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=76FF19D5-9DFF-41FA-9570-2DBEA52C2339,"Heitkamp, Ernst Bill to Promote Efficient, Effective Federal Programs Becomes Law",2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joni Ernst of Iowa today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan legislation to make federal government programs more efficient and effective. The Senate and House passed the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act earlier this year.
“Our bipartisan bill becoming law is a win for accountability and transparency. The federal government will now do more to make sure federal programs are well managed – saving taxpayers’ money and reducing waste,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an important step for North Dakota communities and businesses that rely on federal programs, whether in agriculture, energy, or beyond. Good management practices can make all the difference in guaranteeing efficient, effective federal programs and making sure they are well implemented locally.”
“I am thrilled that President Obama has signed our bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act into law,” said Ernst. “Iowans sent me to Washington with a mission to make the federal government less wasteful and more efficient, and the passage of this legislation is an important step in doing just that. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act reduces cost overruns and increases accountability to create a more productive government through better management procedures. I am pleased we were able to make meaningful progress in safeguarding our taxpayers’ hard-earned tax dollars, and remain committed to continuing to look for new ways to eliminate waste.”
By increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst’s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the bar for the management of the federal programs communities need – and that taxpayers are counting on to run efficiently and effectively.
Click here to read the bill text.
The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act will:
 
Establish a leader within each agency that is focused on program management.
 
 
Create an inter-agency Program Management Council to drive improvements through portfolio reviews of agency programs and encourage communications between agencies and program management professionals.
 
 
Require the development of a specific job category with distinct qualification for project managers.
 
 
Require the federal government to adopt widely-accepted program management best practices and standards.
 
 
Require the Government Accountability Office to issue a report three years after the bill’s enactment on its overall effectiveness and impact on program management in the federal government.
 
 
Work directly with the Department of Defense to improve its current procedures while making sure to not duplicate existing efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784,Heitkamp Successfully Pushes Administration to Expand Northern Plains UAS Test Site Operations,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that, after pressing the White House on the issue earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorizing the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks as the first site in the country to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.


Heitkamp successfully pushed the administration in August to authorize BVLOS operations at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site as a part of new commitments the White House issued to expand the integration of UAS safely into the national airspace. Now that the commitment Heitkamp secured has FAA airspace authorization, UAS flights at the test site are one step closer to flying up to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft, supporting the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes.

“North Dakota is No. 1 when it comes to unmanned aircraft, and that’s why I pushed the administration to make the Northern Plains UAS Test Site the first to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations,” said Heitkamp. “Grand Forks and the entire Red River Valley lead the country in developing and advancing these exciting technologies. Today’s announcement puts the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in an even better position. It’s encouraging to see FAA move ahead on this authorization after pressing the administration, and I look forward to helping expand North Dakota’s leadership in UAS even further in the coming year.""
As a co-founder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to promote Grand Forks and Fargo as hubs of UAS innovation. Most recently, Heitkamp helped pass a bill reauthorizing the FAA – including key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota that will:
 
Expand the ability of UAS technologies to improve public safety: Heitkamp helped pass bipartisan provisions that, by promoting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace, will expand the ability of UAS technologies to help respond to natural disasters, provide emergency response, and protect critical infrastructure like pipelines.
 
 
Strengthen UAS technology development in Grand Forks: Long a vocal advocate for continuing to advance UAS research and development at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Grand Sky UAS Business and Aviation Park, Heitkamp helped pass a three year congressional authorization for the test site.
 
 
Reform burdensome requirements for small aircraft pilots: Continuing her push to make sure general aviation pilots are not overly burdened by regulations, the bill includes provisions that will reform and streamline the third class medical certification process. As part of the second pilot’s bill of rights, which Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate, this new process will benefit North Dakotans who fly small aircraft like crop dusters.
 
 
Support graduates of the air traffic control program at UND: The bill includes provisions that will change hiring guidelines for air traffic controllers, acknowledging and giving credit to UND students who have received special training.
 
For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies in Grand Forks. She brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota in 2014 to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the FAA to remove barriers blocking the test site’s flight operations. She also led efforts to develop an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County and introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage further research and development of UAS technologies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A28D8BE5-1E8A-4AF3-9A1E-C7AFA556887B,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Help Homeless Families,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, today announced more than $1.9 million in federal funding to help families find permanent housing and prevent homelessness. 
“North Dakota’s communities are only strong when families have safe places to call home, said Heitkamp. “The winter months are tough in our part of the country and this year has been no exception. Secure housing is essential to making sure folks are safe. The federal funding announced today will help families in need find permanent housing solutions as well as help with transitional housing services when families face emergency situations.”
These federal funds are distributed as follows:
 
Abused Adult Resource Center - $83,664
 
 
Burleigh County Housing Authority – $209,150
 
 
Community Violence Intervention Center Inc. - $93,928
 
 
Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority - $389,883
 

 
Prairie Heights Apartments, Grand Lodge of North Dakota, I.O.O.F - $46,675
 
 
North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People, Inc. - $133,572
 
 
North Dakota Department of Commerce - $304,416
 
 
Prairie Harvest Mental Health Supportive Housing Program - $89,727
 
 
St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Store – $15,277
 
 
Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center– $37,599
 
 
YWCA Minot Center of Hope and Emergency Shelter - $30,000
 
 
YWCA Cass Clay - $345,525
 
This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. The CoC Program provides federal funding to state and local governments as well as non-profits that work to end homelessness and help families who are in need of safe and affordable housing.
Heitkamp has been a steadfast advocate for affordable housing in North Dakota, whether it’s pushing for more affordable housing in western North Dakota when prices skyrocketed or in Indian Country dealing with the chronic housing problems. Heitkamp recently met with staff and toured St. Joseph’s Social Care and Thrift in Grand Forks that provide transitional services for families in need as well as permanent housing for those with disabilities. In August, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s first Great Plains regional Indian Housing conference that aimed to leverage public-private partnerships to provide long-term strategies that will boost housing opportunities across Indian Country. Additionally, last week Heitkamp announced that the Government Sponsored Enterprises will be allowed to invest in Low Income Housing Tax Credits in high-need rural areas as part of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s new Duty to Serve Rule, a change which Heitkamp pushed for in an October letter to the Agency.             
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D88A3A2D-57B1-47A0-AD5B-B98F63A50917,Heitkamp Meets with Air Force Leader to Fight for Future Missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Grand Forks community leaders hosted Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Wednesday to reinforce the importance of the base to U.S. national security, to highlight the military value provided by its RQ-4 Global Hawk and High Frequency Global Communications System missions, and to emphasize its potential for future missions.
Base Commander Colonel Rodney Lewis, Mayor Michael Brown, and other state and local leaders also highlighted the national security importance of the base to General Goldfein at the dinner. Prior to the event with General Goldfein, Heitkamp met on Tuesday with leaders from Grand Forks Air Force Base and the community to discuss efforts to strengthen the base.
“Showing Air Force leaders what an asset Grand Forks Air Force Base is reinforces that Grand Forks is an ideal candidate for future missions,” said Heitkamp. “As General Goldfein has seen this week, Grand Forks Air Force Base is leading the way in remotely piloted aircraft with the strong support of the Grand Forks community and private sector. Grand Forks is a proven leader in areas that are really the future for the Air Force, which is why I’m continuing to push Air Force leaders to understand that the base is the right fit for Arctic missions and additional remotely piloted operations down the road. Now General Goldfein has had the chance to also hear from leaders in Grand Forks about what an asset the base and community are to the Air Force.”
Earlier this month, Heitkamp helped the U.S. Senate pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support Grand Forks priorities.
Long a champion of improving national security through innovative remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) solutions, Heitkamp successfully included a provision in the recent defense authorization to track the success rate of those technologies in border security missions along our northern, southern, and coastal borders. Heitkamp also helped support strong funding for Global Hawks flown by the 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as MQ-9 Reapers operated by the North Dakota Air National Guard.
After urging the new U.S. Northern Command leader in June to visit Grand Forks, Heitkamp this month also secured a commitment from Air Force General Lori Robinson to visit the base and review its activities. Heitkamp invited General Robinson, who also leads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), so that she can see the base’s potential for Arctic missions and its innovation in remotely piloted aircraft operations and training up close.
Heitkamp has consistently fought to support both of North Dakota’s bases, and is a cofounder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus. In February, she congratulated Grand Forks when the community won the Great American Defense Communities award, which Heitkamp formally endorsed Grand Forks for given the community’s exceptional support for the base. Heitkamp also honored Grand Forks for the award at a reception in Washington.
In February, Heitkamp stressed that Grand Forks Air Force Base is uniquely suited for RPA missions and Arctic missions that will bolster national security as General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, the official who oversees the base’s Global Hawk mission, visited Grand Forks.
Heitkamp has long supported Grand Forks Air Force Base, including efforts to promote:
 
The Global Hawk Mission: In February, Heitkamp spoke with General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who oversees the remotely-piloted Global Hawk missions, before he visited the base to stress that Grand Forks is ideal for Global Hawk and other missions. The 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base flies combat support missions as well as training and sensor operating missions.
 

 
Arctic Missions: Heitkamp successfully amended the defense authorization bill Congress passed last year to improve the military’s Arctic strategy and make Grand Forks attractive for future Arctic missions. The bill required DOD to submit a report on protecting national security in the Arctic region. Heitkamp’s amendment strengthened the report and positions Grand Forks to play a significant role in Arctic missions.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=29B6F353-AC40-40DD-9650-677158838138,Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project.
“Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.”
The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project.
In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life.
Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns are addressed. Click here to read the letter.
The senators also expressed concern about the detrimental financial impact of the demonstration on physicians in rural communities and at small, independent practices, which could have disrupted access to care and force patients to travel longer distances for care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9DAE425D-D941-42B4-86F0-B5D8F000B1E4,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for Fargo-Moorhead Health Services, Standing Rock Head Start Programs",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $1.1 million to help boost access to health services in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and almost $1.65 million to strengthen early childhood education programs for Native children in Standing Rock.
“Promoting a healthier, more prosperous North Dakota means making sure everyone has opportunities to succeed with access to quality health services and educational programs from an early age,” said Heitkamp. “This robust federal support for North Dakota programs will serve families in the Fargo-Moorhead area with top-notch health care, and help make sure Standing Rock children have the chance to thrive with early learning programs. These investments in the health of our communities and the education of our young people are key to ensuring a healthier community and statewide economy for years to come.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing $1,065,858 in federal support that will help promote the important work of employees at Family HealthCare, a Fargo health facility which strives to provide a multitude of quality, affordable services to families in the Fargo-Moorhead area. HHS also awarded $1,674,276 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for five years of Head Start programming to support the early childhood education and growth of Native young people living on the reservation.
Heitkamp has long been an advocate of federal resources to promote better, more affordable access to health care services, particularly in high-need and rural areas in North Dakota, as well as strengthening educational opportunities for young people, especially Native children.
This funding for the Family HealthCare Center in Fargo is made possible by the Health Resources & Services Administration within HHS, an agency dedicated to promoting better access to quality health services for underserved and high-need communities. The funding for Head Start programming on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Reservation is made possible by the Office of Head Start of the Office of the Administration for Children and Families, an agency within HHS. The program is dedicated to school readiness for children under five years of age from low-income families though education, health, and social services.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DCB25D7B-C3D6-4612-B7BF-173869A23486,Heitkamp Announces Committee Assignments for 115th Congress,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced her U.S. Senate Committee assignments for the 115th Congress. Through her roles on five different committees, Heitkamp will keep advocating for policies that support North Dakota families and stand up for rural America.
She will continue to serve on: the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship.
“Every single day I come to work in the U.S. Senate, I’m fighting for folks living in rural America. When rural America flourishes, so does the rest of our country,” said Heitkamp. “Through my work on five different committees in the U.S. Senate, I’ve worked toward that goal, and passed bills that have been signed into law that will support first responders, advocate for farmers and ranchers, boost small businesses, and stand up for Native American children, among many other issues. In the coming Congress, I’ll continue to build on many of these successes and make sure that North Dakota has the voice in Congress that it deserves.”
Heitkamp has been working to stand up for working families, small businesses, and rural communities on each of her assigned committees in the U.S. Senate, and will continue to build on her accomplishments in the upcoming Congress:
 
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry: Heitkamp has been a leader in securing a strong future for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by:
Fighting for a strong Farm Bill: Heitkamp helped write and pass the Farm Bill in 2014, and is already looking ahead to fighting for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 by holding a Farm Bill tour last August to get feedback from North Dakota farmers and ranchers. 
Promoting American agricultural products Cuba: Heitkamp has been working to advance her legislation to ease financial restrictions on U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba and will continue her work to expand U.S. exports to Cuba.
Protecting ranchers, rural families from unsafe prescribed burns: Earlier this month, Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill requiring greater collaboration to prevent U.S. Forest Service prescribed burns from becoming out-of-control fires and hurting the property of North Dakota ranchers was signed into law. 


 
 
U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs: Heitkamp has been fighting to support small businesses, consumers, workers, and retirees by: 
Making sure small businesses, startups have a seat at the table: This month the president signed into law Heitkamp’s bipartisan SEC Small Business Advocate Act that will create an office within the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission to help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them grow jobs and their businesses.
Replacing unnecessary burdens on farmers, small banks with commonsense rules. Last year, with Heitkamp’s help the Senate passed several bipartisan bills providing regulatory relief for small lenders, including her bipartisan Privacy Notice Modernization Act to eliminate redundant, costly and often ignored annual banking notifications and instead require banks to alert customers only when privacy changes actually occur. 
Fighting to protect livelihoods of workers, retirees: Heitkamp has been fighting against steep pension cuts to thousands of workers and retirees in North Dakota across the country who have paid into Central States Pension Plan.
Providing certainty for American businesses and workers: The U.S. Senate passed Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank – an independent federal government agency which has supported $42 million in exports since 2011 in North Dakota alone. She is continuing to work to make sure the Bank can fully function so it can support North Dakota businesses and workers.


 
 
U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs: Heitkamp has been leading the charge to improve how the federal government operates and fight for efficient, effective solutions for rural communities and small businesses as well as prepare our communities for emergencies and protect them from threats:
Preparing first responders to handle hazardous incidents: This month, the president signed into law Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act to help make sure first responders have the tools they need to respond to potential hazardous incidents, including derailments of crude oil trains, to keep communities strong and safe.
Strengthening the Northern Border: This month, Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security along the nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border was signed into law, which aims to address concerns she has heard from border security personnel in North Dakota, including in Pembina and Portal.
Protecting a strong, reliable mail service for rural communities, businesses: Heitkamp introduced legislation to improve mail delivery and service in rural communities, which aims to specifically address concerns she has heard from hundreds of North Dakotans who responded to her Fix My Mail initiative. Heitkamp also brought U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to Bismarck in August. 
Pushing for better, more effective federal rules: As ranking member of the subcommittee which oversees the federal regulatory process, Heitkamp has led bipartisan efforts to cut red tape and improve the regulatory process through stronger accountability and more transparency. Her bipartisan regulatory reform bills passed in the committee with bipartisan support and she successfully fought against standards that hurt North Dakota agricultural businesses.


 
 
U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs:
Improving the lives of Native children: The president signed into law Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to stand up for Native American youth and help enable them to thrive by creating a Commission on Native Children. 
Facing the long-term impacts of trauma, reducing its impact on Native youth: Heitkamp has been working to address the detrimental impact traumatic experiences – events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope – can have on tribal communities, particularly among Native children, by hosting a series of educational briefings for members of Congress about the issue and leading the first-ever U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs field hearing in North Dakota on the issue. 
Expanding safe, affordable housing opportunities across Indian Country: After bringing U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Julián Castro for his first visit to North Dakota in 2014 to view the housing challenges experienced by tribes on the ground, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address during HUD’s first Great Plains regional Indian housing conference in Bismarck in August, which she requested.


 
 
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship:
Leveling the playing field for small businesses: Heitkamp has supported efforts to level the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses in North Dakota and across the country by allowing states to decide whether to continue to allow out-of-state internet retailers to conduct transactions without collecting sales tax owed. 
Building opportunity for rural small businesses, families, and startups: Heitkamp introduced her SEED Act to support startups in North Dakota and other rural states and small cities, by helping them get the early stage funding they need to grow. She also supported a commonsense federal paid family and medical leave policy to help working families care for their loved ones while continuing a strong workforce.


