to fight for funds for rail safety and web-based emergency response training, which were included in this years appropriations bill that Congress passed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2cf1fb09-39ef-457b-ad70-41206cd4b168,Heitkamp Presses Air Force on Keeping Commitments to General Aviation & Businesses,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today pressed the U.S. Air Force to improve its plan for the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) airspace so it better addresses the concerns of local communities and businesses. These improvements will help the Air Force keep the commitments it has made to protect the commercial and safety interests of surrounding communities and local aviators. Heitkamp called on the Air Force to provide better and more information to general aviators, and to make sure aviators, as well as businesses which use the airspace and impacted medical facilities, have direct access to real-time information about Powder River activity. Making sure our aviators, as well as local airports, businesses, and hospitals have a direct line to Air Force operations for Powder River is absolutely critical, said Heitkamp. While Im encouraged by the Air Forces commitment to heeding the economic concerns of surrounding communities, we must make sure aviators and businesses can easily access the information they need and get their questions answered. Thats why Im asking the Air Force to take additional steps to make sure it is proactively working with these groups, and remedying their concerns. If the Air Force falls short of its commitments, businesses and livelihoods could be threatened and thats unacceptable. Ill continue working together with the Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration, and our local towns and businesses to strike the right balance between strengthening our national security and allowing our regional businesses to flourish. Heitkamp is calling on the Air Force to make important improvements and provide additional details on its plans to heed the concerns of local pilots, airports, businesses and hospitals. Heitkamp is calling on the Air Force to: Better communicate with general aviation, including pilots and businesses. The Air Force needs to proactively reach out to pilots and businesses so they have direct access up-to-the-minute information on Powder River activity, and can get their questions answered without having to go through unneeded bureaucracy. Address airspace for non-emergency medical flights. The Air Force already has a plan in place to help emergency medical flights quickly exit the region, but it must also reach out to medical facilities throughout the four-state region and prioritize access for non-emergency medical flights that transport doctors to rural hospitals to make sure access to care is not negatively impacted. Improve flexibility for local businesses. Any Memos of Understanding with area businesses must contain sufficient flexibility to allow regional businesses using airspace to adapt to changing situations, such as weather. The Air Force must also proactively reach out to Bowman Airport officials to make sure its overall plan contains sufficient flexibility to allow for the expansion of the facility. Click here to read Heitkamps letter from December 23 to U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=52955af3-755b-4b8b-8c65-2e54a2a0db30,Heitkamp Offers Christmas Message to North Dakotans,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today offered the following Christmas message to North Dakotans: As families travel from far and wide to come together around this time of year, I hope you also take a moment to think about those who dont have a place to go, are struggling to make ends meet, or are dealing with the heartbreak of losing loved ones. As North Dakotans, we know that times can sometimes be tough. We have faced severe winters, crop losses, and economic stresses. But we also know the importance of resilience because we always come out on top. But we cant do it alone. We need the support of our family, friends, neighbors, and others in our communities. We are a people that put aside our differences and help each other in good times and bad. The holiday season is a particular reminder of that ethic and of why we are proud to be North Dakotans. This season, and throughout the entire year, I encourage all North Dakotans to put this spirit into action. Whether its visiting folks at your local senior center, volunteering your time and energy at a food bank or homeless shelter, giving a gift for an Angel Tree, or donating some of the clothes you no longer wear, there are countless ways to give back to your community. I know many of us can be incredibly busy with our day-to-day lives. But we cant ever forget to press pause and lend a hand to our neighbors in need. Its the North Dakota way. God Bless and Merry Christmas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=665cf67d-0060-43f4-be32-7964f7d5ab65,Heitkamp Announces Bismarck Small Business Owner to Join National Womens Business Council,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here for photo of Heitkamp and Kari Warberg Block from June 2013 BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today announced that a Bismarck-based small business owner will join the National Womens Business Council. The Council is a federal group comprised of 15 women from around the country that advises the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on economic issues and concerns relevant to women business owners throughout the country. Heitkamp recommended Kari Warberg Block for a position on the National Womens Business Council based on her strong business leadership and innovative vision as Founder and CEO of Bismarck-based Earth-Kind Inc., a biobased manufacturing company that produces organic rodent repellent and air fresheners. In June 2014, Warberg Block participated in an event in Washington, at Heitkamps invitation, to provide a firsthand perspective on the economic and environmental opportunities that biobased manufacturing provides. Last year, Warberg Block was named North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year by SBA for her outstanding success in starting and growing a small business in the state. In North Dakota and throughout our country, small businesses employ folks from all walks of life, help families put food on their tables, and keep our economy moving forward. But success on Main Street wouldnt be possible without the hard work and tenacity of small business owners like Kari, said Heitkamp. She is such a passionate woman leader and it was a great honor to recommend Kari for a position on the National Womens Business Council, where she will bring a unique and important perspective to solving some of our nations biggest economic challenges for years to come. I feel so honored to have received a congressional nomination to serve in this capacity by Senator Heitkamp, said Warberg Block. Its an important role, as we are witnessing the most unprecedented growth in the number of women starting businesses in history, including in our own state.I feel confident that my experience, ability, and interests will all translate into measureable value, as will my excitement for this wonderful opportunity to support other women who are starting, growing, or scaling a business. Members of the National Womens Business Council are appointed by SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to serve three-year terms. The Council conducts research, communicates its findings, and works to expand and improve opportunities for women business owners throughout the country. In North Dakota, more than 96 percent of employers are considered small businesses and they employ more than 60 percent of the states private-sector workforce. In February 2013, Heitkamp helped introduce theMarketplace Fairness Act of 2013, which the Senate passed, to level the playing field for brick and mortar shops by giving states the flexibility to collect already-required sales taxes on online purchases. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d59cae92-dc37-416e-bfb7-9998039c2dc6,Heitkamp Statement on EPA Designation of Coal Ash as Non-Hazardous,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the new federal decision designating coal ash as non-hazardous material, and to leaving decisions on how to enforce new standards for disposal to the states: In North Dakota, we understand the value of our resources and we work hard to make them count, said Heitkamp. Thats why Ive been pushing our federal agencies not to overregulate materials that we have used safely in construction projects for years like coal ash by making it clear that these materials are not hazardous and that the federal government trusts our states to make responsible decisions when it comes to disposing or recycling this material. Ive been making this point to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for a long time now both before she was confirmed as administrator, and when I brought her to North Dakota last winter and Im glad to see that her agency took our states needs to heart. As we continue to look at the details of these new standards to fully understand how they will impact North Dakota, Ill keep seeking input from our utilities, construction industry, and environmental representatives throughout our state to make sure we provide as much certainty for them as possible, while maintaining the proper safeguards to make sure coal ash is managed in a safe and responsible way. Heitkamp has long held the position that coal ash should be treated as non-hazardous material, and therefore should not be classified or regulated as a hazardous substance. In multiple conversations with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy both before McCarthys confirmation as the head of the agency, as well as during her visit to North Dakota in February Heitkamp pushed for the EPA to issue standards clarifying that coal ash is not hazardous, to put in place tough but reasonable monitoring and disposal requirements, and to allow states to determine how they want to recycle the material, so that it can continue to be re-used for new buildings and construction in North Dakota. Todays announcement from the EPA puts in place standards to make sure that coal ash, which the agency designated as a non-hazardous material, is stored away from environmental areas, including wetlands and earthquake zones. The rule relies on statewide action and public input for enforcement, and does not allow for any federal intervention. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ce76105d-66ea-4cd7-b455-7277efcaa7ab,Heitkamps Anti-Drug Trafficking Bill Passes in Senate,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced bipartisan legislation she helped introduce to combat international drug trafficking a problem which is unfortunately now coming directly into the U.S, and specifically North Dakota, passed unanimously in the Senate. Building on her work to combat drug crime and trafficking in North Dakota, Heitkamps bipartisan legislation would equip federal law enforcement with new tools to prosecute drug traffickers in foreign countries, and to tighten laws against them. As North Dakotas population has skyrocketed and more lucrative jobs are available in the oil patch, it has also brought some new challenges as major drug cartels and criminal gangs are now coming directly to the state to sell and traffic illegal drugs. This bill continues Heitkamps efforts through her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to combat drug crime and other safety challenges that have emerged in North Dakota. Heitkamp also visited Mexico earlier this year and met with Mexican officials who spoke of international cartels going to the U.S. to traffic illegal drugs. When Heitkamp was Attorney General, tracings mass quantities of drugs had to go three or four steps back to Mexican cartels, usually coming from Denver or the southwest, but now there is a direct link to the state. Mexican officials also stated that these cartels are involved in human trafficking as well, now that they have established routes in North Dakota. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate this week, was not taken up by the U.S. House of Representatives before it adjourned for the year. Heitkamp will work with bipartisan group of Senators to reintroduce and pass the bill again in the next Congress. International drug trafficking is a very real problem in North Dakota said Heitkamp. As North Dakota has grown so quickly, international drug traffickers have unfortunately taken advantage of a law enforcement infrastructure that hasnt been given the necessary resources or personnel to meet the rapid growth. We must tighten the laws that have allowed these criminals to make massive inroads across our borders with impunity and thats exactly what this bill would do. As North Dakotas former Attorney General, Im intimately familiar with our states local and state law enforcement capabilities, and this bill would provide the necessary tools to go after foreign gangs and cartels that have used loopholes in our system to avoid prosecution for drug trafficking. We must stop these dangerous actions so we can keep North Dakotas communities strong and safe well into the future. Specifically, Heitkamps Transnational Drug Trafficking Act would work to cut off the supply of illegal drugs sold within the U.S. by making sure that strict penalties apply to producers in foreign countries who illegally ship chemicalsinto the U.S., or neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada,with the express purpose of making and selling illegal drugs. The bill also establishes new penalties when individuals have reason to believe that the products or drugs they are sending will result in drug trafficking within the United States. Heitkamp has been leading the fight against crime and drug crime in North Dakota and has worked to combat drug crime in the state since serving as North Dakotas Attorney General. In August, she joined the White House Drug Czar in Minot to announce a new national strategy to combat drug crime and trafficking across the country, with a particular focus on addressing the growing drug problems in North Dakota. The new strategy continues a strong commitment made by the former White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske when Heitkamp brought him to North Dakota in July 2013 to combat drug crime and abuse in North Dakota, especially in the Bakken. During that visit, Heitkamp and Kerlikowske spoke with local law enforcement and tribal officials about the major increase in drug crimes in the oil patch which are spreading to other areas. Just four months after that visit, the federal government announced aseries of steps to help reduce drug crime and abuse in the Bakken, including naming Williams County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, making it eligible for more federal funds to combat this problem. In January 2014, Heitkamp welcomed news that a special prosecutor will be placed in western North Dakota to help fight drug-related crimes in the states oil patch. She also brought together leaders from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in March to address the unique drug abuse and trafficking challenges Indian Country is facing, and has brought the law enforcement challenges in Indian Country directly to the attention of Attorney General Eric Holder. Heitkamp also visited Mexico in April where she met with top Mexican officials about sex trafficking and drug issues, including drug trafficking which Heitkamp specifically brought up. At the meeting, these officials agreed that Mexican drug cartels had a direct route to North Dakota. This fall, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to tackle emerging challenges facing North Dakota in the wake of the states energy boom, including drug crime and trafficking. Specifically, Heitkamp is leading a Strong & Safe Communities Task Force comprised of experts, advocates, and officials throughout the state who have a strong understanding of some of these new challenges. The Task Force will also look into increases in human trafficking, infrastructure stress, the increased transportation of crude oil by rail, as well as other issues. The group, led by Heitkamp, will come up with recommendations over the next five years on the best ways to address issues including domestic abuse and violence, so that Heitkamp can work toward policies that keep our communities strong and families safe in their homes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4dc702cb-4f50-4af5-8246-7ee7d7684753,Heitkamp Welcomes Bismarck Student as New U.S. Senate Page,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**Click Here for Photo of Heitkamp and Sedalia Mahlum from July 2013** WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a North Dakota high school student from Bismarck has been selected to be a U.S. Senate page in the upcoming Congress. Heitkamp selected Sedalia Mahlum to join the U.S. Senate page program, in recognition of her academic excellence and leadership in her school and community. Mahlum is currently a junior at Century High School in Bismarck, and will participate in the page program this coming semester from January to early June 2015. Participating in the U.S. Senate page program provides incredible opportunities for some of our nations brightest and strongest leaders, said Heitkamp. Its a privilege to sponsor and appoint Sedalia as a U.S. Senate page, and I know her hard work and passion in the classroom will be a driving force as she continues her educational experience in Washington this semester. Im proud of her commitment to North Dakota and this country, and honored to have sponsored her for the program. And I look forward to seeing her in the halls of the Senate in the coming months. Hopefully more high school students from across our state will consider applying to this unique and distinguished program in the future. I thank Senator Heitkamp for appointing me to the Senate page program this upcoming semester, said Mahlum. Im excited to learn firsthand about the U.S. government and how Congress works in Washington, D.C., and I look forward to all the great experiences Ill have with fellow leaders from around the country thanks to this wonderful opportunity. In July, Heitkamp met with Mahlum and the Young Democrats of America to discuss several issues, including student loan debt and voting rights. During their time in the program, pages complete a semester of high school in Washington, D.C. while also working in the U.S. Senate. Pages attend morning classes beginning at 6:15 a.m. at the United States Senate Page School before the Senate session begins for the day where they get a firsthand look at how the Senate works every day. Senate pages help deliver documents between Senators offices, the two chambers of Congress, committees, and the Library of Congress. Pages also help prepare the Senate chamber for each days business and assist in the Senate chamber and its cloakrooms. The Senate page program consists of 30 students each page session, 16 serving the majority party and 14 serving the minority party. Notable alumni of the program which was created by Senator Daniel Webster in 1829 include current U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), and former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). Senate pages must be juniors in high school, 16 or 17 years old, and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. For more information about the page program, click here or contact Heitkamps office for more details on how to apply. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d363429b-ada1-4e9f-bea4-44fac7faa1f5,Heitkamp: Change to U.S.-Cuba Policy Supports Ag Exports for ND Farmers,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, today released the following statement on new federal action that will help expand export opportunities for United States agricultural products and equipment to Cuba. Heitkamp has continued a long-fought push to expand agriculture export access to Cuba from the Dakotas and Montana, which were also advocated by Senators Byron Dorgan, Kent Conrad, and Max Baucus when they were in the Senate. In February 2014, Heitkamp and U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) visited Cuba and met with several officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Antonio Carricarte, to discuss the economic benefits of expanding agriculture exports from North Dakota and the U.S. to Cuba. During their meetings, Heitkamp heard an increased willingness from Cuban officials to engage more regarding U.S. exports, and todays action aligns with what Heitkamp learned during her visit. To help our farmers do their jobs, we need to make sure they have export opportunities to ship their products around the country and the world, said Heitkamp. Cuba is a prime market for North Dakota farmers it imports the vast majority of its food, and there is strong demand for many of the products predominantly grown in our state, both for feeding the Cuban people and its growing agricultural sector. Rather than Cuba importing beans, corn, and grain from our agricultural competitors, our farmers should be able to provide more of our products to feed Cuba. North Dakotas former Senators also understood the importance of expanding agriculture export access to Cuba, as it will support North Dakotas economy and help address low American commodity prices by opening new markets. And todays announcement provides Cuba access to much-needed agriculture equipment made in the U.S. for its growing agricultural sector. This piece of todays announcement is good for our farmers, state, and the country. Cuba imports about 80 percent of the food it rations to the public, and has a diet heavy in products grown in the upper Midwest including beans, dry peas, and lentils reinforcing the strong demand for these products. North Dakota is the 9th largest agriculture exporting state in the country, with $4.1 billion in commodities sold each year in foreign markets. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Dakota agricultural exports support about 27,000 jobs. Todays action, which included other efforts to aid the Cuban people and improve diplomatic relations, will enable U.S. financial institutions to work directly with Cuban financial institutions, facilitating and improving transactions, such as agriculture exports, between both nations. Additionally, a regulatory definition will be modified to make authorized trade including agriculture exports from North Dakota and the U.S. more efficient and in line with regular commercial practices, making it easier for North Dakota farmers to export products to Cuba. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8bb2f439-4b38-4428-8599-31cac42e8b85,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Flood Response Efforts in Cass County,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $1 million in federal funding to acquire and demolish nine flood prone residential structures in Cass County. They say the best offense, is a good defense. And that is the approach we need to take with flood prevention and control in the Red River Valley, said Heitkamp. We must work together and invest in projects to proactively protect North Dakotans. Cass County has been working diligently to better prepare and plan for the unforeseeable reach of the Sheyenne River, and these funds will help the county continue its great work. These funds will cover 75 percent of the cost to remove nine at-risk residences from the Special Flood Hazard Area. Acquiring and demolishing the residences will also increase deed restricted green space in the area and reduce public and private costs for flood response. These funds were authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d8c6c987-ada6-4acd-be38-0b8cde0eec38,Heitkamp Supports Extension of Tax Provisions for North Dakota Families and Businesses,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted to extend tax relief and provisions for North Dakota families, children, and businesses. Heitkamp has long advocated for lasting solutions for these tax credits and provisions that many low and middle-income families, North Dakota small businesses, and workers in the states energy industry depend on. Todays passage of a one-year extension is a positive step forward, but more long-term or permanent solutions are needed for families and businesses who need to plan for the future. In North Dakota, we have to plan ahead we plan for our harvests, for our winters, and for our childrens futures, said Heitkamp. Thats why Ive been pushing on Congress for the past year to quit delaying, and to start providing more certainty for our businesses and for our families who work hard every day just to make ends meet. Today, the Senate and House finally came together to extend tax relief so many of our communities need for the next year but its not enough. We have to seek practical, lasting solutions that really work, because nail-biting and foot-dragging is no way to legislate its not the way businesses run, its not the way families work, and its not the way this country should operate. We need to come together to find longer-term solutions for the communities that count on us to get the job done. Since her time as North Dakotas Tax Commissioner, Heitkamp has advocated for practical tax solutions that work for families and businesses across the state from working to close loopholes that put local brick-and-mortars at a tax disadvantage, to working on energy development throughout North Dakota Heitkamp continues to push for fair, long-term policies so that families and businesses can plan for the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=39127c41-cf16-462b-8632-32510deec20d,Heitkamp Statement on Powder River Training Complex,2014-11-28,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the U.S. Air Forces announced plan to expand air space at the Powder River Training Complex for increased training and readiness opportunities for Air Force servicemembers, including the B-52 bombers stationed at Minot Air Force Base. The new plan will make Powder River Training Complex the largest training airspace over the continental U.S. It will enable servicemembers at Minot Air Force Base to expand their mission, reinforcing the crucial military work done in our state, and it will bring servicemembers from around the country to this region to get top notch training to help them protect our country, said Heitkamp. At the same time, we need to also make sure the Air Force keeps its promise to limit the impact of the expansion on our communities, businesses, local airports, pilots, ranchers, and tribes who rely on our land and unobstructed air space to do their jobs. By working together with the Air Force and our local towns and businesses, we can strike the right balance between strengthening our national security and heeding the economic, cultural, and safety concerns of our communities. Heitkamp has been a strong advocate for North Dakotas Air Force bases and our servicemembers, and has fought to make sure our troops have the resources they need to do their jobs. Throughout the decision making process, she has worked closely with the Air Force to make sure that any work it does to expand air space at the Powder River Training Complex will not negatively impact the commercial and cultural interests of surrounding communities. Heitkamp will continue to work closely with the Air Force and North Dakotas businesses and communities to make sure the Air Force fulfills its promises. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4247f332-b749-440b-9149-6ad6f619c254,Heitkamp Nominates Three Students from North Dakota to Military Service Academies,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated three outstanding students from North Dakota for admission to the nations military service academies. Heitkamp nominated Jessica Brodeur and Justin Kovich from Minot, and Barrett Sogard from Williston. North Dakota is home to some of the best, and brightest students and these three are the cream of the crop, said Heitkamp. Jessica, Justin and Barrett have the determination, work ethic and ambition that will help them succeed at our nations military service academies, and Im honored to nominate them. Members of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Below are more details about the students Heitkamp nominated: Jessica Brodeur, originally from Minot - Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy Brodeur is currently a senior in Mechanicsburg, PA. Her father is active duty in the Air Force and has helped her understand and adjust to military life through nine moves and three different high schools. She is outgoing and motivated, a varsity athlete, top scholar and has participated in a student leadership program at West Point. In addition, Brodeur has spent her free time volunteering, including during the summer of 2012 when she worked to rebuild flood damaged homes in Minot. Justin Kovich from Minot - Nominated to the United States Air Force Academy Kovich lives on the Minot Air Force Base with his family, and has a multi-generational family legacy with the Air Force. As a member of the National Honor Society and varsity athlete in soccer and swimming, Kovich excels in both academics and athletics, and is eager to embrace the lifestyle and responsibility of a military career. Barrett Sogard, originally from Williston - Nominated to the United States Naval Academy Sogard is a Williston native who was recruited to play competitive hockey at The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. In addition to high-level competitive sports and academics, Sogard has also been involved in a wide variety of activities, including JROTC, student government, orchestra, and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and local homeless shelters. North Dakota students interested in applying to one of the military service academies for the 2016-2017 school year, should send in their applications by September 2015. For more information, visit Heitkamps website byclicking here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5e68dfdc-ed31-4059-837e-7c1cccfcde4d,Heitkamp: Letter of Intent Signed for Grand Sky Business Park,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Has Led Efforts to Complete Enhanced Use Lease Which Will Support Growth of UAS Industry in North Dakota GRAND FORKS, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that Northrop Grumman has formally signed a Letter of Intent for the Grand Sky business and technology park at Grand Forks Air Force Base, completing the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) project and making the Northrop Grumman Corporation a tenant at Grand Sky. Heitkamp, co-founder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, has been at the forefront of advancing the Grand Sky project which will greatly expand public-private partnerships at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the potential of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in North Dakota. Finalizing the EUL makes Northrop Grumman a worldwide leader in UAS technology the first tenant of the 217-acre business park which will be located on Grand Forks Air Force Base. Grand Sky will provide Northrop Grumman and future tenants with state-of-the-art facilities, added security, access to the bases runway, and the ability to closely collaborate with the Air Force. Finalizing Grand Sky is a significant step forward for the future of public-private partnerships and the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems in North Dakota, said Heitkamp. The Grand Sky business park will have an incredible impact throughout the Grand Forks community, allowing it to fully harness the potential of this emerging and exciting technology. Grand Forks County officials, Grand Forks BRIC members, Northrop Grumman, and the Air Force have all worked hard to make today possible, and Im proud to have been a part of these efforts. Im confident that this agreement will lead to great success for North Dakota, and demonstrate the importance and value of public-private partnerships in our economy moving forward. The UAS industry has the potential to greatly help our state grow and thrive, and I will continue to support efforts to make that possible. Grand Sky is an example of the value of close partnerships between military bases and local communities in North Dakota and across the country. The new business park provides an opportunity for North Dakotas UAS industry to take significant strides in development and innovation, capitalizing on Heitkamps December 2013 announcement that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected North Dakota as one of six official UAS Test Sites nationwide. After the FAA selected Grand Forks as a UAS test site, Heitkamp brought FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakota in April to see firsthand the states unmanned aerial potential, where he announced it was the first UAS test site to be officially up-and-running. Since then, Heitkamp has successfully pushed Huerta to make it easier for the test sites to work with private industry. Earlier this month, Heitkamp met with representatives from the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) to discuss efforts to finalize the Grand Sky project. In several meetings, Heitkamp has pushed Air Force and Northrop Grumman leaders regarding the positive impact that a fully-functioning Grand Sky business park would have for the Air Force and the private sector. Additionally, in July, Heitkampmet with Colonel Paul Bauman, Commander of the Grand Forks Air Force Base,to discuss best strategies to complete the EUL approval process and create a plan for its successful management. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f6eb9965-edf3-4be8-849a-b71df9f067f5,Heitkamp Calls on U.S. Trade Rep. to Defend Country of Origin Labeling Law,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp called on the top official dealing with trade between the U.S. and other countries to defend U.S. law and appeal a recent decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which would harm U.S. consumers ability to know where their food comes from. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pressed United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to support current U.S. law which requires American retailers to clearly label where meat wasraised and processed. She also called on them to push back against a WTO compliance panels October 2014 decision regarding Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). While last months WTO ruling reaffirmed U.S. authority to require meat labeling, the ruling also stated that U.S. law discriminates against imported meat and livestock, and doesnt meet WTO standards. Froman has until this Friday, November 28, 2014, to formally appeal the WTO decision. Our nations ranchers and livestock industry are important to not only our economy, but also to families and communities all across the country, said Heitkamp. And laws such as Country of Origin Labeling which was passed by Congress and supported by the American people let consumers know exactly where the meat theyre about to put on their dinner table for their families comes from. Folks across this country have made it clear that they want and deserve this information, and I will keep pushing to protect this bipartisan law from attempts to weaken it now and in the future. Heitkamp was joined in her efforts urging appeal of the WTO ruling by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Tim Johnson (D-SD). To view a copy of their letter, click here. Heitkamp beat back efforts to repeal COOL when she helped write, negotiate, and pass into law the 2014 Farm Bill, and has worked to promote its implementation. Last month, Heitkamp joined a group of bipartisan Senators urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject efforts to weaken or suspend COOL in any future appropriations bills or continuing resolutions. In February 2013, Heitkamp helped lead a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on USTR and USDA to make sure updated COOL rules still enabled consumers to know the origin of their food. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=01a67015-ca96-4434-ab5c-6e7e24809b45,Heitkamp Fights to Protect Homeless & Runaway Youth from Human Trafficking,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today joined a legislative push to target runaway and homeless youth as a key group to protect against human trafficking, as they are particularly susceptible to getting caught up in these horrific crimes. Heitkamp announced her support for the legislation on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, to continue her work to raise awareness about the problems of human trafficking and stop them. Since her time as North Dakotas Attorney General, Heitkamp has worked to fight human trafficking across the state, and she has quickly emerged as a leader in the effort to combat it in the Senate. Her support for this legislation continues those efforts by reauthorizing proven programs to support at-risk homeless youth, which is a growing problem in North Dakota, particularly on Indian reservations. The number of homeless youth across the country is staggering nearly 2 million nationwide and that number is growing in North Dakota and surrounding states. These young people, who have nowhere else to turn, are the often the easiest and most susceptible targets for human traffickers, said Heitkamp. If we want to end the exploitation and slavery of our most vulnerable youth, we have to dig deeper we have to provide the necessary resources, shelter, and services for these young people so they realize someone out there does care about them and they do not have to give themselves to a life of being someone elses property. For years, Ive been fighting for better protections of our young people who need to be pulled out of this life, and working to stop the pipeline of trafficking around the world and Ill keep working to tackle this issue from all sides. We are the guardians of our childrens future, and its up to us to make sure they dont fall victim to horrific crimes like trafficking that pull them into a lifelong cycle of abuse, crime, and violence. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, first signed into law in 1974, provides essential outreach and services for homeless youth. Since 1995, organizations that serve North Dakotas homeless youth have received more than $11.4 million through the program. In her numerous conversations with advocates and leaders across the state, it has been relayed that these resources have had a proven impact in providing essential services and protecting at-risk youth from falling prey to a life of crime or becoming involved those who would look to exploit them. Last fall, Heitkamp led a Senate hearing which focused on addressing human trafficking as a law enforcement issue on federal, state, and local levels. Last November, Heitkamp helped introduce legislation to give prosecutors the proper tools to tackle domestic sex trafficking while protecting minors and making sure they get the support they need, and are treated as victims, not criminals. Heitkamp brought resources home to North Dakota by holding a training for Fargo-area residents in May to learn from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials how to identify and report instances of human trafficking. Following up on the success of this training, Heitkamp brought DHS officials to Bismarck to train women leaders, and to Fargo to train local law enforcement on recognizing, reporting and investigating incidents of human trafficking. In leading the push in Congress to stymie human trafficking channels both around the country and internationally, Heitkamp has partnered with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cindy McCain a leader in the global effort to tackle human trafficking. In their visit to Mexico last spring, Heitkamp, Klobuchar and McCain met with local officials and advocates to learn about the actions Mexico is taking to stop human trafficking and to develop and discuss coordinated efforts to combat sex trafficking in the United States. Following the trip to Mexico, McCain invited Heitkamp to participate in the McCain Institutes annual Sedona Forum, which brings together world leaders to talk about global issues, to discuss human trafficking and examine ways to combat the problem. Just yesterday, Heitkamp participated in a discussion with McCain about combatting human trafficking for The McCain Institutes Human Trafficking Conversation Series. This fall, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to address emerging challenges throughout North Dakota in the wake of the states energy boom. Specifically, Heitkamp is leading a Strong & Safe Communities Task Force comprised of experts, advocates, and officials throughout the state who have a strong understanding of some of these new challenges in the state, including the rise of crimes related to human trafficking. The Task Force will also look into increases in drug-related crime, challenges to Indian Country, domestic violence, infrastructure stress, the increased transportation of crude oil by rail, as well as other issues. This group, led by Heitkamp, will provide recommendations on the best ways to address these safety issues over the next five years so that Heitkamp can work toward policies that keep our communities strong and families safe in their homes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8f49986e-65a2-4649-a361-e77f45b85473,Heitkamp & Bipartisan Group of Senators Call on FAA to Move UAS Industry Forward,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and a bipartisan group of five Senators pressed the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for answers on the progress the agency is making to improve the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site program, and avoid delays that could hinder innovation and the growth of the industry. In April, Heitkamp helped announce that Grand Forks became the first UAS Test Site in the nation to be officially up and running. Across the country, the UAS industry has already created thousands of jobs, and has the potential to benefit search and rescue operations, energy and agriculture production, as well as other commercial businesses. Despite this positive impact on local economies, the FAA has not made it easy for the UAS Test Sites to work with private industry, and has failed to provide the overall UAS industry with needed safety and privacy guidelines. Heitkamp voiced concern that the FAA will miss its September 2015 deadline to integrate UAS technology into federal airspace for commercial use, and wants to make sure the FAA takes steps to meet that deadline and support UAS development in North Dakota. Grand Forks is on the forefront of this burgeoning UAS technology, which is already growing jobs, communities and businesses across the country, said Heitkamp. But even though its Test Site has been up and running since April, the FAA needs to do more to make its Test Site program a success, including providing needed flexibility and guidance so private industry can work with Test Sites to develop UAS technology and strategies. Thats why Im calling on the FAA to efficiently do its job and provide the most basic and necessary standards this industry needs to take its first steps out of infancy. UAS technology has the potential to help grow agriculture and energy production, search and rescue techniques, and commercial businesses and its already created thousands jobs at home in the U.S. Ill continue working with the FAA to get this innovative project moving, just like Ive been doing since last year when I brought FAA Administrator Huerta to Grand Forks. The FAA must provide this industry with the proper direction to help it take flight. Heitkamp strongly advocated for the selection of Grand Forks as a UAS Test Site in numerous meetings with top Administration officials, including FAA Administrator Huerta. In April, Heitkamp brought Huerta to North Dakota, where he announced that the Grand Forks-headquartered Northern Plains Unmanned Systems Authority, which was selected to be one of six UAS test sites nationwide in December, as the nations first officially running UAS site. As a co-founder of the Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has also helped develop an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County, to further grow the UAS industry in the area. Click here or see below to read the full letter Heitkamp and four other Senators sent to FAA Administrator Huerta: November 25, 2014 Mr. Michael P. Huerta, Administrator Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20591 Dear Administrator Huerta, We write to request an update on the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) ongoing process to regulate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Mindful of the great task the FAA has in front of it to regulate the commercial use of UAS within the federal air space for the first time; we remain concerned about the impacts that continued delays in the process are having on the American UAS industry and the national economy, and the safety risk posed by expanding unlicensed operations. The United States has a growing UAS industry that has a significant impact on local economies, creating thousands of jobs, and benefiting areas such as search and rescue, commercial businesses, and energy production. To research UAS technology and determine appropriate industry regulations and standards, Congress charged the FAA with establishing six UAS test sites. These test sites are located in our states and are an integral part of determining the safest and most efficient way of opening our national airspace to UAS technology. The work being done at the test sites is critical for the industry to further develop and advance UAS technology, and for the operators and manufacturers of these state of the art systems to ensure they meet the safety and privacy standards necessary for wide-spread use. While the industry waits for the FAA to catch up and issue draft regulations, UAS operators can permissibly fly a UAS in federal air space by receiving a Certificate of Authorization (COA) to operate at a designated UAS Test Site, or by receiving a Section 333 exemption, like the one recently issued to the Hollywood film industry. We appreciate that the FAA has these two processes to allow the commercial exploration of UAS; however, it has come to our attention that both processes consist of long and frustrating delays. These delays force those manufacturers and operators who play by the rules to sit on the sidelines while they wait for approval while others chance fines and operate without any certification from the FAA, which raises serious concerns about public safety. Failure to improve the COA application process and prioritize COA applications to operate within designated UAS Test Sites raises concerns that the test sites will fail to materialize the way Congress intended and valuable research and testing will be stalled. We remain concerned that the FAA will miss their September 2015 deadline for its U.S. integration strategy, setting this industry back even further. We understand the difficulties faced by many federal agencies that lack the resources and staffing necessary to keep up with demand, but in this ever growing area, it is imperative that the FAA work closely with the industry to ensure that it is not creating a burdensome roadblock to innovation and defeating the intent of establishing UAS test sites. Given that this industry is still in its infancy and mindful of the challenge this regulatory process presents the FAA, we understand that there is a long way to go and appreciate that the FAA is proceeding with great care. To gain a better understanding of where the FAA currently is in this process, we ask that you provide us with, 1) an update on the FAAs timeline for releasing draft regulations for the commercial use of UAS; 2) a response to the concerns that the application process for COAs and Section 333 exemptions are lengthy and arduous; 3) your plan for handling future applications to ensure expediency going forward; and 4) what steps you will take to make it easier for the Test Sites to work with private industry on commercial applications for UAS and encourage the Test Sites full potential. This industry cannot continue to grow without further direction and guidance from the FAA on its planned regulations. We look forward to your response to our questions and to working with the FAA in the future as this exciting industry takes flight. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a30f6844-0843-4457-9ab4-5b340c8bcada,"Heitkamp, Hoeven Invite Agriculture Producers, Community Members to Attend Conference on Transporting Agriculture",2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today invited farmers, elevators, and agricultural processors to attend a comprehensive conference they are hosting with North Dakota State Universitys (NDSU) Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies to examine ways to improve the transportation system for agricultural products in the Northern Plains. The conference is particularly timely as it aims to discuss the agriculture transportation challenges that many farmers and producers have experienced over the past year, including through harvest, which have prevented them from getting many of their crops to market. The conference, entitled Post-harvest Handling and Transportation for Agricultural Products: Issues and Alternatives, will take a closer look at several of these issues and challenges North Dakota and other Northern Plain states have faced, including transportations effects on farm income. Additionally, panelists will include key federal, state, and local leaders, including top officials from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Canadian Pacific railways, among others. To make sure our farmers and producers can get their products to market, and to help prevent the types of backlogs they have faced through the past year, and which they continue to face, we need to work together to address them, said Heitkamp and Hoeven. This conference will bring together transportation, agricultural, and energy leaders in the region and provide an opportunity to discuss our transportation challenges together enabling all sides to find workable and sustainable paths forward. We hope North Dakotans from a variety of industries attend this conference to help provide their perspective and input about the challenges and how to address them. What: Post-harvest Handling and Transportation for Agricultural Products: Issues and Alternatives Conference Who: Hosted by U.S. Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven, and Dr. Won W. Koo, Director, Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies, NDSU When: December 8, 2014: 8:00 am 5:45 pm CT December 9, 2014: 8:30 am 12:30 pm CT Where: Ramada Plaza and Suites, Fargo Conference panelists and speakers include: - Dean Bresciani, President, North Dakota State University - Daniel Elliott, Chairman, STB - Edward Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA - Representatives from BNSF, Canadian Pacific, and Red River Valley & Western Railroads - Bruce Blanton, Director, Transportation Services Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA For more information and to register for the conference online or via U.S. mail, please click here. A draft of the conference agenda is also available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=288bf382-ec10-4f2b-b017-83b9106f7f6f,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start & Early Head Start in Towner,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $1 million in federal funding for the Head Start and Early Head Start program in Towner. These funds will help strengthen the Head Start and Early Head Start program, Early Explorers, in Towner, which serves students in the Towner, Granville and Upham school district. The program provides an engaging and safe environment that helps children become self-aware and gain confidence before kindergarten a critical time in the development of children. Early childhood education is critical to help make sure our children have the best possible chance to succeed, said Heitkamp. Affordable programs, like Head Start and Early Head Start, provide an environment for students to participate in engaging and nurturing environments when there is a higher rate of return than at any other time in a childs life. These funds will enable the Early Explorers to continue to provide quality education, and prepare students to become the future leaders of North Dakota schools, communities and eventually become a part of our states growing economy. Heitkamp has called for continued investments in Head Start programs that are economical investments both in our childrens and our countrys future. She spoke at the Head Start Conference October 2013 about her commitment to continue investing in programs, like Head Start, and discussed how they not only give children the affordable education opportunities they deserve, but also save the taxpayers money in the long run. For every $1 invested in high-quality early childhood education, taxpayers save an average of $7 in future costs. Heitkamp visited the Valley City Head Start last December, which was forced to cut 17 children from the program, reduce classroom sizes, and combine employees positions due to the across-the-board budget cuts which Heitkamp has pushed back on. In April 2014, Heitkamp highlighted new investments at Head Start programs at Standing Rock and Spirit Lake to help meet the educational needs of children enrolled in the programs. By 2020, two-thirds of jobs will require more than a high school diploma. A recent study shows if children read at grade level by third grade, they are four times more likely to graduate from high school. In September, Heitkamp launched her newStrong and Safe Communities Initiativeto help address some of the emerging challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakotas communities strong and families safe in their homes. Included in her efforts is a focus on making sure communities have the resources they need to support families and help create a successful future for our state. The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=c0ff53ea-c293-4b59-a4b7-3e5d786dbaad,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Transportation & Highway Safety,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $344,000 in federal funding to improve and encourage highway safety measures. Specifically, the funding promotes programs that are designed to reduce crashes as a result of driving under the influence, as well as injuries and deaths resulting from individuals that are riding improperly restrained in motor vehicles. Additional funding will boost programs that improve timeliness, accuracy and uniformity across data systems statewide. Having more folks on the road is an indication of our energy and jobs boom, but it also means that our growing communities face more transportation challenges and risks, said Heitkamp. These federal funds wont just work to protect folks from improperly restrained vehicles or drivers under the influence of alcohol, but will also help make sure our statewide data systems are united and streamlined so that less crashes occur going forward. Its our job as legislators to make sure communities have the roads and the infrastructure to continue to thrive thats why Ive been pushing for a greater focus on transportation services and its why Ill keep working on measures to keep our state moving safely and efficiently. This funding is made possible through the Department of Transportations (DOT) Occupation Protection Incentive Grants, the State Traffic Safety Information System Improvement Grants, and the Alcohol Impaired Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grants. The grants are distributed as follows: North Dakota Department of Transportation $215,208.94. These funds, distributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be awarded through the Impaired Driving Countermeasures Grants for 2015. These funds are intended to encourage states to adopt effective programs to reduce crashes resulting from drivers operating motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. North Dakota Department of Transportation $68,905.01. These funds, distributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be awarded through the Occupant Protection Grants for 2015. These funds are intended to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. North Dakota Department of Transportation $59,978.41. These funds, distributed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be awarded through the State Traffic Safety Information System Improvement Grants for 2015. These funds are intended to encourage states to adopt and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration and accessibility of state data to improve the states ability to observe and analyze trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances. This fall, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to address emerging challenges throughout North Dakota in the wake of the states energy boom. Specifically, Heitkamp is leading a Strong & Safe Communities Task Force comprised of experts, advocates, and officials throughout the state who have a strong understanding of some of these new challenges in the state, including the rise of crimes related to human trafficking. The Task Force will also look into increases in drug-related crime, challenges to Indian Country, domestic violence, infrastructure stress, the increased transportation of crude oil by rail, as well as other issues. This group, led by Heitkamp, will provide recommendations on the best ways to address these safety issues over the next five years so that Heitkamp can work toward policies that keep our communities strong and families safe in their homes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e0cc8eb9-6ce3-4495-8069-ae4b4cc41807,"Heitkamp, Hoeven: BNSF to Accelerate Steps to Improve Safety on Casselton Stretch of Rail",2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today announced that BNSF Railway will accelerate steps to enhance rail safety in a stretch of track through Casselton, N.D. that has been the site of two derailments within the last year. The delegation, which has been pressing BNSF officials to take timely and substantive measures to mitigate the likelihood of accidents in the region, welcomed the railroads actions. We have been in regular contact with BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose, as well as other railroad officials to press them to promptly and effectively improve safety not only on this section of track, but on all track in the state,Heitkamp and Hoeven said. The companys specific steps announced to reduce the risk of accidents in the future is welcome news. BNSF has committed to: Accelerate Capital Maintenance Investments. BNSF will replace rail relay and ties within a seven-mile-range of Casselton in 2015. The action will harden rail infrastructure. Increase Rail Detection Testing Frequency. BNSF will more than double the frequency of testing rail for defects to 12 per year. The railroad currently tests five times per year. Existing frequency on crude routes under the industry crude by rail safety initiative is three per year, one more than required by the Federal Railroad Administration. BNSF will also increase testing frequency with the high-tech Track-Geometry Testing vehicle from three to four inspections per year. Increase the Number of Equipment Detectors. These detectors flag equipment problems as the train passes them. Early detection gives the railroad the ability to fix the problem before an accident occurs. Intensify Day-to-Day Track Maintenance Focus. BNSF will provide additional supervision and oversight of track quality by assigning maintenance engineers to focus on the Casselton segment of the railroad. It will also add additional staff to winter maintenance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=60ad4eb9-f946-4df0-bde0-f2e1db20c7a7,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for North Dakota State University 4-H Youth Development and Mentoring Programs,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $164,000 in federal funding to facilitate 4-H mentoring programs to keep North Dakota kids safe and prevent youth delinquency. Specifically, these funds will support the North Dakota State University Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development in support of the 4-H National Mentoring Program as part of a nationwide effort through the U.S. Department of Justice to improve the lives of millions of young Americans through the expansion and strengthening of mentorship programs. Keeping our kids safe and making sure they have a better, brighter future is our responsibility as a community, said Heitkamp. We can do that by supporting and encouraging programs that give young North Dakotans the confidence to step out into the world prepared, and with the knowledge that someone is in their corner thats helped equip them for success. Thats why Im delighted with the National 4-Hs award to North Dakota State Universitys program for youth development, because if we want our kids to aim high and achieve their goals, we need to foster an environment with mentors that can embolden them and help nurture their skills. The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Preventions national effort to fortify, develop and implement youth mentoring activities for millions of young Americans. These grants which facilitate 4-H mentoring programs were developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Children, Youth and Families at Risk Program which is aimed at innovating community-based education programs for children, youth, parents and families. Heitkamp is a steadfast proponent of improving the lives of North Dakota young people through educational opportunities. Last year, she visited a Head Start facility in Valley City to view firsthand the devastating impact across-the-board spending cuts have on early education programs for low-income families, and called on her colleagues in the Senate to negotiate a bipartisan long-term budget that would spare such programs from additional cuts. For young adults, Heitkamp has consistently pushed for practical strategies that will give young people more long-term certainty on their student loan rates, and for efforts that make college more affordable. In September, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative which convenes a task force of experts and leaders across the state that will work with Heitkamp to tackle new challenges facing North Dakota since the energy boom, including increases in drug-related crimes, human trafficking, infrastructure stress, the movement of crude by rail, as well as other issues. Heitkamp will lead the task force and work with the members over a five-year period to develop recommendations to help prepare and equip North Dakota communities for the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8e5c8b50-d3d5-4e74-88d9-82f3db51448b,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Child Safety, Health Care Services",2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $340,000 in federal funding to the North Dakota State Department of Health to help support child safety, health care, and nutrition efforts throughout the state. Specifically, the funds will be used for a range of child nutrition services, child passenger and newborn safety efforts, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, and to help support children who have special health care needs. With North Dakotas population growing quickly by the day, we have to make sure we are addressing all of our states health care challenges particularly for the youngest among us, said Heitkamp. These funds will help meet the needs of children across our state, enabling them to be healthy and safe as they learn and grow. We have a moral responsibility to protect and support our children and I will continue to back investments such as this to help make sure all of North Dakotas kids have an opportunity to thrive. The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration. Last month, Heitkamp launched her newStrong and Safe Communities Initiativeto help address some of the emerging challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakotas communities strong and families safe in their homes. Included in her efforts is a focus on making sure communities have access to quality health services. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=37f7d0ad-b159-4f25-9a2f-e6d7427adfa6,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Honey Bee Habitats,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $4 million in federal funding to support Midwest farmers and ranchers improve the health of honey bees, which pollinate an estimated $15 billion worth of crops across the country. These funds continue Heitkamps work from her 2014 Farm Bill amendment to strengthen efforts to promote honey bee health and habitat conservation. For decades, the honey bee population has been on the decline. Since 2006, beekeepers have been reporting startlingly high hive losses from 30 to 90 percent, which experts attribute to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). These new funds will be used to apply new knowledge on CCD by supporting farmers and ranchers in North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota and Wisconsin in implementing practices that will provide safe and diverse food sources for honey bees to combat CCD. We cannot protect our nations food supply without first taking care of our honey bees, which pollinate more than 130 fruits and vegetables, said Heitkamp. As the nations top commercial pollinator state, North Dakota sends an army of honey bees to the east and west coasts each year to pollinate American staples like apples, almonds, and blueberries. Thats why I wrote an amendment in this years Farm Bill to strengthen conservation efforts that give honey bees the high-quality habitats they need to keep producing crops that keep our bodies and our economy healthy. Todays federal funding will keep those efforts moving so that our farmers and ranchers across the Midwest will have the tools they need to protect our honey bees and our crops for generations to come. The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The effort will renew a popular pilot investment from earlier this year and contributes to the White Houses pollinator conservation initiative announced in June. States including North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible for funding. Applications are due Friday, November 21, 2014. During National Honey Month this September, Heitkamp wrote an op-ed for Refinery 29 discussing North Dakota as the nations top honey producing state, and encouraging the promotion of honey bee health through continued conservation efforts nationwide. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7e0d3461-b9d8-469b-84c6-bed36475ac06,"Heitkamp Congratulates Manvel Elementary for National Blue Ribbon School Honor, Highlights ND's Academic Success",2014-10-28,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANVEL, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted North Dakotas academic success and congratulated students and teachers at Manvel Elementary School, one of two schools in the state to be recently named a National Blue Ribbon School an honor given to schools based on academic excellence or significant improvements made in students academic achievement. Heitkamp read with students ranging from Kindergarten 4th grade, held a question-and-answer session with 5th 8th graders, and reinforced the importance of getting a good education starting at a young age and the opportunities it can provide for students and communities across North Dakota. Heitkamp also presented Manvel Elementary School with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Making sure North Dakotas kids get a great education starting at a young age is one of the most important and worthwhile investments we can make, said Heitkamp. Many of us including me know that we would not be where we are today if it werent for an excellent education, an important foundation for future success. I again congratulate the ambitious students of Manvel Elementary School, its dedicated teachers and administrators, and the entire Manvel community for coming together and devoting so much time, energy, and compassion to earn this honor and make a positive impact in the lives of North Dakotas children. Heitkamp announced last month that Manvel Elementary School and Sweetwater Elementary School in Devils Lake were named 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students academic achievement. A National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policymakers in thousands of communities. Since the programs founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 7,000 of Americas schools. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f93f7f38-0734-4b96-abe8-fc3649a554f0,Heitkamp Discusses Progress and Challenges for Rural Economic Growth with Red River Regional Council,2014-10-28,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GRAFTON, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today addressed the Red River Regional Council (Region IV), which covers the northeastern counties of Pembina, Walsh, Nelson and Grand Forks, for the groups annual meeting on the regions economic strengths and weaknesses to plan for future development. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Agricultures Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation, Heitkamp called a hearing in May to examine and highlight challenges and proven tactics for sparking economic development in rural America. At the hearing, Red River Regional Council Executive Director Dawn Keeley testified on her findings during her career of more than 23 years of work on rural economic development, and discussed how good regional strategies can help solve local issues while helping prepare local communities for growth. Preparing for the future landscape of our rural communities is crucial to maintaining our local economies and small town life for future generations, said Heitkamp. We can do that by strengthening our local and federal partnerships that will facilitate economic opportunity in our rural communities. As chair of the rural development subcommittee, Ive been able to prioritize that growth among our national partners. When Executive Director Dawn Keeley testified before my subcommittee at a hearing I called on this issue back in May, we were able to dig deeper into how to solve local issues, plan for future growth, and come up with workable solutions in rural communities that best foster economic development. When you grow up a small town like I did just 90 people call Mantador home you dont need to be reminded of the fact that our rural areas are, and always have been, critical to our states success. But thats not the case for everyone and thats why Ill continue to be a strong voice for the success of our rural communities because sometimes folks just need a little reminding. Heitkamp has been adamant in advocating for federal partnerships in rural development. In July, Heitkamp met with Lisa Mensah, the nominee for Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the meeting, Heitkamp stressed the need to establish policies that foster economic growth in rural areas and implement language included in the 2014 Farm Bill which prioritizes projects which achieve regional goalssomething the Red River Regional Council plays an important role in doing. Last year alone, USDA Rural Development invested more than $500 million in North Dakota infrastructure projects including water and waste water, electric and telecommunication projects, and housing. This is part of a five-year commitment of almost $3.3 billion economic development and infrastructure investments in North Dakota from the USDA. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Heitkamp played a key role in writing, negotiating, and passing the 2014 Farm Bill. The legislation, which Heitkamp is now overseeing to make sure it works for North Dakotans, makes for the first time targeted federal investments for projects that support long-term regional strategies. Regional strategies more efficiently and effectively target resources to where they will have the greatest impact. They not only address weaknesses in a region, but support the strengths of the area. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=c9d52e54-6083-4d14-baa5-557c1c2750b2,Heitkamp Announces Innovative Federal Investments for Standing Rock Students,2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp Emphasized to President Obama the Dire Need for Resources at Cannon Ball Elementary School Just Four Months Ago BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced the selection of Cannon Ball Elementary School to receive significant in-class, technological resources as part of the White Houses ConnectEd initiative, a federal program partnered with private sector companies that aims to increase broadband access and educational technology in classrooms across America. Specifically, Cannon Ball Elementary has been selected by Apple a private-sector ConnectEd partner as one of 114 schools which will receive Apple technology in every classroom. This means that every Cannon Ball Elementary School student will receive an iPad, every teacher or administrator will receive an iPad and a Mac, and every classroom will become equipped Apple TV, as well as Apple Care for every product. Just over four months ago, after President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obamas visit to Standing Rock, Heitkamp wrote a letter to President Obama specifically requesting additional funding for Cannon Ball Elementary School. Creating partnerships for our future requires investments in the education of our young people, especially our most vulnerable, said Heitkamp. When President Obama came to Standing Rock this spring, I spoke to him specifically about the dire need of our Native students at Cannon Ball Elementary. He understood how vital federal resources are for tribal students there whose future success is inextricably tied to both maintaining cultural traditions, and obtaining an education that will lead to opportunity. Todays announcement that Apple, through its partnership with the ConnectED initiative, has chosen to equip Cannon Ball Elementary with resources that will innovate and empower students, is a positive step forward in helping our Native children create, compete, and grow on a national level. Ill continue fighting for programs like these that work from the ground up to help our tribal students succeed. In June, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited Standing Rock Indian Reservation with Heitkamp. Heitkamp called the visit a milestone that helped turn the nations attention to Indian Country, and followed up on her conversation with President Obama during his visit with a letter to him in July, again emphasizing the immense scarcity of resources for students at Cannon Ball Elementary School. Heitkamp stressed the need to continue efforts to improve and expand high-speed internet access to North Dakota and across all rural America during her meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator John Padalino in April. According to a recent Federal Communications Commission report, 16 percent of North Dakotans lack access to high-speed internet, and 34 percent of North Dakotans in rural areas do not have access. While rarely discussed, some conditions in Indian Country are staggering, including: 37 percent of Native children live in poverty; suicide rates are 2.5 times the national average for ages 15-34; high school graduation rate for Native students is around 50 percent, compared to 75 percent for white students. Since her time as North Dakotas Attorney General in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been a strong and vocal advocate for North Dakotas tribes. Heitkamp has continued these efforts in the Senate. In fact, the first bill she introduced as a Senator would create a Commission on Native Children to conduct an intensive study into issues facing Native children such as high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities and make recommendations on how to make sure Native children are better taken care of and given the opportunities to thrive.The bill passed unanimously in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in May the final step before it goes to the Senate for a vote. The bill has 34 bipartisan cosponsors, and the strong support of all five North Dakota tribes and many national Native American organizations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=cf60feba-bcb6-42c7-af82-e27f060278e6,Heitkamp Statement on Commissioning of USS North Dakota,2014-10-25,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**Click Here for Photo from 2013 Christening Ceremony** WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the commissioning of the USS North Dakota, a nuclear submarine that is the second Navy vessel to be named for the state. North Dakota has a strong tradition of military service and the commissioning of the USS North Dakota is a proud day for our state, said Heitkamp. This is a culmination of a lot of hard work, and this boat will be an integral part of our national defense, helping keep Americans safe. Today, we honor the people who built the USS North Dakota, the sailors who will sail her, and all the North Dakotans who have bravely served our nation throughout the years."" In November 2013, Heitkamp attended and spoke at the christening of the USS North Dakota in Groton, CT. The USS North Dakota is a Virginia-class submarine. The submarine will play a critical role in maintaining U.S. naval dominance around the globe, providing the Navy with a variety of capabilities, including anti-ship warfare, long-term surveillance, and special forces operations. Today's ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. CT and a live stream of the ceremony will be available at www.navy.mil. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b3e5e24f-b493-4f51-bf08-1923c4a8870c,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Economic Development in Rural North Dakota,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation, today announced $400,000 in federal funding to help strengthen and expand economic development in rural communities throughout North Dakota. North Dakotas rural communities play an important role in supporting our states economy, families, and way of life, said Heitkamp. Having grown up in Mantador a town of just 90 people I have seen firsthand the positive impact that targeted investments can make in rural communities. These funds will help strengthen rural development efforts, providing small towns and rural areas across our state with an opportunity to thrive. The funds will be distributed as follows: Common Enterprise Development Corporation $200,000. The funds will be used to assist entrepreneurs and cooperative or mutually-owned businesses in rural communities and Native American tribes in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives $200,000. The funds will be used to assist cooperatives and mutually-owned businesses in rural North Dakota. The funds are made available through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Developments Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program. USDA Rural Development is overseen by Chairwoman Heitkamps Subcommittee. The 2014 Farm Bill, which Heitkampplayed a leading role in crafting, places a strong emphasis on supporting rural development projects. The bill authorizes programs that help upgrade and improve rural water systems, invests in expanding rural high-speed Internet, funds loans to consumers to improve energy efficiency through the new Rural Energy Savings Program, and reauthorizes several other existing programs that are critical to supporting economic and community development in rural America. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=c3a4630f-a0d1-4880-a560-252379982455,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Improve Water Systems in Rural North Dakota,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation, today announced nearly $2.1 million in federal support for improvements to water systems in rural North Dakota communities. All communities across North Dakota need access to clean and safe water, and we should make no exception in our states rural areas, said Heitkamp. These funds, along with federal support I announced in August for the City of New England, are a much-needed step in rural development efforts an issue I understand well as Chairwoman of the Senate Subcommittee overseeing rural development across the country. I will continue to push for investments and support to help build out this kind of infrastructure because its critical to the health, safety, and success of our rural communities. The funds will be distributed as follows: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe $770,750 grant. The funds will be used to construct an environmentally-safe wastewater treatment system for the Cannonball community. City of Finley $594,000 loan and $461,000 grant. The funds will be used to remove the existing 50,000-gallon water tower and replace it with a 100,000-gallon water tower. City of Linton $140,000 loan and $113,000 grant. The funds will be used to help make improvements to the citys water system. The funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Water and Environmental Program, through the Rural Utilities Service. USDA Rural Development is overseen by Chairwoman Heitkamps Subcommittee. In August, Heitkamp announced nearly $5 million in federal support for water system improvements in New England. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=44467d91-d35d-415d-b105-2df697794057,Heitkamp Highlights Housing Crisis & Challenges during HUD Secretary's Visit to Western North Dakota,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILLISTON, N.D. In the midst of rapid population growth and skyrocketing costs of living as a result of unprecedented energy development in the region, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today brought the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Julin Castro to Williston to see firsthand western North Dakotas incredible housing unit growth and to discuss efforts that can be made at the federal level to address drastically increasing rents, a lack of affordable housing, and issues surrounding homelessness in the region. During the visit, Castro and Heitkamp announced HUDs newly approved emergency waivers to provide public housing authorities with cost flexibility to more accurately reflect the needs of residents on the ground. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs which oversees HUD, met with Castro in June to discuss the states housing needs and invited him to North Dakota. Today, Heitkamp and Castro toured the Williston area, examining housing conditions, the pace at which homes are currently being constructed, and the impacts of underdeveloped planning. Heitkamp noted that from 2010-2025, housing demand is expected to increase by 30 percent statewide and by up to 167 percent in parts of North Dakotas oil patch. North Dakotas population has quickly increased in communities across the state but this unprecedented growth has also created incredible financial strain for North Dakota families, particularly in the Bakken, said Heitkamp. With median rents in the oil patch increasing by 135 percent in just the past few years, its urgent that we address the challenges of the housing market. After I brought up North Dakotas housing issues in our meeting earlier this year, Secretary Castro made clear that he wanted to come to our state so he could hear from folks on the ground and see firsthand the challenges families and communities are facing every day and how HUD can take commonsense steps to provide some relief. Todays announcement to give public housing authorities more flexibility regarding Fair Market Rents is a step in the right direction and will help North Dakota families, but we need a more permanent solution moving forward. Our states population growth has generated great economic growth and success, but we cant let it happen at the expense of safe and affordable housing. I thank Secretary Castro for recognizing the importance of these pressing issues and I will continue to work closely with HUD to help make sure all of our states communities have the necessary infrastructure to meet the growing needs of North Dakotas families. Following their tour, Heitkamp led a roundtable discussion with Castro and local community leaders focusing on the steps HUD can take to help tackle western North Dakotas housing challenges. There, Castro and Heitkamp announced that HUD has approved emergency waivers for Fair Market Rents (FMRs) affordable housing rates for low-income households in nine western North Dakota counties, providing public housing authorities with more flexibility to meet the needs of local residents. Heitkamp specifically addressed regulation of small public housing authorities and the need for HUD to accurately determine income limits and FMRs in the state, which she is concerned do not reflect real housing costs in North Dakota. Williams County has seen a 135 percent increase in median rent for a two-bedroom apartment over the last six years. Heitkamp also drew attention to the areas homelessness challenges, as more than three-quarters of those without shelter live in North Dakotas oil patch. Earlier today, Heitkamp brought Castro to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, where they viewed housing with overcrowding and safety issues in Belcourt and participated in a discussion about critical housing and infrastructure needs in Indian Country. Last month, Heitkamp pressed Castro about new FMRs proposed for North Dakota and how they do not accurately account for the states booming population. And last year, Heitkamp worked with HUD to see that FMRs were increased to appropriate levelsfor areas of North Dakota where rents have quickly soared and families need assistance to afford housing. As a result of her efforts, new FMRs were set for Ward, Mountrail, and Williams counties. Heitkamp has long been working to address North Dakotas housing crisis and make more affordable housing available to families. She has also worked to raise awareness about North Dakotas unique housing needs. In March 2013, Heitkamp held meetings across North Dakota with local, state, and federal officials to hear about their housing situations and discuss ideas to address the unique housing issues across the state. She also held housing summits in Mandan and Fargo last year to bring about a larger discussion about housing issues in the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=659a2c5e-069b-4167-bbde-d94307454a2b,"Heitkamp Congratulates Manvel Elementary, Sweetwater Elementary as National Blue Ribbon Schools",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today congratulated Manvel Elementary School and Sweetwater Elementary School in Devils Lake for being selected as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The Manvel and Devils Lake communities should be proud of their hard work and dedication to provide top-notch learning opportunities to their students, said Heitkamp. Growing up the daughter of a school cook and a seasonal construction worker, I know that without the excellent public education I received, I would not be where I am today. Receiving this high honor is a testament to the commitment and motivation of not just the teachers, but also the parents and communities who each and every day invest their time, skills and compassion in our next generation of leaders. Founded in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students academic achievement. A National Blue Ribbon Schools flag overhead has become a mark of excellence in education recognized by everyone from parents to policy-makers in thousands of communities. Since the programs founding, the U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award on more than 7,000 of Americas schools. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=96574168-c00d-4898-85f7-4221b01f66c3,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Disabled Veterans through Adaptive Sports,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $70,000 in federal funding to support disabled veterans through adaptive sports at Bottineau Winter Park. These funds, authorized through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, will be used to develop and manage Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, hiking and fishing programs for disabled veterans at Bottineau Winter Park. Participating in sports can help disabled veterans in many ways whether its through improving quality of live and healthy outcomes or making new friends, said Heitkamp. Its our responsibility to make sure our veterans dont just get the care and education they earned, but also the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. These funds will help do that, while also showing our nations continued commitment to making sure our veterans are taken care of when they come home. In July, Heitkamp introduced new legislation that would better connect new veterans with services, resources, and benefits that are available in their communities. Heitkamps bill, the Connect with Veterans Act, will create a database of contact information for newly-separated veterans that would allow them to connect to local resources. Throughout her discussions with veterans and work with the Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp often heard from veterans about a desire to learn more about services and resources, as well as communities looking to help veterans. The Connect with Veterans Act is a direct result of that work. Heitkamp met with veterans in Bottineau in July to discuss ways to improve health care and other services for veterans in rural areas. She also met with Jamestown-area veterans at the Knights of Columbus in August to discuss her new legislation as well as the comprehensive, bipartisan legislation the Senate passed on August 1 to better support our veterans. The new bill works to restore trust in the VA and launches a nationwide Veterans Choice Card to improve access to care for rural veterans an initiative Heitkamp has called for since before she joined the Senate. Heitkamp has fought to stand up for veterans in North Dakota and throughout the country. In July 2013, Heitkamp completed a statewide listening tour to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing veterans, and held meetings and discussions in Minot, Bismarck, Devils Lake, Grand Forks, and Fargo. In June, Heitkamp hosted her first Native American Veterans Summit in Bismarck. She brought together about 140 Native veterans, officials from the VA and Indian Health Service (IHS), and other advocates to give veterans a chance to be heard. It was also an opportunity for Native veterans to learn more about ongoing initiatives and connect them with services and benefits. At the end of July, she launched a new one-stop-shop webpage for Native American veterans, aiming to more easily connect these veterans with information about benefits and services available to them. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b53b0dca-44fe-4b1f-ab5a-9ad8c36ec149,"Heitkamp Announces New Federal Funds for Training Facility for First Responders on Hazmat Incidents on Rails, like Derailment in Casselton",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $5 million in federal funding to train and prepare emergency personnel and first responders who are tasked with responding to potential hazmat incidents, including derailments of trains carrying materials like crude oil. The funding will specifically support a federal training center in Pueblo, CO for first responders to help them learn tools to handle hazmat incidents on the rails. Several North Dakota first responders and others across the country have already gone to the facility for training sessions. The funds will enable the facility to train more first responders on how to handle dangerous incidents on the rails, like the derailment of a crude train which happened last December in Casselton. At a Senate hearing in March, Heitkamp specifically pushed on a top FEMA official to allocate the funds to this training center which were stalled. Less than a year later, those funds were finally provided. The oil boom has created tremendous growth in North Dakota, but there are new challenges like the transportation of crude oil on the rails. And we cannot afford to leave the safety and security of our communities to chance, said Heitkamp. We need to invest the proper resources in high-quality preparedness training for our first responders so they get the training to deal with potential incidents on the rails and can keep our communities safe. Were doing everything possible to prevent another derailment of a crude train like we saw in Casselton, but the best offense is a strong defense. Thats why Ive been fighting for investments in these trainings for months, and its why I wrote legislation for better across-the-board emergency preparedness for first responders. Growing up, my dad was a volunteer fire fighter in Mantador, so I know how important it is for families to raise future generations of North Dakotans in a strong, safe environmentIll keep fighting for that just like my dad did, every single day. First responders can apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive this quality training to better equip them with information for efficient, effective disaster relief. These funds are delivered through the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), a professional alliance through the Department of Homeland Security National Training Program (HSNTP)/FEMA Preparedness Directorate. This interagency program provides training to protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks and other hazards. Heitkamps Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Actwould establish a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) panel focused on railroad incident first responders. The committee would be tasked with bringing together all the relevant federal agencies, emergency responders, technical experts and the private sector for a review of training, resources, best practices and unmet needs related to emergency responders to railroad hazmat incidents. Since the Casselton derailment, Heitkamp has worked to understand what happened, and push the need to better prioritize first responder preparedness.In March,Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLeanto testify at a Senate hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. McLean discussed his teams experience responding admirably to the December train derailment and subsequent explosion. He also shared with Heitkamp and her colleagues what he thinks needs to be done to better prepare our emergency responders. The day after she introduced herRESPONSE Actin June, Heitkampannounced $2 million included in a Senate appropriations billto train first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail. Earlier this month, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to address emerging challenges facing North Dakota as a result of the states energy boom by bringing a greater focus to keeping communities strong and families safe in their homes. Specifically, Heitkamp is leading a Strong & Safe Communities Task Force comprised of North Dakotans from across the state who have strong understandings of many of the new safety challenges the state faces such as increases in drug-related crimes, human trafficking, infrastructure stress, as well as other issues. This Task Force includes the transportation of crude oil by rail through North Dakota towns, so that emergency personnel are sufficiently prepared with the resources needed to mitigate and respond to potential hazmat incidents. Heitkamp continues to prioritize the safety of North Dakota communities, and equipping response teams with the proper tools is inherent to that goal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e571b8da-adbc-4606-8f4f-8c3a8c2f5560,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for North Dakota Juvenile Justice System,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $400,000 in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Corrections Division of Juvenile Services to help support alternative methods of supervision of youth in the juvenile justice system. Specifically, the funds will be used to support the Attendant Care program, which provides supervision for nearly 700 youth throughout the state as an alternative to detention or jail. Additionally, the funds will be used to help address a range of juvenile justice issues for Native American youth in North Dakota. North Dakotas juvenile justice system helps keep our communities safe and rehabilitate our states youth when they have fallen on the wrong side of the law. But the system needs the necessary resources to change outcomes for juvenile offenders not keep them in a destructive cycle, said Heitkamp. As a former North Dakota Attorney General, I know firsthand that education, treatment, counseling, and early intervention efforts can make a difference in getting youth back on the right track, especially those with substance abuse issues or who have suffered some form of domestic or sexual abuse. These funds will help support these kinds of efforts, and I will continue to push for smart investments in programs that improve the strength and safety of communities for North Dakotas youth and their families. The funds are authorized through the U.S. Department of Justice, awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Earlier this month, Heitkamp launched her newStrong and Safe Communities Initiativeto help address some of the emerging challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakotas communities strong and families safe in their homes. Heitkamps Strong and Safe Communities Task Force will include communities leaders from across the state who will help focus on addressing the new safety challenges the state faces such as increases in drug-related crimes, human trafficking, infrastructure stress, and the movement of crude by rail through North Dakota towns, as well as other issues. It will then offer recommendations to help make sure North Dakotas communities remain strong and safe well into the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f4fd1892-afc1-408d-9865-e43e5e95b727,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Mental Health Services, Health Care Enrollment & Statewide Immunization Program",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a total of more than $2.2 million in federal funding to continue to strengthen statewide immunization information technology, support mental health services on Standing Rock and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservations, and help uninsured North Dakotans find out about their health care options. North Dakotans deserve quality and comprehensive health care, which must include access to mental and behavioral health services and up-to-date immunization records to make use of the most recent technology, said Heitkamp. It is also critical that North Dakotans have a reliable place to turn to for information about their health care options so they find coverage that best fits their lives. These funds will not only accomplish all of these goals, but it will also continue to build out North Dakotas health infrastructure so folks across the state can access quality and comprehensive care. The grants are distributed as follows: North Dakota Department of Health - $1,424,420. These funds will be used to continue to strengthen North Dakotas immunization information technology by connecting electronic medical records to the North Dakota Immunization Information System. Minot State University - $451,342. These funds will be used to help uninsured North Dakotans receive information and get questions answered about their health care options. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe - $199,950. These funds will be used to support mental health and substance abuse services and programs. Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa - $175,910. These funds will be used to support suicide and mental health services and prevention efforts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3caa3eee-9a9f-426d-aa69-6596f7e41604,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Local Farmers Markets in Bismarck-Mandan,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $100,000 in federal funding for United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck to help support and promote two existing farmers markets in the Bismarck-Mandan community. Agriculture is an important part of life for so many North Dakotans and we have to make sure our farmers and their families have the resources they need to help support rural economies across our state, said Heitkamp. These funds will not only bolster North Dakotas agriculture industry, but also help more folks in Bismarck-Mandan get access to fresh, locally-grown food, an important part of improving the health of our community and our families. The funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Farmers Market Promotion Program, through the 2014 Farm Bill. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, played a key role in writing the Senate version of the 2014 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in February. Since then, Heitkamp has worked to make sure the law is implemented in a way that works best for North Dakotans. In the first month after the Farm Bill passed, she was successful in leading a bipartisan effort to get U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to expedite the new livestock disaster programs to help ranchers devastated by an unexpected fall blizzard. Heitkamp has also led an effort to support farmers who are prevented from planting crops due to adverse weather, as part of the newly-created safety net program in the Farm Bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5c971c3f-133a-445e-b7ed-4b4d3130bf3a,Heitkamp Congratulates Minot Air Force Base on New Runway at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the opening of thenewly-reconstructed runway at Minot Air Force Base, the culmination of a three-year construction process. The original runway at Minot Air Force Base was constructed in 1957 with an intended thirty-year lifespan, but has been operating for nearly twice as long without a complete renovation. A number of B-52 bombers and several hundred servicemembers from the base were temporarily reassigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to allow for the completion of the runway reconstruction, and now those military families will be reunited. The courageous servicemembers at Minot Air Force Base defend our nation every day, and we need to make sure they have the best facilities and resources they need to do their jobs, said Heitkamp. This reconstruction project was long overdue and takes an important step toward fulfilling that pledge. And we cant forget that the completion of this project means military families will now be able to reunite as several had to separate during renovations. Nearly sixty years after it was initially constructed, this runway will support the critical national security missions that the servicemembers at Minot Air Force Base perform every day and help bring back together this military community once again. As a staunch advocate for our servicemembers and their families, I'll continue to make sure they have the tools and resources they need. Asco-founder of the bipartisan Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to find innovative solutions to improve conditions for military families, andto develop close partnerships withthe communitiesin which they serve.Earlier this month in Washington, Heitkamppushed for a renewed commitment to servicemembers and their familiesat a symposium on the nuclear triad, hosted by Minot Task Force 21. In July, Heitkampmet in Minot with Colonel Michael Lutton, who oversees the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) force at Minot Air Force Base, where they discussedstrategies tobetter support the base's servicemembers and their families as they keep the country safe. Later that month, Heitkampmet withColonel Jason Armagost,the Minot base commander whoalsooversees the B-52 bombers, and Lutton to discuss ongoing efforts to protect the long-term viability of the base. Heitkamp has been a fervent supporter ofour nations strategic nuclear forces includingICBMsand B-52s,and maintaining them as a key part ofour national defense. In May, Heitkampmet with Major General Jack Weinstein, the Air Forces officer overseeing our nations ICBM force to reiterate the importance of Minot Air Force Base to our national security. In April, heeding her concerns and those of the bipartisan ICBM coalition, Heitkampannouncedthat the Pentagon decided to preserve all of the nations missile silosin the militarys new strategic force structure under the New START Treaty with Russia. In December 2013, Heitkamp helped pass legislation to enable our military to have the resources it needs to safeguard our nation, which included aHeitkamp-backed amendment to protect North Dakotas ICBM infrastructure. Last December, Heitkampannounced that the U.S. Army awarded a more than $32 million contract to complete runway repairs and improvementsat Minot Air Force Base. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a7e0d7b2-0c06-48f1-beb2-32f1664286ca,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding To Increase Education & Job Skills for Low- & Moderate- Income North Dakotans in Fargo, Grand Forks & Minot",2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $250,000 in federal funding to help low- and moderate- income North Dakotans in Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot increase their education and develop job skills. North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, but there are still 27,000 open jobs statewide, said Heitkamp. These funds are important because they give folks who are struggling to find a stable job and put a roof over their heads the opportunity to get the education and skills required to fill those jobs. These funds, authorized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will help develop a partnership between public housing agencies (PHAs) and social service agencies, community colleges, businesses, and other local partners to help PHAs residents and North Dakotans participating in HUDs Housing Choice Voucher Program obtain additional education and job skills. The grants are distributed as follows: Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority - $106,608. The Housing Authority of the City of Grand Forks - $103,514. Minot Housing Authority - $43,248. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f416b7da-6c32-4be6-8e03-4b98c04d7bf1,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Job-Driven Training Programs,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $10 million in federal funding to support job-driven training programs at Bismarck State College, Turtle Mountain Community College, Williston State College, and Sitting Bull College. These funds will be used to support programs focused on training students to enter North Dakotas energy, transportation and construction industries. Bismarck State College will lead a consortium of four schools as part of the Training for Regional Energy in North Dakota (TREND). TREND works with local employers to develop the education and skills of students in North Dakota to meet the needs of the state. Community and technical colleges are critical for training the skill-based workforce we need to meet the demands of many of North Dakotas growing industries, said Heitkamp. By partnering with local employers and coordinating efforts across the state, these funds will help provide North Dakota students with the skills and knowledge they need to get good, stable, and in-demand jobs. Investing in our students and making sure we have a workforce to meet the unique demands of our expanding state, like these funds do, are critical for North Dakota, and will help us remain an economic leader for years to come. The funds are distributed as follows: Bismarck State College - $4.1 million Turtle Mountain Community College - $2.1 million Williston State College - $1.9 million Sitting Bull College - $1.7 million These funds are part of the U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative to help expand and improve the education and career training programs at community colleges across the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a8d2c8a9-3934-4066-a3c4-734390327677,Heitkamp Encourages North Dakotans to Participate in Drug Take-Back Day on September 27,2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged North Dakotans across the state to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs during National Drug Take-Back Day on September 27. In an effort to curb the rise of prescription drug abuse across the country, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will collect unused and unneeded medicine at various locations across North Dakota from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time on Saturday, September 27. This is an opportunity for North Dakotans to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely get rid of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Starting in October 2014, expanded access to disposal locations will be available year-round. Under the new regulation, pharmacies, including those located in hospitals and clinics, and other authorized locations will be able to collect unused prescription drugs on site and also through an authorized mail-in option. Last fall, Heitkamp pressed the DEA to finalize the regulations governing this expanded access, citing take-back activities as a key tool in preventing prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly growing problem across North Dakota, said Heitkamp. Nationally, each year, more deaths are caused by drug overdose than by car crashes. Its a devastating epidemic that is tearing apart families and communities. But luckily, North Dakotans can help in this fight. More than half of prescription drugs are obtained through friends or family usually without them knowing. I encourage all North Dakotans to participate in Drug Take-Back Day to safely get rid of their unused or unneeded medication and help prevent future abuse. And soon drug disposal sites will be available year round. Take-back event drop-offs are anonymous and no questions are asked. To find the closest participating locations in North Dakota, please click here and enter your zip code. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been leading the fight against crime and drug crime in North Dakota. Last month, she joined the White House Drug Czar in Minot to announce a new national strategy to combat drug crime and trafficking across the country, with a particular focus on addressing the growing drug problems in North Dakota. The new strategy continues a strong commitment made by the former Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske when Heitkamp brought him to North Dakota in July 2013 to combat drug crime and abuse in North Dakota, especially in the Bakken. During that visit, Heitkamp and Kerlikowske spoke with local law enforcement and tribal officials about the major increase in drug crimes in the oil patch which are spreading to other areas. Just four months after that visit, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy announced aseries of steps to help reduce drug crime and abuse in the Bakken, including naming Williams County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, making it eligible for more federal funds to combat this problem. In January, Heitkamp welcomed news that a special prosecutor will be placed in western North Dakota to help fight drug-related crimes in the states oil patch. She also brought together leaders from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in March to address the unique drug abuse and trafficking challenges Indian Country is facing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=191fc453-7329-417d-85ab-6431ea78044d,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for Research at UND, NDSU",2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced at total of more than $1.4 million in federal funding to support research at the University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU). One of the best things we can do as a country is invest in our children and students, said Heitkamp. They are the key to future progress and growth in our state, across our country and around the world. These funds will assist North Dakota's universities as they implore pressing research questions, while also making sure our students learn the fundamentals and complexities of scientific research that will serve them well for years to come. The funds are authorized by the National Science Foundation and are distributed as follows: NDSU - $890,800. These funds will support opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to conduct biophysical and biochemical research through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. It will also provide opportunities for high school teachers, such as professional development. UND - $372,450. The funds will support the Open Orbiter program, which is a student-led initiative through the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences that gives students a hands-on experience researching and designing critical software and hardware systems in satellite space missions. NDSU - $183,000. These continuation of funds will be awarded to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to support research related to information and image processing technology. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=29ceb35e-0e49-4961-8f60-25b0dbc53281,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding For Minot Law Enforcement and Victims of Crime Across the State,2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a total of more than $250,000 in federal funds to support the local law enforcement in the City of Minot and to provide financial assistance to crime victims and survivors throughout the state. If victims of a crime face the unfortunate circumstance of being physically or emotionally injured, they shouldnt also have to face a mountain of medical bills or push themselves to go to work because they cant afford not to, said Heitkamp. These funds will help make sure North Dakotans who become victims of crimes arent constantly reminded of what happened every time they receive a bill for months or years afterward. In addition, the funds for the local law enforcement in Minot help make sure they have the resources, training and equipment needed to keep our communities and families safe. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will receive nearly $240,000 in federal funds to help provide financial assistance to crime victims and survivors. The four categories of expenses the funds will help provide include medical expenses, mental health counseling and care, loss of wages and funeral expenses. The City of Minot will receive nearly $20,000 to prevent and combat crime in the city. The funds can be used to meet various needs of law enforcement in the area. For example, the funds may be used to support state and local initiatives, provide technical assistance, train officers and purchase needed equipment. These federal funds are authorized through the U.S. Department of Justice. The funds given to the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are awarded through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund. The City of Minot will receive its funds through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne-JAG) program. This month, three North Dakota Indian Reservations received a total of more than $50,000, Cass County and the City of Bismarck received a total of more than $95,000 and the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General received nearly $500,000 in Byrne-JAG federal funds. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=764e0d44-06f5-4477-9f47-365dc0f2f734,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Improve Oral Health Care in North Dakota,2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced at total of more than $300,000 in federal funding to develop and implement innovative programs to provide dental health professionals to underserved populations and areas across North Dakota. When we talk about health care and making sure folks take care of their bodies, oral health is often left out of the conversation, said Heitkamp. Many folks in rural North Dakota dont have access to dental care, or cant afford the routine checkups that are a critical, yet underrated, component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These funds will provide underserved North Dakotans, such as those in rural and Native American communities, with improved access to quality oral health care. These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be given to the North Dakota State Department of Health. The funds will support innovative programs to address the oral health needs of underserved areas and provide more dental health professionals to meet the need. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9a1c6c2f-b1b6-4f2b-b925-661295d051d4,Heitkamp: North Dakota State University Selected to Host National Agricultural Research Center,2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the new National Agricultural Genotyping Center will be located on the campus of North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo at the U.S. Department of Agricultures Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center. North Dakotas agriculture industry is one of the leading economic drivers of our state and its essential we make sure farmers and researchers have the information and tools they need to do their jobs effectively, said Heitkamp. After the National Corn Growers Association heeded my call, this is great news that NDSU will host the new National Agricultural Genotyping Center. The innovation that will result will be incredibly beneficial to farmers, their families, and communities across North Dakota and will help our state remain an agricultural leader. Last month, Heitkamp led an effort to locate the Genotyping Center in Fargo, noting that North Dakota is an ideal location, leading the nation in crop diversity with 42 different crops eligible for planting in a given year. Developed by the National Corn Growers Association and a consortium of partnering commodity organizations, the National Agricultural Genotyping Center will be a cutting edge agricultural research facility aimed at developing innovative new tests for plant diseases in corn, soybeans, and other crops. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=678cda55-c1d4-4712-bf0e-4dabc4719c9b,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Help Encourage Native American Students to Pursue Degrees in Psychology,2014-08-28,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a continuation of nearly $250,000 in federal funds to encourage Native American students to pursue careers in psychology at the University of North Dakota (UND). The University of North Dakotas Quentin N. Burdick Indians into Psychology Doctoral Education (INPSYDE) Program will use the funds to assist the program as it aims to recruit more Native American students into higher education psychology programs. The INPSYDE Program was created in 1992 in response to there being too few mental health professionals in Indian Country, too few Native American mental health professionals, need for improved quality mental health services in Native American communities in the region, and insufficient cross-cultural understanding and training in psychology. As Ive often said, investing in North Dakotas children and students is the most important step we can take to make sure our state has a successful future, said Heitkamp. UNDs INPSYDE program promotes a deeper understanding between our Native and non-Native communities in our state and many of its students will go on to become future leaders of their tribes who will work to improve outcomes for coming generations. The funds will help those students learn the skills they need to provide high quality care for their communities that is often missing today. In June, Heitkamp visited the INPSYDE Programs Summer Institute to meet with the Native American junior and senior high school students taking part in the two week program. During the Summer Institute, students develop a strong background in psychology and science. They also live on the UND campus to experience campus life firsthand. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8526c406-4770-4e46-b608-404bb31cfb60,"Heitkamp Encourages Eligible North Dakota Counties, Indian Reservation to Apply for Disaster Assistance Loans",2014-08-28,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today encouraged eligible North Dakota counties, and Indian Reservation to apply for federal disaster loans to repair or replace property damaged by severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 25 to July 1, 2014. The eligible North Dakota counties include Benson, Bottineau, Divide, Eddy, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Ward and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Private, nonprofit organizations that are deemed to provide essential governmental services for example, educational and medical facilities, utilities, libraries and community centers in the eligible areas are able to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The funds can be used to repair or replace destroyed or damaged machinery, equipment or inventory. Additional funds may also be given to assist with improvements that protect, prevent or minimize future damage from the same type of disaster. It is often said that too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, and the folks in the northern part of the state experienced that this past summer, said Heitkamp. The torrential downpour closed roads, filled ditches and created a concern of flooding in the region. With floods, there is often unforeseen damage that is costly and time consuming to fix. These loans will give area schools, libraries and medical centers the ability to fix any damage that occurred and make improvements to prevent future damage, and I hope eligible North Dakota organizations will apply. Interested organizations should contact the Public Information Officer at North Dakota Emergency Services, Cecily Fong, at (701) 328-8100 or via email at nddes@nd.gov. All applications for property damage must be filed by October 20, 2014 and the deadline to return economic injury applications is May 19, 2015. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e76f3ae3-8052-46c7-a17e-a93b764a77e9,Heitkamp Calls Out Canadian Pacific CEO for New Reporting System that Ignores Current Ag Shipment Backlog & Forces Grain Operators to Start From Scratch,2014-08-28,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called out Canadian Pacific Railway CEO E. Hunter Harrison for his companys new, yet seriously flawed, system to handle the delays of agriculture shipments in North Dakota. Specifically, the companys new rail car order and shuttle train system ignores the current number of unfulfilled requests from grain elevators, and forces North Dakotas farmers and grain operators to start from scratch in the middle of the states harvest season. Its making grain elevators essentially leave massive quantities of crops on the side of the road while the railroad will only transport new grain orders. Heitkamp has heard from numerous grain elevators who are customers of Canadian Pacific about the problems with the new system. For many, their number of open requests for grain cars has recently dropped dramatically. But it isnt because Canadian Pacific has fulfilled those requests. Rather, its because Canadian Pacific is making them cancel most of their open orders, leaving grain elevators without certainty that they will receive the cars they need under the new system while preventing them from selling the grain that has been delayed for months. Just over a week ago, some grain elevators using Canadian Pacific reported past-due cars ranging anywhere from 200 to 2,000 cars. But now, under the companys new system, those delays range from zero to 50 cars, despite Canadian Pacific moving far fewer cars than necessary to actually achieve such dramatic reductions in this short timeframe. Canadian Pacific is trying to pretend like the massive agricultural shipment delays across North Dakota dont exist despite the fact that grain has been piling up around the state for months, said Heitkamp. Our farmers and grain elevators are suffering, and just leaving crops from the past few months that havent been shipped because of the railroads failure to deliver cars on the side of the road hurts us all, including our states economy. While Canadian Pacifics new reporting system may provide more transparency in the long run, the company cannot just sweep under the rug the delays of the past year and start from scratch. Click here to view the letter Heitkamp sent today to Canadian Pacifics CEO. She also pushed the company for more details about how its new reporting system will limit the number of cars grain elevators can order at one time which could hurt grain elevators as they are trying to get grain to market. She also pushed Canadian Pacific about its preference to ship shuttles to the Pacific Northwest for export, while customers trying to ship east or south dont have any certainty those orders will go through. Since last February, Heitkamp has been pushing Canadian Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, and others to rectify the unacceptable backlog of agriculture shipments. And Heitkamp has been working with farmers, elevators, the railroads, and government agencies to make sure the railroads can accommodate crops from the harvest that is already underway. In July, Heitkamp called on Canadian Pacific to communicate with North Dakota farmers on the status of agriculture shipment delays in the state and the steps the company is taking to improve them. During a meeting earlier this month with Canadian Pacific CEO E. Hunter Harrison, she pushed him to make a more concerted effort to address agriculture shipment delays in North Dakota that are causing preventable challenges for farmers and shippers across the state. In May, Heitkamp requested that North Dakota State University study the economic impact of the shipment delays. According to initial findings shared prior to the full release of the study, a conservative estimate of how much revenue North Dakota farmers have lost due to agriculture shipment delays over the course of January to April was $66 million.In some instances, agricultural producers lacking access to rail service have been forced to hire trucks to carry products thousands of miles to meet obligations to customers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=80892490-a1fb-466a-a093-cb0967ac1ce0,Heitkamp Encourages North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers to Make Use of New USDA Resources,2014-08-27,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today encouraged North Dakotas farmers and ranchers to use new resources made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill which she fought to write and pass in the Senate to better prepare for and manage unforeseen risks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released more information on the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) for spring 2015 crops, another step forward in implementing the Farm Bill. Farmers and ranchers can now find SCO availability maps, commodity fact sheets, and additional information at USDAs Risk Management Agency (RMA) website, www.rma.usda.gov. USDA also built a new online Crop Insurance Decision Tool to help producers better understand SCO, which is available at http://prodwebnlb.rma.usda.gov/apps/CIDT/. This new tool will help North Dakotas farmers and ranchers learn more about how coverage is determined, when it pays, what approximate premium costs could be, and how it interacts with an underlying crop insurance policy. Making sure North Dakotas farmers and ranchers have all the information they need to make the best decisions for them and their families is absolutely essential, said Heitkamp. In the Farm Bill, I fought tirelessly to give our farmers and ranchers more support so they can do what they do best help feed North Dakota and the world. These new resources are another great step in implementing the Farm Bill and I will continue to work closely with USDA to make sure the Farm Bill works in a way thats best for North Dakotans. In crafting the Farm Bill, which reduces the deficit by more than $23 billion and supports 16 million jobs, Heitkamp successfully pushed for many priorities important to North Dakota. These include improving the crop insurance and the livestock disaster programs, preserving the Sugar Program, and providing historic investments in agricultural research and biofuels. Since the Farm Bill was signed into law, Heitkamp has also worked to make sure it is implemented properly. In the first month after the Farm Bill passed,she was successful inleading a bipartisan effort to get U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to expedite the new livestock disaster programs to help ranchers devastated by an unexpected fall blizzard. Heitkamp has alsoled an effort to support farmers who are prevented from planting crops due to adverse weather, as part of the newly-created safety net program in the Farm Bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1a96b336-6f32-43a9-8a89-0acddde01d61,Senate Appropriations Bill Recommends Creation of Heitkamps Commission on Native Children,2014-08-26,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Building on the growing bipartisan support for her bill that would create a Commission on Native Children, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senates 2015 Interior Appropriations bill specifically recommends the federal government create the Commission to help improve the lives of Native American children. At Heitkamps request, the bill specifically recommends the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to form a Commission on Native children to improve coordination between federal agencies and better use existing resources to support Native kids. The goal of the Commission is to better help Native kids get access to education, health care, social services, and juvenile justice programs and support to help reduce high rates of poverty, suicide, and abuse. The appropriations bill for the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Environment, and related agencies provides funding for BIA. Native American families and children are far too often overlooked and the conversation needs to change, said Heitkamp. For decades, Ive been pushing to make a substantial difference in the lives of Native children and creating a Commission on Native Children, as my bill would do, would be another meaningful step toward recognizing the challenges they face and finding ways to help Native kids overcome them. We need to give all of our children every chance to succeed, including Native children. I will never stop fighting to stand up for Native families and children and I will keep working with those in our state and in Congress who are committed to doing the same. Heitkamps bill to create a Commission on Native Children, which she introduced with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, currently has 34 bipartisan cosponsors and unanimously passed the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in May the final step before the bill goes to the full Senate. In June, Republican Congressman Tom Cole from Oklahoma introduced Heitkamps bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since serving as North Dakotas Attorney General in the 1990s, Heitkamp has fought to stand up for Native children and families. When she introduced her Commission on Native Children bill in October 2013, Heitkampspoke on the Senate floor about the importance of this legislation to address some of the most pressing challenges for Native children. The bill has the strong support of all five tribes in North Dakota and many national Native American organizations. During a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing on the bill in April, former U.S. Senator Byron L. Dorgan testified at the request of Heitkamp to discuss how her bill would make real changes to help improve the lives of Native American children. Dorgan is the former Chairman of the Committee, and the Founder and Chairman of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute. Heitkamps bill, theAlyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, would conduct a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities, with the goal of developing a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children. Then, the 11 member Commission would issue a report to address a series of challenges currently facing Native children. A Native Children Subcommittee would also provide advice to the Commission. The Commissions report would address how to achieve better use of existing resources, increased coordination, measurable outcomes, stronger data, stronger private sector partnerships, and implementation of best practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=bf8f341d-8402-4c9c-ab71-30ab481e2a7a,Heitkamp Announces Important Step Forward to Combat Violence Against Women in the Bakken Region,2014-08-26,2014,2014-08,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced the grantees for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)s $3 million special initiative to support local communities fight crime in western North Dakota and on the MHA Nation. Heitkamp first announced these funds in April 2014. Announced today are the organizations that will receive the funding: First Nations Womens Alliance in Devils Lake, ND North Dakota Council on Abused Womens Services in Bismarck, ND Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation in New Town, ND Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in Poplar, MT Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Helena, MT Since taking office, Heitkamp has continually urged the Administration to place special focus on increased law enforcement resources for the Bakken region, in particular on the Fort Berthold reservation, to make sure North Dakota communities are safe. The Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative funds will be used to support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking as well as aid the local criminal justice system in responding to these crimes. Heitkamp met with the Associate Attorney General of the United States Tony West in May 2014 to push for law enforcement and judicial improvements in Indian Country, including the concern of increased violence against women in Indian Country. As I said before, the Bakken Region Initiative is an excellent step toward making sure all North Dakotans feel safe in their communities, said Heitkamp. The organizations that will receive funding through this project play a critical role in addressing violence against women in the Bakken region. By bringing top Administration officials to North Dakota to hear firsthand about the emerging challenges, great strides have been made to make sure local law enforcement and organizations receive needed support to address these challenges and help our state maintain our treasured quality of life. DOJ heeded my consistent calls for additional resources for Indian Country and Native women and children, and has sent a significant portion of this funding directly to tribes and organizations that work with Native women and children in North Dakota. Heitkamp helped reauthorize and improve the Violence Against Women Act, which was one of the first pieces of legislation she co-sponsored in the Senate in February 2013.The bill significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal government, the States, law enforcement, and Tribal governments to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. Last week, Heitkamp joined the Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Michael Botticelli in North Dakota to release the new national strategy to combat drug crime and trafficking across the country, with a particular focus on addressing the growing problems in the Bakken Region. This visit follows the former White House Drug Czar visit to North Dakota last year to hear from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and other officials about the major increase in drug crimes occurring in the oil patch and spreading to other areas of the state.Just four months after that visit, ONDCP announced a series of steps to help reduce drug crime and abuse in the Bakken, including naming Williams County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, making it eligible for more federal funds. The designation and todays announcement are a direct result of the former ONDCP directors visit to the state. The $3 million will be used for two different programs: Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative: Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) and the Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative: Enhanced Response to Victims. The Bakken Region Tribal SAUSA Initiative will support the salary, travel and training costs of a Tribal SAUSA for MHA Nation. The Bakken Region Enhanced Response to Victims Initiative will fund state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, as well as local and tribal victim service providers responding to the increased demand for domestic violence and sexual assault victim services. Funding and technical assistance will also help those working to prevent violence and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5db07309-06fb-4c57-8474-7bfa3aa2a672,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Improve Emergency Preparedness, Response in North Dakota",2014-07-31,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $190,000 in federal funding to help North Dakota communities improve emergency preparedness and support training programs to help first responders handle potential hazmat situations. The funds will assist local communities in the state develop, implement, and improve emergency response plans, as well as help train emergency responders so they can properly prepare for hazmat transportation incidents. Last month, Heitkamp introduced the RESPONSE Act, which aims to better prepare first responders and emergency personnel for hazardous incidents that could occur on the rails, such as accidents like the train derailment in Casselton last December. The bill builds on Heitkamps strong work following the Casselton derailment to make sure North Dakotans and their communities are safe by making sure first responders have the resources, training, and best practices to respond to potential new incidents on the rails. While North Dakotas economic and population growth have presented remarkable opportunities for our state, we also have to sufficiently prepare for any potential disasters that may strike our growing communities, said Heitkamp. Our emergency personnel need to have the resources and training to stay safe as they protect us, and these funds will help our state be ready for, mitigate, and respond to possible hazmat incidents. Safety should be everyones top priority thats what my RESPONSE Act aims to accomplish, and I will continue to make sure we protect North Dakotas communities and families. The funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA), as part of its Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant program. Since the Casselton derailment, Heitkamp has worked to understand what happened, and push the need to better prioritize first responder preparedness.In March,Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLeanto testify at a Senate hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. McLean discussed his teams experience responding admirably to the December train derailment and subsequent explosion. He also shared with Heitkamp and her colleagues what he thinks needs to be done to better prepare our emergency responders. The day after she introduced herRESPONSE Actin June, Heitkampannounced $2 million included in a Senate appropriations billto train first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=fdef515c-777e-4513-a60d-0cf59d486809,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding to Support Victims of Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence in North Dakota",2014-07-31,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $620,000 in federal funding to provide support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in rural North Dakota communities. The funds will help Bismarcks Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC) enhance the safety of rural victims of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking in rural service areas including the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The funds will enable AARC to improve current rural Sexual Assault Response Teams protocols and services to sexual assault victims and maintain a teen dating violence program. The funds are specifically to help meet the unique needs of Native American victims and create responses for LGBTQ individuals, those with disabilities, those experiencing abuse later in life, and immigrants and migrants. With the many rural communities throughout North Dakota, we have to not only work together to fight crime in these areas but also provide support and services to victims of abuse and sexual violence, said Heitkamp. As a former North Dakota Attorney General, I know how critical it is to make sure were vigilant in improving the safety of everyone in our state and this program tackles that issue head-on. By staying persistent and working together, we can continue to provide the support victims need and combat sexual and domestic violence in North Dakota and across the country. The funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, as part of the Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Assistance Program. In the Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work to combat domestic violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children by helping push the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through Congress. It was one of the first bills the Senate passed after Heitkamp joined the chamber. As North Dakotas Attorney General, Heitkamp helped implement the initial VAWA after the bill became law in 1994. Since then, programs supported by VAWA have made drastic changes. According to the Justice Department, the annual incidences of domestic violence have fallen more than 60 percent since 1993. In the Senate, Heitkamp has expanded her efforts and has become a leader in Congress in working to combat human trafficking in North Dakota, across the country, and around the world. Shehelped introduce a billto encourage victims of human trafficking come forward and provide services for the victims. In September 2013, sheheld a Senate hearingwhere she heard firsthand what the federal, state, and local levels of government were doing to combat human trafficking and how to begin to address it as a law enforcement issue. And Heitkamp has worked closely with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cindy McCain a global leader in the fight against human trafficking to bring light to the issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=10ab7503-b22b-498e-bc8b-2f22ca0f26d1,Chairwoman Heitkamp Meets with Nominee to Head USDA Rural Development,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**Click Here for a Photo of the Meeting** WASHINGTON, D.C. During a meeting with Lisa Mensah, the nominee to become Under Secretary for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said she wants to work closely with Mensah to spark economic development in rural America and in Indian Country. Specifically, Heitkamp and Mensah discussed the need for increased Rural Utilities Service infrastructure investments in western North Dakota, and the importance of regional economic development strategies to help communities put in place strategic planning. Heitkamp is Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth, and Energy Innovation, and uses the position to establish polices that foster economic growth in North Dakota and in rural communities throughout America. Last year alone, USDA Rural Development invested more than $500 million in North Dakota infrastructure projects including water and waste water, electric and telecommunication projects, and housing. This is part of a five year commitment of almost $3.3 billion economic development and infrastructure investments in North Dakota from USDA. With her economic development background, particularly in rural America, Ms. Mensah has an opportunity to work with us to bring real, targeted economic growth to rural communities in North Dakota and around the nation, said Heitkamp. In the 2014 Farm Bill, we armed USDA Rural Development with tools to help communities achieve sustainable, long-term growth. As Chair of the Senate Subcommittee that oversees rural development, I look forward to supporting Mensahs nomination, and working closely with her to support rural America. Mensah currently serves as Executive Director of the Initiative on Financial Security at the Aspen Institute. Prior to this position, she served in various economic development positions, including as Deputy Director of the Rural Poverty and Resources Program, at the Ford Foundation. In May, Heitkamp led a Senate hearing that highlighted challenges as well as proven tactics for sparking economic development in rural America. Heitkamp brought Dawn Keeley of Grafton to testify about what she has learned in the more than 23 years she has spent focused on rural economic development. USDA Rural Development has played a key role in recent years supporting local North Dakota economies through targeted regional planning that best suits each community. These include: the financing of the $52 million Jamestown Regional Medical Center; major water projects in Emmons, Logan, and McIntosh Counties; and bringing fiber-optic high-speed Internet service to about 16,000 businesses and homes in south central North Dakota. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Heitkamp played a key role in writing, negotiating, and passing the 2014 Farm Bill. The legislation, which Heitkamp is now overseeing to make sure it works for North Dakotans, makes for the first time targeted federal investments for projects that support long-term regional strategies. Regional strategies more efficiently and effectively target resources to where they will have the greatest impact. They not only address weaknesses in a region, but support the strengths of the area. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=182c6148-fc8d-4c1f-9a2b-29fa141c7a5c,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Assessment Research at NDSU,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $500,000 in federal funds to support research at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Department of Biological Sciences on ways to help students achieve better grades and learn more. Better understanding the techniques and best practices that help students succeed is important to make sure our students get the best opportunities possible for a successful future. This grant will also help support teachers who are making a difference every day in our schools, said Heitkamp. I strongly believe in the power of a quality education, and these funds will help North Dakota educators as they assist our children in fulfilling their full potential. Schools are always looking for ways to find and reward the quality teachers who have the potential to change kids lives through education, but not enough research exists on the best ways to identify teachers. These funds, authorized by the National Science Foundation, will be used to study the benefits of evaluating teachers based on regular feedback and assessment from students and the resulting effects on student grades, a process known as formative assessment. Formative assessment is a promising way to identify our quality teachers in schools and this project aims to provide better data to help understand the full impact of feedback and assessment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8c9a1c26-191c-4548-8d9c-8ae718afd207,Heitkamp Statement on Passage of Bill to Fund Needed Investments in Transportation System,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp released the following statement after the Senate passed a bill to extend the authorization of and replenish funding for the Highway Trust Fund, which helps pay for much-needed infrastructure projects in North Dakota. Had legislation not been passed, the Highway Trust Fund was expected to run out of money by the end of August. From 1990 to 2012, traffic on our highways has increased 71 percent, and the wear and tear shows. Because North Dakotans are forced to drive on roads in need of repair, they are forced to pay $112 million $237 per motorist in vehicle operating costs per year. Today we voted to make sure our Highway Trust Fund has the resources to support much-needed infrastructure projects in North Dakota and across the country. Unfortunately, this is another short-term solution, so we must continue working on a long-term plan that will allow a country as great as ours have the highways and bridges the American people deserve, said Heitkamp. The Highway Trust Fund supports many important projects in North Dakota I have pushed for, including the expansion of US-85 from two to four lanes. As our population has grown, the increased use of highways and bridges in North Dakota has stressed our infrastructure to the max and increased safety concerns. Heavy traffic, particularly in the western part of the state, will only grow in coming years. As the oil patch continues to support Americas need for energy, North Dakotas much-used ground transportation infrastructure requires increased attentionespecially in rural areas and on our reservations. Infrastructure investments, which support good-paying jobs and help keep our people safe, have never been a partisan issue. It is my hope that Republicans will work with us on a long-term solution. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=cd33aeac-a9ee-4f41-9cba-850834bf0be2,Heitkamp: Confirmation of New VA Secretary is a Good Step to Helping Restore Trust in Agency,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**Click here for Photo of Heitkamp Meeting with Robert McDonald Last Week** WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after she voted to confirm Robert McDonald as the new Secretary for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). McDonald was confirmed by a vote of 97-0. The VA is in desperate need of reform and the recent scheduling scandal brought many of the unacceptable systemic issues within the VA system to light, said Heitkamp. Robert McDonald has a tough challenge ahead of him: to restore trust in the VA. His experience both in the military and as a CEO of a global company means he will bring a new outlook to the VA through much needed transparency, accountability, and reforms to the VA. He promised to work with me to improve and protect access to services and benefits for veterans living in rural areas, including Native American veterans. I will hold him to his word. Now its up to Congress to do its job and pass the compromise bill to help stop the gaping holes in our VA system and make sure every veteran gets the care they deserve nothing less. Last week, Heitkamp met with McDonald to discuss how he would reform the VA, and Heitkamp offered her thoughts on areas that need renewed focus. Heitkamp stressed that the next VA secretary must restore trust in the VA system, while also focusing on reaching out to veterans in rural areas who face significant travel to the closest VA facilities, including Native American veterans. Heitkamp has worked to support all of North Dakotas veterans and make sure they get the services and benefits they earned. To help draw needed attention to the challenges facing Native American veterans and connect Native veterans with resources to help them get support, Heitkamp hosted her firstNative American Veterans Summit in Bismarck, bringing together about 140 Native veterans, officials from the VA and Indian Health Service (IHS), and other advocates. Native veterans serve in the military at the highest rate per capita of any ethnic group. But studies demonstrate they also disproportionately suffer the health consequences of that service. They also often face many challenges accessing services because so many of them live in rural areas far from VA facilities. Following the summit, Heitkamp launched a new webpage to more easily connect veterans with information about how they can best access benefits and services. Last month,Heitkamp voted to approve bipartisan legislationto address and reform many of the inappropriate practices and systemic problems in the VA health care system. The Senate and House announced yesterday that they reached an agreement between their two bills which the Senate is soon expected to vote on. The Senate also recently passed Heitkamps resolutionto make June 2014 an awareness month for Post-Traumatic Stress. The resolution aims to educate Americans about the challenges many veterans with post-traumatic stress face, and reduce the stigma associated with it to help encourage more employers to hire these veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=cdb7a7b0-1859-4a27-8189-5aa62b7ecf2b,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds to Help Combat Violence Against Women & Children in North Dakota,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $30,000 in federal funding to help protect North Dakotans from sex offenders and reduce sex exploitation in our neighborhoods. Specifically, these funds will help the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, which includes programs to protect children and adults from sexual exploitation and violent crime, prevent child abuse and child pornography, and promote internet safety. In 1991, while Heitkamp served as North Dakotas Attorney General, the first sex offender registration statute passed in North Dakota which she then implemented. Since my days as Attorney General, and now as a Senator, I have gone after those who prey on our vulnerable populations and have worked to bring additional services and treatment to victims of abuse and sexual violence, said Heitkamp. These funds will help enable those efforts to continue by making sure North Dakotans are aware if sexual predators live in their communities. This registry combined with programs authorized through the Violence Against Women Act have made a difference in reducing sexual violence in North Dakota and across the country, and Ill keep fighting to support efforts that make sure our families and communities are safe. In the Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work to combat domestic violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children by helping push the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through Congress. It was one of the first bills the Senate passed after Heitkamp joined the chamber. As North Dakotas Attorney General, Heitkamp helped implement the initial VAWA after the bill became law in 1994. Since then, programs supported by VAWA have made drastic changes. According to the Justice Department, the annual incidences of domestic violence have fallen more than 60 percent since 1993. Additionally, Heitkamp has expanded her efforts and has become a leader in Congress in working to combat human trafficking in North Dakota, across the country, and around the world. She helped introduce a bill to encourage victims of human trafficking come forward and provide services for the victims. In September 2013, she held a Senate hearing where she heard firsthand what the federal, state, and local levels of government were doing to combat human trafficking and how to begin to address it as a law enforcement issue. And Heitkamp has worked closely with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cindy McCain a global leader in the fight against human trafficking to bring light to the issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1fbd2cc4-3309-4495-bc52-7a56f7ed519b,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds For Workforce Training For ND Native Americans,2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today announced more than $900,000 in federal funding to provide low-income and struggling Native Americans with employment and training opportunities on Spirit Lake, Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian reservations, as well as United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. The funds will be used to help individuals develop the academic, occupational, and literacy skills to make them more competitive in the workforce and promote economic and social development in Native communities in ways that reflect the tribes goals and values. Improving the educational and employment conditions for our Native families is a must, and Ive been working to support these goals since I was Attorney General, said Heitkamp. While the federal government has many programs to assist Indian Country, the unmet needs in our state are great and these funds will help tribe members develop the skills themselves to get good jobs and continue to make a positive impact on their communities for years to come. The grants are distributed as follows: Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe will receive $126,821. Three Affiliated Tribes will receive $153,347. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe will receive $183,598. United Tribes Technical College will receive $195,662. Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians will receive $249,983. These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Interiors Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development. A total of more than $58 million was awarded to 180 Native American entities nationwide. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has fought to support Native American families. The first bill Heitkamp introduced in the Senate would create a Commission on Native Children. Specifically, the bill would improve the lives of Native American children by examining and addressing high poverty rates, unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities and make tangible recommendations on how to make sure they are protected and supported. Recently, Heitkamps bipartisan bill passed a Senate Committee, the final step before the legislation goes to the full Senate. Heitkamp has been advocating for more investments to help grow the local economies in Indian county. Just this month, Turtle Mountain, Sisseton-Wahpeton, Spirit Lake and the Three Affiliated tribes received a total of nearly $200,000 in federal funds to help develop economic regional strategies, grow the local economies, and create jobs. The Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation which Heitkamp chairs oversees the authorization of these funds. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=47f7d424-4aa1-4bd6-a459-9c3273c25282,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds to Bolster Safety, Emergency Preparedness in North Dakota",2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, today announced more than $7 million in federal funding to support safety and emergency preparedness programs in North Dakota. Heitkamps Committee has jurisdiction over these funds. Making sure North Dakotas families and communities are safe is my top priority, said Heitkamp. With our states growing population and rapidly expanding economy come many rewards for North Dakota, but also a number of potential safety concerns. These grants will be instrumental in helping law enforcement and government agencies address these challenges and give them the resources they need to protect North Dakotans. The grants are distributed as follows: State Homeland Security Program $3,733,000. The funds will be used to help implement State homeland security strategies to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events. Operation Stonegarden $433,149. The funds will be used to improve coordination between local, tribal, territorial, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies to help secure the northern U.S. border. Emergency Management Performance Grant Program $3,099,556. The funds will be used to assist State, local, and tribal governments in emergency preparedness and the protection of life and property. Last week, Heitkamp pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske for additional needed resources and personnel on the northern U.S. border in North Dakota. In June, Heitkamp visited North Dakotas northern border with Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, to speak firsthand with local officials about security challenges they face as the states population has boomed. The funding is made available through DHSs Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Fiscal Year 2014 state and local preparedness grant programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b956952e-9d4e-4ea0-866e-678032b7b6c1,"Heitkamp, Hoeven to Host Train Car Safety Training in October",2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today announced they will be hosting, in partnership with GATX Corporation and BNSF, a railcar safety training event this October in Fargo, North Dakota. From October 6-8, GATX, the largest railcar leasing company in the world, will provide training to local rail workers and emergency responders using its TankTrainerTM and Classroom Car. GATXs TankTrainer is a 33,500-gallon tank car outfitted with a variety of fittings, coatings and configurations that allows trainees to access both the interior and exterior of a tank car for a hands-on experience. The Classroom Car is a climate-controlled training facility for instruction provided by experienced GATX personnel. Using these mobile facilities, GATX provides education and outreach to its customers, railroads, emergency responders and the communities in which it operates. North Dakotans are rightly concerned about the safety of our communities, and weve been working hard to bring together key figures, including BNSF, federal and state officials, to ensure the safe operation of our railroads, Heitkamp and Hoeven said in a joint statement. This upcoming training will be a valuable opportunity to provide first responders with information they can use to better protect our communities and themselves. We want to thank GATX and BNSF for partnering with us to make this training a possibility. Since the train derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp has worked tirelessly on a wide variety of issues surrounding derailments and other potential incidents on the rails to make sure safety of North Dakotans and their communities is everyones top priority. In March, Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to testify at a Senate hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. After listening to McLean and first responders across the nation, Heitkamp introduced her RESPONSE Act in June to better prepare emergency personnel in North Dakota and across the country tasked with responding to potential hazmat incidents, such as derailments of trains carrying materials like crude oil. It would also make sure first responders in communities near railroad tracks get quality training and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications. Heitkamp has worked closely with DOT, including hosting Secretary Anthony Foxx in North Dakota, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as other federal, state, and local officials, and industry. She has called for and continues to press all sides on the need for many changes to improve rail safety, including updated standards for tanker cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes, and enhanced track inspection standards for the rail lines carrying crude oil. Following the Casselton derailment in late December, Hoeven organized a series of meetings for the delegation with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and Pipeline, Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) head Cynthia Quarterman as well as other stakeholders to encourage collaboration towards an effective, comprehensive plan to improve the safety of transporting crude oil by rail. At the first of these meetings, Hoeven followed up with Quarterman on a letter he wrote a year earlier asking her to expedite rules governing construction of new, safer tanker cars. The delegation also hosted Secretary Foxx at a community meeting with local, state and federal officials in Casselton this past May to review work on the comprehensive plan. In June, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Senator Hoeven is a member, approved the Fiscal Year 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding bill. Hoeven worked with the THUD Subcommittee to include in the bill a number of measures to reduce the risk of accidents and to mitigate the impact of fire and explosion when they do occur. The bill also includes a provision requiring a date certain for new rules for tanker car construction to give industry the regulatory certainty they need to invest in safer, more modern rail tanker cars. GATX is committed to safety and training, and the TankTrainer program is part of its ongoing efforts to educate industry professionals on the important features of tank cars. The TankTrainer has been in operation for more than 20 years, and GATX has hosted hundreds of training events for thousands of employees at railroads and shippers, as well as local and regional first responders. BNSF is co-hosting this training as part of its ongoing Hazmat training program for communities, which is designed to aid local emergency responders in how to prepare for and respond to possible hazardous materials transportation incidents through a combination of hands-on training and emergency planning. BNSFs Hazmat professionals have trained over 700 North Dakota emergency services personnel in the past few years and will hold nine additional trainings in North Dakota this year, including locations such as Dickinson, Mandan and Bismarck. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=27424c60-5ec6-450d-9057-6eec72ee0857,"Heitkamp Visits KinderKidz in Dickinson, Highlights Importance of Early Childhood Education",2014-06-30,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DICKINSON, N.D U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today met with children and staff at KinderKidz preschool and daycare in Dickinson, and toured the facility to reinforce the importance of helping kids get a good education starting at a young age. According to a recent study, in 2012, child care costs almost matched or exceeded the average cost of rent in North Dakota. At any given time, KinderKidz has an average of 50 children on its waiting list. In May 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partnered with Roughrider Electric Cooperative to provide KinderKidz a $300,000 loan to expand its facility which will allow KinderKidz to accommodate 45 more children, raising its capacity to 143 children. KinderKidz is a great example of the kind of early childhood education all children should have access to, said Heitkamp. Parents can drop their kids off knowing that they will receive quality care, and also be in a learning environment that will foster future success. The top-notch work of the care providers here truly make a difference in the lives of these children, and theyre helping to put North Dakotas kids on the right path forward starting at a young age. We need to keep investing in our kids, and the recent funds to help expand the number of children at KinderKidz is a case in point. Ill keep pushing to make sure programs like KinderKidz and Head Start are funded so our kids get the support they deserve. The mission of KinderKidz is to prepare children for kindergarten by instilling and extending language and vocabulary, developing fine and gross motor skills, fostering critical thinking, encouraging positive social interactions and nurturing creativity and curiosity. It also incorporates multi-cultural awareness and Spanish and sign language as a second language for preschoolers. As Chairwomen of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Jobs, Rural Economic Growth and Energy Innovation, Heitkamp oversees the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program that authorized these funds. The REDLG provides zero-interest loans and grants for local businesses to create and retain employment in rural areas. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=dc977fa7-697f-4cb6-9be5-ef93054a91e0,Heitkamp Celebrates Continued Economic Growth of North Dakotas Energy Sector,2014-06-30,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DICKINSON, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today welcomed the opening of a major energy supply business, saying it is another example of North Dakotas support of an all-of-the-above energy policy that should be replicated on a national level. Heitkamp spoke to community members and employees of Univar, which held a ribbon cutting for its second facility in the Bakken region to help meet the needs of energy producers. Univars new facility currently employs seven workers and the company will look to hire another 15 workers over the next year to help support energy businesses in other parts of western North Dakota. Our state has become the envy of the nation, and its because of our people and companies, like Univar, that are willing to invest in North Dakota and build out their operations here, said Heitkamp. Dickinson has truly stayed ahead of the curve with smart planning and great collaboration between city and county officials, and businesses and local residents. That has helped draw even more economic development, build needed infrastructure, and created jobs throughout the area. Just last week, North Dakota hit a milestone by producing one million barrels of oil in a day. And today, were showing that we wont stop there. A strong supporter of North Dakota energy production, Heitkamp is committed to highlighting the important role our energy is playing in our national energy mix and supporting jobs for local communities. In recent months, Heitkamp has toured businesses that are working to support natural gas production in the state, including Blaise Energy and ONEOK. Both are working on supporting responsible natural gas production and adding many jobs to the state. Heitkamp believes the energy policy championed in North Dakota supporting the responsible development of diverse energy resources, including coal, wind, oil, biofuels, and natural gas is a model that should be replicated on the national level. She feels strongly that the adoption of an all-of-the-above energy policy will improve energy independence and security. In the Senate, she is working tirelessly to support North Dakota energy production. Last year, Heitkamp helped advance legislation that was signed into law that is streamlining oil and gas permitting on federal lands in western North Dakota. In an effort to educate her colleagues and the Administration, she has repeatedly brought them to North Dakota to see firsthand the responsible energy production in the state. Earlier this month, Heitkamp brought Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), and earlier this year she hosted Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, whose decisions frequently have major impacts on North Dakota energy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e1f8ad5e-425e-4eca-87e3-ba7f07208b39,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Grand Forks Head Start,2014-06-30,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DICKINSON, N.D U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $2.5 million in federal funds for Head Start programs in Grand Forks to continue providing quality, accessible, and affordable early childhood education. The funds will help enable the Grand Forks Head Start to continue its quality programing and provide more resources as it expands the number of children it can accept into the program. Last year, 333 children participated in the Grand Forks Head Start program, and this year, the program is expanding to support an additional 24 children. Early childhood education reaches children at a critical time in their development, said Heitkamp. Its because of affordable programs like Head Start that we can make sure all kids get the education they deserve starting at a young age. And these programs result in much higher rates of return than at any other time in a childs life. Todays grant allows the Grand Forks Head Start to continue preparing kids for success as they progress through school and on to careers in our states growing economy. Heitkamp has called for continued investments in Head Start programs that are economical investments both in our children and our countrys future. She spoke at the Head Start Conference October 2013 about her commitment to continue investing in programs, like Head Start, and discussed how they not only give children the affordable education opportunities they deserve, but also save the taxpayers money in the long run. For every $1 invested in high-quality early childhood education, taxpayers save an average of $7 in future costs. Heitkamp visited the Valley City Head Start last December, which was forced to cut 17 children from the program, reduce classroom sizes, and combine employees positions due to the across-the-board budget cuts. In April 2014, Heitkamp highlighted new investments at Head Start programs at Standing Rock and Spirit Lake to help meet the educational needs of children enrolled in the programs. By 2020, two-thirds of jobs will require more than a high school diploma. A recent study shows if children read at grade level by third grade, they are four times more likely to graduate from high school. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=23f9a942-e87e-48f1-8d08-1c7c242fd64e,Heitkamp: Appropriations Bill Includes $2 Million for Rail Incident First Responder Training,2014-06-27,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that significant funding to train first responders for incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail has been included in a Senate appropriations bill. The $2 million specifically dedicated for this training was included by the Senate Appropriations Committee in the Department of Homeland Securitys Fiscal Year 2015 appropriations, which was approved in the Appropriations Committee on Thursday. The funding is particularly significant as Heitkamp has made a strong push over the last several months to increase funds to help train and support first responders as they handle new hazards, such as more oil on the rails. Since the December 30 derailment of a train carrying crude oil near Casselton and the subsequent explosion, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the challenges facing first responders by repeatedly pressing her colleagues and the Administration about the need to better prioritize first responder preparedness and dedicate more resources. The approval of more funds comes the day after Heitkamp introduced legislation, which she unveiled last Friday in North Dakota, to make sure first responders in communities near railroad tracks get quality training and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications. Working closely with North Dakota first responders, I reinforced that all of us must recognize the duty we have to making sure our first responders are prepared for incidents like we saw in Casselton. Earlier this year, I held a Senate hearing about the importance of better training first responders for new hazards. And just a day after I introduced a plan to support first responders, the Appropriations Committee recognized the major need for significant funding, said Heitkamp. This action shows that our persistent efforts to push for more support for first responders are resonating. Ill continue to work in the Senate and with the Administration to give first responders the resources they deserve. Because of the energy boom in North Dakota and the heavy reliance on rail as a mode of transportation, small communities are seeing up to nine trains come through per day with more than 100 linked crude oil cars per train. Heitkamps Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act, would establish a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) panel focused on railroad incident first responders. The committee would be tasked with bringing together all the relevant federal agencies, emergency responders, technical experts and the private sector for a review of training, resources, best practices and unmet needs related to emergency responders to railroad hazmat incidents. Heitkamp believes this issue needs heightened attention, as the number of railcars carrying crude oil on major freightrailroads inthe U.S. has grown by more than 6,000 percent between 2008 and 2013, according to the American Association of Railroads. For a one-page summary of the bill, click here. For reactions on the bill from first responders in Fargo, Casselton, Dickinson, Minot, and Williston click here. In March,Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to testify at a Senate hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. McLean discussed his teams experience responding admirably to the December train derailment and subsequent explosion. McLean also shared with Heitkamp and her colleagues what he thinks needs to be done to better prepare our brave emergency responders. Since the Casselton derailment, Heitkamp has worked tirelessly to understand what happened, and push for improvements to rail safety. She has worked closely with the Department of Transportation, including hosting Secretary Anthony Foxx in North Dakota, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as other federal, state, and local officials, and industry. Heitkamp has called for many changes to improve rail safety, including updated standards for tanker cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes,and enhanced track inspection standards for the rail lines carrying crude oil. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=26621255-e89b-4637-b39f-1a181428ce48,Heitkamp Pushes for Solutions to Housing & Economic Challenges Facing North Dakotas Growing Communities,2014-06-27,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SURREY, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured the City of Surrey and addressed the pressing challenges facing growing North Dakota communities in a meeting with city administrators and officials, such as reduced access to affordable housing, strained infrastructure and law enforcement, and stressed education and public safety systems. Since 2009, Surrey has seen unprecedented population growth as a result of increased energy development in western North Dakota. Over that period, the number of homes in the city has increased by approximately 66 percent, greatly impacting the local housing market. Should population growth continue as projected, Surrey would become one of the top fifteen-largest cities in North Dakota. Additionally, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad, which carries crude oil, currently runs through the heart of the city. North Dakotas energy boom has provided some serious benefits for our state and made us a leader in economic development. But we cant overlook the challenges that have also arisen from this accelerated growth, said Heitkamp. Thats what my meeting and tour of Surrey were about discussing the challenges the city is currently facing and trying to find a productive path forward. We need to help our local law enforcement cope with the growing population, support more affordable housing, and build needed infrastructure like roads and bridges. By making these types of investments we can help growing towns, like Surrey, have the tools they need to be places where families choose to live and businesses are able to grow. Heitkamp has been working in the Senate and with North Dakotas towns and cities to address many of the challenges communities are facing because of the population growth throughout the state. Earlier this month, Heitkamp brought U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to Minot and Williston to see the states northern border with Canada firsthand and speak with local officials about the security challenges they face as the states population has boomed. Carper is Chairman of the Senate Committee which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Heitkamp is a member of the Committee.They spoke with local law enforcement about the changing dynamics in the state due to the energy boom, as the state is experiencing many challenges with border crossings, including human trafficking, illegal trade, illegal immigration, and national security threats. Heitkamp has also long been a supporter of making worthwhile investments to improve North Dakotas public safety, infrastructure, housing, and public services. Last week, Heitkamp unveiled legislation to better prepare emergency personnel to respond to potential incidents, such as derailments of trains carrying materials like crude oil as those shipments have increased across the state. Since the Casselton derailment last December, Heitkamp has worked tirelessly to understand what happened, and push for improvements to rail safety to make sure communities and families throughout North Dakota are safe. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has worked to address North Dakotas housing shortage. Because of the states economic boom, its estimated the state will need 30 percent more housing units by 2025. Heitkamp played a key role in passingbipartisan legislation through the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairsthat would reform the nations broken housing finance system.She specifically worked to include proposals that will make sure rural and Native communities receive a fair share of funding provided to states, offering them more resources to make affordable housing a reality. Last year, Heitkamp traveled to six cities across the state to discuss North Dakotas unique housing challenges. In April, Heitkamp and Senator John Hoevenbrought FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakotato see the aviation challenges facing the western part of the state. For instance, passenger enplanements increased from 8,500 in 2007 to more than 186,000 in 2013 at Sloulin Field International Airport in Williston, placing major stress on airport infrastructure. Since Administrator Huertas visit, Heitkamp has played a key role in obtaining nearly $30 million in grants for North Dakotas airports through the federally-funded Airport Improvement Project. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=731eef36-1a7f-4a8e-a9ba-c3178e154e32,Heitkamp at American Legion Convention: We Must Do More to Help Those Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress,2014-06-27,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. At the North Dakota American Legion Convention tonight, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp thanked our states veterans and highlighted the need to support those suffering from post-traumatic stress. Heitkamp used the opportunity to continue her efforts to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress and helping those veterans with brain injuries due to their service. Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan resolution to designate June 2014 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Moving forward, Heitkamp wants to lead a conversation about how best to talk about this topic and explore whether this challenge should be referred to as post-traumatic stress or PTSD. Post-traumatic stress is an injury that most people cant see by looking at our veterans. But it is real, and every day it takes an incredible toll on millions of our veterans, said Heitkamp. We need to work together, all Americans, to raise awareness about this issue, and help those who are suffering get back on their feet. We sent these brave men and women to war and we owe it to them to be there as they go through their recovery. We also need to talk about this in the correct manner in a way that helps our veterans and servicemembers rather than in way that could hurt. Many feel that it is time to stop referring to PTSD as a disorder as somehow there is some weakness inside you. There is absolutely no weakness from anyone with post-traumatic stress. In fact, it shows strength to come forward and seek out help. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critical issue. Heitkamps resolution aims to raise awareness about the challenges many veterans with post-traumatic stress face, and reduce the stigma associated with it to help encourage more employers to hire these veterans and help them transition. Since 2001, more than half of all veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars treated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been diagnosed with at least one mental health condition, and more than one-third with post-traumatic stress. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been a vocal leader in raising awareness about post-traumatic stress and has worked to improve treatment and understanding of mental health injuries across the nation. Heitkamps resolution supports efforts by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Defense, and the medical community to educate servicemembers, veterans, their families, and the general public about causes, symptoms, and treatment for post-traumatic stress. This was the second straight year that Heitkamp guided this resolution through the Senate. Earlier this month, Heitkamp hosted a Native American Veterans Summit in Bismarck to connect Native veterans with the resources, support, and benefits they earned. She brought together top Administration officials, including the U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewel, Native veterans, community leaders, and VA and Indian Health Service officials to engage in an open dialogue about the challenges veterans face and what can be done to correct them. Discussions about the challenges of post-traumatic stress were a significant part of the Summit as both veterans and advocates talked about their experiences. Last year, to better understand the unique issues facing North Dakota veterans, Heitkamp toured the state and held roundtables in six cities to hear directly from veterans about the obstacles they face. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=26fa622a-d515-45b9-a64b-e5c88013b0bb,Heitkamp Thanks UND & Hess Corp for their Strong Commitments to Building Next Generation of Oil and Gas Workers,2014-06-26,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted the importance of major funds for the University of North Dakotas (UND) Petroleum Engineering Program to support new labs and equipment and help encourage more students to participate in the already exploding program. The program specifically aims to build on the growing energy development in North Dakota, help UND students receive needed training for new energy jobs, and encourage North Dakota students to stay in the state to help build the workforce the state needs. A recent report from Job Service North Dakota shows there are more than 27,000 job openings in North Dakota as of May. Today, UND announced that Hess Corporation will give a $5 million gift over five years to support facilities in the planned 30,000 square foot Collaborative Energy Complex, including the Hess Innovation Lab, a 3D visualization and reservoir simulation lab, a drilling simulator lab, and an educational exhibit on the history of oil and gas in North Dakota. The State of North Dakota will provide a $2.5 million match of funds. These funds will contribute to the capital campaign UND is undertaking to expand the schools Petroleum Engineering Program. Its an understatement to say that energy development in North Dakota is booming. With more than 27,000 job openings in our state many in the energy sector we want to do everything possible to encourage North Dakotans to fill those jobs, said Heitkamp. UND which Im a proud graduate of and Hess Corporation are successfully harnessing this growing industry by training students to fill the new oil and gas jobs, building on our states job corps, and helping keep our bright, young students in our state. Todays announcement builds on UNDs and Hess Corporations continued commitments to building the next generation of oil and gas workers right here in North Dakota. They continue to think ahead, and as a result, our students, state, schools, and the energy sector all benefit. UNDs Petroleum Engineering Program is the only petroleum engineering program in North Dakota. The program has drastically grown from four students in 2010 to 200 students in 2013. Heitkamp has long called for a true all-of-the-above energy strategy as North Dakota is doing, including oil, gas, coal, wind, and biofuels. She is committed to encouraging young North Dakotans to stay, work, and help build North Dakota for the next generation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=931a24b7-5ea6-499c-be19-b79aa53bddbd,Heitkamp Bill to Stand up for Native Children Introduced in U.S. House,2014-06-26,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Building on the strong support for her Commission on Native Children bill, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that Republican Congressman Tom Cole from Oklahoma introduced her bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Commission would address the challenges facing Native American children by examining issues such as high poverty rates, unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities and making concrete recommendations to protect Native children and provide them with opportunities to excel and thrive. Last month, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs overwhelmingly passed Heitkamp's bill, the final step before it advances to the full Senate. The bill now has 32 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate. Congressman Cole has a strong history of working for Native families both as a Congressman and as a member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma. I greatly appreciate that he introduced my bill in the House of Representatives, and look forward to working with him to get it passed, said Heitkamp. While it has been heartbreaking to hear some of the stories and challenges facing Native children through my years of public service in North Dakota, Im incredibly encouraged by the bipartisan progress we have made for this bill in the halls of Congress. We have an important responsibility to honor our commitments to Native children and my bill will help make that possible. ""I am pleased to introduce the House-version of Senator Heidi Heitkamps bill that seeks to improve the livelihood of Native American children, said Cole. Through formation of a commission that studies the needs of our Native children and the current federal benefits received or lack thereof, I believe that this legislation can help the federal government keep its trust responsibility. Certainly, this legislation will help ensure that generations of Native children are given the opportunity to thrive. Since her time as North Dakotas Attorney General in the 1990s, Heitkamp has worked to stand up for Native families and children. After introducing her Commission on Native Children bill in October 2013 with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, Heitkamp has worked to build strong support for it. Heitkamp and Murkowski recently penned an op-ed about the importance of their bill to supporting Native children and the need to fulfill the federal governments broken promises to Native kids and families. The Senate bills 32 cosponsors include conservative, moderate, and liberal Senators looking to stand up for Native children and make sure they have every opportunity to succeed. Heitkamps bill also has the strong support of all five tribes in North Dakota and many national Native American organizations. Heitkamps Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children would conduct a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities, with the goal of developing a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children. Then, the 11 member Commission would issue a report to address a series of challenges currently facing Native children. A Native Children Subcommittee would also provide advice to the Commission. The Commissions report would address how to achieve better use of existing resources, increased coordination, measurable outcomes, stronger data, stronger private sector partnerships, and implementation of best practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3ce775ba-a4fe-42b3-9ace-851757971ca9,Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Mandan Rural Fire Protection District,2014-06-25,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $87,000 in federal funding for the Mandan Rural Fire Protection District to purchase a compressed air foam unit for its new fire truck which helps the firefighters put out fires. North Dakotas firefighters are on the front lines protecting our families and communities, and we need to make sure they have the tools to do their jobs, said Heitkamp. These folks willingly give their time and put themselves in harms way they are an instrumental part of our towns. These funds will help make sure the Mandan Rural Fire Protection District has the necessary and updated equipment to arrive on the scene prepared to respond to any situation, while also making sure they are protected as they do their jobs. Last week, Heitkamp unveiled her bill to support first responders by making sure they have access to the necessary training and equipment. Heitkamp has worked closely with North Dakota first responders to address the challenges they face and provide support. The train derailment near Casselton on December 30, 2013 reinforced the need to make sure first responders have the resources they need to protect North Dakotas families and communities. A program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program aims to help local fire departments strengthen their level of preparedness and ability to respond to fires and related hazards to improve public and firefighter safety. The AFG program provides direct assistance to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations that can be used to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment and vehicles. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=020df47a-a3ee-4567-9a4d-723c774255c9,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funds for Cass County, City of Fargo Flood Prevention",2014-06-24,2014,2014-06,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $6 million in federal funding to make flood protection improvements in Cass County and Fargo. During the flood of 2011, every river basin in North Dakota was impacted by the unprecedented levels of water. Fargo experienced 150 days above flood stage and Cass County incurred $1.9 million in emergency work costs. These funds, authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will assist with the acquisition and demolition of 38 flood-prone properties in Cass County. Home buyouts in flood prone areas are a part of the regions comprehensive plan for long term flood protection. The funds will also be used to improve the sanitary sewer system in Fargo to minimize the risk of sewer backup into public and private property during wet weather conditions. So many North Dakotans have experienced the heart ache of losing their homes or rebuilding their communities because of flooding, said Heitkamp. The City of Fargo and Cass County have been working diligently to invest in projects that will mitigate the flood risk in the region. These new federal funds will assist them in fulfilling their prevention plans following the 2011 flood. In the Senate, Ive fought to boost flood protection across North Dakota, including in Fargo, to protect our families and communities, and these funds are another important step toward building a comprehensive flood risk management effort in the region. In May 2014, the President signed into law the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) which includes Heitkamp-backed provisions to authorize permanent flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region and block the Federal government from charging a fee for surplus water from the reservoirs along the Missouri River, including Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=719fbd91-a20b-45c2-9393-83e1577b985a,Heitkamp Statement on VA Secretary Shinseki Resignation,2014-05-30,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement following the resignation of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki. ""Our veterans deserve the best care possible because they earned it. And it should never be a question that they get access to such care in a timely manner. It is my hope that the resignation of Secretary Shinseki will allow us to focus on what should be everyones key goals: improving care for those who served and fixing the problems of access to services at VA hospitals around the country, including in Arizona, so they don't ever happen again. ""Secretary Shinseki has given decades of service to our country, both on the battlefield and in his government service. He deserves credit for expanding access to benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, reducing the backlog of disability claims, and working to end homelessness among veterans. ""We can now focus on the task at hand rebuilding trust in the VA. I'll demand regular updates from the agency as they address these issues. I'll also continue to push for passage of a comprehensive veterans health and benefits bill which was blocked in the Senate earlier this year because it would provide significant improvements for the services we offer our veterans. Congress also must appropriate the needed funds to support all of our veterans new and old. We have a moral responsibility to get this done right."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b46cbd9d-fd2f-4266-a7cd-5dcda548c23b,Heitkamp Presses for Improved Management of Dakota Grasslands at Roundtable with U.S. Forest Service Chief,2014-05-30,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DICKINSON, N.D. At a roundtable event with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief today, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp called on the Forest Service to provide fair access for grazing in the Dakota Grasslands, continuing her efforts to support North Dakotas ranchers. She also requested that the Forest Service compensate ranching families that saw their property destroyed in the 2013 Pautre Wildfire near the North Dakota-South Dakota border, which she has been pressing the agency about since April 2013. Fair grazing access is critical to not only the health of the grasslands, but also the livelihood of ranchers and their families across our state, said Heitkamp. Since last spring, Ive been pushing on the Forest Service to better protect ranchers grazing rights. And today, the Forest Service chief got the chance to hear directly from our ranchers about how many of the Forest Services policies are making it difficult for ranchers to do their jobs. Those actions include the Pautre Wildfire, a completely avoidable event which the Forest Service caused. Im continuing to hold the Forest Service accountable to compensate ranchers for the unnecessary and devastating losses, as Ive been doing for more than a year. Moving forward, Ill continue to press Chief Tidwell, the Forest Service, and grazing associations to make sure North Dakotas ranchers have what they deserve a fair shot to succeed. USFS oversees the management of the Dakota Grasslands, through which many ranching families in western North Dakota run their cattle. Heitkamp and the group discussed the yet to be finalized North Billings Management Plan, which will dictate how ranchers can access grazing in the Dakota Grasslands. Heitkamp also continued to pressure the agency about last Aprils Pautre Wildfire, which began near Hettinger, burned 14,000 acres in North and South Dakota, and resulted in nearly $10 million in property loss for ranchers in the region. Heitkamp has been a staunch defender of North Dakotas ranchers and their grazing rights. In March, Heitkamp called on USFS Dakota Grasslands Supervisor Dennis Neitzke to follow through and honor the commitment USFS made to prevent immediate reductions in grazing access in the North Billings Management Plan. As a result of the Pautre Wildfire, in April 2013 Heitkamp expressed her disappointment to Tidwell and urged USFS to halt all planned controlled burns in the Dakota National Grassland until drought conditions subsided, requested a review of controlled burn policies, and called on USFS to expedite the claims process for ranchers. She has also fought to make sure ranchers get access to livestock disaster assistance. On the heels of the devastating fall snowstorm in North Dakota that killed tens of thousands of cattle across the region, Heitkamp organized a meeting in southwest North Dakota in October 2013 to connect ranchers with livestock disaster program resources. She also fought for livestock disaster programs to be included in the recently-signed 2014 Farm Bill. In early February 2014 after the Farm Bill passed Heitkamp then led a group of Senators in calling on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to expedite the implementation of these programs and just nine days later, was successful in achieving this goal, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture announcing it would begin accepting applications April 14, 2014 for livestock disaster assistance dating back to October 2011. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e3b43150-4bdf-4d36-872d-4a370c172898,"Heitkamp Announces More Than $800,000 for Jamestown Regional Airport",2014-05-30,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"DICKINSON, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus, today announced an $806,937 federal grant for Jamestown Regional Airport. The funding will be used to acquire a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle. The grant I announced today will be used to make sure Jamestown Regional Airport has the infrastructure in place to handle increase enplanements, said Heitkamp. I brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota so he could see firsthand the aviation needs facing our state. We are now seeing increased investments in our airports, and I will continue to push for more support. In addition to helping secure funding for needed investments, Heitkamp played a leadership role in securing Essential Air Service support for Jamestown. Jet service will begin in Jamestown as a result of her efforts on June 5th. In January, Heitkamp hosted top officials at the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reiterate the importance of the Essential Air Service Program for North Dakota. The DOT agreed to Heitkamps request for an expedited transition to new service after the new bids announced. Heitkamp also went directly to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx in support of the service. Heitkamp has repeatedly pressed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make needed investments to North Dakotas airport infrastructure. Last month, Heitkamp and Senator John Hoeven brought FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to North Dakota to see the aviation challenges facing the western part of the state. Heitkamp also played a key role insecuring more than $17.5 million in grantsthrough the federally funded Airport Improvement Program to North Dakota airports, including $6.5 million to construct a new terminal at Minot International Airport. These infrastructure improvements will help allow North Dakotas airports to keep up with the growing economy, population, and demand for air travel. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6bf01f66-ceaf-4161-8c73-00cce0170b62,Heitkamp: Report on VA is Disturbing; VA Must Take Action to Give Veterans Care They Deserve,2014-05-29,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today severely criticized the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the deeply concerning problems in service at VA facilities in Arizona and across the country that were detailed in an initial Inspector Generals report released Wednesday. Following up on that report, Heitkamp specifically requested the VA provide details about when its officials knew about the problems in service to veterans and if action was taken to address them. A recently released internal memo shows VA leadership knew about the scheduling irregularities at the VA in 2010. Yet, four years later, the problems clearly still persist. Heitkamp also called for the VA to provide details about steps the agency is taking fix the issues, make sure veterans get the care they deserve, and rebuild the VA health system. As part of the VAs ongoing review process, it is conducting investigations at every VA health care facility nationwide. Heitkamp spoke with the director of Fargos VA Medical Center last week following the VAs inspection of the hospital. The initial findings from the VA found no irregularities with the Fargo VAs scheduling practices. The Veterans Affairs Inspector Generals report is outright disturbing and we should all be offended by the way the VA health care system has treated many of our veterans, said Heitkamp. First and foremost, I want to make sure we get to the heart of the problem by finding out what happened at the Arizona VA hospital and at others around the country put a plan in place to fix it so these issues dont ever happen again, and hold those responsible accountable. Im also reaching out to the VA directly to find out how this specific problem wasnt addressed when it first came to the attention of VA leadership back in 2010. Such a lack of action and oversight for four years is deeply concerning and shows that we are failing our veterans. Thats just unacceptable. The many health care workers at our VA hospitals provide valuable services for our veterans, but because of the actions of a few, many veterans have waited far too long for benefits, health care, and other support. Those who fought for our country deserve the best of the best and its past time we give them a system that offers them such care. We need to see real action right now. Click here to read a full copy of the letter Heitkamp sent today to Secretary Shinseki. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8a3e2afc-9f3f-4287-a31c-b523b5aad334,"Heitkamp Welcomes Plan to Make ICBM Leader 4-Star Rank, Increase Support For Servicemembers",2014-05-29,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"**Click here for a photo of Senator Heitkamp at the Minot Air Force Base this week** WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Coalition, today welcomed the decision by the U.S. Air Force to improve our nations nuclear mission and increase support for servicemembers, such as those at Minot Air Force Base who work every day to keep our nation safe. Heitkamp specifically pressed the Air Force to make changes to improve the lives of ICBM Airmen. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James announced that she recommended the Secretary of Defense elevate the Global Strike Command commander to a four-star general, from the current three-star rank. The Air Force also will increase the Air Force Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration from a two-star to a three-star billet.These changes would demonstrate the importance of the ICBM force to the Department of Defense and improve the ability of Global Strike Command to respond to the needs of its servicemembers. Just as important, the Air Force announced plans to increase the overall ICBM manpower by more than 1,100 personnel to address shortfalls and offer Airmen better quality of life, and introduce several incentives to better attract and retain Airmen in the ICBM field. Heitkamp, who visited Minot Air Force Base on Tuesday, has repeatedly stressed to Secretary James and other top military leaders the need to develop specific proposals to improve support for the hardworking servicemembers at Minot Air Base. Heitkamp has also repeatedly talked about the overall importance of our ICBMs to national security. As I have said all along, we need to invest in our ICBM mission and support the incredible servicemembers who help keep our country safe, and this announcement by the Air Force is a step in the right direction. Secretary James took the time to visit Minot Air Force Base herself and is now following up with real action, said Heitkamp. When I visited the Minot Air Force Base this week, I listened to not just senior leaders there, but also junior officers and enlisted personnel. They are some of our best and brightest, and I will continue working to make sure they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been a fervent supporter of ICBMs and has been adamant in her opposition to unnecessary reductions in our nuclear forces: Heitkamp and Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) called on the U.S. Department of Defense to follow federal law and halt any move to conduct an environmental study of the ICBM silos at Minot Air Force Base and nationwide, which could potentially lead to the removal of the missiles and closure of the silos. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8b193e22-be2f-4640-96ed-85f0fb80e6b3,Heitkamp Discusses Disaster Preparedness Following Recent Tornado & Tours Watford City,2014-05-29,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WATFORD CITY, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured Watford City and met with Watford City and McKenzie County officials to discusschallenges the city and county face, including the recent tornado that ripped through the area earlier this week. Heitkamp spoke about the importance of making sure the county and city have up-to-date emergency response plans in place for natural disasters that account for the substantial population increase in the area and the related development of temporary housing sites. By doing so, Heitkamp noted that this would help improve coordination between first responders, hospitals, local agencies, and other organizations. After natural disasters,like thetornado that struck Watford City earlier this week, the most important priority is to make sure everyone is safe, said Heitkamp. Its also critical that Watford City, and all of North Dakotas communities, have emergency response plans in place to meet their current needs and incorporate warning and shelter plans for those living in temporary housing. We want to make sure all residents are notified of disasters in a quick, coordinated way. In addition to touringstorm damage,I also spoke with local officials about the pressing challenges ofcreating affordable housing options and finding ways to improve residents safety.As our population grows which Watford City knows all too well we need to do everything possible to ease that transition, and support our families, businesses, and communities. During her tourofWatford City, Heitkamp met with Watford City Mayor Brent Sanford, McKenzie County Job Development Authority Executive Director Gene Veeder, McKenzie County Auditor Linda Svihovec, and McKenzie County Commissioners. Heitkamptoured crew camps in thearea and spoke about the need to create more affordable housing in the area, given its rapid population growth as a result of increased energy development in western North Dakota.In their meeting, Heitkamp and the Commissioners spoke about challenges the county faces related to heavy storms and flooding and how it affects county roads.They also spoke about ways to improve the safety of residents as the community grows. Because of North Dakotas economic boom, its estimated the statewill need 30 percent more housing units by 2025.Heitkamp has been working in the Senate to address North Dakotas housing shortage.In March 2013, Heitkamp traveled across the stateto raise awareness to the states housing crunch. Meetings in six cities provided state, local, and federal officials with opportunities to share their situations and discuss plans to address unique housing issues across the state. She also hostedhousing summits with community leaders inMandanandFargoin August 2013. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=19771d28-a698-417f-a9c6-69033954852e,Heitkamp Leads Bipartisan Group of 47 Senators Calling on EPA to Extend Comment Period for Forthcoming Coal Plant Rules,2014-05-28,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. With the Administration poised to announce new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal-fired power plants, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp led a bipartisan coalition of 47 Senators in calling for a 120-day public comment period. The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to release the first ever greenhouse gas performance standards for existing coal-fired power plants next week. If these regulations fail to create a reasonable reduction level and timeline for implementation, these new limits on emissions could raise energy costs for American families, effectively shut down many existing coal-fired power plants, and adversely impact middle-class coal jobs throughout the country. In their letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp and others stressed that utilities, rural electric cooperatives, employees, and consumers need sufficient time to analyze the rule and its potential impacts on reliability, electricity providers, jobs, and the economy. Affordable, reliable, and redundant sources of electricity are essential to the economic well-being of our states and the quality of life of our constituents, Heitkamp and others wrote. While we all agree that clean air is vitally important, EPA has an obligation to understand the impacts that regulations have on all segments of society. Heitkamp, who has more than a decade of experience working as a Director for a North Dakota energy company, has repeatedly fought wrongheaded proposals that would take coal out of our energy mix, and she has put forth workable solutions to make sure we maintain a reliable supply of baseload power by finding a path forward for coal. In March, Heitkamp introduced legislation to find a viable path forward for coal by incentivizing utilities companies to invest in clean coal technologies that would make it affordable for coal plants to lower emissions. Click here to read a full copy of the letter Heitkamp sent to McCarthy, which with Heitkamp was led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and signed by Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and 44 other Senators. Heitkamp is a staunch supporter of North Dakotas all-of-the-above energy strategy that is leading the way toward North American energy security and independence. For more than a decade, she was on the board of directors for the one-of-a-kind Dakota Gasification synfuels plant in Beulah, North Dakota. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by: Introducing major legislation to put coal on a viable path forward. Heitkamps bill incentivizes companies to invest in technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power. This is done through federal funding programs, federal support for private investment, and recommendations to Congress that provide insight on how best to support future CCS projects in the U.S. Bringing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and the EPA that she disagrees with the agencys policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations including the proposed New Source Performance Standard rules directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp made a strong case that coal is a critical energy source and she talked about the need for investments in clean coal technologies as a path toward a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. Bringing together industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill earlier this month that brought together industry, lawmakers, experts and academics including the Energy and Environmental Research Center from Grand Forks to discuss the importance of finding a viable path forward for coal. To a crowded room, Heitkamp laid out why it is so important for our nation to put in place realistic energy policies and discussed the important role coal plays in providing affordable energy in North Dakota and around the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4e300c2e-33ee-4c4a-8cab-b3ae8a2e7249,Heitkamp Announces Significant Funds for Improvements to Lake Shure Bridge,2014-05-28,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $1.5 million in federal funding for improvements to Lake Shure Bridge near West Fargo. In 2011, a disaster declaration was made when flooding from the Sheyenne River surrounded the Lake Shure community, forcing residents from about 37 households to rely on boats to go to and from their homes. It was the third time the community was isolated by flooding water since 1997. These funds, authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will cover three-fourths of the cost to replace the existing bridge with a four span bridge that would reduce flood-related damages to 37 homes. The remaining funds will be provided through both the state and local governments. Too many North Dakotans have to fight to protect their homes and stack sandbags around their communities each spring, said Heitkamp. Folks from the Lake Shure community know all too well the toll of regular flooding on a community as many had to boat to their homes for more than a month. These funds will make a significant difference in their lives and is another important step toward making sure North Dakotans have permanent flood protection, as Ive fought for in Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e67234ef-be10-4c79-8fe5-b12924149a96,Heitkamp Updates Bismarck Rotary Club on Her Work in the Senate Standing up for North Dakotans,2014-05-28,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. During a speech to local leaders at the Bismarck Rotary Club, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted her recent work in the Senate to stand up for North Dakotans, and laid out her priorities for the coming months. Heitkamp discussed her work to pass a long-term Farm Bill as well as the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). Both pieces of legislation will have significant impacts on communities in the Bismarck area, and across North Dakota. In crafting the Farm Bill, which reduces the deficit by more than $23 billion and supports 16 million jobs, Heitkamp successfully pushed for many priorities important to North Dakota. These include improving the crop insurance and the livestock disaster programs, investing in export programs that support producers in the Bismarck area, and providing historic investments in agricultural research and biofuels. WRRDA, which passed the House and Senate last week and supports water infrastructure improvement projects, includes a Heitkamp-backed provision to block the Federal government from charging a fee for surplus water from the reservoirs along the Missouri River, including Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe. The passage of a long-term Farm Bill and water infrastructure legislation are examples of the real progress we can make when Congress actually works in a constructive, bipartisan manner as Ive been trying to do, said Heitkamp. In the coming months, we have important work to do on a wide-range of issues important to North Dakota, including energy, Farm Bill implementation, student loans, human trafficking, and rail safety. By working together and putting politics aside, we can continue to deliver policies that work for folks in North Dakota and around the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=d5f9e9df-2a9d-4ffc-b889-075bcec499e7,Heitkamp Receives Award for Work to Stand Up for Community Health Centers,2014-05-27,2014,2014-05,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today received the Distinguished Advocate Award from the National Association of Community Health Centers and toured the new health clinic in Minot. Heitkamp was honored for her work in standing up for community health centers and continued support for safety net health programs. She reinforced the important role community health centers play in providing care in rural communities and for struggling families. As North Dakotas population grows, the states health care system is feeling added pressure, highlighting the need of more health clinics, like the new Northland Community Health Center clinic in Minot. No family should ever have to worry about a sick child or elderly parent not getting access to needed care because they are far from a hospital or are struggling to afford medical care, said Heitkamp. Our community health centers provide critical resources for families across North Dakota so they can get medical service. Especially as the population continues to grow dramatically around Minot, making sure residents have access to care is important for all of us, and Im proud of the work Northland Community Health Center is doing to help make that possible. Additionally, its an honor to be recognized for supporting these health centers, and Im committed to continuing to strengthen and expand access to medical care for North Dakotans. Heitkamp has continued to push for needed investments in community health centers and make sure they have adequate funding and resources to continue to serve an increasing number of patients without compromising the quality of care. The health reform law made significant investments in the expansion and improvement of existing facilities and construction of new sites, like Northland Community Health Center in Minot. North Dakota is home to five community health center organizations that have a total of 14 service sites throughout the state. In 2012, the states clinics served more than 30,000 patients, 30 percent of whom were 19 years old or younger. The National Association of Community Health Distinguished Advocate Award recognizes leaders who understand the vital role community health centers play in communities and are committed to making sure they have the resources necessary to provide medical care for local citizens. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6be11500-f1d6-497c-ac13-d2ae3ee003e3,Heitkamp: Raising the Minimum Wage Would Mean a Great Deal for Hard Working Families,2014-04-30,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today expressed her disappointment after the Senate failed to advance legislation to raise the minimum wage for hard working families. Currently, at $7.25 per hour, the legislation would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. Such an increase could help lift many families out of poverty. The cost of living for a single mother with two children in North Dakota is more than $43,000 a year, which means she would have to earn more than $20 per hour to make-ends-meet. That is nearly triple the current minimum wage. Im frustrated and deeply disappointed that the Senate failed to put hard working families first, said Heitkamp. I dont know anyone in North Dakota earning the current minimum wage who can honestly make ends meet. We need to show all of the hard working North Dakotans janitors, construction workers, administrative workers, and so many more that theyre valuable, that they and their families are worth investing in, and that their jobs are needed. But today, Republicans showed they dont want to support working families who are struggling to put food on their tables for their kids, trying to afford to keep a roof over their heads, and fighting to pay essential medical bills. Its long overdue that we give North Dakotans and all Americans the better pay they need and deserve. While some claim only young workers earn minimum wage in entry-level jobs, the reality is quite different. The average age of a minimum wage worker is 35 years old, and nearly 90 percent of all minimum wage workers are at least 20 years old. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of all workers who are paid the minimum wage or less are women, including many working mothers. Increasing the minimum wage would give more than 60,000 North Dakotans a pay raise. It would increase annual earnings by about $1,242 for North Dakota workers, benefiting 22,000 of North Dakotas children who would have at least one parent getting a raise. Additionally, in North Dakota, increasing the minimum wage would help nearly 2,400 veterans, with a total increase in annual wages of more than $6.3 million. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2d422951-ac94-4f6f-a129-7ff5f1648045,"Heitkamp, Klobuchar, Cindy McCain Lead Panel on International Sex Trafficking at McCain Institutes Annual Global Issues Forum",2014-04-29,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp and Klobuchar recently introduced bipartisan legislation modeled after Minnesotas Safe Harbor laws which ensure minors sold for sex arent prosecuted as defendants but are treated as victims; Cindy McCain co-chairs the Arizona Governors Task Force on Human Trafficking WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)and Cindy McCain led a panel discussion on international sex trafficking at the McCain Institute for International Leaderships annual Sedona Forum in Arizona. The global issues conference is an annual gathering of national and international thought-leaders, decision-makers, business leaders, philanthropists, activists, and experts to discuss approaches and solutions to real-world problems. Earlier this month, Klobuchar, Heitkamp, and McCain met with government and non-profit leaders in Mexico to push for coordinated efforts to combat sex trafficking in Mexico and the United States. Klobuchar and Heitkamp recently introduced bipartisan legislation modeled after Minnesotas Safe Harbor laws which ensure minors sold for sex arent prosecuted as defendants but are treated as victims, and Cindy McCain co-chairs the Arizona Governors Task Force on Human Trafficking. The Arizona legislature recently passed new anti-trafficking legislation into law that was championed by Cindy McCain. Human trafficking is on the rise both globally and in our own backyard, said Heitkamp. At the Sedona Forum, many participants were shocked about some of the details we provided about the increase in human trafficking in North Dakota and others parts of the U.S. We need to rally together to do everything we can to prevent trafficking both labor and sex trafficking -- and get victims help. Speaking with world leaders this past weekend was an important part of that effort to spread the word. The United States needs to be a leader in the fight against human trafficking, which is now the third largest criminal enterprise in the world, Klobuchar said. We have an opportunity to work hand in hand with other countries to crack down on this heinous crime and lift the status of women and girls in the United States and across the globe. Arizona took a critical step forward in the fight against human trafficking with the passage of HB 2454 last week, McCain said. I am proud to have such strong partners at the forefront of efforts to fight the multifaceted horrors of human trafficking. National and international leaders gathered at the McCain Institute's Sedona Forum were surprised and interested to learn about the depth of the human trafficking problem in the US. Working together we can solve this problem and the discussions at the Sedona forum were another step forward in our fight. Participants were challenged to find ways their companies and organizations can take immediate positive steps against trafficking. Klobuchar recently introduced bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by Heitkamp, that would give prosecutors tools to crack down on domestic minor sex trafficking and ensure victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need. The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act is modeled after Minnesotas Safe Harbor laws that help ensure minors sold for sex arent prosecuted as criminals but are instead treated as victims. The bill also allows victims of sex trafficking to participate in the Job Corps program to help them get back on their feet, and would create a National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking to encourage cooperation among all the federal, state, and local agencies that work on this problem. A full summary of the Senators legislation can be found here. Earlier this month during a delegation to Mexico, Klobuchar, Heikamp, and McCain discussed efforts to fight sex trafficking with the Attorney General of Mexico, sex trafficking prosecutors and NGOS, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, and the Mexican Senate. Klobuchar has also partnered with Cindy McCain to combat sex trafficking at the Super Bowl, which is in Arizona next year. Klobuchar and McCain met with the National Football League (NFL) earlier this year to discuss their efforts. Last year, Heitkamp helped lead a Senate hearing to better understand the work being done on the federal, state, and local levels to combat human trafficking. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, which Heitkamp asked the Committee hold, brought together officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, and non-profit leaders who are on the frontlines of addressing human trafficking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f333dd87-4d88-491f-bbc0-547590e2fac6,Heitkamp Statement on Johnson-Crapo Housing Finance Reform Markup,2014-04-29,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs,today issued the following statement about continued progress on bipartisan legislation to reform the nations housing finance system. The bill builds upon legislation Heitkamp and a bipartisan group of Senators introduced in June 2013. The bill has 10 bipartisan cosponsors on the Senate Banking Committee. During a Congress where too often politics gets in the way of good policy, this bipartisan bill to reform the nations housing finance system shows what can happen when we work together to stand up for American families, said Heitkamp. Thats what legislating is about working for North Dakotans and Americans to pass legislation that stands up for them and makes our nation stronger. After almost a dozen hearings, this landmark bill accomplishes those goals by ending taxpayer-funded bailouts of the housing market, while still making sure families can afford homes. We have been debating this reform for over a year, and are so close to finalizing it. I greatly appreciate Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Crapo for their leadership on it and determination to bring this bill across the finish line. The legislation includes proposals Heitkamp pushed for to support North Dakotas rural and Native American communities, and protects access to the secondary mortgage market for small lenders. Many rural communities struggle to access affordable housing and depressed economies on Indian reservations make affordable housing hard to find. Additionally, in North Dakota, the drastic increase in population has made it difficult for many to afford homes. Because of North Dakotas economic boom, its estimated the state will need 30 percent more housing units by 2025. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=dc02c697-70c1-49f0-9cc9-c28fb2b0f906,Heitkamp Announces Significant Funding for Head Start Programs at Standing Rock & Spirit Lake,2014-04-28,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $2.5 million in federal funding for Head Start programs on North Dakotas Spirit Lake and Standing Rock reservations. The funds support early childhood learning and development, which Heitkamp has long been a strong advocate for both on and off the reservations. Starting all of our children off at a young age with a strong education, like Head Start provides, will help set them on the right path forward. Thats why its so important that we invest in Head Start programs, particularly in Indian County, said Heitkamp. These funds will help the Head Start programs at Standing Rock and Spirit Lake help more children get the education they deserve. The grants are distributed as follows: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe $1,540,080 Cankdeska Cikana Community College at Spirit Lake Nation $1,021,110 The funds will enable the Head Start programs to meet the educational needs of children enrolled in the programs, purchase necessary center and classroom supplies, and support the professional development of staff. Heitkamp is also working in the Senate to address many of the challenges Native children face, including low graduation rates. Heitkamps bipartisan bill to create a Commission on Native Children would look at many of these issues and seek to find ways to address them so Native children have every opportunity to succeed. The U.S. Secretary of Education would be part of the 11-member Commission. Additionally, the Commission would make recommendations to improve school attendance, performance, and graduation rates for Native children across all grade levels. Heitkamp has also backed legislation to preserve and protect Native American languages and culture through education programs in Indian Country. The bill would establish a grant program to support Native language immersion instruction programs, which have been shown to improve academic performance and attendance, and equip Native youth with the tools they need to be successful into the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=37309995-5b2d-483d-965c-445f596764fd,Heitkamp Announces $3 Million Initiative to Fight Crime in Bakken Region,2014-04-25,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is launching a $3 million special initiative to support local communities fight crime in western North Dakota and on the MHA Nation. Since taking office, Heitkamp has continually urged the Administration to place special focus on increased law enforcement resources for the Bakken region, in particular on the Fort Berthold reservation, in order to make sure North Dakota communities are safe. The Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative funds will be used to support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking as well as aid the local criminal justice system in responding to these crimes. The creation of the Bakken Region Initiative is an excellent step in our efforts to make sure all North Dakotans in feel safe in their communities, said Heitkamp. Since my first day in office, I have constantly brought the needs of the Bakken region to the attention of the Administration, and have even brought many of the top officials to the state to see them firsthand. We are very blessed to be experiencing great economic growth in North Dakota as a result of the oil boom. However, with this success, we are also facing many law enforcement challenges and need to work on comprehensive solutions. Last year, Heitkamp brought White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director R. Gil Kerlikowske to North Dakota to hear from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and other officials about the major increase in drug crimes occurring in the oil patch and spreading to other areas of the state.Also last year, Heitkamp helped reauthorize and improve the Violence Against Women Act, which was one of the first pieces of legislation she co-sponsored in the Senate.The bill significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal government, the States, law enforcement, and Tribal governments to combat domestic violence and sexual assault. The $3 million will be used for two different programs: Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative: Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) and the Violence Against Women Bakken Region Initiative: Enhanced Response to Victims. The Bakken Region Tribal SAUSA Initiative will support the salary, travel and training costs of a Tribal SAUSA for MHA Nation. The Bakken Region Enhanced Response to Victims Initiative will fund state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, as well as local and tribal victim service providers responding to the increased demand for domestic violence and sexual assault victim services. Funding and technical assistance will also help those working to prevent violence and support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=69881f68-7cc4-494b-9870-c96ef4f21299,Heitkamp Encourages North Dakotans to Participate in National Drug Take-Back Day on April 26,2014-04-25,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today encouraged North Dakotans to participate in National Drug Take-Back Day by properly disposing of unwanted or expired prescription drugs. On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and its partners will provide the opportunity for North Dakotans to rid their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at various locations in the state. Prescription drug abuse has torn apart too many lives, families and communities across the state and all of us need to do our part to help put an end to it, said Heitkamp. That is why I encourage all North Dakotans to participate in Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday. The simple act of bringing expired or left over medicine to one of the locations across the state can help reduce access to prescription drugs and push back on the growing problem of prescription drug abuse in North Dakota. In North Dakota, 71 percent of prescription drugs abused are obtained through a friend or relative. Drug Take-Back Day encourages families to get rid of unwanted or unused medications so they dont fall into the wrong hands. In the oil patch, and across North Dakota, prescription drug abuse is increasing at a higher rate than any other state. And while one in every six high school students in the state report taking prescription drugs not prescribed to them, 44 percent of community members dont know if youth prescription drug abuse is a problem in their community. Efforts to combat prescription drug abuse are working to decrease access to unwanted and unused medication and as of October 2013, the Drug Take-Back program will have collected and destroyed 5,699 pounds of prescription drugs. Take back event drop-offs are anonymous and no questions are asked. To find the closest participating locations in North Dakota, please click here and enter your zip code. Background Fighting drug abuse in North Dakota is one of Heitkamps priorities. As part of her efforts to improve community safety and curb drug abuse, she: Brought White House Office of Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director R. Gil Kerlikowski to North Dakota in July 2013 to see first-hand the drug abuse and crime problems plaguing the Bakken, and discuss solutions to this challenge. Following the ONDCP Directors visit, Williams County was designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the federal government in hopes to bring significant federal resources to help combat drug trafficking and abuse. Met with Mexican government officials last week, and in addition to discussing human trafficking, they also addressed the growing heroin problem in North Dakota and across the country. Since last year, the number of heroin-related federal crimes in the state increased 438 percent. Sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General and DEA Administrator at the end of September 2013 urging them to expedite final regulations to expand access to drug take-back sites to accommodate the growing problem of prescription drug abuse. Joined a Narcotics Task Force meeting in Bismarck in August to talk about ways to address the narcotic and prescription drug abuse problem. The Narcotics Task Force was an important opportunity for law enforcement, health providers, and local officials to work side-by-side to find ways the state can curtail drug problems. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a3d5fdfd-652f-4b21-a04d-426466a0509d,Heitkamp Heads to Arizonas McCain Institute Forum to Discuss Her Work on Combatting Human Trafficking,2014-04-25,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today departed for Arizona, where she will discuss with world leaders, philanthropists, and the business community her efforts to combat sex and human trafficking. At the invitation of Cindy McCain a leader in efforts to end human trafficking in the United States and around the world Heitkamp was asked to participate in the McCain Institutes annual Sedona Forum, which will also feature former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The gathering brings together leaders to discuss current global political and humanitarian issues and look at various options and approaches to address pressing global concerns. Heitkamp will participate in a discussion about human trafficking and examining ways to combat this problem with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Cindy McCain, the wife of U.S. Senator John McCain. Im honored Cindy McCain invited me to participate in the Sedona Forum, which will help bring our current work to combat human trafficking to the attention of political, non-profit, and business leaders from around the world, said Heitkamp. Human trafficking for both sex and labor is a serious and growing problem globally, and in North Dakota, where we are seeing and hearing about increased instances of trafficking. Im especially concerned about trafficking in Indian Country and the prevalence of exploitation of Native women and children. We cant solve this problem overnight, but by shining a bright light on it we can help reduce human trafficking in North Dakota, around the country, and throughout the world. Heitkamp is currently working to pass legislation she introduced to help enable minors who are involved in sex trafficking to come forward and be treated as victims, not criminals. The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act will give prosecutors the tools they need to tackle domestic minor sex trafficking and help make sure victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need. Statistics show on average children are 13 years old when they are forced to become victims of sex trafficking. Since becoming a U.S. Senator, Heitkamp is continuing the work she started as North Dakotas Attorney General to combat human and sex trafficking. Last week, Heitkamp, Klobuchar (D-MN), and McCain traveled to Mexico to discuss joint efforts to fight sex trafficking. They met with the Attorney General of Mexico, sex trafficking prosecutors and non-governmental organizations, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, and Mexican Senators involved in the issue to push for coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking in Mexico and the United States. Heitkamp and Klobuchar were also in Fargo earlier this year with law enforcement and social service advocates to push their bipartisan legislation and meet with local advocates. Last year, Heitkamp helped lead a Senate hearing to better understand the work being done on the federal, state, and local levels to combat human trafficking. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, which Heitkamp asked the Committee hold, brought together officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Justice, and non-profit leaders who are on the frontlines of addressing human trafficking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b6c0245c-0c76-45ea-b1e1-3b0328f1f1b7,"Heitkamp, Hoeven, Cramer Host Transportation Secretary Foxx in Casselton and West Fargo",2014-04-24,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"CASSELTON, WEST FARGO, N.D. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer today hosted U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx in Casselton at a community meeting with local, state and federal officials to review work on a comprehensive plan for improving rail safety. The leaders also convened a roundtable meeting in West Fargo to review North Dakotas transportation infrastructure needs. Foxx is visiting North Dakota at the delegations request. Rail Transportation Safety Rail transportation of Bakken crude oil has increased from 9,500 carloads in 2008 to 407,642 carloads in 2013, according to the Association of American Railroads. In light of the increased traffic and recent accidents, the delegation has been working to encourage collaboration among all of the stakeholders to arrive at an effective, comprehensive plan to improve the safety of transporting crude oil by rail. Since the Casselton derailment, I have repeatedly stressed to Secretary Foxx the need for rail safety improvements, but there is no substitute for having him in North Dakota and speaking with folks on the ground, said Heitkamp. Our families should never question whether they are safe in their homes and its up to us to do everything possible to make sure they are protected. To truly improve safety, we need to work together.We will absolutely keep the pressure up so there is an effective and comprehensive response, whichwill require coordination and collaboration from the industry, federal regulators, and local governments. We have met with Secretary Foxx and the other stakeholders to make sure we put in place a comprehensive approach to transporting crude oil safely by rail, Hoeven said. That effort needs to include everyone the railroads, regulators and shippers working together to ensure that communities are safe. A comprehensive approach means working to reduce risk and prevent accidents in the first place, and if they do occur, mitigating the impacts of fire and explosion, as well as making sure we have appropriate emergency plans in place to respond. Improved rail safety must come from a trusting partnership between government and industry. I stressed to Secretary Foxx the importance of sharing safety data gathered by government agencies with railroads and tank car manufacturers so everyone can benefit. Communities and industry have waited more than two years for new rules concerning the DOT-111 tanker, while rail demand continues to accelerate. The federal government must do better, said Cramer. Following the Casselton derailment in late December, Hoeven organized a series of meetings for the delegation with Secretary Foxx and Pipeline, Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) head Cynthia Quarterman and other stakeholders to discuss steps DOT is taking to improve railway transportation safety and to follow up on a letter Hoeven wrote a year earlier asking Quarterman to expedite rules governing construction of new, safer tanker cars. The delegation then met throughout the winter and spring with Foxx, Quarterman and Federal Railroad Administration head Joseph C. Szabo, as well as oil and rail industry leaders to develop strategies to improve rail transport safety. In March, Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to testify at a Senate hearing she chaired about how to better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. Heitkamp also has called for updated standards for tanker cars carrying crude oil, increased safety requirements for shipping routes,and enhanced track inspection standards for the rail lines carrying crude oil. Earlier this year Cramer participated in a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing alongside Administrator Quarterman and FRA head Szabo, delivering testimony on passenger and freight rail safety. Transportation Bill Reauthorization Foxx and the delegation also traveled to West Fargo for a roundtable on the importance of passing a long-term reauthorization of the federal transportation bill, Moving Ahead in the 21st Century (MAP-21), which expires on September 31, 2014. As we get ready to consider a long-term transportation bill, it was important for us to highlight to Secretary Foxx the immense infrastructure needs we have in our state, said Heitkamp. Funding for roads and highways is North Dakotas most important transportation need. Because our state provides the country with many important agriculture and energy products, making sure our rural communities have high-quality roads is important to all Americans. North Dakota has seen tremendous economic growth over the past decade across the state, and an important part of sustaining that growth is making strategic investments in our transportation infrastructure, Hoeven said. This means we need a multi-year federal transportation bill that will provide the certainty our builders and state and local governments need to make long-term plans. We can accomplish this in a smart, fiscally responsible way that preserves the funding formula, emphasizes state and local control over projects and streamlines our federal processes, which saves both time and money. Theres no better place than North Dakota for the Transportation Secretary to witness how a rapidly growing economy can fuel intense demand for additional roads and infrastructure. Our citizens know as well as anyone the importance of government keeping up with economic and population growth, said Cramer. Prior to MAP-21s passage in 2012, Hoeven served as a member of the joint Senate-House conference committee responsible for reconciling the House and Senate versions of the bill. The final bill was fully paid for, provided nearly $756 million in transportation infrastructure funds for North Dakota across three fiscal years, expedited the environmental review process for highway projects and gave states more flexibility in using funds as they most needed. The senator has also worked as a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to provide funding through discretionary programs for North Dakota priorities, including rail and pipeline safety, airport improvement and transit research centers. Hoeven will continue to work in his role as an appropriator to secure adequate resources to meet the states growing transportation infrastructure needs. Heitkamp will play a significant role in crafting the public transit title of the surface transportation bill reauthorization in the coming months as a member of the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the Federal Transit Administration. In considering reauthorization, Heitkamp will work to make sure the needs of rural communities are properly met through important programs such as the Rural Transit Assistance Program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1e28d0d3-01c0-4c7a-b663-c8017cd0522c,"Heitkamp Brings Together Native American Education Leaders, Pushes for Improvements for Native Students",2014-04-23,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Bill to Create a Commission on Native Children Would Help Address Education Disparities among Native Youth BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, todaybrought together students, education leaders, and social workers to speak about howher bill to create a Commission on Native Childrenaims to help Native kids get the opportunities they need to succeed. Far too often, Native children face higher hurdles as the national graduation rate for Native high school students hovers around 50 percent compared to more than 75 percent for white students. During a roundtable discussionat United Tribes Technical College, Heitkamp discussed with participants how herbillwouldwork toimprove educational opportunities and performance for Native students and help bridge academic achievement gaps between Native and non-Native students. Native children areoften already behind the eight ball by the time they start kindergarten, said Heitkamp. Those arent odds any parent wants to hear. Today, we talked about how we can change this course, and how the steps that schools like UTTC are taking to help put students on the right path from early education all the way through college are making great strides.My Commission on Native Childrenaims to take another step bycreatinga roadmap for how we can make sure kids stay enthusiastic about learning and give tribal governments a stronger voice in the education of Native children to reduce dropout rates and close the achievement gap.By working together, we can give Native students the futures they deserve thats something all North Dakotans should want to invest in. Last month, the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights issued documents finding that Native students are disproportionately expelled, suspended, and held back.The statistics about the education challenges Native children face are stark: While other groups have been closing educational achievement gaps, these gaps have been widening for Native students, causing them to fall further and further behind their white peers. In North Dakota, there is a 31-point gap in both high school students graduating on time and 8thgrade math proficiency between Native and white students. Heitkampsbipartisan bill to create a Commission on Native Childrenwould look atthesechallenges facing Native students and seek to find ways to address them so Native children have every opportunity to succeed. The U.S. Secretary of Education would be part of the 11-member Commission. Additionally, the Commission would make recommendations to improve school attendance, performance, and graduation rates for Native children across all grade levels. Earlier this month, theSenate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Heitkamps legislation. U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan a former chair of the Committee and founder and chairman of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute testified at the hearingat the request of Heitkamp, on the importance of her bill. Heitkampalso backed legislation topreserve and protect Native American languages and culturethrough education programs in Indian Country. The bill would establish a grant program to support Native language immersion instruction programs, which have been shown to improve academic performance and attendance, and equip Native youth with the tools they need to be successful into the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1b63fd54-2a46-4c76-a96e-f53cd545bb03,Heitkamp Highlights North Dakotas Successful Agriculture Export Industry at JM Grain,2014-04-22,2014,2014-04,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GARRISON, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, toured JM Grain in Garrison, ND to learn more about how their business utilizes export programs authorized by the Farm Bill to trade commodities around the world. North Dakota is a major agriculture exporter, with $4.1 billion in annual exports. Agriculture exports support more than 45,000 jobs in our state. Businesses like JM Grain are leading the way in expanding opportunities for agricultural producers in our state, said Heitkamp. In addition to the hard work and great product from our farmers and ranchers, the recent export success is due to concerted efforts at USDA to partner with North Dakota entities in developing strategies to open up foreign markets. The Farm Bill I fought so hard for strengthened USDAs ability to support North Dakota exporters, and I will continue to work on policies that support getting our products to new markets. Through the USDAs Market Access Program, JM Grain received help with arranging a trip to Colombia to develop business relationships. The company now successfully exports its product to the country. Last November, representatives from JM Grain participated in a discussion Heitkamp hosted with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary Michael Scuse. Heitkamp played a key role in passing the 2014 bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill which included a number of provisions she fought for that will continue the momentum the state has experienced in exporting farm crops. This Farm Bill provides funding for crucial trade programsthat North Dakotans use, including the Market Access Program, Emerging Markets Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, enabling North Dakota to build on its already strong history of exporting many of its agriculture products. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=33db692c-e169-4ed0-803f-8b266a23e420,"Heitkamp, Hoeven, Cramer Working To Preserve, Provide For North Dakota Air Bases, Missions",2014-03-28,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer this week met separately with representatives from the Grand Forks Base Realignment Impact Committee (BRIC) and Minots Task Force 21, as well as leaders of the North Dakota National Guard. The delegation thanked the groups for their efforts to support the missions at North Dakota air bases and discussed the continued priorities and needs of the bases. North Dakotas air bases are vitally important to both our state and our nation, helping to develop cutting-edge technologies and maintaining the most cost-effective leg of our nuclear triad, the delegation said. We are grateful for our communities continued support for our airmen and their missions. This weeks meetings mark another productive step as we continue our efforts in Congress to provide our service members with the resources they need to successfully complete their missions. The group discussed topics including the Global Hawk mission, the Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) and the Grand Sky unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology park at the Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), maintaining our nations nuclear deterrent and sustaining strategic systems at the Minot Air Force Base (MAFB), and the Air Guards Predator and new intelligence targeting group missions. The delegation is working on a host of North Dakota defense priorities, including supporting current and future operations and infrastructure at each installation. The North Dakota leaders have been working to prevent the Department of Defense from eliminating ICBM silos and to bolster unmanned aerial missions, including the Global Hawk aircraft and the Predator aircraft. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a8806aca-c320-42d4-9b77-c73dd4e0fa1a,Heitkamp Congratulates Newest U.S. Citizens at Naturalization Ceremonies,2014-03-28,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today addressed about 60 new Americans as they took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States and became U.S. citizens. Im incredibly proud to congratulate our newest U.S. citizens. This is a day they and their families will always remember, said Heitkamp. We are truly a nation of immigrants as folks have journeyed here for generations, seeking better and more prosperous lives for themselves and their families. This country is one of tremendous opportunity, where the daughter of a school cook and seasonal construction worker can serve her country and state as a United States Senator. These newest citizens also understand the opportunities this country affords, and through hard work they are standing here today. Im privileged to welcome them as fellow U.S. citizens. The naturalization ceremonies occurred at the Quentin N. Burdick Federal Courthouse in Fargo with Chief Magistrate Judge Karen K. Klein presiding. To qualify for naturalization, applicants must have established permanent residency in the United States for at least five years, pass an English language test, and pass a civics test. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f3d652ad-9fa2-4454-b9d2-f11b0a20aba3,Administration Heeds Heitkamps Call to Hold Major Meeting for Energy Review in North Dakota,2014-03-28,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today notified U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp that North Dakota has been chosen as a site for one of the nationwide meetings the Administration is hosting to examine critical energy issues. These meetings will help the Administration develop a broader and more comprehensive national energy policy. After President Obama established a Quadrennial Energy Review, Heitkamp called on the DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz to hold a regional meeting in North Dakota. The goal of the Review is to help the Federal Government better meet its responsibility of providing affordable, clean, and secure energy services to Americans. The initial focus for the Quadrennial Energy Review will be our nation's infrastructure for transporting, transmitting, and delivering energy. The meeting in North Dakota will focus on infrastructure constraints, with a specific focus on the Bakken. The first regional meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2014. In addition to North Dakota, other meetings will be held in New England, Oregon, Louisiana, and Illinois. The time and date for the North Dakota meeting has not been set. It makes perfect sense that North Dakota is a site for a Quadrennial Energy Review meeting, which is why I insisted that the Department of Energy come to North Dakota. Our state presents a unique opportunity to gain insight and gather ideas from state and local government officials, tribal leaders, energy and utility companies, research universities, and large and small businesses that are operating in our state, said Heitkamp. Heitkamp is a staunch supporter of North Dakotas all-of-the-above energy strategy that is leading the way toward North American energy security and independence. On a wide-variety of energy sources, including coal, wind, oil, biofuels, and natural gas, Heitkamp is a respected leader because of her pragmatic, bipartisan approach to the discussion. Earlier this week, Heitkamp introduced major legislation to support a viable path forward for coal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3c8e8c1a-7466-4b64-826b-9cce4c8e2cec,Heitkamp Backs Emergency Aid for Ukrainian Government,2014-03-27,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after she voted in favor of emergency aid for the Ukrainian government. The bipartisan measure unanimously passed in the Senate by voice vote. The legislation would provide loan guarantees and direct aid for Ukraine, and authorizes sanctions against Ukrainians and Russians involved in the takeover of the Crimea. The Senate came together in a bipartisan fashion today to support our friend and ally Ukraine with an emergency aid package. North Dakotans have deep connections to the Ukrainian people, and we stand with them as they work to rebuild their economy, hold new elections, and chart their own path forward. I am deeply troubled by Russias decision to intervene. If Russia continues down this aggressive path and chooses not to respect international law, then there should be consequences, such as the type of sanctions included in this bill. Heitkamp heard from many North Dakotans urging her to back efforts to support the Ukrainian government. There are deep ties between North Dakota and the people of Ukraine, whose ancestors settled in the state more than 100 years ago. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=629a1ef8-2845-41f3-b3cc-fad37a15f01b,Heitkamp And 5 Other Senators Unveil Ideas To Make Health Care Reform Law Work Better,2014-03-27,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today with five other Senators unveiled a series of commonsense proposals that take the next steps toward making the Affordable Care Act work better for individuals, families, and small businesses across North Dakota and the country. Along with U.S. Senators Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mark Begich (D-AK), Angus King (I-ME), and Joe Manchin (D-WV), Heitkamp offered pieces of legislation to address many of the concerns the Senators are hearing from people in their states, including the need to make coverage more accessible, affordable, and flexible. The health care reform law isnt perfect. No law ever is. I have long said there are some good pieces of the law and some pieces that need to be fixed, said Heitkamp. Today, were announcing needed fixes to improve the parts of the law that could work better for families and businesses across North Dakota as I pledged to do since before joining the Senate. Already, the law is providing coverage for those with preexisting conditions, putting consumers before insurance companies, and ending lifetime and annual caps. But we can do more. I hope Democrats and Republicans will put politics aside, join us, and offer their ideas to find real solutions so every North Dakotan can get affordable, quality health coverage. The bills would make changes to the law in three key areas by: Giving consumers more choices and making health coverage more affordable; Improving flexibility and offering relief for workers and small businesses; and Making it easier to access quality health coverage. The Senators authored an op-ed in Politico laying out their latest ideas. Click here to read the op-ed. Giving Consumers More Choices and Making Health Coverage More Affordable Offering a new, lower cost health insurance plan to give consumers more options. The Expanded Consumer Choice Act provides a new lower cost, high-deductible option in the health insurance Marketplace called the Copper Plan -- in addition to the existing Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze options in the marketplace -- that would give consumers more control over their own coverage, spur competition, and, most importantly, increase affordability. Under the plan, consumers have the choice to pay lower premiums if they are willing to pay more for out-of-pocket medical costs. Providing more health care choices for consumers The Increased Competition for Consumers Act restores startup funds for new consumer-driven health insurance cooperatives. This bill will allow families to have more options to access health coverage beyond traditional insurance companies, infusing state marketplaces with more competition to reduce average premiums. Encouraging safely selling insurance across state lines This proposal increases consumer choice by directing state insurance regulators to develop models for states to sell health insurance across state lines. These multi-state models will help us discern the benefits and challenges of selling health insurance in this manner, and determine if it is a means to increasing choice and competition among plans potentially driving down costs while maintaining quality and value. Improving Flexibility and Offering Relief for Workers and Small Businesses Easing the transition for small businesses. The Small Business Stability Act, introduced by Heitkamp, expands the option for voluntary health coverage to employers with fewer than 100 employees, about 98 percent of all businesses. It is currently required that businesses with more than 50 employees must offer employees coverage. Requiring small businesses to provide health care to employees is asking them to become experts in a complicated issue that could put a huge burden on them. This bill aims to let small businesses make their own choices, while still making sure employees can shop for coverage on the individual Marketplace. Improving affordability and flexibility for small businesses. The Small Business Tax Credits Accessibility Act improves flexibility, increases affordability, and eases the transition for small businesses by making small business health care tax credits available for a longer period of time and accessible to more employers. Small businesses would be able to spend less time and money worrying about how they will provide coverage for their employees. Expanding the current tax credits to include businesses with fewer than 50 employees instead of the current cap at 25 employees would provide a real benefit to hundreds of thousands of small businesses and allow them to offer quality care while recruiting and retaining talented employees. Providing commonsense reporting requirements. This proposal reduces the administrative burden for businesses by further streamlining and simplifying reporting requirements for health insurance coverage. Giving flexibility for family members. This proposal enables family members working for the same business to be counted as one full-time employee if they are on the same employer-sponsored health plan. Making it Easier to Access Quality Health Coverage Helping individuals and families find alternative ways to directly sign up for health coverage. This proposal provides a permanent path for consumers to seamlessly enroll for health coverage directly through insurers or certified web-based entities, in addition to enrolling through healthcare.gov, making it easier for individuals and families to access quality health insurance. Providing better access for independent agents and brokers to help consumers get coverage. This proposal improves access for agents and brokers to help families and small businesses enroll in health plans on the Marketplace. Agents and brokers are trusted advisors for many families and businesses and should be able to help with these kinds of decisions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=30561c59-5c4b-4895-8226-1637c56eccf1,"Heitkamp, Hoeven To Host FAA Administrator Huerta In Grand Forks To Showcase UAS Industry, Williston To See Aviation Infrastructure Needs",2014-03-26,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today announced that they will host U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) head Michael Huerta in Grand Forks and Williston on April 21 to review the states growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry and see firsthand the acute airport infrastructure needs in the energy development impacted communities of western North Dakota. On April 21, Hoeven and Heitkamp will lead Administrator Huerta on a tour of the regions progress to build the UAS industry and to integrate the aircraft into the National Air Space. In December, Grand Forks was named one of six pilot sites in the U.S. for safely integrating UAS into the nations airspace. The test sites come as a result of an amendment, sponsored by Hoeven, to the FAA Reauthorization bill that directed the agency to establish the test sites. The senators will then host Huerta in Williston so he can better understand the aviation infrastructure needs in the western part of the state. Rapid industrial and residential growth from the oil boom in the Bakken have dramatically increased air traffic in western North Dakota airports, where air travel demands have exceeded infrastructure capacity. Hoeven and Heitkamp have previously met with Huerta to underscore the need for further investment in airports servicing the area. We look forward to hosting Administrator Huerta in Grand Forks to see firsthand the outstanding work our state is doing to build the UAS industry and to integrate these aircraft into our airspace. We want to showcase how were working to fully take advantage of these burgeoning technologies, the senators said. It is also crucial for Administrator Huerta to understand the great infrastructure needs we have in western North Dakota. Allowing him to see the conditions on the ground in Williston will undoubtedly help him as he makes decisions affecting the area. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9fde478d-73ce-4b30-b850-dc6312d77cc6,Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Heitkamp Bill to Stand Up for Native Children,2014-03-26,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, will participate in a Senate hearing on her bill to address the challenges facing Native children and offer real solutions to address them. Former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan, Founder and Chairman of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, will testify at the hearing at the request of Heitkamp, on the importance of her bill to improve the lives of Native American children by addressing the economic, education, crime, and health care disparities that Native children too often face. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 2:30 pm ET. Focusing on improving the lives of Native children will allow us to better understand and solve problems Native American families face every single day throughout North Dakota, said Heitkamp. Far too often, we worry about specific programs and not enough about the outcomes. This Commission needs to be looked at from a holistic standpoint because children are a critical component of every part of Indian Country. Im working to make sure Native children arent left behind because when theyre given an opportunity to really thrive, they are able to make tremendous achievements for themselves, their families, and communities. Thats why Im pushing for this bill and thats why I pushed for this hearing on it. Senator Heitkamp is a longtime champion for Indian Country and I am proud of her for taking a leadership role in making American Indian children a top priority, said Dorgan. When I chaired the Indian Affairs Committee in the Senate, I knew that Indian children were the most at-risk population in America. I created the Center for Native American Youth to shine a light on the difficulties they face to find solutions to the challenges of teen suicide, inadequate health care, and education opportunities, and more. Senator Heitkamps legislation is a very positive and welcome step towards ensuring that Indian children will not be overlooked by policy-makers anymore. Her bill would create the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, which would conduct an intensive study into issues facing Native children such as high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and few economic opportunities and make recommendations on how to make sure Native children are better taken care of and given the opportunities to thrive. In November 2013, Dorgan penned an op-ed in the Fargo Forum strongly supporting Heitkamps bill. On the day she introduced her bill, Heitkamp spoke on the Senate Floor about the importance of this legislation to address some of the most pressing challenges for Native children. The Commission on Native Children would conduct a comprehensive study on the programs, grants, and supports available for Native children, both at government agencies and on the ground in Native communities, with the goal of developing a sustainable system that delivers wrap-around services to Native children. Then, the 11 member Commission would issue a report to address a series of challenges currently facing Native children. A Native Children Subcommittee would also provide advice to the Commission. The Commissions report would address how to achieve better use of existing resources, increased coordination, measurable outcomes, stronger data, stronger private sector partnerships, and implementation of best practices. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) helped introduce the bipartisan legislation which currently has 15 additional bipartisan cosponsors, including Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jon Tester (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a152b991-1b0c-47d8-b52b-d4100f352fca,"Heitkamp, Hoeven, Cramer To Host Transportation Sec. Foxx In Casselton To Review Rail Safety",2014-03-26,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer today announced that they will host U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx in Casselton on April 24. The DOT head will visit North Dakota at the delegations request, to improve rail safety. Secretary Foxx will be in Casselton on April 24 to meet with local leaders and to update the community on steps being taken to improve rail safety. The delegation met in January with Foxx, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Head Cynthia Quarterman, and Federal Railroad Administration head Joseph C. Szabo, as well as oil and rail industry leaders to develop strategies to prevent derailments and to reduce the risk of fire or explosions should a derailment occur. We look forward to bringing Secretary Foxx to Casselton to meet with community and state leaders to ensure that we have everyone working together to improve rail safety. We are doing all we can to make rail transportation safer for our communities and our state, said the delegation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=69cab099-86b4-4fd7-b06a-8b7d0a72bb2b,Heitkamp Chairs Senate Hearing to Examine Emergency Responder Readiness Featuring Casselton Fire Chief,2014-03-25,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today chaired a Senate hearing she called for to examine how we can better train our emergency responders for emerging threats and hazards. Heitkamp brought Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean to the panel to testify on his teams experience responding to the December 30 train derailment and subsequent explosion. McLean shared with Heitkamp and her colleagues what he thinks needs to be done to better prepare our brave emergency responders. He highlighted the importance of U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants, which enabled the Casselton Fire Department to receive training and equipment that proved critical in responding to the recent accident. No matter what the disaster is whether it is responding to a train derailment or a natural disaster we need to make sure our first responders on the ground are trained and prepared to handle anything that may come their way, and that they have the equipment necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, Heitkamp said at a Subcommittee on Emergency Management hearing. Chief McLeans insight provided helpful information for first responders across the country. His testimony today on his decades of emergency response experience was incredibly impactful. It was an honor to join Senator Heitkamp at the hearing and help other communities learn from our experiences in Casselton, said McLean. We were successful in our response to this entire incident because everyone did their jobs, stayed in their lanes, relied on their training, and got the job done and we did it well. But we couldnt have been successful without federal homeland security grant dollars. Without this financial commitment and support, we would not have had the training or the equipment to properly respond to this fire. The hearing examined the challenges posed to first responders by the transportation of hazardous materials.Given the dramatic increase in the transportation of a wide range of hazardous substances, the discussion highlighted the increased need for preparedness and training for first responders as well as the transparency needed to equip them with critical information necessary to effectively respond to such disasters. Since the Casselton derailment, Heitkamp has worked tirelessly to understand what happened, and push for improvements to rail safety. She has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, as well as other federal, state, and local officials, and BNSF Railroad. Earlier this month, Heitkamp helped bring together Senators, Federal government regulators, and energy and railroad industry leaders for a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing to examine ways to improve rail transportation safety. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ca053159-28f7-4352-8aa9-8fc4d6b6d8c5,Heitkamp Announces Major Legislation To Put Coal On A Viable Path Forward,2014-03-24,2014,2014-03,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Summary of the Bill and Quotes from North Dakota Energy Leaders Below BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced new major legislation to support a viable path forward for the source of energy that provides the United States with almost 40 percent of its electricity coal. Surrounded by supporters of her pragmatic efforts to find a realistic path forward, Heitkamp unveiled the Advanced Clean Coal Technology Investment in Our Nation Act. Unlike recent proposals by the Obama Administration, Heitkamps bill helps make it affordable for coal plants to lower their carbon pollution through the use of advanced clean coal technologies. This would help to provide a path forward for coal-fired power well into the future. ""Since Day One in the Senate, I have been working on real solutions to the issues facing North Dakotans, said Heitkamp. The importance of coal for North Dakota cannot be understated. It isnt just important because of the high-paying jobs the industry supports. North Dakotans rely on coal for about 80 percent of our electricity and Im committed to making sure this affordable, abundant energy source is available for North Dakotans for decades to come. This bill incorporates ideas and lessons from my experiences working on coal issues both in the Senate and before joining Congress. And by working closely with both sides of the aisle, and listening to the folks on the ground who have to comply with regulations, Im offering a pragmatic solution not just talk to put coal on a sustainable path forward. Its past time that our country has a true all-of-the-above energy strategy, and Ill push my colleagues and the Administration to support this bill to help us accomplish that goal. Heitkamp is a staunch supporter of North Dakotas all-of-the-above energy strategy that is leading the way toward North American energy security and independence. For more than a decade, she was on the board of directors for the one-of-a-kind Dakota Gasification synfuels plant in Beulah, North Dakota. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by: Visiting a Canadian coal-fired plant. Heitkamp discussed North Dakota and Canadian energy development with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and also visited SaskPowers Boundary Dam project in August 2013, which will be the worlds largest coal-fired power station with a carbon capture and storage system. She saw firsthand the benefits of investing in carbon capture and storage technologies and the importance of developing public-private partnerships between the national and provincial governments. Bringing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and the EPA that she disagrees with the agencys policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp made a strong case that coal is a critical energy source and she talked about the need for investments in clean coal technologies as a path toward a true all-of-the-above energy strategy. Bringing together industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill earlier this month that brought together industry, lawmakers, experts and academics including the Energy and Environmental Research Center from Grand Forks to discuss the importance of finding a viable path forward for coal. To a crowded room, Heitkamp laid out why it is so important for our nation to put in place realistic energy policies and discussed the important role coal plays in providing affordable energy in North Dakota and around the country. Heitkamps bill incentivizes companies to invest in technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power. This is done through federal funding programs, federal support for private investment, and recommendations to Congress that provide insight on how best to support future CCS projects in the U.S. For a summary of the bill, click here. For quotations from energy leaders supporting the bill, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z