 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=19CFFD3F-DFAF-4F53-9338-631F4E8861B2,Heitkamp Underscores Need to Support Strong Manufacturing Workforce at First Delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted the importance of bolstering manufacturing and general aviation jobs in North Dakota and across the country during the first customer delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet – the world’s first single-engine personal jet.
Joining North Dakota officials as well as Cirrus manufacturing workers and leaders at Grand Forks Airport, Heitkamp – long a champion of manufacturing and general aviation– spoke about the need to build on today’s successful milestone by promoting opportunities that help these industries thrive and support North Dakota workers who enable these businesses to run.
“Today’s delivery is a milestone in aviation history – and it’s also a significant step forward for Cirrus and the manufacturing community here in Grand Forks,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakota has been leading the charge in turning innovative ideas into real jobs, opportunity, and cutting-edge technologies – and by delivering the world’s first single-engine personal jet, we’re making history, too. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been working to encourage ideas that yield success for American businesses and workers, particularly for those in manufacturing and aviation, by fighting to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank – which helps support and grow jobs in these industries. Just as companies like Cirrus are committed to producing American-made components in Grand Forks, I’ll keep pushing leaders in Congress to promote and invest in policies that keep and grow jobs here at home.”
Long a champion of such industries to spur innovation, job creation, and infrastructure building, Heitkamp has spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to reauthorize and promote a working Export-Import Bank – an independent federal government agency and the official export credit agency of the United States. In North Dakota alone, the Export-Import Bank has supported $42 million in exports since 2011, as well as 633 jobs statewide through loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to facilitate overseas sales. Heitkamp is fighting to make sure the agency is able to fully function so it can keep supporting American businesses and workers, which it has been unable to do for about a year because there haven’t been enough members on the Export-Import Bank Board. Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier this month about this issue and the importance of supporting American workers. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2FB561FE-4F02-4DD5-9007-10EF720FF959,President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Make Sure ND Small Businesses & Startups have Seat at the Table,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Small Businesses Account for 96 Percent of ND’s Employers and Two-Thirds of ND’s Private-Sector Workforce 
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan bill to make sure small businesses and startups have a seat at the table when new federal rules are written on how they can raise funding and access the resources they need to succeed.
Introduced with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada and cosponsored by Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, Heitkamp’s SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help make sure small businesses – which make up about three-fifths of North Dakota’s private-sector workforce – have a strong voice on federal rules that apply to private enterprises. Too often, these rules do not distinguish between large and small businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage. Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will create an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – the nation’s regulatory authority on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation and keeping the U.S. marketplace fair and efficient – to help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them build investments in their companies as well as jobs across the country. The legislation, which unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, was initially introduced by U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The senators passed their bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate in April.
Small businesses make up almost 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers, with close to 195,000 workers employed by small businesses statewide. Across the country, small businesses make up almost half of the country’s private-sector workforce from 2002 to 2010, creating about two-thirds of the nation’s net new jobs between mid-2009 and 2011.“We can do more to level the playing field for small businesses and startups in rural America by making sure they have a seat at the table when it comes to federal rulemaking,” said Heitkamp. “Small businesses make up 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers, but when it comes to the rules of private enterprise, they don’t always have a voice – and are many times swept up in rules aimed at larger, more powerful players – putting them at an immediate disadvantage. With a little North Dakota commonsense, we can change that. Now law, my bipartisan bill will make sure the challenges small businesses and startups face are considered when it comes to writing the rules that impact them. We can encourage innovation and entrepreneurial growth, and we can do it by making sure our small businesses and burgeoning startup communities are heard.”
“Nevada’s small businesses employ over 428,000 jobs for its workers. Yet, these economic engines rarely have their voice heard in the regulatory process. I teamed with Senators Heitkamp and Peters on bipartisan legislation to ensure that the more than 230,000 small businesses in the state get a fair shake from the SEC. I’m proud to say the SEC Small Business Advocate Act has now been signed into law. This is a prime example of how putting the needs of small businesses first encourages hiring of new employees and growth of our nation’s economy,” said Heller. 
“Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, which hire locally, give back to their communities, and boost economic growth across the state,” said Peters. “The SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help ensure these small businesses have a seat at the table when critical decisions impacting them are made, and I’m pleased that this bipartisan legislation has now been signed into law.”
A member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Heitkamp has been working to spur opportunities that promote innovation and economic growth, particularly in North Dakota and in rural communities across the country. In the Fargo-Moorhead area alone, about one-third of startups named the challenge of raising early stage funding as the biggest hurdle to growing their businesses.
To alleviate part of that challenge, Heitkamp introduced Startup Entrepreneur Empowerment Delivery (SEED) Act in April by providing the small seed funding small businesses and startups need to grow. By creating a federal pilot program granting up to $120,000 in federal funds to ten small cities across the country which would be awarded to startups in the communities, Heitkamp’s SEED Act would invest in communities across the country with populations of 200,000 or less with the aim of identifying and promoting innovative ideas emerging in more rural communities throughout the country between New York and Silicon Valley.
Since entering the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has been meeting with leaders in the startup and small business communities across the state to better understand their needs and concerns. In July 2015, Heitkamp brought U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to Fargo for the first U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship field hearing in North Dakota. At the hearing, and during a separate meeting with successful female entrepreneurs in Bismarck about collaborative strategies to encourage and support women-owned small businesses, Heitkamp and Contreras-Sweet spoke with local entrepreneurs about the roadblocks they face in starting or growing their businesses. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5CC11688-99C5-4764-974B-50D74B6F27C7,Heitkamp Statement on Final Stream Protection Rule,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior released its final Stream Protection Rule.
“As I review the final Stream Protection Rule, I continue to have real concerns about this administration’s one-size-fits-all approach to the regulation of energy development and production, which doesn’t work for our state,” said Heitkamp. “When a top Interior Department official visited North Dakota in May, I showed her firsthand how this rule would hurt our state’s coal industry and workers, and how it failed to take into account drastic differences in mining practices and geography between states like North Dakota and regions like Appalachia. Going forward, I’ll work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and the incoming administration to see if this rule is workable. We need commonsense energy policies that provide good-paying jobs and affordable, reliable power for folks in North Dakota and around the country – and I’m determined to make that possible.”
Proposed last year, the Stream Protection Rule was intended to address issues with Appalachian mining practices, but the draft rule showed little understanding of the mining practices of the lignite industry or the geography of North Dakota.
In May, Heitkamp toured Beulah’s Freedom Mine with a top U.S. Department of the Interior official to make sure the agency understood how the Stream Protection Rule would negatively impact the state’s coal mining industry, and to press the agency to fix its draft rule to guarantee coal has a viable path forward in the state. Janice Schneider, Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, came to the state to hear about concerns that lignite mining leaders and North Dakota officials have with the Office of Surface Mining’s (OSM) draft rule. Schneider oversees OSM and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which Heitkamp criticized in January for its freeze on federal coal leasing.
Prior to Schneider’s visit, Heitkamp urged Interior to remain actively engaged with North Dakota’s coal industry in making fixes to its draft Stream Protection Rule.
The Stream Protection Rule comes at a challenging time for coal-fired power because of EPA’s Clean Power Plan rules on new and existing power plants, the federal moratorium on coal leases, and more. In January, Interior announced it would review the federal coal program and stop issuing new coal leases on federal lands – potentially for three years – during the review process. In North Dakota, around 20 percent of coal comes from federal leases, and the state is paid around $1 million in royalties annually, with half going to support counties and schools in the state.
Heitkamp has pressed BLM to continue reviewing the two pending applications for coal leases from BNI Coal in North Dakota.
Heitkamp has long worked to guarantee that coal remains a vital component of North Dakota’s energy mix, most recently introducing a bill with broad bipartisan support to extend a key tax credit that incentivizes the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies and processes. Heitkamp brought EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to North Dakota in February 2014 so the Administrator could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=941CCA3F-0F99-4DBE-9D02-F0E662EE95DE,President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator’s Legislation Will Help Provide Better Resources & Training for First Responders to keep Communities Strong & Safe
BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments. The president’s signature comes just days before the third anniversary of the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton, which prompted Heitkamp to introduce this bill.Following the 2013 derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp wanted to make sure first responders are prepared to handle the transportation of crude oil on the rails, especially as many first responders in rural communities like Casselton are volunteers, prompting her to introduce this legislation. The derailment was also the impetus for her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, which aims to help address some of the new challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota’s communities strong and families safe in their homes. She issued her Strong & Safe Communities Report in August. Among the goals of her initiative includes better equipping emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails, which Heitkamp’s legislation will do.
""When flames began billowing from the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton almost three years ago to the day, and then again in Heimdal in last year, North Dakota first responders did not hesitate – they ran toward the flames to protect their communities,” said Heitkamp. “With the president signing into law my bipartisan bill, our first responders will get the tools they need to do their jobs and make sure communities are strong and safe no matter what the challenge is. Every second counts when first responders are called into action, and this bill will help make a difference so they can return home safely to their families each night knowing that they have the tools at their disposal to protect our towns.""
Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act establishes a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), will provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country.
Joining in support for Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA), and U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) worked with Heitkamp to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015.
Despite the current downturn in oil production, 35 percent of North Dakota crude oil is still transported by rail and will likely continue to into the future. On major freight railroads across the country, the number of railcars carrying crude oil grew by more than 4,000 percent.
In addition to her RESPONSE Act, Heitkamp has worked to improve first responder safety by helping secure $5 million in federal funding to support a one-of-a-kind federal training facility in Pueblo, Colorado that prepares first responders to handle hazmat incidents on the rails, such as crude oil train derailments. Nearly 310 North Dakota first responders have participated in training at the Pueblo facility, more than 130 of which were trained to specifically handle crude-by-rail incidents. She has also worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, including bringing U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to North Dakota and holding a U.S. Senate hearing on first responder safety.  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=809FE07B-0785-4057-A9EC-7274D3CF1533,Heitkamp: Renewed Sanctions Will Help U.S. Hold Iran Accountable,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after a bill she helped pass to extend the Iran Sanctions Act through 2026 became law.
The law imposes harsh sanctions on anyone who invests in Iran’s oil and gas sector, the sale of weapons of mass destruction, or uranium mining. Had an extension not been passed, sanctions that provide leverage for the United States to hold Iran accountable for destabilizing behavior would have expired this year. The U.S. Senate passed the 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act earlier this month.
“Our country needs to stay tough on Iran, and extending these sanctions is another avenue to do that,” said Heitkamp. “Tough, smart sanctions were critical in bringing Iran to the negotiating table and keeping it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Iran deal has been successful so far, but we still need to keep the pressure on Iran through the ability to re-impose sanctions should it cheat on the nuclear deal. Strong sanctions like these hold Iran accountable while working to protect our national security and keep North Dakota families safe.”
Sanctions played a key role in bringing Iran to the table for the Iran nuclear deal, which Heitkamp supported and which so far has successfully reined in Iran and kept it from advancing its nuclear program. The deal – which was negotiated between the United States, Iran, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia – has increased access for international inspectors, eliminated 97 percent of the country’s uranium stockpile, and ripped out more than 13,000 centrifuges. Heitkamp supported the deal after participating in dozens of meetings, classified briefings, and congressional hearings on the deal with national security and non-proliferation experts, senior diplomats, advocates on all sides, and North Dakotans. Read more about why Heitkamp supported the deal in her Medium post on the Iran deal.
Even with the deal in place, Congress continues to hold Iran’s feet to the fire by maintaining sanctions on the country’s support for terrorism, malign influence in the Middle East, and human rights violations.
During a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking earlier this year, Heitkamp urged top Administration officials to guarantee that sanctions are used to punish Iran for its development of ballistic missiles and that the Iran nuclear deal is strictly enforced.
Heitkamp has successfully pushed the Administration to use sanctions to hold Iran’s feet to the fire on its nuclear program and other destabilizing behavior. After Iran tested ballistic missile technology last year, Heitkamp called on the president to take strong action in response to the violations of international law. Two months later the Administration did as Heitkamp requested, imposing stricter sanctions on companies and individuals involved in developing Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Heitkamp joined in a Congressional trip in January to the Middle East and Vienna, where she met senior International Atomic Energy Agency officials – the international inspectors who are implementing the Iran nuclear deal – and allies about fully implementing and enforcing the deal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8780267B-6EE3-4604-BBB7-B7D588617F0A,"Heitkamp Announces Nearly $700,000 in Federal Funding for Turtle Lake Community Health Center",2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $692,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Turtle Lake.
The funding will help provide health services to 2,522 new patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Maintaining the best quality health care in rural communities is critical if we’re going to keep North Dakota strong for years to come,” said Heitkamp. “In the U.S. Senate, standing up for rural America is one of my top priorities – and this funding is a critical step in supporting rural health care. The federal funds will help make it easier for folks in Turtle Lake and the surrounding community to access health care, overcoming geographic and economic barriers that too often make it harder for folks in rural areas to get the services they need.”
The $692,000 in federal funding supporting the center in Turtle Lake was among $50 million in funding awarded to 75 health centers in 23 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated State of Micronesia. The purpose of the funding is to support new service delivery sites, and to provide comprehensive primary health care services to underserved and vulnerable populations.
Health centers are community-based organizations that deliver comprehensive  high-quality primary health care services. Across the U.S., nearly 1,400 health centers with over 9,800 sites provide care to more than 24 million people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A67B136E-C8C0-4EF2-A7BD-A8FBEC00B5C7,Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project.
“Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration has listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.”
The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project.
In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life.
Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns were addressed. Click here to read the letter.
The senators also expressed concern about the detrimental financial impact of the demonstration on physicians in rural communities and at small, independent practices, which could have disrupted access to care or forced patients to travel longer distances for care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=47804B37-0521-4205-A8D2-4D079C0A57C6,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Combat Opioid Abuse,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp today announced $2 million in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Human Services to combat the opioid epidemic throughout the state.
“Too many North Dakotans have suffered the consequences of the opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across the nation,” said Heitkamp. “We must work to bring substance abuse out of the dark, educate folks to prevent addiction, and make sure we have treatment programs to get people back on their feet. The federal funding announced today will help provide the resources needed to reduce overdoses, provide treatment, and prevent addiction from occurring in the first place.”
This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Heitkamp has been working to address opioid abuse in North Dakota and has hosted a series a roundtable listening sessions across the state over the past year to hear from law enforcement, treatment providers, and families who are on the front lines of this epidemic.
Earlier this month, Heitkamp also helped pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=50A534DD-5818-4E65-B96D-72F7C691E933,"Heitkamp: WTO Compliance Case against China Protects North Dakota Wheat, Corn Growers",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is bringing a World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture compliance case against China for the second time this year – this time, seeking to hold the country accountable for failing to meet market access commitments to American wheat, corn, and rice growers.
Heitkamp has long fought to guarantee North Dakota farmers have fair access to China. In September, she joined U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce an earlier compliance case to hold China accountable for over-subsidizing its domestic crops.
""Today we're again standing up to hold China accountable for cheating North Dakota farmers,"" said Heitkamp. ""When China or any other country cheats on a trade agreement, they make it harder for North Dakota wheat and corn farmers to access markets and get fair value for our state's top-notch crops. This is the second time the U.S. Trade Representative has brought an agricultural compliance case against China this year, and that's good news for North Dakota farmers and rural communities - especially when commodities prices are already challenging.""
The WTO complaint today charges that China’s opaque and unpredictable tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn, and rice fail to live up to the country’s WTO commitments and undermine market access for U.S. producers. China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion in additional crops last year alone had it fairly administered its tariff-rate quotas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
North Dakota – an agricultural state that depends on exports – was the top wheat producer in the U.S. in 2015 and is a growing producer of corn, meaning the state’s producers are heavily impacted when China limits market access or over-subsidizes its domestically produced crops. The U.S. Trade Representative’s enforcement challenge aims to hold China to its trade agreements and level the playing field so that American farmers have fair access to the market.
As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture and Ranking Member on Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, Heitkamp has worked to expand market access for North Dakota farmers. Earlier this year, Heitkamp called on U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to protect North Dakota grain growers from unfair treatment, after a report she requested demonstrated that Canada is segregating North Dakota grain and offering unfair prices to U.S. producers at Canadian elevators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5F1E351A-DF34-462B-A8A9-B290F291C7DE,"President Signs into Law Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – to make sure North Dakota’s communities remain strong and safe.
A key piece of Heitkamp’s Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, the bill specifically addresses the concerns and challenges she and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard about in April 2015 from federal, state, county, and local officials and law enforcement while visiting Pembina when she brought Mayorkas to North Dakota’s Northern Border. Heitkamp heard similar feedback during other meetings she held in North Dakota and at a Senate hearing she pushed for on the issue. The bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and House. 
Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will require DHS to evaluate security threats at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments Heitkamp’s bill calls for will help tackle the challenges she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. 
“When it comes to protecting North Dakota’s rural communities along our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border, we need to take steps now to address any challenges before security issues arise,” said Heitkamp. “While meeting with the dedicated border agents and officers who serve in incredibly remote locations like Portal and Pembina, many told me about the difficulty they face in recruiting and retaining the workforce they need to keep our communities safe. I heard their concerns loud and clear, and with this new law, we can begin bolstering security along the longest common law border in the world by giving them the tools and resources to keep our communities and families strong and safe.”“I’m proud that our bipartisan bill to help secure our northern border is now becoming law, as keeping New Hampshire and our country safe has always been one of my top priorities,” said Ayotte. “We are facing unprecedented national security challenges that demand a full understanding of the northern border’s needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I applaud New Hampshire’s law enforcement community, especially those serving Coos County, for their work to protect the border and look forward to the implementation of this law to help further support their efforts. I also want to thank Senator Heitkamp for her partnership and dedication to getting this important measure signed into law.”“For almost two decades, I’ve been working to keep our nation’s borders safe, and I can tell you that protecting our country’s longest border – particularly in remote areas like around Portal – is a whole different ballgame than the Southern Border. Fortunately, Senator Heitkamp understands the unique challenges we face, and her bill that was signed into law makes that crystal clear,” said Aaron M. Heitke, U.S. Border Patrol Grand Forks Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “When Senator Heitkamp visited Portal this fall and spoke with my team on the ground, it was clear she grasped the difficulty we face in recruiting and retaining the workforce our nation needs, particularly when we lack the resources to help agents move themselves and their families across the country from duty on the Southern Border. By providing assessments of the threats our nation faces along the Northern Border and the technology tools and recruitment resources to help overcome them, Senator Heitkamp’s bill will help make sure we get the support we need to face challenges such as terrorism and drug trafficking so we can keep our communities safe.”
At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Heitkamp’s Northern Border Security Review Act will require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:
 
Recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;
Determining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;
Identifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and
Finding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.
 
Click here to view a summary of the bill.
Last week, a separate bipartisan bill Heitkamp helped introduce passed in the U.S. Senate and will also soon be signed into law, which will speed up travel at border crossings, especially for commercial cargo at the most congested crossings, increasing economic activity while keeping the border secure.
Since first offering an amendment to improve security at the Northern Border to comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2013, Heitkamp has been working to make sure sufficient attention is paid to protecting the Northern Border through meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington, visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation. More details about action she has taken to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention include:
 
Bringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border.
 


 
Holding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=84B8FDBF-504A-4FC5-8241-F2C687D6F33D,"Heitkamp Announces $178,000 in Federal Funding Supporting Tribal Education",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $178,000 in federal funding to support tribal education.
“Math skills are vital for putting students on the path to success, and this funding will help make sure programs to boost math skills in tribal communities are having an impact,” said Heitkamp. “Encouraging math, science, and technology learning in tribal communities helps build up Indian Country and prepares the next generation for good-paying jobs.”
The federal funding will support an 18-month planning project that will gather information to study the impacts that the Sunday Academy Model – a National Science Foundation-funded outreach project in tribal communities – has had on math learning in Native communities.
The funding was made available through the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP). Sunday Academy is a collaborative, culturally sensitive STEM learning outreach model that from 2001 to 2015 was partially supported by TCUP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CCD41060-CCBE-467D-889F-AD8FD6C5323A,Heitkamp Secures New Investments Supporting Affordable Housing in Indian Country,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"ND Native Households are Overcrowded at Almost Four Times the Rate of the Rest of the Country, and Live in Poverty 2.7 Times More than Americans Nationwide 
BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a new federal rule she pushed for that will promote more accessible and affordable housing in high-need areas, including rural and tribal communities.
The announcement follows Heitkamp’s efforts to expand the rule to support affordable housing in Indian Country where 15 percent of Native households nationally and 18 percent in the Great Plains have severe housing needs, including overcrowded spaces, not enough insulation, or black mold.
The new Duty to Serve rule from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) comes after Heitkamp called on the FHFA in October to open up credit and investment options that will help families in rural and tribal communities find safe, affordable housing. FHFA’s final rule will allow the Government Sponsored Enterprises to receive Duty to Serve credit for Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments in rural housing projects that will help put them on par with investments in urban housing projects. This change will provide more housing resources to rural communities where new construction and rehabilitation opportunities are severely lacking, and especially to Indian Country where the lack of such investments has been particularly apparent and harmful.
“Anyone who has been on the ground in some of the poorest Great Plains tribal reservations can tell you, the outlook for families seeking safe, affordable shelter that can withstand a harsh North Dakota winter is bleak,” said Heitkamp. “But this new rule provides a ray of hope for these families. This rule which I pushed for is helping to level the playing field so there is more affordable and accessible housing in rural communities, especially in Indian Country where housing conditions are particularly dire. No one should have to live in a house meant for four people that instead sleeps 15 people or isn’t insulated enough to keep a family warm in the tough North Dakota winter. Now, we’re making a needed step forward to change that.”
The FHFA’s rule will help bring much-needed equity to housing across Indian Country – particularly in North Dakota. According to U.S. Census Bureau data provided by HUD, those living in tribal communities in North Dakota lack a kitchen, plumbing or live in overcrowded conditions almost four times more often than Americans nationwide, and are impoverished at 2.7 times the rate of the rest of the country.
 Heitkamp has long been working with U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to bring about long-term solutions to improve housing options across Indian Country. After bringing HUD Julián Castro for his first visit to North Dakota in 2014 to view the housing challenges experienced by tribes on the ground, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address during HUD’s first Great Plains regional Indian housing conference in Bismarck in August.As North Dakota’s Attorney General, Heitkamp served on the board of directors of the state’s Housing Finance Agency and worked to promote better housing solutions on tribal lands. Since joining the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has been steadfast in her work to improve housing conditions for families across Indian Country, by:
 
Working to sustain and improve tribal housing: As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Heitkamp has advocated for increased infrastructure and financial solutions to barriers in Indian housing development. In March 2015, Heitkamp helped the Committee pass bipartisan legislation to reauthorize NAHASDA, which supports efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to American Indians. Heitkamp has been pushing for the reauthorization of NAHASDA since July 2013. 
Engaging the Administration on improving unsafe conditions in Indian Country: Heitkamp has consistently engaged the President and federal leaders on addressing mold issues across tribal lands. After the President and First Lady visited Standing Rock in June 2014, Heitkamp encouraged President Obama to improve educational conditions for children at Cannon Ball Elementary – a school battling mold, rats and a leaky roof. Shortly after, the school was awarded technological assistance in every classroom, and President Obama cited his visit as the impetus for his Generation Indigenous initiative to help Native students overcome barriers to success. 
Securing investments in housing improvements: In September 2015, Heitkamp announced that the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe would receive $800,000 in federal assistance for its mold remediation efforts. That funding comes from the $6 million in mold remediation funding which was announced by Castro when Heitkamp brought him to Belcourt in 2014 during his first trip to North Dakota. In February 2015, Heitkamp announced more than $20 million in federal funding to promote safe and affordable housing on tribal lands in North Dakota.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=233BFCE4-BB16-4D1C-AC26-D5A664A8AC3E,Heitkamp Statement on the Passing of Judge Myron Bright,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the passing of Judge Myron Bright, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
“Judge Bright’s empathy and compassion were unsurpassed – whether at home or in the courtroom,” said Heitkamp. “While making decisions, he always walked in the shoes of those who may not have had a voice in the courtroom, reminding us why empathy is so vital on the bench. That compassion and ability to look at matters from all perspectives made him an invaluable defender of equal rights and a proponent of tolerance – improving lives in Native American communities and bringing kindness to any job he did or decision he made. His calls to address sentencing disparities for Indian Country were among Judge Bright’s most important work, including his fifty-plus page dissent in U.S. v. Deegan, a seminal treatise on how our laws treat Native Americans unfairly and without consideration of historical and continued trauma. For years I felt lucky to call him a friend, and know his loss will be felt by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and especially with his granddaughter Amy, whose compassionate and diligent work for the people of North Dakota in my Fargo office is a testament to the values Judge Bright inspired in those around him.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D849BE34-2109-41D3-8DF6-AECBF41983BC,"Heitkamp Helps Pass Water Resources Bill Benefiting Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, Jamestown Reservoir",2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a water resources bill, which contains provisions she worked with Senator John Hoeven to include that benefit trailer home owners along Lake Tschida and permit holders along three North Dakota reservoirs.
The provisions benefiting North Dakota were included in a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the House and the Senate, and were based on provisions Heitkamp and Hoeven successfully pushed for when the Senate first passed its version of the bill in September.
“Working with Senator Hoeven, we were able to make sure folks on Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, and Jamestown Reservoir can keep swimming, fishing, and boating on these lakes,” said Heitkamp. “Outdoor recreation on our lakes is one of many reasons North Dakota is such a great place to live and raise a family, and Senator Hoeven and I were able to fight together to keep those recreation opportunities affordable for folks along these reservoirs.”
Earlier this year, the Bureau of Reclamation announced permit fee changes for those who have permits for cabins and trailers around the reservoirs, with fees set to increase between 90 and 157 percent. Heitkamp was concerned about the steep increase in permitting fees, which was scheduled to take effect in January 2017.
The provisions will limit a planned increase in permit costs for lots on Jamestown Reservoir, Lake Tschida, and Patterson Lake. Capping the rent that the Bureau of Reclamation can charge will help make sure those lots remain affordable over the next five years.
Additionally, the bill will allow trailers at Lake Tschida to remain on their lots if anchored so that trailer-owners who have invested in those properties can remain and enjoy the lake as they have for years.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D48E691C-CE49-440D-B4BF-D1D99F051F36,"Heitkamp: Congress Must Protect Future for Coal, Workers’ & Miners’ Pensions & Health Care",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today stood up for retired coal miners and workers, and the industry their livelihoods depend on, by refusing to vote for a short-term bill to fund the government. “It isn’t enough to talk about supporting a future for coal and the workers whose livelihoods depend on it – Congress needs to stand up for real results and for those workers,” said Heitkamp. “This bill fails thousands of retired coal miners – who for decades played by the rules, sacrificing their health to provide for their families – by refusing to guarantee the health and retirement benefits they earned and were promised. These miners face similar challenges to the thousands of North Dakota retirees whose pensions I’ve been working to protect as the Central States Pension Fund restructures. All of these workers and retirees helped build our country through their own sweat and labor, yet some in Congress are willing to just turn their backs on them. I’m not willing to do that – that isn’t who I am. And as so many families are struggling to get by, I also strongly support a continued freeze on the salaries of members of Congress, and I won’t take a salary increase.“Today’s short-term spending bill also fails to help support a realistic path forward for coal, the industry these miners work in, as it avoids including my commonsense bill that has broad bipartisan support to actually help accomplish that goal. When it comes to the future of the coal industry, and protecting workers and retirees down the road – anything but a long-term solution isn’t going to cut it. So I’m going to keep fighting for these workers and retirees. And anyone in Congress who cares about American workers, should stand up and fight, too.”
Heitkamp has long championed a realistic path forward for coal as part of the nation’s energy mix, as well as solutions to protect the hard-earned health and pensions of workers, miners, and retirees. In July, she introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage long-term clean coal energy development and innovation by extending the 45Q tax credit, which encourages investment in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration – her bill has the strong support of progressive and conservative senators, including Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Heitkamp has also been fighting against steep pension cuts to thousands of retirees in North Dakota and across the country who have paid into Central States Pension Plan – a multiemployer fund that covers a range of fields. After pressure from Heitkamp and workers nationwide, the U.S. Department of the Treasury rejected a proposal to restructure the multiemployer pension plan, which would have included pension cuts up to 60 percent.Because today’s legislative package doesn’t include her bipartisan bill or a fix to support the health and pensions for more than 16,000 retired coal miners who could lose the benefits they earned by the end of the month, Heitkamp voted against the legislation.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BB1987FC-589A-422F-AE8C-04D33FF92A69,Heitkamp Helps Senate Pass Defense Authorization Bill to Support North Dakota Priorities,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support North Dakota defense priorities. 
The legislation is a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the Senate and the House, and passed last week in the House. Heitkamp helped pass an earlier version of the bill in the Senate in June.
“Passing a strong, bipartisan defense bill will help keep our country safe, while also bolstering North Dakota’s defense priorities at our Air Force bases and beyond,” said Heitkamp. “This bill authorizes funding for the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, and underscores the importance of all of these missions to supporting strong national security strategies. To boost our state’s leadership in the use of remotely piloted aircraft, the bill also includes a provision I backed bolstering support for these aircraft as well as provisions I fought for to help servicemembers with post-traumatic stress, encourage the quick replacement of Minot’s UH-1N helicopters, and more.”
The National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions that Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota, including:
 
Protecting the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base: The bill includes a provision Heitkamp pushed for to keep development of the next generation of long-range strike bombers – like those at Minot Air Force Base – on track. Last year’s defense bill included elements of Heitkamp’s bipartisan Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act to make sure long-range bomber aircraft such as Minot Air Force Base B-52 bombers stay in service as long as they are needed, by restricting circumstances in which bombers may be retired.  
 
 
Strengthening border security by boosting the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technologies: Long a champion of improving national security through innovative RPA solutions, Heitkamp successfully included a provision in the bill to track the success rate of those technologies in border security missions along our northern, southern, and coastal borders. Heitkamp also helped support strong funding for Global Hawks flown by the 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as MQ-9 Reapers operated by the North Dakota Air National Guard.
 
 
Supporting servicemembers who suffer from post-traumatic stress: The bill includes provisions from a bipartisan bill Heitkamp supported to make sure benefits aren’t denied to servicemembers who served honorably, but were discharged from the military under less than honorable circumstances due to the effects of post-traumatic stress. 
 
 
Improving security at Minot Air Force Base: Heitkamp backed a provision to encourage the Department of Defense (DOD) to expedite long-overdue upgrades to Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters used at Minot Air Force Base to guard nuclear weapons. As a member of the bipartisan ICBM coalition, Heitkamp has consistently urged DOD to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters.
 
 
Reducing waste and promoting better management of federal programs: Today’s bill includes Heitkamp’s bipartisan Program Management Improvement Accountability Act to implement the oversight, training, and standards federal managers need to reduce waste and improve the performance of the programs North Dakota businesses and workers rely on. 
 
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4CBBEFEB-C815-4A0D-A21F-E57A28ABF2FA,"Heitkamp, Hoeven Get Commitment from Commander of NORTHCOM to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today met with U.S. Air Force (USAF) General Lori Robinson, leader of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), headquartered in Colorado. Gen. Robinson, at Heitkamp’s and Hoeven's request, agreed to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base and review activities at the base.
Heitkamp and Hoeven also discussed NORTHCOM’s operations in the Arctic region. The senators highlighted how the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base could contribute to NORTHCOM’s Arctic mission.
“It is important that General Robinson come to Grand Forks to see firsthand what is happening at the base, including the work with the Global Hawk,” Heitkamp and Hoeven said. “The Global Hawk’s unique capabilities to gather information over a broad area and fly long distances make it an ideal aircraft to greatly contribute to NORTHCOM’s activities in the Arctic. Grand Forks Air Force Base is also strategically located in proximity to the Arctic, making the base uniquely qualified to support the Arctic mission, which is increasingly important to our nation’s security. Simply put, the Global Hawk can help increase our awareness of activity in this region, and it is already strategically based to provide immediate assistance.”
Grand Forks Air Force Base is closer to some parts of the Arctic than even Alaska. Increased activity in the Arctic region, including more activity by Russia, has necessitated American activity and surveillance to ensure safety and stability. For the past several years, NORTHCOM has been working with the Canadian Joint Operations Command to coordinate operations, including domain awareness, emergency response and training activities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=61B74C4C-3BBA-409C-B22D-A8C718349E52,"Heitkamp Helps Pass Comprehensive Bill to Boost Life-Saving Medical Research, Tackle Opioid Abuse & Mental Health Challenges",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she helped the U.S. Senate pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding for biomedical research to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs.
The bill – which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law – includes two of Heitkamp’s bipartisan bills she introduced with Republican senators to improve access to quality health services, particularly in rural areas.
Heitkamp has been a key advocate in Congress working to combat the nation’s opioid abuse crisis head on, and repeatedly advocated for more robust addiction and recovery federal resources – which this bill helps provide. She has also spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to educate senators and their staff about the long-term physical and psychological impact that traumatic events experienced at a young age – including abuse, violence, or disaster – can have on children and communities. Today’s bill includes legislation Heitkamp cosponsored to continue and build programs aimed at reducing the impact of childhood traumatic stress and preventing suicide.
“For too long families and individuals have suffered in silence as a result of traumatic events they experienced as children, from the pain of opioid abuse, or from encountering disease or illness,” said Heitkamp. “This bill isn’t perfect, but it makes real progress by supporting critical research that could help find a cure for cancer and other diseases, addressing opioid abuse, and preventing suicide and reducing the impact of traumatic stress. But we can’t stop there. Rural families and businesses know that accessing equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen tanks in their hometowns, and helping their employees obtain quality health care shouldn’t be a challenge. That’s why I fought to include my bipartisan bills to improve access to quality care for rural communities in today’s legislation. We can face the challenges of addiction, trauma, and disease while improving access to care – and we can do it together.”
A member of the U.S. Senate’s Rural Health Care Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently championed of the need for improved access to health care and consistently worked to bring attention to the priorities of rural communities in America’s heartland in the U.S. Senate. Today’s legislation builds on Heitkamp’s work for rural America, as well as her efforts to promote biomedical research and development in North Dakota, to combat the state’s growing opioid abuse crisis, and to reduce the impact of traumatic stress among children, by:
 
Boosting life-saving research and development in North Dakota. Today’s legislation would provide $4.8 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for projects that work to find cures to the country’s most perplexing and threatening diseases and conditions, including cancer. This support builds on Heitkamp’s work to boost life-saving biomedical research across North Dakota – from helping secure almost $700,000 for expanded biomedical research opportunities at Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC)  in 2014, to helping secure almost $400,000 last year to bolster North Dakota State University’s colon cancer treatment research.
 
 
Confronting North Dakota’s opioid abuse crisis. Today’s legislation would provide $1 billion over two years to states to implement prevention and treatment options for individuals and families batting opioid addiction and abuse. Heitkamp has been fighting for such community-based prevention and treatment resources since helping pass the nation’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in March, unveiling legislation to help provide such resources this summer, and hosting listening sessions with community leaders, treatment experts, law enforcement, and families who have been touched by abuse across the state. From 2013-2014 alone, opioid-related deaths in North Dakota increased by 125 percent.
 
 
Reducing the impact of childhood trauma. A leader in the U.S. Senate on tackling the impact of traumatic events – particularly when they occur at a young age – Heitkamp joined and helped fight to include in today’s legislation a bill to improve and strengthen current mental health programs aimed at preventing suicide and combatting the long-term psychological and physical impacts of childhood trauma. In August, Heitkamp led the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ first-ever field hearing on trauma among Native youth, and has hosted an educational series on the impacts of trauma for members of the U.S. Senate and their staff to help build legislative solutions to mitigate its impacts.
 
 
Expanding rural access to critical medical equipment. Today’s legislation includes Heitkamp’s bipartisan Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act. Introduced with Senator John Thune (R-SD), the bill will help connect patients in rural areas with the medical equipment they need, such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, in their home communities.
 
 
Providing solutions for small businesses to help employees obtain quality care. Today’s legislation includes Heitkamp’s Small Business Health Care Act which she reintroduced in June with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The bill aims to help small businesses stay competitive by allowing them to help their employees buy health insurance.
 
 
Improving access to critical health services in rural and remote communities. Today’s legislation helps boost resources for critical access hospitals in high-need rural and remote areas, including outpatient therapy services for families in such communities. In September, Heitkamp announced that after pushing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to recognize how essential the Critical Access designation is for the Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) and community it serves, CMS finalized its decision to maintain JRMC as a Critical Access hospital.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=55D61683-F854-4C02-84B1-6B9549852B05,"Heitkamp, Thune Bill to Prevent Unsafe Forest Service Burns Heads to President’s Desk",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statements after the House passed their bipartisan legislation that would require collaboration between U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme. 
The bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate in November, now heads to the president to be signed into law. Heitkamp and Thune introduced this legislation in response to the Pautre fire, a prescribed burn that was intended to cover just over 100 acres in northwestern South Dakota, but quickly turned into a 16,000 acre out-of-control fire that burned for several days and destroyed millions of dollars in property in North Dakota and South Dakota.
“The Forest Service needs to listen when ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn – and this bill will help guarantee that happens,” said Heitkamp. “The Pautre wildfire was completely preventable, making it obvious that the Forest Service hasn’t done enough to listen to local communities in North Dakota and beyond. Our bipartisan bill will help prevent what happened in 2013 from happening again, which will help protect our ranchers, their property, and valuable grasslands.”
“Prescribed burns are a proven management tool that I support,” said Thune. “That said, before a prescribed burn is initiated, effective collaboration between Forest Service personnel and local officials is essential. South Dakota is all too familiar with what can happen when carelessly started prescribed burns, like the Pautre Fire, for example, blaze out of control. They can damage private property and require multiple local firefighting units, at a significant cost to taxpayers. I’m glad this common-sense bill is headed to the president, and I want to thank my colleagues in the House, including South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem and House leadership, for recognizing the need to get this bill to the finish line.”
Heitkamp has long fought to protect ranchers, families, and rural communities in North Dakota and beyond from harm that could result from unsafe prescribed burns performed by the Forest Service. At a July 2015 U.S. Senate hearing, Heitkamp held the Forest Service accountable for the 2013 Pautre wildfire and pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie – who oversees the Forest Service – to take responsibility.
Heitkamp has also been a leading voice in pressing the Forest Service to fully reimburse ranchers for documented losses, which totaled nearly $10 million in damage and 14,000 burned acres. Heitkamp first expressed her frustration with the controlled burn in April 2013, and has continued to advocate for North Dakota’s ranchers.
In May 2014, a year after the Pautre fire, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell visited North Dakota and indicated that the Forest Service was in the process of reviewing claims made for losses from the fire. Heitkamp pressed Tidwell to reimburse ranchers, but Tidwell did not clearly concede that the Forest Service acted negligently in proceeding with the controlled burn that led to the Pautre fire. Less than a week after meeting with Tidwell in North Dakota, Heitkamp called on the Forest Service to clarify its responsibility for the fire and fairly compensate ranchers for their devastating losses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FF5DA5E3-B49B-4E48-856F-287D7F4E7BDE,Heitkamp: Army Corps Contract Marks Start of Federal F-M Diversion Construction,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a staunch advocate for flood protections throughout North Dakota, today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the first contract to begin construction on the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project.
The $46 million contract for Ames Construction will include construction of the diversion inlet control structure south of Horace – a concrete structure with three gates to regulate flows into the diversion channel.
“Today’s contract marks the start of federal construction for the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a critical project I’ve long pushed for to keep this region safe,” said Heitkamp. “After years of pressing for strong, permanent flood protections in the Red River Valley, the contract the Army Corps of Engineers awarded today is a milestone to celebrate. As the F-M diversion moves forward, I’ll keep doing everything I can to support this project – as well as other North Dakota flood protection projects – so they continue getting the federal support needed to help protect our communities.”
In October, Heitkamp met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections – including a conversation she had with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support.
Heitkamp has also continued working to include federal funds for the diversion in future spending bills, as well as pushing for diversion support in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ next work plan like she did last year.
In July, the Army Corps and local leaders signed an agreement to initiate construction of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a project Heitkamp has fought to make happen. In the U.S. Senate, she pushed to secure federal resources in the year-end spending bill for the Army Corps to implement new construction starts. This year, Heitkamp successfully pressed Army Corps and OMB leaders for flood protections and a new Fargo construction start in the Corps’ work plan.
Heitkamp has consistently worked to secure federal support for lasting flood protections in the Red River Valley by:

 
Bringing local and federal officials together to support the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project. In May 2015, Heitkamp met with city officials from Fargo and Moorhead to discuss mutual efforts to push top officials from the Army Corps and OMB on using public-private partnerships to advance the project. Soon after, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan to urge him to take action so the diversion project could continue to move forward. In total, Heitkamp spoke with Donovan four times in the last year – each time pressing him about the critical importance of federal support for this project. Last fall, Heitkamp and Lieutenant General Bostick met with the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority to discuss permanent, comprehensive flood protections during his first-ever visit to Fargo. And this October, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan again to press him on the need for continued federal support.
 
 
Passing legislation securing flood protection infrastructure projects. In June 2014, the President signed into law the bipartisan bill Heitkamp pushed for – the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) – which supports water infrastructure projects in North Dakota including permanent flood protection for more than 200,000 residents in Fargo and surrounding area through the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BAFA9263-A317-4A09-B54E-A1CE1938B4A5,Heitkamp Announces $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for NDSU Transportation Research,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded North Dakota State University $2.5 million in federal funding for transportation research that will help transit agencies serve changing populations with developing technologies.
“North Dakota’s universities strengthen our state, educate our young people, and generate research that helps folks across the country,” said Heitkamp. “This federal grant will enable our students and faculty to continue their cutting-edge research. And in the U.S. Senate, I’ll keep encouraging the Transportation Department to provide more funding for NDSU research given the university’s reputation for leadership in transportation, agriculture, and so much more.”
The grant is one of 35 five-year grants awarded to advance research and education programs that address critical infrastructure challenges facing the U.S.
Heitkamp has long supported North Dakota universities’ efforts to secure federal funding for their research, including urging Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to select NDSU for federal transportation research funding in August.
The consortium of universities that NDSU received the award through – the Mountain-Plains Consortium – also includes Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Colorado-Denver, the University of Denver, the University of Utah, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9610068A-12EF-4883-8ABE-73EFFCFAD2C6,Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Deny Dakota Access Easement under Lake Oahe,2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the easement for the Dakota Access pipeline to go under Lake Oahe.
“It’s long past time that a decision is made on the easement going under Lake Oahe,” said Heitkamp. “This administration’s delay in taking action -- after I’ve pushed the White House, Army Corps, and other federal agencies for months to make a decision -- means that today’s move doesn’t actually bring finality to the project. The pipeline still remains in limbo. The incoming administration already stated its support for the project and the courts have already stated twice that it appeared the Corps followed the required process in considering the permit. For the next month and a half, nothing about this project will change. For the immediate future, the safety of residents, protesters, law enforcement, and workers remains my top priority as it should for everyone involved. As some of the protesters have become increasingly violent and unlawful, and as North Dakota’s winter has already arrived – with a blizzard raging last week through the area where protesters are located -- I’m hoping now that protesters will act responsibly to avoid endangering their health and safety, and move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River.
“Additionally, our federal delegation and governor have been working together in a bipartisan effort to push for more federal resources for law enforcement who have worked day and night through weekends and holidays to support the safety of our communities. The administration needs to provide those funds – whether the protesters remain or not.”
For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Heitkamp recently spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=88093253-8BA7-4CDB-82FD-6E623434A398,Heitkamp Statement on Attorney General Lynch Discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kirchmeier,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier regarding the Dakota Access pipeline.
“For months I’ve been working with the delegation and the governor to press the Administration to engage proactively with North Dakota law enforcement, and to deliver the concrete resources they need to keep our communities safe,” said Heitkamp. “It's a step in the right direction that Attorney General Lynch reached out to Sheriff Kirchmeier on the challenges related to Dakota Access pipeline protests that our law enforcement on the ground are facing. But it's a conversation that is long overdue -- and it isn't enough. It's my hope that today's discussion is a step toward the U.S. Department of Justice working hand-in-hand with North Dakota's delegation -- as I've been calling for the agency to do for the past four months -- and leads to effectively keeping our communities, residents, protestors, and law enforcement safe so law enforcement gets the federal resources to do their jobs.”
For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just recently, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D3B43FF5-1EC3-422A-9326-CEBA6A991C35,Heitkamp Statement Following Meeting with President-Elect Trump,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after her more than hour-long meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump.
“President-elect Trump and I had a thoughtful and wide ranging discussion on a variety of issues important to North Dakota and the country,” said Heitkamp. “We talked about finding a realistic path forward for coal and combating human trafficking, as well as the Export-Import Bank and keeping jobs in the U.S., energy infrastructure including the complexities of the Dakota Access pipeline and the challenges for law enforcement as well as the Keystone pipeline, and the issues facing small community banks that help support rural towns. We also discussed my background as I’m from a town of just 90 people from a rural state and my upbringing as the daughter of a seasonal construction worker and a school cook. I appreciate him being generous with his time, and I look forward to working with him and all of my colleagues in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, to reach results for North Dakota and the country.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=22699AB1-F0C9-4949-A345-9DB6B114D5AC,Heitkamp Statement on Friday Meeting with President-Elect Trump,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement regarding her meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump.
“I appreciate the president-elect inviting me for a meeting,” said Heitkamp. “Every single day, my work is motivated first and foremost by how I can be most helpful to the people of North Dakota. They are my driving force and have been throughout my career in public service. Whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=949CA1AD-1286-4968-AF5E-816638F8B9E0,Heitkamp Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for UND Energy Research,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $10 million in U.S. Department of Energy funding for the University of North Dakota.
The federal funding includes two grants for the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center: one $1.2 million grant to study the feasibility of CO2 capture of emissions from Nebraska Public Power District’s Gerald Gentleman Station, and another grant of $8.8 million for UND researchers to determine the feasibility of developing a commercial-scale CO2 geologic storage complex in central North Dakota. 
“Building a path forward for coal, as I’ve long been pushing for, requires investments into research and development of new technologies – and this federal funding for the University of North Dakota will help,” said Heitkamp. “UND researchers at the Energy & Environmental Research Center and across the university have made North Dakota a trailblazer in developing the skills and tools we need to keep coal a part of our energy mix. This federal funding will help further their research, and make sure we’re investing in the students, researchers, and faculty at our state’s research universities. Combined with these investments, Congress also needs to pass bipartisan legislation I introduced to incentivize a viable future for coal so we can support this industry and its workers in the long-term.”
Heitkamp has long supported energy innovation in North Dakota to provide a strong path forward for coal – which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity – while working toward commonsense incentives to encourage new carbon technologies that can transform carbon emissions into useable products.
After working together with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to boost recognition that the U.S. and world need to maintain a diverse energy mix that includes traditional energy sources while still reducing national and global carbon emissions, Heitkamp and Whitehouse introduced their bipartisan bill in July to forge a middle ground on energy issues. Already, their bill – which would incentivize the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies – has gained vast bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, including support from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited Great River Energy’s (GRE) Spiritwood Station to see firsthand how the high-efficiency coal-fired power plant generates electricity and steam to power homes and businesses in North Dakota. Heitkamp played a key role in getting Spiritwood Station and the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy plant online. In 2014, Spiritwood Station became the first coal-fired generating plant to go online in North Dakota in more than 30 years.
Background:
Heitkamp’s work to find a realistic path forward for coal builds on her more than a decade of experience on the board of directors of Dakota Gasification, the one-of-a-kind synfuels plant in Beulah, N.D. During her service as North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and as the state’s Attorney General, Heitkamp was able to work on viable solutions to make sure coal remains a strong part of the North Dakota’s energy mix.
Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by:
 
Securing a commitment in September 2015 from Janet McCabe, assistant administrator of the EPA, for her agency to send technical staff to North Dakota to work with utilities on the challenges in meeting EPA’s emissions reduction targets. During a meeting with the North Dakota congressional delegation the next day, McCabe again agreed to Heitkamp’s request that EPA technical staff visit North Dakota.
 
 
Introducing major legislation in 2013 and again in 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward. Heitkamp’s bill – which she introduced in 2013 and again this Congress – would incentivize 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. Then in May 2015, Heitkamp and Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced a series of bills to make sure coal remains a key part of America’s energy mix, which incorporated Heitkamp’s initial legislation.
 
 
Bringing EPA Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and EPA that she disagrees with the agency’s policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February of 2014 so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology.
 
 
Working closely with U.S. Energy Department (DOE) officials on finding a path forward for coal. Heitkamp has met with numerous top officials from DOE about the need to find a path forward for coal, including Energy Secretary Moniz and Julio Friedmann, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal at the DOE. They both participated in clean coal symposiums at Heitkamp’s request, and she will continue to press both of them on the issue.
 
 
Convening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill in 2014 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 vital 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=A01121D8-5612-41F3-B835-48BB87C00BB6,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Families & Prevent Child Abuse,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $1,960,193 in federal funding for Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota to assist woman, children, and families improve prenatal and child health, prevent abuse, and promote child development.
“The health, safety, and development of our children directly impacts their future success,” said Heitkamp. “It is so important that parents have the resources and tools they need to support the healthy growth of their children, especially those who are considered at risk. The federal funds announced today support families by providing advice, education, and best practices during home visitation that will help their children live healthy and productive lives.”
Specifically, these federal funds will support the Federal Home Visiting Program that helps parents who participate in the program improve outcomes for their children. Home visits support the health of the mother and child both during and after pregnancy, improve child development and behavior, as well as support mothers in obtaining work and education so they are able to provide a secure future for their children.
These federal funds are made available through the Health Resources and Services Administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E2D5238C-D24E-4ADC-87A4-36A73922971A,"Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives, Heads to Presidents Desk",2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Earlier this month, Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. Their bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act directly responds to the feedback Heitkamp and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard in April 2015 from federal, state, county and local officials and law enforcement when she brought him to North Dakota to tour the Northern Border in Pembina. By requiring DHS to evaluate security threats and challenges at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels, Heitkamp’s bill will address the concerns she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. 
“Effectively protecting our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border requires accurate assessments of the threats we face so we can make sure we have the robust security force our communities need to stay safe,” said Heitkamp. “In North Dakota, the Northern Border touches so many of our communities, and after visiting the border on multiple occasions – including Portal earlier this month – and meeting with border security officials about their growing challenges on the ground, I wanted to do everything I could to make a difference. Now, Congress has passed my bipartisan bill to do just that. When this bill is signed into law, it will help our dedicated forces along the border get the support they need to address serious threats and technology gaps on the Northern Border, and meet the challenges they face in attracting and retaining good employees to work in remote border areas like Portal, and across the country.”“We need to better understand the security challenges at our northern border so that we can take necessary actions to remedy any vulnerabilities and protect our country from current or potential criminal or terror threats. I’m pleased Congress has unanimously passed this important legislation,” said Ayotte. “New Hampshire law enforcement officials, particularly those serving Coos County, are critical to maintaining the security of our border with Canada and this legislation will support their efforts and encourage better communication and collaboration with federal officials.”During a hearing today in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Heitkamp spoke with Mark Morgan and Carla Provost – the chief and deputy chief of U.S. Border Patrol within U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – about how her bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act would help address the recruitment, retention and technological concerns she has heard directly from border security agents on the Northern Border. Both Morgan and Provost agreed with Heitkamp’s call for stronger efforts to assess and strengthen security along the longest common land border in the world. Since first offering an amendment on the Northern Border to comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2013, Heitkamp has been working to secure better protections for the Northern Border through meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington, visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation.
At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill would require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:
 
Recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;
Determining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;
Identifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and
Finding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.
 
Cosponsors of Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill include Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Click here to view a summary of the bill.
The United States and Canada conducted a joint border and threat risk assessment in 2011. Subsequently, the DHS published its Northern Border Strategy in 2012. Given the constant changes along the Northern Border, it is critical that the United States update its threat assessment so it can effectively respond to today’s challenges.
The legislation follows a variety of actions Heitkamp has taken over the past two years to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention, including:
 
Bringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials and local county sheriffs face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border.
 
 
Making the Northern Border a priority for a U.S. Senate committee. Following Mayorkas’ visit, Heitkamp successfully called for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where she helps lead a subcommittee, to hold a hearing on the Northern Border. When that hearing took place, Heitkamp questioned federal border security officials about the issues she heard about firsthand in Pembina with Mayorkas. In March, Heitkamp pressed DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the need to pay closer attention to protecting the Northern Border. In June 2014, she brought U.S. Senator Tom Carper, now Ranking Member of the Committee, on a tour of the Northern Border.
 

 
Holding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6715D876-292F-40E0-B167-1E18073AE8D4,Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator’s Legislation Calls for Better Resources & Training to Respond to Incidents to keep Communities Strong & Safe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools they need to handle hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments, unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives – bringing her legislation one step closer to being signed into law.
Since late 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Casselton, which was followed by several other derailments nationwide, Heitkamp has been working to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails and keep communities strong and safe. The passage of today’s legislation in the House includes minor changes from the version that passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate in May, and will be sent back to the U.S. Senate for final approval before reaching the president’s desk.
“When disaster strikes, North Dakotans depend on their communities to pull together to subdue the flames – and as a statewide family, we know our first responders need our protection just as much as we need theirs,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why in the wake of the crude oil train derailment in Casselton in 2013, I introduced my RESPONSE Act to pull together public and private expertise to help make sure Congress is supporting those who answer the call in such emergencies. Today, we’re bringing this bill one step closer to becoming law – and first responders one step closer to the resources they need to keep our communities strong and safe so they can return home to their families each night.”
U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) worked with Heitkamp to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015.
“With the passage of the RESPONSE Act we are making our Wisconsin communities safer by providing more training for our first responders and holding big railroad companies accountable for their actions,” said Rep. Kind. “Our residents have dealt with the negative impacts of rail traffic long enough and today we took action to solve the problem and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act would enable first responders to get quality training to handle hazardous situations and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications. Specifically, her bill would establish a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), would provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country.
Joining in support for Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Joni Ernst (R-IA).
Despite the current downturn in oil production, almost 30 percent of North Dakota crude oil is still transported by rail and will likely continue to into the future. On major freight railroads across the country, the number of railcars carrying crude oil grew by more than 4,000 percent between 2008 and 2013, with additional increases in 2014.
In addition to her RESPONSE Act, after Heitkamp has worked to improve first responder safety by helping secure $5 million in federal funding to support a one-of-a-kind federal training facility in Pueblo, Colorado that prepares first responders to handle hazmat incidents on the rails, such as crude oil train derailments. Nearly 90 North Dakota first responders participated in training at the Pueblo facility in 2014 and 2015. She has also worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, including bringing U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to North Dakota and holding a U.S. Senate hearing on first responder safety.  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4D5B679-D4ED-4FD8-AEB1-9FE1C5CCA038,Heitkamp Announces Five ND Students to Military Service Academies,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she nominated five outstanding North Dakota students to the nation’s military service academies.
Heitkamp nominated Jayce Moor from Crary, Olivia Nellermoe from West Fargo, Rose Gasper from Bismarck, and David Godfrey and Sophia Maliscke both from Fargo.
“Our nation’s military academies train and equip the next generation to lead the United States,” said Heitkamp. “David, Jayce, Olivia, Rose, and Sophia have all demonstrated a deep sense of patriotism through their determination and ambition and I know they will uphold these values as they serve North Dakota and our nation.”
Members of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Below are further details on the students Heitkamp has nominated:
 
David Godfrey – Principal Nomination to the United States Air Force Academy
 
Godfrey, who is originally from Fargo, is currently attending the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado. He is active in the prep-school’s Drill Team, Color Guard, and Rifle Team. He plays basketball and is the school’s football team manager. Godfrey was also involved in the Civil Air Patrol.
 
Jayce Moor – Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy
 
Moor, who is from Crary, attends Lakota High School and is ranked second in his class. He is very involved in his school’s activities through Choir, Close-Up, Drama, Future Business Leaders of America, FFA, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Student Council, and his school’s year book. He has demonstrated his athletic abilities in football, track, and wrestling. Moor has also participated in Academic Challenge, Math Counts, Science Fairs, a Regional Spelling Bee, International Music Camp, and the Perkin Art Show.
 
Olivia Nellermoe – Principal Nomination to the United States Air Force Academy
 
Nellermoe, who is from West Fargo, is in her senior year at Sheyenne High School. She is active in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) as the Company Commander. She is also the president of the West Fargo Police Explorers, JROTC Volleyball Captain, and a Commissioned Leadership Officer in the Civil Air Patrol. Nellermoe also ran in the Fargo Marathon relay.
 
Rose Gasper – Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy 
 
Gasper, who is from Bismarck, attends Century High School, is ranked first in her class and is involved in her school’s numerous academic activities, including the National Honors Society, Latin Club, and Prom Committee. She is also a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant. Gasper is also team captain of her hockey team and plays and coaches youth soccer. She is dedicated to her community as a Salvation Army Holiday Bell Ringer and volunteers at St. Gabriel’s nursing home.
 
Sophia Maliscke – Principal Nomination to the United States Military Academy
 
Maliscke, who is from Fargo, currently attends South High School and is involved in Technical Theatre, Orchestra, Cantare, Choir, Speech, and is president of her Drama Club. She also plays softball and attended the State Music competition.
North Dakota students interested in applying to one of the military service academies for the 2018-2019 school year, should send in their applications by October 2017. For more information, visit Heitkamp’s website by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DEB94F9A-8904-4A69-9ED0-89F70387B6EE,"Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Head Start and Early Head Start in Fargo, TGU School District",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a total of more than $2.6 million in federal funding to support Head Start and Early Head Start Programs at the Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo and the Towner, Granville, and Upham (TGU) School District #60.
“Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state play an important role in shaping the future of our children and putting them on a path toward success,” said Heitkamp. “Every dollar we invest in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are an investment in our kid’s future. Children in Fargo and the TGU School District benefit from access to these programs and the federal funds announced today will continue that important investment.”
The federal funds are distributed as follows:
 
Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo - $1,555,879. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support the birth – five year old program.
 
 
Towner, Granville, Upham School District - $1,094,779. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support TGU’s Early Explorers program.
 
Long an advocate for early childhood education, Heitkamp has been a staunch supporter of Head Start programs that help children get a solid education at a young age, setting them on paths to succeed.
These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=64DE0110-8265-44C0-AA36-B6AF0ED54504,Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Require Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors to Move from Federal Land,2016-11-26,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to require Dakota Access pipeline protesters to leave Corps land north of the Cannonball River. 
“The decision by the Army Corps is a needed step to support the safety of residents, workers, protestors, and law enforcement,” said Heitkamp. “Safety must remain the top priority for everyone, and to help make that possible, it’s critical protestors peacefully and lawfully move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River and to the identified federal and tribal lands. There has been an escalation of violence among some of the protestors that puts their lives, as well as the lives of law enforcement, residents, and land owners in jeopardy. We will continue to work together in a bipartisan way to make sure the Corps’ decision is adhered to and that all North Dakotans are protected. That also means the Administration must make a decision on the easement under Lake Oahe – just as I pressed the White House for again during a conversation last week. For too long, we have waited in limbo as the decision is put off. This issue needs to be put to rest once and for all for the sake of the safety of our communities.”
For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just last week, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3AB86BAB-0AAF-485B-9D32-74E1CEEBE6F2,Heitkamp Presses White House on Dakota Access Pipeline,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement following her conversation this week with White House officials regarding the Dakota Access pipeline.
“This week when I spoke with a top White House official, I made it crystal clear that enough is enough – the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement underneath Lake Oahe, or he should let the Army Corps of Engineers make that decision immediately. Continued inaction and delay is not justice, and it has brought our communities no peace – rather, it has put lives at risk. The Administration has failed to offer the federal assistance necessary to help law enforcement officers keep our communities safe and protect our families, workers, and ranchers. Protestors should be able to exercise their First Amendment right peacefully and lawfully, but in many cases now, that isn't what we're seeing. Despite my continued meetings with the White House, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, it is apparent that the White House either does not understand, or will not respect the severity of the situation on the ground – which I told them increases my fear that their failure to act will lead to an escalation of violence.
“For months, I’ve requested over and over the law enforcement resources to keep our communities safe. In the time the Administration has dragged its feet and offered scant support, our own law enforcement has grown weary – stretching and wearing resources thin not just near the protest sites but in communities rippled across our state. The White House promised me it would consult with the Corps in short order, and I’ll be close on their heels – because for our communities, turning a blind eye is not an option, and neither is anything but a speedy conclusion.” 
For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ECDE13CD-238F-4C5B-B75A-C218601890A9,Heitkamp Statement on Final Renewable Fuel Standard,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released final 2017 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for ethanol and advanced biofuels, and 2018 RVOs for biodiesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
After the EPA released its proposed RVOs in May, Heitkamp called on the Administration to set more ambitious targets, as the law requires. She followed up on this call last month with Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan. Heitkamp also helped lead 40 senators in urging the Administration to increase biodiesel RVOs to encourage continued industry growth and diversity in the nation’s energy supply.
“Following repeated calls and pressure on the EPA to set strong blend levels, today’s announcement that the statutory level for corn ethanol is met is good news for North Dakota farmers and biofuels workers,” said Heitkamp. “Ambitious blend levels are critical to supporting North Dakota’s biofuels industry because it supports good-paying jobs, increases our energy security, and creates clean, reliable fuel. While this announcement is a win for North Dakota farmers and biofuels workers, I’ll continue to push the EPA to live up to its legal obligation, as set out by Congress, by pushing for more ambitious blend levels.”
The EPA is required by law to set fuel blending levels annually so biodiesel and ethanol producers can plan for the future, but the agency failed to do so for years.
Heitkamp led the charge in the Senate to successfully push the EPA to set timely RVOs in 2015 for the first time in years. When the RVOs released in May 2015 were lower than levels needed to comply with law and promote the ethanol and biofuels industries, Heitkamp led a bipartisan group of 36 Senators in calling on the EPA to increase the RVOs, and joined a bipartisan group of more than 40 Senators to put pressure on the EPA for strong ethanol blend levels in June 2016. As Heitkamp requested, the EPA increased its targets when it released its final RVOs in late November, though the RVOs were still not strong enough to comply with the law or provide solid support for biofuels production.
Heitkamp has been a vocal advocate for biodiesel and ethanol – industries that support over 400,000 American jobs, including many in North Dakota, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
Heitkamp has fought for the EPA to provide certainty to farmers and biofuels workers, and has continually pressed the agency to issue a strong RFS rule. As part of those efforts, she has:

 
Called for the EPA to prioritize American biodiesel: In January 2015, Heitkamp called out the EPA for prioritizing the import of biodiesel from abroad over biodiesel from American producers – including those in North Dakota. Prioritizing foreign biodiesel hurts farmers, industry jobs, and rural communities. She reinforced that layoffs and plant closures in the biodiesel industry underscored the need for the EPA to provide certainty for biodiesel industry workers at home by setting production levels under the RFS. In October 2015, Heitkamp joined her colleagues in calling on EPA to follow Congressional intent when setting RVOs.
 
 
Brought the EPA head to North Dakota to hear from farmers and producers: In February 2014, Heitkamp brought EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to North Dakota to hear firsthand from farmers and biofuels producers about how the agency’s 2013 proposal would reduce the effectiveness of the RFS and decrease the required amount of U.S.-produced biofuels. Heitkamp encouraged McCarthy to reverse the EPA’s proposal and instead put forth a proposal that would promote investment in the next generation of biofuels, and support our economy and good jobs in rural North Dakota. In November 2014, the agency heeded her call, delaying the implementation of the misguided new standards.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0331EA98-15DA-4154-8378-1A5A2B790EFB,"Heitkamp, Moran Lead Over 80 Bipartisan Members of Congress in Calling for Improved Mail Service Protections in Comprehensive Postal Reform Legislation",2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of more than 80 legislators from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in calling for adding lasting solutions to improve and protect mail delivery and service in comprehensive legislation to reform the U.S. Postal Service which was introduced in the House.
Joined by Representatives David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Democrat Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) of the U.S. House of Representatives, Heitkamp and Moran underscored to leaders of the House and Senate the need for better, more reliable mail service – which is often a critical lifeline for families and businesses across the country in both rural and urban areas.
The legislators’ call to address a significant decline in U.S. Postal Service performance – including a complete elimination of the overnight service standard – as well as mail processing plant consolidations and post office hour reductions, builds on Heitkamp’s work to bring attention to serious service challenges, particularly in rural communities throughout North Dakota. Specifically, Heitkamp pressed congressional leaders to incorporate into postal reform legislation introduced in the House some of the Senate provisions Heitkamp helped write and introduce that were inspired by the mail service and delivery issues she has heard about directly from North Dakotans as part of her Fix My Mail initiative. “The Postal Service and its employees play a vital role in our nation,” the members of Congress wrote. “It is essential that we preserve the Postal Service’s commitment to the American public. For this reason, improving service needs to be a critical piece of any comprehensive postal reform bill, along with the needed reforms to return the Postal Service to fiscal sustainability.  Continued poor mail service hurts rural America, businesses, and our economy.  Congress should take action to preserve and protect the vibrant institution that is our Postal Service so it, in turn, can help our communities and families truly thrive.”
Click here to read the full letter from U.S. Senators, and here to read the full letter from members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Together, the members of Congress are calling on congressional leaders to build on the progress of the current U.S. House of Representatives’ bipartisan Postal Reform Act of 2016, which would help improve the Postal Service’s financial condition. Additionally, the group is pushing for key provisions to strengthen mail service, improve delivery, and protect Postal Service customers, including:
 
Making mail service and delivery more reliable – The Postal Service needs a performance target system to make sure measurements of mail delivery are accurate across the country in urban and rural communities through an in-depth classification system.
 
 
Improving accountability and transparency at the Postal Service – Performance information must be published online and operational plans developed when mail service and delivery targets are not met.
 
 
Boosting enforcement to make sure the Postal Service meets mail delivery and service standards – The Postal Service must take action to meet its operational plans and not be able to lower mail service standards to come into compliance with performance targets.
Continuing to review the fiscal state of the Postal Service to help it remain solvent – Provide regular updates of a long-term solvency plan that would analyze the Postal Service’s finances and make recommendations regarding affordable service options.
 
Heitkamp’s work to tackle mail service issues includes:
 
Resolving chronic mail issues in South Fargo. In January, Heitkamp pressed U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan on severe mail issues in South Fargo. After reviewing the performance, the Postal Service brought in a carrier with 30 years of experience.
 
 
Shedding light on longstanding mail issues across North Dakota. As part of her Fix My Mail initiative, Heitkamp requested a review of the state’s mail delivery service challenges, which prompted a Postal Service Office of Inspector General formal report on North Dakota’s severe mail service problems. In August, Heitkamp brought Brennan to Bismarck where she heard firsthand from community members and business owners the challenges they face with their mail delivery and service.
Addressing mail concerns in rural North Dakota communities. Based on feedback from her Fix My Mail initiative launched in 2014, Heitkamp introduced her Rural Postal Act in 2015 to address the mail delivery concerns and challenges she heard about from more than 200 North Dakotans. Key pieces and themes from Heitkamp’s bill have been included in new, comprehensive postal reform legislation. Stories from the initiative also prompted Heitkamp to request a Postal Service Inspector General report, which confirmed the problems North Dakotans had shared with Heitkamp.
 
 
Gathering feedback from North Dakotans to hold the Postal Service accountable and achieve results. Since Heitkamp launched her Fix My Mail survey in February, she has received 600 responses from North Dakotans about specific mail delivery challenges – the vast majority of which contained personal stories about the issues they had experienced. Heitkamp relayed these challenges to Brennan and requested a prompt response to improve mail service. 
Inspiring change at the U.S. Postal Service: Inspired by Heitkamp’s Fix My Mail initiative and survey, the Postal Service has launched a new customer service program aimed at improving mail delivery and service. The ‘Your Mail Matters’ program is encouraging North Dakotans to share their mail service challenges with the Postal Service via email, YourMailMatters@usps.gov, and a service line, 605-333-2648, which is managed and operated by the Postal Service District Office in Sioux Falls, S.D.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0C77941-8F8B-44DB-A5F3-BD869F411B57,Heitkamp Helps Mitigate Harsher Cuts to Prevent Plant Coverage,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANDAN, N.D. – After pressing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maintain strong crop insurance prevent plant policies for North Dakota farmers in any changes to prevent plant payment factors, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the agency heeded her call, implementing a new rule that makes lesser cuts for North Dakota crops than original proposals.A member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, Heitkamp urged USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Brandon Willis in September 2015 to proceed with caution before heeding a report’s suggestion of payment factor reductions for corn, dry bean, pea, canola, and flaxseed – crops North Dakota leads the nation in producing. Just last month, Heitkamp reiterated her concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, noting that North Dakota producers collecting indemnities from prevented planting pay premiums at levels that are sufficient to cover risk, and that decreases could have a negative impact.
Today’s rule, which changes payment factors for prevented planting, includes lesser reductions than USDA’s RMA-commissioned study called for last year – particularly for corn growers. Pointing to the fact that North Dakota is a prominent producer of the crop, Heitkamp had warned USDA that growers would feel significant consequences from reduction levels as originally suggested.
“A strong crop insurance program helps make sure North Dakota farmers can take risks and make investments necessary to grow the crops our nation depends on,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I’ve been pressing leaders at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to keep the crop insurance program strong by avoiding damaging changes that could disrupt the safety nets our growers rely on, and jeopardize our state’s production. By working to halt harsher cuts to prevent plant, we made some needed and important progress for corn growers. It’s critical that North Dakotans have the coverage they need and that USDA takes into account the high input costs, and I’ll keep fighting to make those clear. Strong crop insurance protects North Dakota farmers, their way of life, and their ability to grow the crops that feed the nation both now and in a strong Farm Bill in 2018.”
Click here to read Heitkamp’s letter to USDA RMA Administrator Brandon Willis in September 2015, and here to read her October letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.Heitkamp, who helped write, negotiate, and pass the 2014 Farm Bill, has worked tirelessly to represent farmers and producer across North Dakota and the country. In August, Heitkamp visited several cities in North Dakota for her two-day Farm Bill tour, where she heard directly from farmers and leaders about what she can do to fight for a strong Farm Bill in 2018, including by protecting a robust crop insurance program. On the heels of pledging to protect crop insurance from budget cuts in October 2015, Heitkamp supported a compromise fix that reversed severe cuts to the federal crop insurance program in the highway bill, which Congress passed last December.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4928C79-799A-49D9-8724-79F0D87D8E1C,"Heitkamp Details Research, Conservation Priorities at ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts Meeting",2016-11-21,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ annual meeting, covering her work to promote federally funded research and voluntary conservation efforts, and outlining her priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.
In August, Heitkamp traveled across the state for a two-day Farm Bill tour, during which she met with North Dakota farmers, researchers, and agriculture leaders about a range priorities for the next Farm Bill – including supporting research and funding voluntary conservation solutions that work for North Dakota farmers.
“In a state like North Dakota, our rural communities – and their economies – depend on the health of our soil,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why your work is so important, and why investments in research are among my top priorities as I fight for rural America in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year, I got out in the field with North Dakota farmers and researchers to hear about their priorities for the next Farm Bill – and I’m using that feedback to fight for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 that includes robust investments in research and voluntary conservation efforts.”
The annual meeting brought together around 300 staff from the state’s Soil Conservation Districts, North Dakota State University extensions, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as farmers and ranchers from across the state.
Heitkamp spoke about some of her top agriculture successes in the U.S. Senate, such as the provisions she secured in the 2014 Farm Bill to boost North Dakota agriculture. As member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the 2014 Farm Bill, and has worked to implement and protect the Farm Bill for producers across North Dakota.
As a staunch advocate for rural America and farming communities, Heitkamp discussed some of her major priorities in the last Farm Bill and in upcoming negotiations for the 2018 Farm Bill. Those priorities include:
 
Promoting Pragmatic Conservation Practices: The 2014 Farm Bill has provided federal funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program, which give funds to producers in North Dakota so they can implement conservation practices. Additional funding for the State of North Dakota helps with wetland conservation and technical assistance.
 
 
Supporting Conservation Technical Assistance: Conservation Technical Assistance funding provided through the 2014 Farm Bill is used to pay for staff that help apply conservation practices on the ground with producers. The funding also helps pay for agreements and contracts so that partners like Soil Conservation Districts can promote conservation across the state. In 2016, $8.6 million in federal funding went to conservation planning and application in North Dakota, including new and renewed agreements with the state’s 37 Soil Conservation Districts.
 
 
Investing in USDA and University-Led Research: Research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS), as well at the state’s universities, helps the state develop top notch seed varieties and investigate innovative methods for pest protection and soil health. In August, Heitkamp visited Northern Plains Research Lab in Mandan to highlight the importance of promoting research that makes agricultural more efficient and sustainable. Research is one of Heitkamp’s top priorities, and one she pushes for every year during the federal appropriations process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F597B16D-9254-4D24-BAA1-9E45FD1152C2,Heitkamp Statement on Dakota Access Pipeline Protests,2016-11-21,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement following protests last night regarding the Dakota Access pipeline.
“Having spent several hours Sunday night at the Morton County Law Enforcement Center as the protests unfolded, it’s clear these dangerous altercations are a formula for disaster going forward. Safety is of the utmost importance, and it’s imperative that it remain the top priority for all of those involved in these protests,” said Heitkamp. “Any protestors should be able to exercise their First Amendment right lawfully and peacefully, but many of the actions we have seen over the past several weeks are not those of lawful protestors and they pose serious safety concerns to other protestors -- especially as the temperatures drop -- and law enforcement officers, as well as to children, residents, and workers trying to live their lives in their communities. Additionally, I have repeatedly spoken with the Army Corps and White House and called on them to set a date for when a decision will be made on the easement, and have been continuing to work with the federal delegation and governor in a bipartisan effort to push for more federal resources for law enforcement. As North Dakotans, we know how to work peacefully to find resolution, and I believe and hope that is still possible here.”
For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A3464C12-5F78-4BC5-80CC-77FFD2738983,Heitkamp Helps Senate Pass Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Unsafe U.S. Forest Service Burns,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that Senator John Thune of South Dakota introduced – and which Heitkamp strongly supported – to prevent the U.S. Forest Service from carrying out prescribed burns in extreme fire risk situations. The bill also requires the Forest Service to better coordinate with local officials.
The bill was introduced in response to the Pautre wildfire in 2013, which began after the Forest Service went ahead with a controlled burn despite vocal concerns from local ranchers about the risk of the fire getting out of hand. The resulting wildfire burned thousands of acres and led to millions of dollars in damage.
“When ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn, the Forest Service needs to listen. This bill, which passed unanimously, will help make sure that happens in the future,” said Heitkamp. “After the completely preventable Pautre wildfire in 2013, it was clear we needed to make sure the Forest Service listens to local communities before carrying out burns. Despite warnings from ranchers, the Forest Service went ahead with the Pautre burn in 2013, destroying ranchers’ property and scorching grassland they rely on to make a living. Our bipartisan bill aims to prevent that from happening again.”
Heitkamp has long fought to protect ranchers, families and rural communities in North Dakota and beyond from harm that could result from unsafe prescribed burns performed by the Forest Service. At a July 2015 U.S. Senate hearing, Heitkamp held the Forest Service accountable for the 2013 Pautre wildfire and pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie – who oversees the Forest Service – to take responsibility.
Heitkamp has been a leading voice in pressing the Forest Service to fully reimburse ranchers for documented losses, which totaled nearly $10 million in damage and 14,000 burned acres. Heitkamp first expressed her frustration with the controlled burn in April 2013, and has continued to advocate for North Dakota’s ranchers.
In May 2014, a year after the Pautre fire, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell visited North Dakota and indicated that the Forest Service was in the process of reviewing claims made for losses from the fire. Heitkamp pressed Tidwell to reimburse ranchers, but Tidwell did not clearly concede that the Forest Service acted negligently in proceeding with the controlled burn that led to the Pautre fire. Less than a week after meeting with Tidwell in North Dakota, Heitkamp called on the Forest Service to clarify its responsibility for the fire and fairly compensate ranchers for their devastating losses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=14817AC8-4740-46F4-8CF5-3825D317BD81,Heitkamp Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Health on National Rural Health Day,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped unveil a bipartisan bill to help improve rural health care delivery and service, which enable North Dakota’s rural communities to get better access to affordable, quality health care.
A member of the U.S. Senate’s Rural Health Care Caucus, Heitkamp joined co-chairs of the caucus, Republican Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, as well as Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming in introducing comprehensive legislation to strengthen rural health service and provide relief to hospitals and providers serving rural communities in North Dakota and across the country.
By directly addressing concerns Heitkamp has heard from medical professionals, health leaders and advocates across the state on the need to improve rural health delivery, this bill would both incentivize medical professionals to serve in high-need, rural areas and make commonsense regulatory changes that recognize the reality on the ground in rural health care delivery.  
“Every day I come to the U.S. Senate fighting for rural America, and that includes making sure families living in rural communities can access the quality, affordable health care they deserve,” said Heitkamp. “Our bipartisan bill would make needed changes to address the unique health care needs of small and remote towns in North Dakota and across the country. A one-size-fits-all model for health service doesn’t work for rural communities, and this bill would change that.”Today’s legislation builds on Heitkamp’s work toward policies that make sure the concerns of rural health providers and the communities they serve are heard. In September, Heitkamp helped secure the Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s status as a Critical Access hospital, speaking directly with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield to reinforce how being a Critical Access facility helps JRMC provide better service to rural communities in the region, and the need for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to finalize its status. The status of the medical facility was previously considered for revocation because of its proximity to the State Hospital in Jamestown. The Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act (R-HoPE), which honors the service of the late Republican Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming, former chairman of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, would make commonsense changes to Medicare regulations that better recognize the reality on the ground for rural hospitals and providers, and encourage providers to serve high-need communities in rural areas by:
 
Bringing rural hospitals in line with urban facilities by equalizing Medicare’s disproportionate share of hospital payments, and providing additional assistance for small, rural hospitals that have a low-volume of patients. Often, these hospitals have trouble making ends meet under the Medicare payment system.
Extending incentive payments for doctors who practice in rural areas and protecting the availability of other health care providers – such as rural health clinics, home health agencies, ambulances and mental health professionals.
Helping rural facilities improve crumbling buildings and infrastructure by providing a Capital Infrastructure Loan Program to make loans available to them. Rural providers would be able to apply to receive planning grants to help assess capital and infrastructure needs.
Prioritizing the work of family therapists by making sure family therapists can be compensated by Medicare just as licensed professional counselors are able to, and that they can be compensated at the rate of social workers – a provision championed by the late Senator Thomas.
Encouraging the use of home monitoring and communications technologies by creating a pilot program that provides incentives for home health agencies to purchase and use these technologies.
Facilitating telehealth services across state lines. 
 
Long a champion of the need for improved access to health care, Heitkamp has consistently worked to bring attention to the priorities of rural communities in America’s heartland in the U.S. Senate.Heitkamp joined with U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) in July to introduce a series of bills that would improve access to health service information and facilities, identify health care workforce needs, and boost the quality of health services provided in rural areas. This package of legislation builds on the work Heitkamp has done, including bringing HHS Acting Deputy Secretary Dr. Mary Wakefield – a North Dakota native – to Mayville where they met with rural health care providers and experts to discuss the health care needs in rural communities.
In February, Heitkamp successfully pushed to create the Rural Health Council within the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services that will put greater emphasis on rural health care when federal rules are written. Heitkamp has consistently worked with her U.S. Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisles to encourage the Administration to considered the impact of federal health policies in rural communities and has supported two bills that would make sure federal regulations do not create an undue burden for rural health care.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=615492FC-03ED-48D9-9760-E16878922CF9,"Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes in U.S. Senate",2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate.
Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act directly responds to the feedback Heitkamp and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard in April 2015 from federal, state, county and local officials and law enforcement when she brought him to North Dakota to tour the Northern Border. By requiring the DHS to conduct a comprehensive examination that fully evaluates security threats and challenges at the border, Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill would address the concerns federal border security officials and local sheriffs discussed with Heitkamp and Mayorkas about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. She heard similar concerns earlier this month during meetings with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and management at the Portal Point of Entry, and in meetings on border security in Grand Forks and Minot. At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. 
“Keeping our country safe means making sure all of our nation’s borders – both north and south – are adequately protected to meet modern day challenges,” said Heitkamp. “When former Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and I visited Pembina last year, and during my visit to the Portal visit to the Portal Point of Entry earlier this month, I heard from federal, state, and local officials about the challenges they face every day. Taking their concerns to heart, our bipartisan bill aims to address issues such as recruiting and retaining border patrol agents and accessing resources in remote areas. This legislation will help our border security and law enforcement officials do what they do best – keep our communities safe. It’s great news for each of those officers and for every North Dakotan that our bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate. 
“Securing our borders and keeping New Hampshire safe is one of my top priorities, and I am very pleased that this important legislation passed the Senate unanimously,"" said Ayotte. ""Our bill will ensure that we have a full understanding of the northern border's needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities so that we can protect our country from current or potential criminal or terror threats. New Hampshire law enforcement officials, particularly those serving Coos County, are critical to maintaining the security of our border with Canada and we must ensure that federal authorities are working collaboratively with them to identify, understand, and confront threats.”
“My committee’s oversight has shown that the northern border is far from secure, and this insecurity poses various risks to America,” said U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI). “This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to assess the threats of terrorism and criminal activity across our northern border, including in the Great Lakes region. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on a bipartisan basis to get this bill through the Senate, and I urge the House to quickly take up and pass this legislation.” 
Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill would require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with:
 
Recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border;
Determining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border;
Identifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and
Finding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement.
 
Cosponsors of Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill include Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Click here to view a summary of the bill.
The United States and Canada conducted a joint border and threat risk assessment in 2011. Subsequently, the DHS published its Northern Border Strategy in 2012. Given the constant changes along the Northern Border, it is critical that the United States update its threat assessment so it can effectively respond to today’s challenges.
The legislation follows a variety of actions Heitkamp has taken over the past two years to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention, including:
 
Bringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials and local county sheriffs face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border.
 
 
Making the Northern Border a priority for a U.S. Senate committee. Following Mayorkas’ visit, Heitkamp successfully called for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where she helps lead a subcommittee, to hold a hearing on the Northern Border. When that hearing took place, Heitkamp questioned federal border security officials about the issues she heard about firsthand in Pembina with Mayorkas. In March, Heitkamp pressed DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the need to pay closer attention to protecting the Northern Border. In June 2014, she brought U.S. Senator Tom Carper, now Ranking Member of the Committee, on a tour of the Northern Border.
 

 
Holding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0375809-2F17-4D99-A5DC-F26C37A54A13,Heitkamp: U.S. Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Bipartisan Gold Star Families Voices Act to Better Honor Fallen Heroes,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the Gold Star Families Voices Act, a bill that will help our country better honor servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The bill, which already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, will allow the families of servicemembers who were killed or missing in action to contribute to the Library of Congress’ Veterans’ Oral History Project. Right now, only living veterans can provide testimonials and biographical information for this project.
“Paying respect to our fallen heroes and their families is one of our most important obligations,” said Heitkamp. “Giving these families an opportunity to tell the stories of the loved ones who never came home will help guarantee we remember and pay tribute to their sacrifice for years to come. We owe so much to these servicemembers, and to these Gold Star families who have also sacrificed so much.”
Heitkamp is a strong advocate for veterans, servicemembers, fallen heroes, and their families. Earlier this month, Heitkamp met with the families of North Dakota servicemembers in Minot to thank them for their service during November’s “Military Family Appreciation Month.” During her visit, Heitkamp reinforced that the families of servicemembers make sacrifices every day that support our men and women in uniform. Heitkamp also spoke with families about ways to strengthen defense communities and support military families.
Heitkamp has long worked to honor North Dakota’s fallen servicemembers. Beginning in 2014, Heitkamp collaborated with more than 150 eleventh-graders from Bismarck High School to gather information on fallen North Dakotans, incorporating their research into a series of 15 speeches she gave on the floor on the U.S. Senate from March through August 2015.
In November 2015, Heitkamp met with some of the students to help lay more than 30 artifacts the students made to honor North Dakotans who died in Vietnam beneath the servicemembers’ names on the wall of the Memorial.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=36113700-D52C-471C-9906-2D8C5E3B5D86,"Heitkamp Highlights Path Forward for Coal, Innovative Technology During Basin Electric Annual Meeting",2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today reinforced her plan to create a viable, affordable path forward for coal as she joined key energy leaders, experts, and advocates for Basin Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting.
Speaking alongside Julio Friedmann, the former U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy, Heitkamp discussed the current landscape for clean coal development in North Dakota and the need to spur technology innovation to help secure a strong future for coal across the country. Long a champion of boosting the role of coal as part of nation’s energy mix, Heitkamp has consistently worked with Friedmann in championing a strong path forward for coal through investments in technology, and has been leading the charge in the U.S. Senate toward sensible solutions that will incentivize new carbon technologies capable of turning carbon emissions into usable products.
“Securing practical, cleaner energy solutions that create jobs and help boost the economy should be goals we can all support – and we’re providing the road map right here in North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “Across the state, we’re reshaping the landscape of coal energy – and we’re doing it with cutting-edge technologies that reduce emissions and invigorate our local economies. Basin Electric has been a national leader on carbon capture and utilization and continually seeks opportunities to further the technology. In the U.S. Senate, I’m working to bring all sides together to encourage similar federal investment. By taking a page from North Dakota, we can incentivize the continued use of coal in energy generation in a way that secures a place for coal as part of a diverse and cleaner energy strategy for the country for years to come.”Since 2014, Heitkamp has been partnering with Friedmann to help advance a path forward for coal. After accepting her invitation to speak at a national symposium on coal energy she led in March 2014, Friedmann and Heitkamp continued discussions on how to best secure a place for coal as part of the nation’s energy mix. Their years-long work together helped promote a greater conversation within the Administration about how boost carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies to make coal a practical, more affordable resource going forward.
A key advocate of energy innovation in North Dakota, Heitkamp is working to provide a strong path forward for coal, which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity. Earlier this week, Heitkamp visited Great River Energy’s (GRE) Spiritwood Station, the state’s first high-efficiency coal-fired power plant in more than 30 years which she played a key role in getting online. Within just two years of becoming fully operational, Spiritwood has helped contribute to significant emissions reductions and has created nearly 50 jobs in North Dakota.
After working together with U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to boost recognition that the U.S. and world need to maintain a diverse energy mix that includes traditional energy sources while still reducing national and global carbon emissions, Heitkamp and Whitehouse introduced their bill in July to forge a middle ground on energy issues. Already, their bill – which would incentivize the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies – has gained vast bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.
Background: 
Heitkamp’s work to find a realistic path forward for coal builds on her more than a decade of experience on the board of directors of Dakota Gasification, the one-of-a-kind synfuels plant in Beulah, N.D. During her service as North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and as the state’s Attorney General, Heitkamp was able to work on viable solutions to make sure coal remains a strong part of the North Dakota’s energy mix.
Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by: 
 
Securing a commitment in September 2015 from Janet McCabe, assistant administrator of the EPA, for her agency to send technical staff to North Dakota to work with utilities on the challenges in meeting EPA’s emissions reduction targets. During a meeting with the North Dakota congressional delegation the next day, McCabe again agreed to Heitkamp’s request that EPA technical staff visit North Dakota. 
Introducing major legislation in 2013 and again in 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward. Heitkamp’s bill – which she introduced in 2013 and again this Congress – would incentivize 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. Then in May 2015, Heitkamp and Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced a series of bills to make sure coal remains a key part of America’s energy mix, which incorporated Heitkamp’s initial legislation.
Bringing EPA Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and EPA that she disagrees with the agency’s policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February of 2014 so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology.
 
 
Working closely with U.S. Energy Department (DOE) officials on finding a path forward for coal. Heitkamp has met with numerous top officials from DOE about the need to find a path forward for coal, including Friedmann and Energy Secretary Moniz. They both participated in clean coal symposiums at Heitkamp’s request, and she will continue to press both of them on the issue.
Convening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill in 2014 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 vital 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=420BFDAE-35DB-4423-82DB-AF3D2FB22068,"Heitkamp To Honor Veterans, Call for Better Access to Services They Need on Veterans Day",2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – On Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp will join North Dakota veterans, servicemembers, and their families at events at the Heritage Center in Bismarck and at the AMVETS Veterans Day ceremony to honor veterans from all eras. Heitkamp will speak about the need to recognize our veterans and the families who share in their sacrifice every day by honoring the nation’s commitments to them – including access to high-quality benefits, health services, and community resources.
Heitkamp has been fighting to improve access to crucial services for veterans in the U.S. Senate and working to improve the Veterans Choice program so North Dakota veterans get quality, timely care in their home communities. At Heitkamp’s urging, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opened a Vet Center in Grand Forks in May so veterans in the Grand Forks region have easier access to needed counseling services. Heitkamp has consistently pressed for strong funding for veterans’ care – particularly to address mental health needs of veterans in rural areas – and helped secure strong support for such services in the spending bill Congress passed in September.
“When our men and women in the United States armed forces volunteer to protect our country, it means they and their families serve every day. That sense of service continues after they take off the uniform,” said Heitkamp. “As a nation, we owe them a deep debt of gratitude and respect – not just on Veterans Day, but every day by making sure they can access the resources they need and deserve. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been fighting for the care and services our servicemembers in North Dakota ought to have, and to make sure our communities are prepared for veterans returning home. From the VA answering my call for a Vet Center in Grand Forks and working toward reforming the Veterans Choice program, to helping Congress pass strong support for veterans’ mental health resources, I’ll keep fighting for our veterans each and every day.”
A staunch advocate for veterans, Heitkamp has long fought to make sure North Dakota’s veterans get the support and services they deserve. In 2013, she conducted a six-city tour of the state, holding roundtables with veterans to discuss obstacles they encounter to critical services. Heitkamp’s efforts to help veterans include:
 
Successfully pressing VA for a Vet Center in Grand Forks: In November 2015, Heitkamp began pressuring VA Under Secretary David Shulkin and VA Secretary Robert McDonald to bring a much-needed Vet Center to Grand Forks. Six months later, the U.S. Senate agreed unanimously to include her bipartisan legislation to strengthen the case for a Grand Forks Vet Center in a spending bill the chamber passed in May. Specifically, her legislation required better coordination between the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Service and the Office of Rural Health to make sure veterans in rural areas can access the support they need. At the end of May, the Grand Forks Vet Center formally opened for area-veterans.
 
 
Reforming Veterans Choice program: Heitkamp is working to make needed reforms to the Veterans Choice program, bringing together North Dakota veterans, experts and care providers to identify ways to improve veterans’ access to needed health services. In August, Heitkamp convened veterans, local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leaders, and health care providers to discuss fixes she has proposed to the program. In March, Heitkamp helped introduce a bill to reform the Veterans Choice program. The Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community Act would give the VA flexibility to improve care for North Dakota veterans by streamlining and consolidating community care programs, while eliminating bureaucratic obstacles preventing veterans from accessing care.
 
 
Securing strong support for veterans’ health services: In December 2015, Heitkamp supported and helped Congress pass a bipartisan year-end spending bill which included $258 million for Readjustment Counseling Services – $15 million above the requested level. The increased funds are directed towards Vet Centers to address unmet mental health needs of veterans in rural and very rural areas like North Dakota, and Heitkamp consistently pushed for VA to use those funds in Grand Forks.
 
 
Honoring North Dakota Vietnam service members: Heitkamp collaborated with more than 150 eleventh-graders from Bismarck High School to gather information on these fallen North Dakotans and incorporated their research into a series of 15 speeches she gave on the floor on the U.S. Senate from March through August 2015 to share stories about these servicemembers’ lives. In November 2015, Heitkamp met with some of the students to help lay more than 30 artifacts the students made to honor North Dakotans who died in Vietnam beneath the servicemembers’ names on the wall of the Memorial.
 
 
Connecting new veterans to resources – In 2015, Heitkamp reintroduced her Connect with Veterans Act which would better connect new veterans with job opportunities in their communities, other veterans, and additional resources and benefits. Heitkamp also successfully pushed for the spending bill Congress passed in September to include $14.2 billion in additional funding for VA programs and services, such as mental health services, readjustment counseling at Vet Centers, and family caregiver support.
 
 
Supporting Native American veterans – In October 2015, Heitkamp hosted her second Native American Veterans Summit on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian reservation.  The Summit brought together Native veterans, officials from the VA and Indian Health Service, and other advocates to help Native veterans learn more about ongoing initiatives to connect them with services and benefits. Her first Native Veterans Summit took place in June 2014 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck.
 
 
Responding to problems at the VA – Heitkamp took immediate action to respond to disgraceful scheduling misconduct at VA facilities nationwide. Heitkamp worked with North Dakota officials to confirm that state VA facilities were not delaying services to veterans, and then worked to pass bipartisan legislation addressing the situation. The bill improves access to services, which Heitkamp pushed for in order to help veterans living in rural areas as well as Native American veterans access care more easily.
 
 
Leading efforts to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress – Heitkamp leads congressional efforts every year to raise awareness about challenges veterans encounter with post-traumatic stress. Understanding the need to provide support for mental health and traumatic stress, Heitkamp worked to reduce the stigmas associated with post-traumatic stress as well as encourage private partnerships so employers hire more veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DF5A58FB-C9DD-4F89-819E-1DF0E6F06119,Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session in Rugby on November 16,2016-11-08,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session in Rugby on Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The session will be at Dakota Farms Restaurant, located at 308 3rd Avenue SE.
During the session Heitkamp’s staff will help North Dakotans address federal concerns such as veterans’ benefits, social security, and more.
“Making sure folks in communities like Rugby have easy access to my staff is one of my priorities, which is why we hold ‘Heidi Helps’ across North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakotans can use ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions to sit down with my staff, ask questions, and get help with federal issues like social security and veterans benefits. So if you’re in the Rugby area, I encourage you to stop by with any questions or concerns – no appointments necessary.”
Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota.
Past sessions have been held in Jamestown, Fort Totten, Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, and Langdon.
Members of Heitkamp’s staff will be available to assist North Dakotans with questions and casework, and to provide information about internship opportunities and service academy nominations. All information provided is private and confidential. No appointments are necessary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8750F9C2-A4AB-4CBC-B33F-2362BA1627E7,"Heitkamp Underscores Need to Support Coal Innovation, Local Job Growth During Spiritwood Station Visit",2016-11-07,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SPIRITWOOD, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today visited Great River Energy’s (GRE) Spiritwood Station to see firsthand how, in two years since becoming fully operational, the high-efficiency coal-fired power plant generates electricity and steam to power homes and businesses in North Dakota while making serious reductions in emissions.
Heitkamp played a key role in getting Spiritwood Station and the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy plant online by enabling the project to move forward after it hit some hurdles. When it started operation in 2014, Spiritwood Station became the first coal-fired generating plant to go online in North Dakota in more than 30 years.
Heitkamp has long supported energy innovation in North Dakota to provide a strong path forward for coal – which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity – while working toward commonsense incentives to encourage new carbon technologies that can transform carbon emissions into useable products. During today’s tour, Heitkamp spoke with GRE management and Spiritwood Station workers to discuss the plant’s successes in coal innovation by helping boost local plant energy efficiency to 60 percent – that’s almost 30 percent better than the national average – while employing 49 North Dakotans locally.
“We can spark energy-efficient innovation, grow jobs here at home, and pave the way for a strong future for coal – and Spiritwood Station is a perfect example of how we’re doing that in North Dakota,” said Heitkamp. “Today I got the chance to see firsthand how in just two years, Spiritwood is not only boosting the community’s local economy by employing almost 50 North Dakotans, but serving as a national example of achieving better energy efficiency for coal-fired power plants at a rate that is nearly double the national average of coal-fired plants. We can build on Spiritwood’s positive work, and I’m working to do that in the U.S. Senate by bringing together a strong bipartisan coalition of senators who support my bill to secure coal’s role in our national energy mix. Such commonsense policies would lower pollution, create more jobs, and support more affordable energy production to power our homes and businesses.”
After working together with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to boost recognition that the U.S. and world need to maintain a diverse energy mix that includes traditional energy sources while still reducing national and global carbon emissions, Heitkamp and Whitehouse introduced their bill in July to forge a middle ground on energy issues. Already, their bill – which would incentivize the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies – has gained vast bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate.
Background: 
Heitkamp’s work to find a realistic path forward for coal builds on her more than a decade of experience on the board of directors of Dakota Gasification, the one-of-a-kind synfuels plant in Beulah, N.D. During her service as North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and as the state’s Attorney General, Heitkamp was able to work on viable solutions to make sure coal remains a strong part of the North Dakota’s energy mix.
Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by:
 
Securing a commitment in September 2015 from Janet McCabe, assistant administrator of the EPA, for her agency to send technical staff to North Dakota to work with utilities on the challenges in meeting EPA’s emissions reduction targets. During a meeting with the North Dakota congressional delegation the next day, McCabe again agreed to Heitkamp’s request that EPA technical staff visit North Dakota. 
Introducing major legislation in 2013 and again in 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward. Heitkamp’s bill – which she introduced in 2013 and again this Congress – would incentivize 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. Then in May 2015, Heitkamp and Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced a series of bills to make sure coal remains a key part of America’s energy mix, which incorporated Heitkamp’s initial legislation.
Bringing EPA Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and EPA that she disagrees with the agency’s policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February of 2014 so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology.
Working closely with U.S. Energy Department (DOE) officials on finding a path forward for coal. Heitkamp has met with numerous top officials from DOE about the need to find a path forward for coal, including Energy Secretary Moniz and Julio Friedmann, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal at the DOE. They both participated in clean coal symposiums at Heitkamp’s request, and she will continue to press both of them on the issue.
Convening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill in 2014 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 vital 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=C8A12CC5-38FF-40AB-8BA7-FE5FC647204A,Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session for Veterans in Cando on November 16,2016-11-07,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"JAMESTOWN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session specifically for veterans in Cando on Wednesday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Memorial Building at 404 5th Avenue.
During the session veterans can learn about opportunities to access resources related to federal and state veterans’ benefits, military records, mental health, post-traumatic stress, retirement, financial issues, employment assistance, and housing assistance. The Towner County Veterans Service Officer will be there, as well as a counselor from the Grand Forks Vet Center to explain services and resources offered by the Vet Center.  
“‘Heidi Helps’ sessions make sure that North Dakotans who don’t live near one of my five state offices still have easy access to my staff, and I encourage veterans in the Cando area to come out to get their questions answered and to get the help they deserve,” said Heitkamp. “Folks in our state serve in the military at a rate far higher than the national average, and we owe them such a debt of gratitude when they come home. So if you or a veteran you know could use assistance with services or benefits, join my staff in Cando later this month – no appointments necessary. The local Veterans Service Officer and Vet Center counselor will also be on hand to help.”  
Earlier this month Heitkamp’s staff held a similar session for veterans in Fort Totten.
Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near her state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota.
Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, Jamestown, and Langdon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=60E5DF68-F37D-4FEC-A860-AB96EE62B388,"Heitkamp Announces $271,000 in Federal Funding for UND Research in Antarctica",2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"PORTAL, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $271,000 in federal funding through the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support University of North Dakota geology research in Antarctica.
“North Dakota winters must not have been cold enough for these UND students and researchers, who have been awarded a federal grant to head to Antarctica and investigate some of the oldest ice in the world,” said Heitkamp. “This is a great example of how students, faculty, and staff at our state’s universities are leading the world in cutting-edge research that creates new discoveries – teaching us more about the world, and leading to innovations and economic growth.”
The NSF award supports UND research that will study a large body of ice buried beneath a meter of debris in East Antarctica. Several students will participate in the project by conducting Antarctic field work, making measurements in the lab, attending meetings, participating in outreach activities, and producing videos.
Early analyses of the ice suggest it could be over a million years old, making it some of the oldest in the world. Further research could help scientists better understand the processes involved in its survival for such long periods of time. The research will also help inform scientists about the processes involved in the development of landforms on earth and Mars.
NSF supports research, innovation, and discoveries that provide the foundation for economic growth in the U.S.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6E6A5D75-56BD-4239-ACEA-2F4AF495E53B,"Heitkamp Visits Northern Border at Portal, Reinforces Need to Boost Security by Improving Hiring, Worker Retention and Technology",2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Introduced Bills to Help Address Threats along Northern Border, Improve Recruitment & Retention of Workers & Is Advocating for Better Technology, Infrastructure Investments on Northern Border
PORTAL, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today visited the Portal Point of Entry where she met with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and management to learn more about challenges they face in helping secure the country’s 5,500-mile-long Northern Border.
Underscoring the need to improve the ability of federal agencies to attract, hire, and retain hardworking employees along the nation’s vast Northern Border – especially in remote locations – Heitkamp discussed with CBP leaders and employees the need for her legislation which would give federal agencies the ability to hire and retain the thriving workforce it needs. Heitkamp’s efforts particularly aim to tackle challenges in areas like Portal – the Northern Border’s third-busiest loaded rail car crossing for trade goods. She also spoke about how her bipartisan bill would help address issues recruiting and retaining workers, as well as work to improve the tools, technology, and cooperation needed to protect, secure, and monitor the Northern Border.
“We need long-term solutions to protect America’s borders – and that means investing in the infrastructure, technology, and tools to recruit and retain quality personnel to help keep our nation safe,” said Heitkamp. “Today I visited Portal, one of the Northern Border’s busiest rail crossings, to talk with Customs and Border Protection leaders and employees about the challenges they face in keeping our border secure. In the Senate, I introduced legislation to address these concerns head on to help hire and retain a strong border security workforce especially in remote locations like Portal, and improve the tools needed to protect our Northern Border. With $1.6 billion in commodities and goods crossing the Northern Border every day, it’s critical that we equip the dedicated men and women working at the border with the tools and manpower they need to make sure what enters our country is safe for our communities.”
According to the Congressional Research Service, $1.6 billion in commodities cross the Northern Border every day, which 55 million people crossed in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world.
Heitkamp has been at the forefront of working to address challenges law enforcement and CBP employees face in maintaining a secure Northern Border with adequate staffing. In July, Heitkamp introduced her Flexible HIRE Act, which aims to help the federal government recruit and retain an effective, and dynamic workforce across the country – including in remote areas like Portal. In July 2015, Heitkamp’s bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act – which she introduced two months after bringing then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Pembina to directly respond to concerns she heard from law enforcement – unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where she serves as a subcommittee ranking member. Heitkamp’s bill would help tackle recruitment and retention challenges, and examine the best ways to improve technology, infrastructure and tools to help law enforcement in securing the border.
Heitkamp’s visit today follows a variety of actions Heitkamp has taken to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention, including:
 
Bringing DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials and local county sheriffs face in attracting and maintaining a strong workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border.
Making the Northern Border a key issue for a U.S. Senate committee. Following Mayorkas’ visit, Heitkamp successfully called for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to hold a hearing on the Northern Border. When that hearing took place, Heitkamp questioned federal border security officials about the issues she heard about firsthand in Pembina with Mayorkas. In March, Heitkamp pressed DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the need to pay closer attention to protecting the Northern Border, and reinforced this point to Johnson as well as Federal Bureau of Investigations Director James Comey in September. In June 2014, she brought U.S. Senator Tom Carper, now Ranking Member of the Committee, on a tour of the Northern Border. 
Reducing drug crime and flow at the border. In August 2014, Heitkamp joined White House Drug Czar Michael Botticelli to unveil a new national strategy to fight drug crimes in the Bakken and at the Northern Border that she specifically pushed for.
Holding border security meetings in Minot and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74D0A29C-5EEA-4632-8FFB-493BB78D7C9D,Heitkamp Recognized as National Champion for Small Businesses,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today was recognized by North Dakota members of the Small Business Investors Alliance (SBIA) as she received the group’s national Champion of Small Business Award for her work to help level the playing field for small businesses across North Dakota and the country so they grow and thrive.
Joining workers and North Dakota SBIA members at NewKota – a 60-employee Minot-based small business – Heitkamp emphasized the need to improve partnerships and strengthen bipartisan legislative efforts that have helped NewKota and others grow. With the help of Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) – which make long-term investments in Small Business Administration (SBA)-licensed companies like NewKota – have been able to hire more workers and develop their businesses. Heitkamp’s recognition today builds on her work in the U.S. Senate advocating for a seat at the table for small businesses when it comes to decisions on federal rules that impact them, and for her efforts to make sure small startups between New York and Silicon Valley can access the investments they need to prosper.
“Strong small businesses and startups support workers, families, and communities across North Dakota. That’s why I’ve been working to make sure the rules for small businesses are fair and they are given every opportunity to get off the ground and grow,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an honor to be recognized by North Dakotans of the Small Business Investors Alliance which is dedicated to securing a prosperous, growth-oriented environment for communities to thrive. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been pushing for policies that help forge strong public-private partnerships which have allowed companies like NewKota to obtain the long-term investments they need to grow, and I’ll keep looking for ways to make sure small businesses and startups remain part of the fabric of North Dakota's towns well into the future.”
A member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and a subcommittee ranking member on the U.S. Senate Committee in Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Heitkamp is a key advocate for encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial growth in North Dakota – where businesses make up almost 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers – and across the country, where small businesses created about two-thirds of net new jobs between mid-2009 and 2011.In March, Heitkamp introduced her Startup Entrepreneur Empowerment Delivery (SEED) Act to addressing a challenge nearly a third startups in the Fargo-Moorhead area face – difficulty accessing early stage funding to grow their businesses – by creating a federal pilot program to promote innovative ideas and burgeoning entrepreneurial growth in small communities nationwide. The following month, Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan SEC Small Business Advocate Act to make sure small businesses can advocate for policies to federal rule makers that help them build investments in their companies as well as jobs across the country.
Just last week, Heitkamp was recognized by the National Association of Manufacturers for her outstanding work to stand up for American workers and manufactures by pushing for smart regulatory policies that help level the playing field for small businesses by cutting red tape, and for a and a fully operational Export-Import Bank.
Heitkamp has worked to forge strong relationships with the U.S. Small Business Administration, bringing SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to North Dakota in July 2015 for the Committee’s first field hearing in North Dakota, and to hear firsthand from women entrepreneurs and to meet with tribal and business leaders an new training, resources and support for Native American small businesses and entrepreneurs.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=897A0B7C-8A72-44E9-8D0A-BCBE94E88D44,Heitkamp Thanks Military Kids and Families at Minot Air Force Base during Military Family Appreciation Month,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today met with the families of North Dakota servicemembers in Minot to thank them for their service during November’s “Military Family Appreciation Month.”
During her visit, Heitkamp read to young children at Minot Air Force Base’s Child Development Center and then sat down to talk with elementary school children and parents at the David C. Jones Youth Center. Heitkamp thanked them for their sacrifice and spoke with families about ways to strengthen defense communities and support military families.
“Behind so many North Dakota men and women in uniform are proud families and kids who make sacrifices each and every day,” said Heitkamp. “Military spouses and kids serve as well – and Military Family Appreciation Month this month is a reminder of that. They give up a great deal to move to military bases, and they often move every few years or even multiple times a year. It can take a great deal out of a family. Sometimes those sacrifices go unnoticed or underappreciated, which is why I wanted to meet these families to say thank you and hear about any challenges they face. Minot Air Force Base’s Child Development Center and Youth Center are great examples of the investments being made for North Dakota military families – but there’s still more that we can do. I’ll take the challenges and concerns I hear today back to the U.S. Senate to push for programs and resources that take care of military families who have given so much for our country.”

In September, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter spoke at Minot Air Force Base to reinforce the importance of the nuclear missions at the Base and emphasize the $10 billion in investments nationally over the last two years to make improvements to those missions – including at Minot Air Force Base.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=65BB72DF-B84C-4A64-A854-2A32E1884C9A,"Heitkamp Meets with Fargo Mayor, Continuing Fight for Permanent Flood Protections",2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a staunch advocate for strong flood protections throughout North Dakota, met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs.
Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her continued work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections – including a conversation she had earlier this month with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. Heitkamp is also working to include federal funds for the diversion in the spending bill Congress will debate later this year, as well as pushing for diversion support in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ next work plan like she did last year.
“North Dakotans have always worked together to beat back rising waters, and I’m continuing to work with Mayor Mahoney to make sure Fargo and the Red River Valley get lasting protection,” said Heitkamp. “Emergency levees and sandbags aren’t long-term solutions, which is why I’ve fought to secure critical federal flood protection funding – and why I successfully called on the Corps and Administration to provide a new Fargo construction start. We must make sure this support continues in the coming year so this project becomes a reality, and I’ll push to make that happen. Despite the obstacles, Mayor Mahoney and I are committed to pushing forward and securing protections for the 230,000 folks who are counting on this project to keep our communities safe.”
In July, the Army Corps and local leaders signed an agreement to initiate construction of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a project Heitkamp has fought to make happen. In the U.S. Senate, she pushed to secure federal resources in the year-end spending bill for the Army Corps to implement new construction starts. This year, Heitkamp successfully pressed Army Corps and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) leaders for flood protections and a new Fargo construction start in the Corps’ 2016 work plan.
Heitkamp has consistently worked to secure federal support for lasting flood protections in the Red River Valley by:

 
Bringing local and federal officials together to support the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project. In May 2015, Heitkamp met with city officials from Fargo and Moorhead to discuss mutual efforts to push top officials from the Army Corps and OMB on using public-private partnerships to advance the project. Soon after, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan to urge him to take action so the diversion project could continue to move forward. In total, Heitkamp spoke with Donovan four times in the last year – each time pressing him about the critical importance of federal support for this project. Last fall, Heitkamp and Lieutenant General Bostick met with the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority to discuss permanent, comprehensive flood protections during his first-ever visit to Fargo. And this October, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan again to press him on the need for continued federal support.
 
 
Passing legislation securing flood protection infrastructure projects. In June 2014, the President signed into law the bipartisan bill Heitkamp pushed for – the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) – which supports water infrastructure projects in North Dakota including permanent flood protection for more than 200,000 residents in Fargo and surrounding area through the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D2575FC8-0BF6-450C-9B86-F4857F946512,Heitkamp Emphasizes Commitment to ND Foster Care Families,2016-10-29,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke with foster families and advocates at the PATH annual meeting to highlight the organization’s life-changing work to support young people, reinforce the need to support foster families, and emphasize her commitment to standing up for foster children and families.
PATH is a service-focused organization built on offering foster families a responsive and ongoing network of support to make sure they have skills, training, and understanding to provide children with a safe and nurturing place to call home. At PATH’s annual meeting, Heitkamp spoke with advocates, leaders, and foster family community members about her commitment to pushing for policies in the U.S. Senate that will support foster families and the important role PATH plays in North Dakota’s foster care community.
“Providing a safe place to call home for children in foster care is one of the most selfless acts a family can choose to make,” said Heitkamp. “It was an honor to join leaders in the foster care community today to reinforce the importance of their work to nurturing young children, and highlight the critical work PATH does to support foster families across the state. PATH takes challenging cases and – with love, patience, and extensive training – helps give so many youth a childhood. As a member of the Caucus on Foster Youth, I’m working in the U.S. Senate to make sure federal policies best serve children in the foster care system and support foster parents in their critical role. I hope to continue partnering with the amazing advocates and foster families in our state to secure a bright and safe future for all kids.”
Heitkamp has long promoted the work of North Dakota’s foster families, and has encouraged more families to care for young people in need. In March 2015, Heitkamp reintroduced legislation to support the well-being of foster children by providing additional tax relief for current foster families, encouraging more Americans to consider offering safe homes to foster children across the country. The bill would also direct the federal government to do a better job reaching out to and educating current foster families about the financial benefits already available to them.
Also in March 2015, Heitkamp helped reintroduce the bipartisan Tribal Adoption Parity Act with Republican Senator James Inhofe from Oklahoma. Heitkamp’s bill would allow tribal governments to designate children as having special needs – just as states can – enabling adoptive parents to claim the full adoption tax credit.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=00DD5A23-E683-4F84-9215-5F41ABD92AF7,"Heitkamp Receives National Award for Outstanding Work to Stand Up for American Workers, Manufacturers",2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today was recognized by North Dakota members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) at Case New Holland (CNH) for her work to stand up for American workers and manufacturers.
During her remarks after receiving the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence, Heitkamp reinforced the need for smart federal regulatory policies that help level the playing field for small businesses by cutting red tape and a fully operational Export-Import Bank – both of which are crucial to supporting manufacturing jobs and economic growth in North Dakota and across the country.
“Making sure North Dakota is building good jobs and strong communities for tomorrow means supporting our manufacturers through effective, commonsense policies today,” said Heitkamp. “But we can’t just talk about supporting workers – we have to actually do it. That’s why I’ve been pushing for commonsense federal regulatory policies that cut red tape for small businesses and manufacturers, and for a fully functioning Export-Import Bank to help level the playing field for North Dakota’s workers and businesses. This award means a great deal as it’s also about the thousands of workers across our state who go to their jobs every day building a stronger North Dakota.”
“Senator Heitkamp has shown immense support for policies that support manufacturers in the U.S. and expand job opportunities for workers across the country,” said Brad Crews, COO, NAFTA, at CNH Industrial. “We are proud to stand by Senator Heitkamp as she receives this award and look forward to continuing to work with her to drive innovation and growth for manufacturers in North Dakota.”
“Manufacturers need leaders in Washington who are going to fight for us,” said Adi Garg, Plant Manager at CNH Industrial in Fargo.  “Today we are honoring a member who does more than talk the talk. Her votes for pro-manufacturing, pro-growth policies demonstrate that she cares about manufacturing’s future. On behalf of my company and manufacturers across this country, I am proud to present this award to Senator Heitkamp.”Heitkamp has long advocated for advancing smart federal regulations and improving the way federal rules are promoted and reviewed so small businesses can create jobs and help grow the economy. As ranking member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, Heitkamp is spearheading her bipartisan #CutRedTape initiative with subcommittee chairman James Lankford of Oklahoma that gives American families and businesses a centralized location for voicing their stories on how federal regulations impact them on a daily basis. She has also introduced and helped advance bipartisan legislation to improve the way federal agencies develop federal regulations and make sure unneeded rules are improved or eliminated when they are no longer necessary.
Heitkamp has also been a vocal proponent of the Export-Import Bank, an independent federal government agency and the official export credit agency of the United States which has helped support $42 million in North Dakota exports since 2011, as well as 633 jobs across the state. After Congress let the Bank expire for the first time in the agency’s more than 80-year history in June 2015, Heitkamp fought for and succeeded in passing in December 2015 her bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Export-Bank for four years.
However, even with the support of a vast majority of U.S. senators, the Bank has still been unable to fully operate because U.S. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) has refused to hold a committee vote on the Export-Import Bank Board nominee, Mark McWatters. His refusal to do so is preventing a quorum on the board, and halting the agency from financing $20 billion in deals from large businesses and small suppliers across the country that are currently awaiting approval. With a lack of a majority on the Bank’s board, transactions over $10 million are prevented from taking place, hindering American jobs and businesses like Case New Holland, which produces wheel loaders in Fargo.
Heitkamp has been fighting for businesses like Case New Holland and others across the country by joining with 41 of her Senate colleagues in pressing Shelby to permit a vote on the nomination of McWatters to serve on the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank. Last month, Heitkamp took to the U.S. Senate floor to call on her colleagues to include quorum requirement changes needed for the Export-Import Bank’s Board of Directors to fully function in the Senate’s bill to fund the U.S. government.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=449B2658-2EC9-41A8-92F2-23574D9C21A6,Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session for Veterans in Fort Totten on November 1,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staffers will hold a “Heidi Helps” session specifically for veterans in Fort Totten on Tuesday, November 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in room 106 of Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
Heitkamp’s staff is hosting the event in conjunction with the Grand Forks Job Service and Military Outreach offices and the Spirit Lake Veterans Service Officer. During the session, veterans will be able to learn about opportunities to access resources related to federal and state veterans’ benefits, military records, mental health, retirement, financial issues, employment assistance, transportation, education and training, and housing assistance.
“Across the state, ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions have enabled folks who don’t live near one of my state offices to get easy access to my staffers and resources – and I’m excited to now host a session specifically for veterans,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakotans and those in Native communities serve in the military at higher rates than the national average, and it’s our obligation to make sure we give them the benefits and services they’ve earned. Veterans in the area looking for assistance from my staff, local Veterans Service Officers, and Job Service and Military Outreach offices should stop by, no appointments necessary.”
Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota.
Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, Jamestown, and Langdon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7099F482-F830-4C5E-B688-8AF02CF01055,Heitkamp Unveils Bipartisan Bill to Make Sure All North Dakotans Can Access Quality Health Services,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MANDAN, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced bipartisan, commonsense legislation she introduced with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada to make sure those who qualify for Indian Health Service (IHS) resources are able to use their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) when seeking health care at non-IHS facilities.
Currently, North Dakotans who have used IHS services can face challenges accessing their HSAs when seeking non-IHS care. Beneficiaries often encounter a three-month lag time in contributing to or using money from HSAs at non-IHS facilities, forcing them to instead to pay out-of-pocket at steep costs. Long a champion for improving access to affordable, quality health services for North Dakotans living in Indian Country, Heitkamp helped introduce a practical, bipartisan solution to make sure Native Americans can readily access their HSAs at non-IHS facilities so that they are not deterred from accessing the health care they deserve.
“Every American deserves access to quality health care, but too often, that’s not the reality on the ground for folks who have received Indian Health Service care,” said Heitkamp. “There is no reason why, after receiving care from IHS, Native families should have to pay out of pocket instead of using the health savings accounts they have paid for when they seek care at non-IHS facilities. That’s why I’m working with Senator Heller on a bipartisan, commonsense solution. By making sure Native communities can access their health savings accounts – at any facility – we can make sure every American can get quality, affordable care for themselves and their families.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BDB9F5B7-091B-4932-9739-50336F96CF5C,"Heitkamp Announces over $22 Million in Federal Funding to Help ND Seniors, Families, and Native American Communities Heat their Homes",2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced more than $22 million in federal assistance to help low-income North Dakota families, seniors, and folks in Native American communities heat their homes this winter season.
“Winter is fast approaching in North Dakota and all of us understand the need to properly prepare ourselves and our families from the frigid low temperatures,” said Heitkamp. “Heating our homes is not an option during the winter months in North Dakota, but when folks don’t have the financial security they need to keep their homes warm they are then put at risk of below zero temperatures. This federal funding will help folks across the state and in Indian Country afford to heat their homes to keep their families safe, and I encourage those who may need the assistance to learn more about how to apply for this support.”
These federal funds used to offset heating and energy costs this winter season will be distributed as follows:
 
North Dakota: $17,341,807
 
 
Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band: $2,053,635
 
 
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: $1,584,065
 
 
Spirit Lake Tribe: $1,140,908
 
 
Three Affiliated Tribes:  $912,727
 
The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Heitkamp has been committed to making sure federal assistance for heating during the brutally cold winter months is made available to those who need it. Earlier this year, Heitkamp urged her Senate colleagues to fully fund LIHEAP, so that families in North Dakota and across the country have the certainty of heating their homes when they need it the most.
North Dakotans can learn more about home heating assistance eligibility and apply for assistance by clicking here. Eligible families outside Indian reservations must apply directly to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP funding. For eligible families living on Indian reservations, their tribes need to directly apply to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP funding, which is then distributed to those on the reservation who qualify. To ask questions or to receive help filling out an application, individuals not living on Indian reservations can contact their local County Social Service Office. Individuals living on Indian reservations can contact their local tribal offices.
LIHEAP is a block grant program under which the federal government gives annual grants to states, territories, and Indian tribal organizations to operate home energy assistance programs for needy households.  The program receives funding from two sources: contingency funds and regular funds.  Contingency funds are allocated to states at the discretion of the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  These funds may be released at any point in the fiscal year to provide additional home energy assistance.  Regular funds are allocated in the annual appropriations bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3C75D20D-3FB6-4CD0-AD60-F9F4A044FB25,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support School Improvement Efforts,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $1,039,904 in federal funding for the state of North Dakota to make investments in some of the state’s lowest performing schools to help improve student outcomes and put the schools on better paths forward.
“North Dakota students show up in the classroom every day to learn and grow,” said Heitkamp. “No student should have to suffer the consequences of inadequate access to a high performing school, so we owe it to them to make sure they get the education they need to be successful in life. This federal funding will help to make improvements for low-performing schools, so they are able to provide new and innovative methods to turn schools around to make sure every student receives the education they deserve.”
These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Education’s School Improvement Grant Program. This grant program provides funding to states, which in turn distribute the federal funds to some of the lowest-performing schools that have demonstrated a commitment to improving student outcomes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=77E40ED0-2FE4-493C-AF61-9E25B160A96D,Heitkamp: VA Extends Grand Forks Vet Center beyond Six-Month Trial Period,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will extend operations of the five-day Vet Center she successfully pushed for in Grand Forks – a positive step for area veterans who will continue to have the opportunity to get counseling services closer to home.
The Grand Forks Vet Center opened May 31, following Heitkamp’s efforts to bring needed counseling services to veterans in the region. And now, after evaluating the first six months of the facility’s operations, VA has decided to extend the Vet Center beyond its initial trial period – including recently hiring two full-time Grand Forks counselors, indicating the need for the mental health and readjustment services the Vet Center provides.
“After successfully pushing to bring a Vet Center to Grand Forks in May, it’s a promising step for North Dakota veterans that VA has decided to extend this Vet Center,” said Heitkamp. “Area veterans told me about the real need for these mental health services, which is why I called on VA to bring a Vet Center to Grand Forks last year. The VA’s commitment to extend this Vet Center in Grand Forks, and the fact that they’ve recently hired two dedicated counselors there, demonstrates that area veterans are using the counseling and readjustment services that they’ve earned – and I hope they continue to take advantage of this critical resource.”
Heitkamp convened area veterans, VA leaders, and health care providers in August in Grand Forks to encourage them to take advantage of the Vet Center services, and to discuss fixes she has proposed to improve the Veterans Choice program so North Dakota veterans get quality care in their home communities.
The Vet Center offers counseling and other services to veterans, servicemembers, and their families out of The Link, a Grand Forks Housing Authority space located at 300 Cherry Street in Grand Forks. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is 701-306-4669.
In November 2015, Heitkamp began pressuring VA Under Secretary David Shulkin and VA Secretary Robert McDonald to bring a much-needed Vet Center to Grand Forks. Heitkamp’s most recent work to pave the way for the Vet Center was earlier this year, when the U.S. Senate agreed unanimously to include her bipartisan legislation to strengthen the case for a Grand Forks Vet Center in a spending bill the chamber passed in May. Specifically, her legislation required better coordination between the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Service and the Office of Rural Health to make sure veterans in rural areas can access the support they need, which is often difficult to come by in small towns or remote regions.
The bipartisan year-end spending bill Congress passed in December of 2015, which Heitkamp supported, included $258 million for Readjustment Counseling Services – $15 million above the requested level. The increased funds are directed towards Vet Centers to address unmet mental health needs of veterans in rural and very rural areas like North Dakota, and Heitkamp consistently pushed for VA to use those funds in Grand Forks.
Vet Centers help veterans readjust to civilian life by providing free counseling, screening, and referral services while removing the stigma of seeking mental health care. In North Dakota, the VA currently maintains Vet Centers in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot. Expanding access in Grand Forks from one day a week to five days – as Heitkamp has long called for – has dramatically increased opportunities for counseling services for veterans and servicemembers. Combat veterans and those who have experienced military sexual trauma may receive care at a Vet Center. Vet Centers will not turn away any veteran or servicemember, providing up to three humanitarian visits. Families of servicemembers who died while on active duty may qualify for bereavement services.  
North Dakota has lost more post-9/11 servicemembers to suicide than combat, and Heitkamp hopes the Grand Forks Vet Center can help alleviate veterans’ readjustment and mental health challenges.
Transitioning servicemembers often cluster around military bases after concluding their military service – and in North Dakota, the majority of the state’s more than 7,000 post-9/11 veterans have settled near U.S. Air Force bases in Minot and Grand Forks. With over 3,500 residents of Grand Forks or nearby counties deploying overseas since 9/11, many more combat veterans eligible to receive Vet Center services will settle in the Grand Forks region in years to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AE00A823-B989-40DB-A1BD-4796C305CD61,Heitkamp: Dickinson Awarded Essential Air Service Contract,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has selected United Airlines for a $4.1 million contract to continue providing federal Essential Air Service at the Dickinson Airport.
“North Dakota relies on affordable, quality air service to strengthen small businesses, promote tourism, and so much more,” said Heitkamp. “Essential Air Service is a critical support for communities like Dickinson, and flights between Dickinson and Denver will continue to strengthen our economies, support local jobs, and keep folks connected.”
DOT awarded the contract for United to provide 12 weekly nonstop round trips from Dickinson to Denver using 50-seat regional jets from September 2016 through September 2018. EAS enables small and rural communities to access air service that helps the regions thrive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=008AFB30-FC4F-43FB-AA60-3EF7C7E33043,"Heitkamp Travels to Asia-Pacific to Review U.S. Missile Defense Capabilities, Improve National Security",2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she participated in an official U.S. Senate fact-finding trip examining the nation’s missile defense capabilities in deterring rising nuclear and ballistic missile threats from North Korea.
Along with members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, Heitkamp – a strong supporter of the nuclear mission in Minot and Global Hawks in Grand Forks – traveled for 10 days through Alaska, South Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii. Heitkamp got a firsthand view of active defense systems being used to address and deter threats from potential adversaries, and worked to strengthen bonds with leaders and government officials of allied countries that help keep our nation secure.
""Building a secure nation for tomorrow begins with the bonds and the defense capabilities we cement today,” said Heitkamp. “It’s no secret that the United States faces growing nuclear threats from known adversaries like North Korea, and in North Dakota we understand the importance of maintaining and strengthening our country’s nuclear deterrence and surveillance capabilities. This past week and a half, I joined my colleagues on a fact-finding mission to the Asia-Pacific to see our military’s missile defense systems at work, including operations using Global Hawks from Grand Forks and opportunities where B-52s from Minot could be deployed. The trip also aimed to fortify relationships with our allies, who are needed partners in our national security efforts overseas. I’ll keep working to reinforce our country’s commitment to robust missile defense in North Dakota and abroad.”
During the 10-day tour, Heitkamp examined missile defense in Alaska, which included its Artic mission and ground-based interceptors that can help destroy missiles before they reach U.S. soil. Heitkamp also saw firsthand the strong missile defense cooperation our nation has with Japan, as well as the Patriot batteries that help defend U.S. troops and military assets on the Korean Peninsula. She learned about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mission that defends critical deterrence assets and surveillance capabilities in Guam, which included Global Hawks from Grand Forks. And in Hawaii, Heitkamp examined sea-based interceptors and radars that detect and deflect nuclear and ballistic threats.
A cofounder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has long worked to reinforce the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and efforts to position Grand Forks to play a significant role in Artic missions in the future. Heitkamp’s support includes efforts to promote:
 
Nuclear Mission in Minot: After calling on U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to clarify his department’s commitment to nuclear modernization efforts, Heitkamp helped host Carter for his first visit to Minot Air Force Base where he reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range strike bombers. Heitkamp has also pressed top leaders for and helped secure key investments to modernize and bolster Minot’s nuclear mission. In August Heitkamp announced that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile for Minot’s B-52 long-range strike bombers.
 
 
The Global Hawk Mission: In February, Heitkamp spoke with General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who oversees the remotely-piloted Global Hawk missions, before he visited the base to stress that Grand Forks is ideal for Global Hawk and other missions. The 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base flies combat support missions as well as training and sensor operating missions. In June, Heitkamp invited General Lori Robinson, who oversees the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base to see for herself the base’s innovation in remotely piloted aircraft operations and training.
 
 
Arctic Missions: Heitkamp successfully amended the defense authorization bill Congress passed last year to improve the military’s Arctic strategy and make Grand Forks attractive for future Arctic missions. The bill requires DOD to submit a report on protecting national security in the Arctic region. Heitkamp’s amendment strengthens the report and positions Grand Forks to play a significant role in Arctic missions. Heitkamp invited General Robinson in June to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base to see its potential for Arctic missions.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D5296C23-8AF9-4E75-97D2-A2FE403C747C,Heitkamp-Requested GAO Report Confirms Strong Need for Reliable Mail Service in Rural Areas,2016-10-20,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced the results of a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report she requested which confirmed what Heitkamp and rural North Dakotans have long known – that families and businesses in rural areas still rely strongly on the U.S. Postal Service regardless of their high-speed internet connection.
Last year, Heitkamp and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) called for the GAO to examine the correlation between limited access to high-speed internet in rural areas and the reliability of the U.S. Postal Service in those areas. The study found that rural Americans count on efficient, reliable mail service, and that reliance is even higher in areas where high-speed internet access is limited.
Today’s report builds on the case Heitkamp has been making to the U.S. Postal Service about the need to improve mail service in rural communities, where demand for consistent, dependable service is particularly high. In August, Heitkamp brought U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to Bismarck to hear directly from community members about the impact of mail service issues on their families and businesses. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has included concerns from North Dakotans in her push for legislative reforms for better rural mail service.
“For North Dakotans in rural communities – whether they have access to high-speed internet or not – reliable mail service is a key ingredient to a successful business and staying connected,” said Heitkamp. “But too often, that high-quality service is not delivered – and that’s exactly what Senator McCaskill and I are working to improve. Today, we received the results of a Government Accountability Office study we requested which affirmed what folks in rural states have long known – that communities and businesses in rural areas depend on mail service regardless of their internet connection. By providing more clarity, we can make sure dependable mail service is prioritized in the rural communities where it is needed the most.”
North Dakotans in rural communities rely heavily on the Postal Service to support their businesses and to connect them with family, and are disproportionately impacted by poor service and delivery – a point echoed in a Postal Service Inspector General report on mail volume. Over the past few years, rural America has faced increased delivery times, reduced service standards, and a distressed Postal Service workforce.
Long an advocate for improved mail delivery in North Dakota, Heitkamp’s efforts began shortly after taking office in 2013 when she heard from constituents about ongoing problems with mail service.
Heitkamp’s work to tackle mail service issues includes:
 
Resolving chronic mail issues in South Fargo. In January, Heitkamp pressed Brennan on severe mail issues in South Fargo. After reviewing the performance, the Postal Service brought in a carrier with 30 years of experience.
 
 
Shedding light on longstanding mail issues across North Dakota. As part of her Fix My Mail initiative, Heitkamp requested a review of the state’s mail delivery service challenges, which prompted a Postal Service Office of Inspector General formal report on North Dakota’s severe mail service problems.
Addressing mail concerns in rural North Dakota communities. Based on feedback from her Fix My Mail initiative launched in 2014, Heitkamp introduced her Rural Postal Act in 2015 to address the mail delivery concerns and challenges she heard about from North Dakotans. Key pieces and themes from Heitkamp’s bill have been included in comprehensive postal reform legislation in the U.S. Senate. Stories from the initiative also prompted Heitkamp to request a Postal Service Inspector General report, which confirmed the problems North Dakotans had shared with Heitkamp.
 
 
Gathering feedback from North Dakotans to hold the Postal Service accountable and achieve results. Since Heitkamp launched her Fix My Mail survey in February, she has received almost 600 responses from North Dakotans about specific mail delivery challenges – the vast majority of which contained personal stories about the issues they had experienced. Heitkamp relayed these challenges to Brennan and requested a prompt response to improve mail service. 
Inspiring change at the U.S. Postal Service: Inspired by Heitkamp’s Fix My Mail initiative and survey, the Postal Service has launched a new customer service program aimed at improving mail delivery and service. The ‘Your Mail Matters’ program is encouraging North Dakotans to share their mail service challenges with the Postal Service via email, YourMailMatters@usps.gov, and a service line, 605-333-2648, which is managed and operated by the Postal Service District Office in Sioux Falls, S.D.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=49CCEDA3-1C21-43BE-BE53-0BAED9066EF6,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for North Dakotas Specialty Crop Industry,2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, announced over $2.5 million in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to support 28 projects in the state that will research, develop, and promote specialty crops – such as peas, dry beans and flax – in North Dakota.
“Standing up for North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers is a top priority of mine in the U.S. Senate, and research investments in particular are a top priority for me going into the next Farm Bill,” said Heitkamp. “As our state’s agricultural industry continues to diversify, we must support specialty crops through research and development so that farmers are able to reduce their cost, increase yields, and get their crops to market. This federal funding announced today will help economies grow by improving the production of locally grown crops and getting them to consumers’ tables in North Dakota and across the globe.”
These federal funds are authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill, which Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass. The federal grants are made available through the U.S. Department Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and will specifically provide federal funding to universities, like North Dakota State University, and other agricultural organizations that will bolster the development and competitiveness of specialty crops, including the study of plant disease that can destroy dry pea and lentil crops and promoting the trade of crops grown in North Dakota to other countries. A full list of the projects and descriptions can be found here.
Since the 2014 Farm Bill became law Heitkamp has been working to make sure it is implemented properly by meeting with farmers and ranchers throughout the state, like she recently did with a two-day tour of North Dakota’s agricultural industry. Heitkamp took this opportunity to hear directly from farmers and ranchers about what is working for them in the current Farm Bill and what she can do to fight for a stronger Farm Bill in 2018.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=85A76ABA-4EB0-44BB-AD53-6A357A2BB686,"Heitkamp Calls on USPS to Address Service Disruptions in Halliday, Amidon",2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called on U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to take concrete steps to protect quality mail delivery and service in Amidon and Halliday now and in the future following the news of the anticipated post office closure in Amidon and service disruption in Halliday.
Heitkamp pressed Brennan to make sure her agency is listening to the needs of the Amidon and Halliday communities, and to communicate a comprehensive plan on how the needs of both communities to access the full array of postal services will be met.
“No North Dakotan should have to see their standard of service interrupted or their local post office disappear – but too often, many rural families and businesses experience disruptions – without much prior warning, explanation, or future plan in place from USPS,” said Heitkamp. “That’s unacceptable. Today I called on Postmaster General Brennan to address the recently announced post office challenges in Amidon and Halliday – communities that rely heavily on mail service. It’s absolutely critical that the Postal Service not only listens to their concerns, but communicates a solid plan on how their service will be maintained. When I brought Postmaster General Brennan to Bismarck two months ago, I know she heard the challenges expressed by our business owners and community members loud and clear – and I’ll keep pressing to make sure the Postal Service puts the lasting solutions we discussed to work for mail service folks can count on.”Click here to read Heitkamp’s letter to Brennan about the impending post office closure in Amidon, and here to read her letter to Brennan about the post office closure in Halliday.
Today’s call builds on months of Heitkamp’s work to improve mail service across North Dakota – particularly in rural areas – through her Fix My Mail initiative and survey, to which hundreds of North Dakotans have responded with stories on the mail challenges they have experienced at their home, business or community. Just two months ago, Heitkamp brought Brennan to North Dakota to visit a mail processing facility, hear firsthand from community and business leaders about how North Dakotans have been impacted by slow service and delivery delays, and to discuss lasting solutions to improve their mail delivery and service.
Brennan agreed to Heitkamp’s request to visit North Dakota in April after Heitkamp shared her Fix My Mail survey results with the Postmaster General. To date, nearly 600 North Dakotans have filled out the Fix My Mail survey since its February launch. The results revealed major challenges for residents throughout the state – from medications and tax information lost or delayed in the mail, to batches of checks taking 10-20 days to travel 180 miles across the state.
North Dakotans in rural communities rely heavily on the Postal Service to support their businesses and to connect them with family, and are disproportionately impacted by poor service and delivery – a point echoed in a Postal Service Inspector General report on mail volume. Over the past few years, rural America has faced increased delivery times, reduced service standards, and a distressed Postal Service workforce.
Long an advocate for improved mail delivery in North Dakota, Heitkamp’s efforts began shortly after taking office in 2013 when she heard from constituents about ongoing problems with mail service.
Heitkamp’s work to tackle mail service issues includes:
 
Resolving chronic mail issues in South Fargo. In January, Heitkamp pressed Brennan on severe mail issues in South Fargo. After reviewing the performance, the Postal Service brought in a carrier with 30 years of experience.
 
 
Shedding light on longstanding mail issues across North Dakota. As part of her Fix My Mail initiative, Heitkamp requested a review of the state’s mail delivery service challenges, which prompted a Postal Service Office of Inspector General formal report on North Dakota’s severe mail service problems.
Addressing mail concerns in rural North Dakota communities. Based on feedback from her Fix My Mail initiative launched in 2014, Heitkamp introduced her Rural Postal Act in 2015 to address the mail delivery concerns and challenges she heard about from more than 200 North Dakotans. Key pieces and themes from Heitkamp’s bill have been included in new, comprehensive postal reform legislation. Stories from the initiative also prompted Heitkamp to request a Postal Service Inspector General report, which confirmed the problems North Dakotans had shared with Heitkamp.
 
 
Gathering feedback from North Dakotans to hold the Postal Service accountable and achieve results. Since Heitkamp launched her Fix My Mail survey in February, she has received almost 600 responses from North Dakotans about specific mail delivery challenges – the vast majority of which contained personal stories about the issues they had experienced. Heitkamp relayed these challenges to Brennan and requested a prompt response to improve mail service. 
Inspiring change at the U.S. Postal Service: Inspired by Heitkamp’s Fix My Mail initiative and survey, the Postal Service has launched a new customer service program aimed at improving mail delivery and service. The ‘Your Mail Matters’ program is encouraging North Dakotans to share their mail service challenges with the Postal Service via email, YourMailMatters@usps.gov, and a service line, 605-333-2648, which is managed and operated by the Postal Service District Office in Sioux Falls, S.D.
 
   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D14E567E-68F1-462F-8FC2-4047DE59ACDA,"ND Congressional Delegation Denounce Criminal Displacement of Livestock, Call for Federal Reinforcements",2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In denouncing the recent news of the unlawful butchering and displacement of livestock near Cannon Ball, U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp, John Hoeven, and Congressman Kevin Cramer today called for federal resources to support the efforts of Morton County law enforcement to keep tribes, ranchers, workers, and their property safe.
“When tensions are high, North Dakotans have always been able to count on one another to treat our neighbors, our land, and our livestock with dignity and respect,” said Heitkamp. “That’s what makes the news of unlawful butchering and taking of livestock so appalling. If the Administration is serious about maintaining the peace and sanctity of this land and our communities, it’s absolutely critical that it steps in with the support our local law enforcement needs to keep our ranchers, our tribes, and the protesters protected. For months I’ve been pushing our federal agencies to provide the resources and certainty North Dakotans need, and I’ll keep it up – because no family or business should have to fear for their personal safety or the safety of their property.”
“Stealing and butchering livestock is something no one can justify,” said Hoeven. “It represents not only the destruction of private property, but also deprives hardworking ranchers of their livelihood and causes them to fear for the safety of themselves and their families. We continue our call for the Obama Administration to provide much-needed assistance to state and local law enforcement to ensure that people and property are protected from this kind of unlawful activity. Also, the administration needs to act decisively and allow pipeline construction to proceed to completion so that the protest can be brought to an end and residents can resume their lives without fear of harm.”
“The Administration is to blame for this senseless act,” said Cramer.  “Unfortunately, the President and his bureaucrats will be able to hide behind sovereign immunity, providing no means for civil relief from those who are most at fault.  Just what must occur before Washington will step in and end this?”         
Click here to read the letter sent to U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General Loretta Lynch, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General Lieutenant Todd Semonite, requesting federal reinforcements for North Dakota state and federal law enforcement.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3E21F537-3500-406F-A6CD-D9C749D95803,"President Signs Heitkamp, Murkowski Bill to Stand up for Native Children into Law",2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today announced that President Obama signed their bipartisan bill to improve the lives of Native American children into law.
Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives last month, and last year in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate again affirmed the bill which included minor changes made in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources when it unanimously approved the bill in July. The vote followed Heitkamp’s testimony before the Committee in May about the urgent need to pass their bill to implement solutions that will help address the overwhelming obstacles Native children face – including experiencing levels of post-traumatic stress similar to levels faced by newly returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, dramatically increased risks of suicide, and lower high school graduation rates than any racial or ethnic demographic in the country. Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill will work to address these and other challenges to promote better outcomes for Native youth.
Specifically, Heitkamp and Murkowski’s bill creates a Commission on Native Children to identify the complex challenges facing Native children in North Dakota, Alaska, and across the United States by conducting an intensive study on these issues – including high rates of poverty, staggering unemployment, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, substance abuse, and dire economic opportunities – and making recommendations on how to make sure Native children get the protections, as well as economic and educational tools they need to thrive.
“For every Native child whose chance to flourish has been stifled by the overwhelming odds stacked against them, today belongs to them,” said Heitkamp. “For these children, the president’s signature on a bill dedicated to fighting the myriad of challenges they face means more than tackling barriers including unsafe housing conditions, epidemic levels of suicide, and a dire lack of educational or economic opportunity. It means showing every child across Indian Country who has ever felt isolated or hopeless that they are not alone. When I first stepped foot in the U.S. Senate, I promised to work to change outcomes for Native young people, and that’s exactly what this legislation – the very first I introduced – aims to do. By creating the Commission on Native Children, we can break down the silos that prevent Native youth from receiving the critical services they need, make sure the voices of Native young people, leaders, and advocates are heard, and build resources for Native youth that are made to last. Together with Senator Murkowski, we earned the unanimous support of Congress. With the president’s signature today, we can now get to work on improving the lives of Native young people for generations to come.”
“I am so pleased to see this piece of legislation cross the finish line, creating a commission established in memory of the late Dr. Walter Soboleff, a treasured Alaska Native elder and a champion for Native youth. I can cite many examples of young Native people who are living healthy lives and doing great things for their people. Yet far too many have found themselves in a world of despair,” said Murkowski. “There is an urgent need for a broad range of stakeholders to come to the table and formulate plans to give every young Native person a fighting chance at a productive life.” 
“I applaud the Congress and in particular Senator Heitkamp for the efforts that made this new law possible.” said President Obama. “Upon signing the bill my Administration will begin seeking appointments for the Commission from the Congress so we can implement this legislation as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing the Commission’s work in the years to come – work that will help ensure all our young people can reach their full potential.”
As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Heitkamp first introduced the bill in 2013 to create a Commission on Native Children as her first bill in the U.S. Senate where it quickly gained bipartisan momentum. In June 2015, Heitkamp’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate and was introduced by both Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Since her time as North Dakota’s Attorney General, Heitkamp has been committed to working with both sides of the aisle to develop policies that advance Native American priorities and improve the lives of Native youth for generations to come.
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, named for the former Chairwoman of Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation in North Dakota, and Alaska Native Elder and statesman, respectively, has been widely praised by a cross-section of tribal leaders and organizations from North Dakota, Alaska, and around the country. It has also been lauded by former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Byron Dorgan, the National Congress of American Indians, and the National Indian Education Association, among others.
Background: 
Conditions for young people in Indian Country are tragic. For example:

Tribal governments face numerous obstacles in responding to the needs of Native children. Existing programmatic rules and the volume of resources required to access grant opportunities stymie efforts of tribes to tackle these issues. At the same time, federal agencies lack clear guidance about the direction that should be taken to best address the needs of Native children to fulfill our trust responsibility to tribal nations.
To help reverse these impacts, the Commission on Native Children will 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 will issue a report to address a series of challenges currently facing Native children. A Native Children Subcommittee will also provide advice to the Commission. The Commission’s report will address how to achieve:
 
Better Use of Existing Resources – The Commission will identify ways to streamline current federal, state, and local programs to be more effective and give tribes greater flexibility to devise programs for their communities in the spirit of self-determination and allow government agencies to redirect resources to the areas of most need.
Increased Coordination – The Commission will seek to improve coordination of existing programs benefitting Native children.  The federal government houses programs across numerous different agencies, yet these programs too often do not work together. 
Measurable Outcomes – The Commission will recommend measures to determine the wellbeing of Native children, and use these measurements to propose short-term, mid-term, and long-term national policy goals.
Stronger Data – The Commission will seek to develop better data collection methods.  Too often Native children are left out of the conversation because existing data collection, reporting, and analysis practices exclude them.
Stronger Private Sector Partnerships – The Commission will seek to identify obstacles to public-private partnerships in Native communities.
Implementation of Best Practices – The Commission will identify and highlight successful models that can   be adopted in Native communities.
 
For a summary of the bill, click here. For quotations from the five Native American tribes in North Dakota, as well as Senator Byron Dorgan, strongly supporting the bill click here, and for quotations from national supporters, click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6AD70EE-90F7-40C2-875A-DE0247FFEBC0,Heitkamp Encourages Eligible North Dakota Fire Departments to Apply for Federal Grants,2016-10-12,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heitkamp Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, encouraged eligible North Dakota fire departments, first responders, and state fire training academies to apply for federal grant funding that will help make sure they have the training, equipment, and resources needed to do their jobs and stay safe.
“As a daughter of a volunteer firefighter, I understand the sacrifice and risk North Dakota first responders sign up for to keep our communities safe. That’s why I’ve been working in the U.S. Senate to make sure they have the right training and equipment to answer the call during emergencies,” said Heitkamp. “These federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants can help support and prepare our first responders for urgent situations when our families need them most, and I encourage all eligible fire departments and first responders to apply.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The AFG Program provides federal funding directly to North Dakota fire departments, first responders, and state fire training services academy to help purchase equipment and further training that will help them stay safe when they are responding to emergencies. Eligible applicants can start to apply for AFG grants starting today and must have their application materials in by Friday, November 18, 2016.
All eligible fire departments, first responder organizations, and state fire training academies are encouraged to apply. Information on AFG funds can be found by clicking here and additional assistance on applying for grants can be found by going to grants.gov. A “Get Ready Guide”, is also available to provide further information and to help prepare grant applications.
Since the train derailment in Casselton in late 2013, Heitkamp has been working to make sure firefighters and first responders have the tools and proper training they need to respond to emergencies and return home safely. Heitkamp’s reintroduced her Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act that would help first responders access quality training, as well as effective communications and other appropriate resources. Specifically, her bill would establish a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders and make resource and policy recommendations to Congress.
In August, Heitkamp released her Strong & Safe Communities Report that offers a comprehensive set of proposals to address emerging challenge in North Dakota. The Strong and Safe Communities Initiative was launched in 2014 to address issues North Dakota was facing in the wake of the state’s energy boom like increased transpiration of crude by rail, economic and community impact issues, and border security. Heitkamp has been meeting with federal officials to make sure federal funding is readily available for North Dakota’s first responders, including by bringing U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas to North Dakota to see first a hand the need to train and recruit volunteer firefighters. In 2016, North Dakota received federal funding through the AFG program, including the $391,882 federal grant made available to the State Fire Training Academy as well as more than $50,000 made available to the fire departments in Linton and in Hazen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=ECE7BFA8-09B5-4F88-8436-912B92314654,Heitkamp Addresses the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the New Williston Basin International Airport,2016-10-10,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WILLISTON, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today reinforced the need to continue strong support for western North Dakota’s growing community during her remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Williston Basin International Airport. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction of the region’s much-needed transportation infrastructure project.
“The northwest region of North Dakota has experienced rapid growth of its economy and population, putting a large demand on the area’s transportation infrastructure including Williston’s airport,” said Heitkamp. “We have to make sure we are doing what we can support North Dakota’s needs for tomorrow. Through the hard work and dedication the city of Williston and the surrounding area, we are now marking a significant step forward on a new and modern airport. The new Williston Basin International Airport is a significant investment in the region that will allow families to get to where they need to go, help small business transport their goods to market, and handle new demands of our growing communities.”
The new Williston Basin International Airport will be able to accommodate the growing needs of Williston and the surrounding area.
Heitkamp has been a steadfast partner and advocate for the construction of a new airport in Williston that can meet the needs of an expanding region of North Dakota. In April 2014, Heitkamp brought Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta to western North Dakota to see firsthand the impact the energy boom has had on the state. Following Huerta’s visit, Heitkamp urged him to approve the construction of a new airport in Williston and fought for appropriate funding to move forward on the construction. In September 2015 the FAA invested $27 million in federal funding to support the relocation of Williston’s airport and in September 2016 the FAA invested an additional $26 million for construction of the new airport.
The current airport in Williston has witnessed a significant increase in travel. Starting in 2007, the yearly enplanements at the Williston Airport have increased from 7,800 to 120,900 in 2014. This has put a large strain on the airport’s infrastructure that was originally designed to accommodate 30-passenger turbo props when today it is handling 50-passenger regional jets. With the airport stretching its capacity and limiting its ability to accommodate larger planes, it severely limits the region’s ability to grow and requires the construction of a new modern airport.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A2DB677-36C6-4927-81C5-B6B936EF8D0E,Heitkamp Statement on Federal Appeals Court Decision Regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline,2016-10-09,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D.  – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp released the following statement on today’s federal appeals court ruling to dissolve the administrative injunction on the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.
“For North Dakota communities, today’s court decision does not deliver the finality or the safety they deserve – nor is it likely the last legal step,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I’ve been pressing the Army Corps of Engineers to make a decision determining the course of the pipeline while pushing for federal law enforcement resources our officers need to keep the peace on the ground. As a harsh North Dakota winter approaches and tensions continue to rise, protecting protesters, workers, and surrounding communities will be crucial – and I’ll keep working to secure the resources and the certainty they need to stay safe.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=595620F3-15B8-4900-9101-F54467D2E3B0,Heitkamp: Arrest of Backpage.com CEO is Needed Step Toward Holding Site Accountable for its Role in Online Human Trafficking,2016-10-07,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp called the arrest of Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer a needed step in halting his website’s role in enabling sex trafficking online. The arrest follows months of Heitkamp’s work to hold Ferrer and the website accountable for providing a platform for human trafficking of men, women, and children, which helped lead to the U.S. Senate’s unanimous and historic vote to hold Ferrer in contempt of Congress.
As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Heitkamp has been working to help the subcommittee gain information on how websites such as Backpage.com contribute to human trafficking and allow perpetrators to advertise their victims.
Last fall, Heitkamp blasted Ferrer for refusing the subcommittee’s subpoena to testify and for his company’s refusal to provide information on its purported use of safeguards to prevent human traffickers from using the site as a platform, and voted unanimously with the subcommittee to hold Ferrer and Backpage.com in civil contempt of Congress. That vote preceded the U.S. Senate’s unanimous vote in March, which Heitkamp joined, to launch civil contempt proceedings against site – the first time in 20 years the U.S. Senate has held anyone in contempt of Congress.
“Human trafficking is among the most insidious crimes our nation has ever seen – in part because websites like Backpage.com provide the anonymity and the platform for them to thrive,” said Heitkamp. “If we’re serious about stopping these crimes, we need to hold Backpage.com accountable – that’s why it’s great news that the website’s CEO Carl Ferrer has been arrested for his role in promoting and profiting from trafficking of women, children and men for sex. For months I’ve been working to pull back the curtain on Ferrer and Backpage, which led to the U.S. Senate’s first vote in 20 years to hold someone in contempt of Congress. But our fight isn’t over. I’ll keep working to halt one of the top mediums for buying and selling victims of trafficking – including minors in North Dakota.”Long an advocate against human trafficking, Heitkamp led an initial hearing in September 2013 to sound the alarm on the prevalence of human trafficking right in our own backyard, including in North Dakota. Since then, Heitkamp has continued to look at how the federal government can provide better protections for victims, including by holding discussions about liability in civil and criminal cases for companies like Backpage.com, which provide platforms for the trafficking of men, women and children.
Over the past two years, Heitkamp has also teamed up with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials to hold multiple trainings for North Dakotans, statewide women leaders, and law enforcement and victims service providers on how to identify, report, and investigate incidents of human trafficking.
Background: 
Heitkamp has been leading the charge to combat human trafficking in North Dakota and across the nation by:
For the past several years, Heitkamp has been leading the charge to combat human trafficking in North Dakota and across the nation by:

 
Passing strong bipartisan legislation to fight against human trafficking. Heitkamp helped introduce, and played an integral role in passing in the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan legislation which the president signed into law in May 2015. The final bill provides greater assistance to victims of human trafficking, increased resources to law enforcement and victims’ services organizations, and secures greater punishments for perpetrators of these horrific crimes. The package also contains provisions Heitkamp fought for and won – including stricter punishments against traffickers who transport victims across state lines, and legal protections from her Safe Harbor bill with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to make sure victims are not treated as criminals.
 
 
Pressing for a federal presence to fight crime in Indian Country. After inviting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to North Dakota last October in calling for lasting solutions to fighting crime like human trafficking on tribal lands, Heitkamp brought Comey to Fort Berthold in June where they joined tribal leaders and law enforcement to discuss the urgent need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence and an improved federal response on the ground in Indian Country.
 
 
Working on bipartisan solutions to engage health care providers. In May 2015, Heitkamp and Collins introduced bipartisan legislation to give health care providers – including doctors, nurses, and social workers – training to help identify and protect victims of human trafficking. Recent studies suggest that nearly one-third of women trafficked in America saw a health care professional while they were still captive to these crimes.
 
 
Advocating for protections for young people at risk. Heitkamp has been a strong advocate and cosponsor of a bipartisan bill which would help protect runaway and homeless youth, some of the most susceptible targets of human traffickers. She is continuing to push the Senate to pass the bill. In July 2015, Heitkamp successfully secured landmark anti-human trafficking protections for children in schools in the No Child Left Behind reform legislation.
 
 
Addressing human trafficking as a community issue. In September 2014, Heitkamp launched her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to address emerging challenges throughout North Dakota in the wake of the state’s energy boom, including human and sex trafficking. In June 2015, Heitkamp brought international anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain to Bismarck for a Strong & Safe Communities roundtable on the challenges and next steps in North Dakota’s fight against human trafficking.
 
 
Engaging and uniting North Dakotans in the fight against trafficking: In October 2015, Heitkamp brought DHS Blue Campaign Chair Maria Odom – a program within DHS whose agency dedicated solely to eradicating fighting human trafficking across the country – across North Dakota to work with advocates, and law enforcement, and tribal officials to develop potential areas of partnerships to help the state fight these crimes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A9AEABA5-65ED-4527-BCEE-8DA62CF28024,Heitkamp Welcomes 7 Interns and 2 Fellows to Washington and North Dakota Offices,2016-10-07,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced a total of nine interns and fellows in her Washington, D.C. and North Dakota offices.
“The ability to serve North Dakota communities is the most rewarding aspect of working in the United States Senate,” said Heitkamp. “Each day, the interns working in my offices in North Dakota and Washington bring their passion and enthusiasm to learning invaluable skills about public service whether they are communicating with folks from back home or helping move legislation forward that will have positive impact on North Dakota families and businesses. I encourage any current college student or recent graduate interested in making a difference in our state to apply for an internship and explore their potential in public leadership.”
Watch this video to learn more about internship opportunities in Heitkamp’s offices.
Washington, D.C. Office
Anna Diederich from Fargo – Anna is a graduate from Arizona State University where she studied business management with a concentration in international business and tourism.
Beaumont Dixon from Charleston, S.C. – Beau will be attending Boston College next fall to study political science.
Chris Griffin from Portland, O.R. – Chris is a third-year law student at Lewis and Clark Law School. Prior to law school, Chris worked in health care as a radiologist in the U.S. Air Force and within the Department of Veterans Affairs and received his M.D. from the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.
Felicia Luccia from Scranton, P.A. – Felicia received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College and her PhD in chemistry from Tufts University.
Tariro Makoni from Minot – Tariro is a junior at the Johns Hopkins University where she is pursuing a double major in sociology and international studies with a focus on global business.
Virginia Hagerott from Annapolis, M.D. – Virginia attends the University of Maryland where she is studying environmental science.
Fargo Office
Kelsey Boe from Mylo – Kelsey is currently pursuing a marketing degree from North Dakota State University.
Savanna Thielbar from Luverne, M.N. – Savanna is attending North Dakota State University where she is studying political science as well as women and gender studies.
Grand Forks Office
Roy Harr from Pittsburgh, P.A. – Roy earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography from the University of Pittsburgh.
Heitkamp is offering internships in her North Dakota and Washington, D.C. offices and is currently seeking spring interns. Students interested in politics, government, the legislative process, and public service are encouraged to apply. Click here for details and the application.
Successful candidates will be those who demonstrate leadership, thoughtfulness, creativity, a strong attention to detail, and a sense of public service. Preference will be given to students who are from North Dakota. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74CAE8CB-DDF2-4091-9382-C76DDD8A2B2C,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Mental Health Services and Combating Drug Abuse,2016-10-06,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $290,000 to support mental health services and combat substance abuse in North Dakota and on the Spirit Lake reservation.
“Taking a comprehensive view of mental health in how we treat, diagnose, and understand it will lead to a better way of life for the countless folks who experience mental health challenges,” said Heitkamp. “We know that substance addiction and abuse can often be traced back to mental health issues, so if we’re serious about treating substance abuse we must strive to improve our understanding of mental health and how to treat it. The federal funds announced today will strengthen North Dakota’s and the Spirit Lake Tribe’s ability to combat substance abuse and treat mental health so individuals and families can lead healthy and productive lives.”
These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Mental Health Services and are distributed as follows:
 
Spirit Lake Tribe: $195,587
 
 
North Dakota Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health: $95,000
 
Heitkamp is a strong advocate for addressing mental health challenges and the potential substance abuse that they can lead to. This summer, Heitkamp worked to address the challenges children in Indian Country face by highlighting the impact that a traumatic experience can have on the mental wellbeing of individuals, particularly among children. Additionally, as part of her Strong and Safe Communities Report, Heitkamp emphasized the need to address mental health challenges that can potentially lead to problems in the future, such as crime and drug abuse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=78FE7E28-2F88-40B1-970C-C8B45C35D27D,Heitkamp Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tour of Rape & Abuse Crisis Center,2016-10-06,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today toured Fargo’s Rape and Abuse Crisis Center – which offers resources for domestic, sexual, and dating violence survivors – and thanked staff and board members for helping victims, educating the community, and preventing violence.
Heitkamp’s tour of the center coincided with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is recognized every October to encourage conversation about rape and abuse, to reduce stigma, and to help victims escape and recover from violent situations.
“As North Dakota’s attorney general in the 90s and now in the U.S. Senate, I’ve fought to combat domestic violence, bring perpetrators to justice, and help victims recover,” said Heitkamp. “During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s our duty to say thank you to folks at organizations like the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center who are on the ground making victims’ lives better every day, and raising awareness across our community. The counseling, education, and prevention the center provides make a difference for so many North Dakota women, children, and men who have been survived these crimes, and those who are still seeking recovery.”
“As Senator Heitkamp has said, our center supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault every month of the year – 24 hours a day, seven days a week” said Myla Korbel, program director at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. “I’d like to thank Senator Heitkamp for joining us to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and for being a strong advocate since her days as attorney general. Last year alone, our staff of 40 helped more than 3,000 victims of sexual and domestic violence, including 500 children. We work every day through advocacy, outreach, counseling, and education to prevent domestic violence and help victims in our community.”
The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center operates a 24-hour crisis hotline staffed by trained advocates. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, you can reach out to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center at (701) 293-7273.
Since serving as North Dakota’s Attorney General in the 1990s, Heitkamp has worked to prevent domestic abuse of women, men, and children through the original implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). According to the Justice Department, annual incidences of domestic violence have fallen more than 60 percent since 1993 – results that are due in large part to VAWA.
As a U.S. Senator, Heitkamp fought in 2013 to reauthorize and strengthen VAWA as one of the first bills she cosponsored upon entering the U.S. Senate.
Last year, Heitkamp supported a year-end spending deal that included a significant increase in federal funding to support domestic violence victims. The $480 million in federal support from the Office on Violence Against Women was a $50 million increase from the previous year, to be used for victims’ services, legal, training and technical assistance, as well as research and analysis on violence against Native women. 
Since joining the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has worked to combat domestic violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children by:
 
Successfully fighting for greater protections for tribal communities in Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. The first bill Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate was the reauthorization of VAWA, which she then played a key role in pushing through Congress. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in VAWA to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.
 
 
Securing greater legal protections and services for domestic and sexual violence victims. In November 2015, Heitkamp’s bipartisan Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent or POWER Act (POWER Act) to help combat domestic abuse and sexual violence by promoting pro-bono legal services unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. The bill was introduced in the House last month.
 
 
Raising awareness of domestic violence resources in North Dakota. In October 2014, Heitkamp met with community leaders, advocates, and victims services in Fargo and Minot to highlight the need to address domestic violence as a public health crisis. Heitkamp also toured the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) in Grand Forks in January of 2015 and in Minot in March of 2015 to see programs supporting victims and combatting domestic violence in the region.
 
 
Addressing emerging challenges in North Dakota to better combat domestic violence. In 2014, Heitkamp convened a task force of experts, law enforcement and leaders across the state in launching her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative to address emerging challenges – including a rise in domestic violence – in the wake of the oil and gas boom. In October 2015, Heitkamp hosted her Strong & Safe Communities Summit with about 150 community leaders to discuss solutions on domestic violence and a host of other issues facing the state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=89AAB236-2C24-451C-A213-E02B8420378B,Heitkamp Announces Heidi Helps Session in Jamestown on October 13,2016-10-06,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her staff will hold a “Heidi Helps” session in Jamestown on Thursday, October 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jamestown Public Library’s Alfred Dickey Branch. The library is located at 105 3rd Street SE.
During the session Heitkamp’s staff will help North Dakotans address federal concerns such as veterans’ benefits, social security, and more.
“Holding ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions in Jamestown and across North Dakota is a great way to make sure folks have easy access to my staff and the support they can provide with federal issues,” said Heitkamp. “Past ‘Heidi Helps’ sessions – from Bottineau to Wahpeton and beyond – have been a great opportunity for North Dakotans to meet with my staff, especially for folks who don’t live near one of my five state offices. Getting into your communities helps me stay informed about how I can best advocate for you in the U.S. Senate.”
Heitkamp’s staff holds “Heidi Helps” sessions to better serve North Dakotans who don’t live near one of her five state offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. The sessions are held in temporary locations for a few hours to help Heitkamp and her staff guarantee they’re as accessible and helpful as possible to communities all across North Dakota.
Past sessions have been held in Wahpeton, Bottineau, New Rockford, Lisbon, and Langdon.
Members of Heitkamp’s staff will be available to assist North Dakotans with questions and casework, and to provide information about internship opportunities and service academy nominations. All information provided is private and confidential. No appointments are necessary.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=621C7B72-712D-4FCE-82F2-41A2D5D3BE5C,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Rural Businesses and Communities,2016-10-05,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, announced 11 federal grants and one federal loan totaling over $1.7 million that will support employment and infrastructure improvements for small businesses in rural North Dakota.
“Rural North Dakota is a top priority of mine in the U.S. Senate,” said Heitkamp. “These small communities are homes to families, friends, and small businesses that make up the heart of rural America, that’s why we need to make smart investments in their future. Today’s federal funding will help rural businesses find new markets, develop their products, and expand to create new employment opportunities.”
The federal grant funding is made available through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants that assist small and emerging businesses in rural communities with training and development to expand their businesses. The grants are distributed as follows:
 
Anamoose: $218,462 in federal funding to renovate an existing building that will be leased as a restaurant which will serve locally grown produce and meats as well as support job growth in the area.
 
 
Dakota College, Bottineau: $108,800 in federal funding to expand the aquaponics facility that will help students and local entrepreneurs start businesses to grow employment opportunities and increase food production.
 
 
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $103,994 in federal funding that will provide training and education to support locally produced foods and services at local farmers markets.
 
 
REAP Investment Fund, Inc.: $86,764 in federal funding to support training and education of local producers to grow foods like grapes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables that can be sold to schools, hospitals, and nursing homes as well as help with expanding the North Dakota wine industry.
 
 
Tuttle Betterment Club, Inc.: $51,090 in federal funding to purchase kitchen equipment that will assist entrepreneurs in developing their food product for resale to grow their small businesses.
 
 
Bowman County Fair Association: $37,000 in federal funding to purchase kitchen equipment that will help entrepreneurs develop their food product for resale to grow their small businesses.
 
 
Pembina County Job Development Authority: $30,000 in federal funding that will provide education and training to small businesses to help with employee retention and expansion.
 
 
Michigan, N.D.: $26,910 in federal funding to purchase kitchen equipment that can be leased to a local restaurant for its reopening, which could help create new jobs.
 
 
Dakota College, Bottineau: $21,482 in federal funding that will support student and individual education of sustainable vegetable farming techniques and other agricultural training for the region.
 
 
Sacred Pipe Resource Center: $17,000 in federal funding to gather and assess information on the local food economy for the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation that will help identify which foods are consumed and can be grown locally.
 
 
Hettinger: $15,715 in federal funding to lease fitness equipment to Jackson Training Systems to expand health and wellness services and support employment.
 
The federal loan is made available through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program and is distributed as follows:
 
West River Telecommunications Cooperative: $1 million in federal lending that will assist the Sakakawea Medical Center construct a hospital and clinic in Hazen.
 
Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee has long been promoting local economic growth by working to help boost small businesses and employment opportunities in small communities and rural areas. In March, Heitkamp introduced her Startup Entrepreneur Empowerment Delivery (SEED) Act that would create a federal pilot program to grant up to $120,000 in federal funds to small cities with a population of 200,000 or less that would be used to help small business get started. Heitkamp’s bill aims to identify and promote the innovative ideas that are emerging in more rural communities throughout the country between New York and Silicon Valley.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A917EA91-ECFF-43A9-B999-E146C610A6A4,"Heitkamp, Ernst Announce House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Federal Efficiency",2016-10-04,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa released the following statements after their bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“Making sure federal programs are well managed is key to creating effective and helpful relationships among federal agencies, communities and businesses, whether it’s in energy, agriculture, or any other field,” said Heitkamp. “This bipartisan bill aims to give federal agencies a framework for better managing their programs, helping us reduce waste and promote effective management practices. Now that my bipartisan bill with Senator Ernst has passed in the House, we’ll continue to work to send it to the president’s desk to be signed into law.”
“I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed our bipartisan legislation that will help put a stop to the billions of wasted taxpayer dollars that fall victim to mismanagement throughout the federal government,” said Ernst. “By requiring the government to streamline and adopt commonsense management standards, I am confident our bill can help prevent lax oversight, cost overruns, and deficiencies, while also raising the level of accountability for those that manage large federal programs. This is an important step toward making government more cost-effective and efficient. I look forward to continuing to work together with Senator Heitkamp and Congressmen Young and Connolly to ultimately send this much-needed government reform to the President’s desk.”
Only two weeks after Heitkamp and Ernst introduced their bill in 2015, the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs passed their bipartisan legislation. The full U.S. Senate passed a version of the bill in November 2015.
By increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst’s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the bar for the management of the federal programs communities need – and that taxpayers are counting on to run efficiently and effectively.
The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act would:
 
Establish a leader within each agency that is focused on program management.
 
 
Create an inter-agency Program Management Council to drive improvements through portfolio reviews of agency programs and encourages communication between agencies and program management professionals.
 
 
Require the development of a specific job category with distinct qualifications for project managers.
 
 
Require the federal government to adopt widely accepted program management best practices and standards.
 
 
Require the Government Accountability Office to issue a report three years after the bill’s enactment on its overall effectiveness and impact on program management in the federal government.
 
 
Work directly with the Department of Defense to improve its current procedures while making sure to not duplicate existing efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E9B2EAF8-9524-4D8F-95D9-87C6D03A5ED7,Heitkamp: New Fargo VA Pilot Program Will Improve Scheduling & Care for North Dakota Veterans,2016-10-04,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that a new pilot program will allow veterans to use the Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System to schedule appointments through the Veterans Choice Program starting today.
Area veterans currently schedule appointments for non-VA care under the Choice Program through HealthNet, a third party administrator that has created headaches for veterans seeking everything from routine checkups to life-saving cancer treatments in their home communities.  Effective today, the Choice Program Care Coordination initiative will allow veterans to contact the Fargo VA’s Clinical Resource Management Department at 866-517-9363 to schedule appointments directly rather than relying on HealthNet. 
“Making sure veterans can use the Fargo VA to schedule appointments is a critical step in fixing the Veterans Choice program, and it’s a move I’ve long called for,” said Heitkamp. “When I held a roundtable on the Choice Program in Grand Forks in August, I heard from veterans, the VA, and health providers about how to fix the program – and scheduling difficulties cropped up again and again in our discussion. Going forward, I’ll keep fighting to reform the Choice Program and guarantee our brave veterans get the care they need in their home communities.”
In August, Heitkamp brought together veterans, local VA leaders, and health care providers in Grand Forks to discuss fixes she has proposed to improve the Veterans Choice program, so that North Dakota veterans get quality, timely care in their home communities. As Heitkamp works to reform the program, she has been gathering insight from veterans and care providers.
Heitkamp helped introduce a bill to reform the Veterans Choice program in March. The Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community Act would give the VA flexibility to improve care for North Dakota veterans by streamlining and consolidating community care programs, while eliminating bureaucratic obstacles preventing veterans from accessing care.
Two provisions from that bill – which would boost VA spending flexibility and simplify VA medical provider agreements – were included in the Veterans First Act, a bill the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed in May. The bill is awaiting consideration by the Senate. 
Congress passed a bipartisan bill to reform the VA and improve access to care in 2014, and since then Heitkamp has pushed to make sure the bill is implemented properly – especially for veterans who live far from VA medical facilities. The reforms included a Veterans Choice program to allow veterans who have difficulty obtaining a timely appointment with the VA or live more than 40 miles from a VA health care facility to seek care from local providers. However, countless North Dakota veterans – as well as some participating community health providers – have shared serious challenges they have encountered in the new program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FC59521F-DEC8-4D8E-80E2-E641311AD145,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds to Support Law Enforcement in Grand Forks and West Fargo,2016-10-04,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling $625,000 that will help the Grand Forks Police Department and West Fargo hire additional police officers.
“Maintaining a robust law enforcement presence is a critical part of making sure officers can respond at a moment’s notice to keep North Dakota communities safe,” said Heitkamp. “Our peace officers face tough and increasing challenges every day – yet they continue to take the time to develop a deep relationship of trust and understanding with the neighborhoods and cities they protect. As North Dakota’s former Attorney General, I saw firsthand the positive impact our officers have on their communities, that’s why as a U.S. Senator for the state I’m advocating for the training, equipment, and federal support they need to stay safe. The federal funding announced today will help both the Grand Forks and West Fargo police department’s hire additional law enforcement officers with a priority on community policing that will keep all of North Dakota’s communities protected.”
These federal funds are made available through the U.S Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program Awards that assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies hire law enforcement officers to prevent crime and keep communities safe through new or continuing community policing initiatives. The federal funds are distributed as follows:
 
Grand Forks Police Department: $500,000 in federal funding to hire four law enforcement officers.
 
 
West Fargo: $125,000 in federal funding to hire one law enforcement officer.
 
Heitkamp, as a former North Dakota Attorney General, has a unique understanding of the COPS program’s role in supporting North Dakota’s law enforcement agencies and as a U.S. Senator has pushed the DOJ to appropriately fund North Dakota Law Enforcement Agencies. Recently, Heitkamp released her Strong & Safe Communities Report to address emerging challenges in North Dakota to keep our communities safe. A key pillar of her initiative is to make sure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to fight crime and keep North Dakota strong and safe.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5696AD48-621E-4CED-A9A8-0DACC786604A,Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives Committee,2016-10-03,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Even during Current Downturn in Oil Production, about One-Third of ND Crude Oil is Transported by Rail
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan legislation to make sure first responders are prepared to handle hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments, unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure – final step before a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. In May, Heitkamp’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate.
Since late 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Casselton, North Dakota, which was followed by several derailments nationwide, Heitkamp has been working to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for to hazmat incidents on the rails.
After a train derailment in Casselton, North Dakota in late 2013, which was followed by several derailments throughout the country including a second derailment of a crude oil train in North Dakota, Heitkamp has been pushing to make sure first responders have the tools and resources they need when responding to hazmat incidents on the rails to keep North Dakota’s communities strong and safe, as her bill aims to accomplish.
“Most of us can hardly imagine running toward flames in times of emergency, but that’s exactly what North Dakota’s emergency responders in Heimdal and Casselton did during crude oil train derailments, and it’s what our state’s nearly all-volunteer fire fighting forces prepare to do every day,” said Heitkamp. “After a crude oil train derailed in Casselton in 2013, I wanted to make sure that when oil trains derail, first responders across the country are equipped with the training and the tools they need to keep themselves are our communities safe. In May, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed my bill to provide those resources, and now, the U.S. House of Representatives is one step closer to making it a reality. Since Casselton, rural towns across the country have experienced derailments, and it’s my hope that the House swiftly votes on my legislation so we can prepare our first responders to protect our families, and return home safely to their own.”
Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act would enable first responders to get quality training and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications. Specifically, her bill would establish a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), would provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2015 by U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI).
Joining Heitkamp in supporting her RESPONSE Act as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Joni Ernst (R-IA).
Despite the current downturn in oil production, 32 percent of North Dakota crude oil is being transported by rail and will likely continue to into the future. On major freight railroads across the country, the number of railcars carrying crude oil grew by more than 4,000 percent between 2008 and 2013, with additional increases in 2014.
In addition to her RESPONSE Act, after Heitkamp has worked to improve first responder safety by helping secure $5 million in federal funding to support a one-of-a-kind federal training facility in Pueblo, Colorado that prepares first responders to handle hazmat incidents on the rails, such as crude oil train derailments. Nearly 90 North Dakota first responders participated in training at the Pueblo facility in 2014 and 2015. She has also worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, including bringing U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to North Dakota and holding a U.S. Senate hearing on first responder safety.  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5728DC71-9983-4237-87B4-870A5F9DCAA5,"Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds to Improve Safety of First Responders, Energy Infrastructure",2016-10-03,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a subcommittee ranking member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced two federal grants totaling over $490,000 to boost energy infrastructure safety research and development at North Dakota State University (NDSU), and to make sure our first responders are prepared with the resources and protection they need to respond to emergencies.
“Keeping our first responders and communities safe is a top priority of mine as North Dakota continues to lead the nation in energy production,” said Heitkamp. “By encouraging NDSU’s critical research through today’s federal funding, we can find new technologies that will improve the lifetime performance and safety of our energy infrastructure. Protecting our first responders who answer the call to emergencies brought on by energy transport like crude oil train derailments is another key element of safe energy production. Today’s federal support will help make sure North Dakota first response teams have the right training and resources to respond to emergencies while keeping themselves and our communities safe.”
The federal funds are distributed as follows:
 
North Dakota State University: $300,000 in federal funding to design and implement new materials that can prevent or mitigate pipeline corrosion that can keep our energy infrastructure safe. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Competitive Academic Agreement Program Awards that provides funding to universities to research and develop new technologies that will help to improve energy infrastructure.
 
 
North Dakota: $194,331 in federal funding to improve the safety of crude by rail or road through improved emergency response strategies, monitoring of the frequency of hazardous material being transported near communities, and making sure first responders have the equipment and training to stay safe while responding to emergencies. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness Grants that provide federal funding to states and tribal governments to response to emergencies caused by transporting hazardous materials.
 
Heitkamp recently released her Strong & Safe Communities Report that seeks to address emerging challenges through a comprehensive set of proposals. The report includes a summary of the economic and safety challenges North Dakota faces, such as the increase of oil trains going through communities, crime, human trafficking, economic development, and other issues.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=77F67E55-B358-423F-B24F-3DFA9E438950,"Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Education, Health, & Economic Development in Indian Country",2016-10-03,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced seven federal grants totaling over $4.9 million in support of a variety of resources in Indian Country that promote and support economic growth, educational resources, and health care services.
“Supporting the future success for those in Indian Country begins with a healthy lifestyle, a quality education, and opportunity,"" said Heitkamp. “The federal government must work with local and tribal governments to make sure that these basic needs are met, especially for Native children whose voices I have been actively working to make sure are heard. This federal support will help Native American communities develop an economic blueprint to grow their businesses and job opportunities, as well as build health and education resources so that future generations of Native young people can thrive.""
The following federal funds are distributed as follows:
 
Turtle Mountain Community College: $2,285,882 in federal funding will provide education and encourage individuals to enter high-demand health care careers for areas in need. This federal support comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Professional Grants for Tribes to support the program at Turtle Mountain Community College called the Health Education Access through Rural Training (HEART) Project.
 
 
Cankdeska Cikana Community College: $1,272,956 in federal funding will support the education of individuals and encourage them to enter in-demand health careers for areas in need. This federal grant is similar to the resources provided to Turtle Mountain and made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Professional Grants for Tribes.
 
 
University of North Dakota: $488,863 in federal funding will support the North Dakota Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Implementation Partnership program. The program will support ICWA implementation with training services, relationship building, needs assessment, and collaboration among tribal governments that will promote the well-being of Native American children. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 
 
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $282,000 in federal funding will work to support the health of disadvantaged children through home visitation programs that work with mothers, fathers, and caregivers of children under the age of five. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.
 
 
Turtle Mountain Community College: $245,930 in federal funding will support educational programs that have demonstrated the ability to improve a child’s educational attainment from preschool through secondary education. This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Demonstration Grants for Indian Children.
 
 
Spirit Lake Tribe, Fort Totten: $214,711 in federal funding to support the planning of an economic development strategy to promote job growth, entrepreneurship, infrastructure improvements, and diversification of the local economy. These federal funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration in coordination with the Promise Zone designation that Spirit Lake received to better utilize federal grant resources that Heitkamp announced in June.
 
 
Native American Development Center, Bismarck: $150,000 in federal funding to help increase access to capital, credit, and financial services that further local community development. These funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Native American Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EABAF244-0CE4-4674-AA6C-B494020DB5FF,"Heitkamp Announces $200,000 in Federal Funding for North Dakota Cooperatives",2016-10-03,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $200,000 in federal funding for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.
The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and will be used to provide cooperatives with technical assistance so they can better service rural communities.
“In North Dakota, we know that the cooperative model can be a recipe for success – especially in rural communities,” said Heitkamp. “This federal funding will provide our rural cooperatives with an added boost to help create jobs and opportunity throughout our state’s more rural areas. From Beulah and Hazen to Bowdon and Cavalier, this funding will provide the training and technical assistance our rural cooperatives need.”
Specifically, the funds will help develop cooperative and community-owned child care facilities in Hazen and Beulah, support local food initiatives by working with Bowdon and Cavalier meat processing plants, and provide technical assistance for cooperative housing in Wahpeton.
USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant program provided the funding. Projects across 22 states are receiving a total of $5.8 million through the program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F21D424A-998F-4502-8B44-5BC07AB4764A,"President Signs into Law Heitkamp-backed Bill to Boost Tourism, Economic Development Across Indian Country",2016-09-30,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law the bipartisan bill she supported to build economic and cultural opportunities in Indian Country by improving tourism across tribal lands. Just two weeks ago, the legislation unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. In April, the bill passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate.
The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, which Heitkamp cosponsored, will work to improve job growth and promote economic development in Native communities and tribal reservations – as the Sitting Bull Visitor Center on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, and cultural events like the annual United Tribes Technical College’s International Powwow aim to do. By supporting infrastructure development and increased coordination with tribes, the bill will work to enrich and expand opportunities for cultural tourism across the country.
While North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.1 percent, the unemployment rate at Standing Rock was nearly 60 percent in 2014, reinforcing the need to support tribal economic development that creates jobs and grows businesses. In addition, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), those living in North Dakotan’s tribal communities live in poverty at 2.7 times the rate of the rest of the country.
“It’s a good day when our federal lawmakers stand united in support for lasting economic growth and job creation across Indian Country,” said Heitkamp. “With the president’s signature on the bipartisan bill I supported to help Native communities build the infrastructure they need to boost tourism on their lands, we can raise cultural awareness of their rich history while promoting long-term economic opportunity on tribal lands in North Dakota and across the country.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=97CF1436-D0F2-4DF7-818A-5CE98496B069,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Flood Recovery,2016-09-29,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $2,124,929 in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to assist in covering the cost of the damage incurred during the 2011 flooding.
“North Dakota is no stranger to flooding that can devastate communities in almost any region of the state,” said Heitkamp. “Having the right resources in place and the backing of the federal government, we can make sure that recovery efforts can be made quickly to get folks affected back to normal. The federal funding announced today will help cover the cost of flood devastation that ravaged so many of North Dakotans in 2011.”
This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Heitkamp has been pushing to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities to assist North Dakota in recovery from past flooding and helping protect communities from future potential flood damage. In May 2016, Heitkamp joined leaders and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials in signing a cost share agreement on the study of the Souris River basin flood protections. Last year, Heitkamp successfully pushed for the year-end spending bill Congress passed to include new Army Corps study and construction starts for flood projects. Once the spending bill made 10 new study starts available, Heitkamp ramped up pressure on the White House to make sure the Administration’s 2017 budget included $500,000 for Minot flood protections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AFF60C16-57F1-473B-97C1-31BE18936EA1,Heitkamp Underscores the Need to Help Millennials Flourish in the Federal Workforce,2016-09-29,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Nearly a third of permanent federal employees will be eligible to retire by 2019, but Millennials Currently Make up Less Than 19 Percent of the Federal Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Building on her work to reinforce the urgency of addressing recurring challenges federal agencies face in recruiting and retaining federal workers, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today called for and helped lead a hearing focused on solutions to grow the next generation of federal workers.
During a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, where Heitkamp serves as the ranking member, Heitkamp discussed the strides agencies have made in attracting millennials to grow their careers within the federal workforce and how to continue that progress. Specifically, Heitkamp spoke with key federal leaders about solutions to improve and address chronic issues younger employees face in navigating the application process, and prioritizing workplace atmosphere to make sure younger federal workers are able to grow personally and professionally.
According to the Government Accountability Office, nearly a third of career permanent employees will be eligible to retire by 2019. This means that the federal government must be prepared to recruit top talent from the millennial generation both as effectively as possible, and as soon as possible. Millennials currently make up less than 19 percent of the total federal workforce, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
“Millennials have the creativity, talent, and the drive to invigorate the federal workforce and make our government more effective and efficient for years to come – we just need to work together to make sure we are investing properly in that future” said Heitkamp. “Today I gathered top representatives from key agencies that are working to spark the changes needed to attract millennials to public service. From streamlining the hiring process  to promoting a workplace that encourages professional and personal growth, our hearing discussed strategies to improve the federal workforce, and by extension, the entire federal government. This summer I put forward legislation to address key roadblocks to recruiting and retaining federal employees, and I’ll keep working to inspire our future generations to serve where our communities need them most.”
Heitkamp has long been committed to improving the long-term outlook and quality of the federal workforce, introducing her Flexible Hiring and Improving Recruitment, Retention, and Education (Flexible HIRE) Act in July to help the federal government hire and retain the effective, vibrant federal workforce needed to support local communities and businesses across the nation – particularly in areas where remoteness or unique economic circumstances create hiring challenges. Heitkamp’s bill specifically responds to challenges she heard directly from federal agencies, businesses, and workers in North Dakota about filling critical positions in law enforcement, Indian Country, energy, and national security. The bill would give federal agencies a toolkit of resources to make hiring and human resources more flexible – improving recruitment and retention of federal workers in areas with unique hiring challenges.
Building on her efforts to improve recruitment of the best federal employees, Heitkamp led a Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management Subcommittee roundtable in April to examine OPM’s ongoing efforts to make sure its jobs portal, USAJOBS, is easily accessible to applicants while effectively connecting federal agencies with top talent. The discussion also centered on federal efforts to attract and retain millennial workers, and on more potential improvements to increase the efficiency of hiring in the federal government.  
In May of last year, Heitkamp led a Senate hearing on how to improve the federal workforce by encouraging more millennial workers to pursue careers in public service and help them develop their talent within the public sector. In October 2015, she led a hearing on ways to recruit and retain federal workers in areas where remoteness or unique economic circumstances create hiring challenges, including North Dakota’s Northern Border and in the Bakken region.
Heitkamp has been spearheading efforts to make sure federal employees – including civilian employees at Minot Air Force Base, scientists, engineers and park rangers – get the support they need to keep pace with the high cost of living across western North Dakota. In September 2014, Heitkamp brought then-U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Katherine Archuleta to North Dakota to hear firsthand about the challenges federal agencies face in maintaining a workforce in the face of North Dakota’s economic growth. Since Director Archuleta’s visit, three pay rate increases that Heitkamp pushed for have been approved, improving pay for nearly 500 employees across western North Dakota and civilian workers at Minot Air Force Base. While ultimately successful, the process to get those increases approved was inefficient, demonstrating the need to make real changes to federal recruitment and retention systems to make sure the federal government can meet the needs of our nation’s communities and families. That directly led to the introduction of Heitkamp’s Flexible HIRE Act.
Heitkamp also brought the number two official at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to North Dakota’s Northern Border in April 2015 to meet with local officials and hear firsthand about challenges in recruiting and retaining federal employees in remote communities.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A47A4815-21AB-4DB7-B0DE-E3E4570F553F,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Reduce Crime in Indian Country,2016-09-27,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced ten federal grants totaling over $5 million to support criminal justice efforts in Indian Country that will help improve response and recovery efforts for victims, families, and their communities, while working to reduce violence against women, and make sure law enforcement have the resources they need to do their jobs.
“Improving criminal justice efforts in Indian Country will help communities respond, recover and reduce the number of individuals in the court system,” said Heitkamp. “As North Dakota’s Attorney General I worked closely with law enforcement and as a U.S. Senator I have been pushing for additional law enforcement resources that will make sure communities in Indian Country have the safety and security they deserve. Today’s federal funding will build on those efforts by helping troubled Native American youth improve their lives and access opportunities that reduce repeat offenses. This support will also help provide courts and law enforcement with the resources to effectively do their jobs protecting their communities.”
The federal grants are made available to Indian tribes in North Dakota from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation program that works to comprehensively address crime and public safety.
The federal grants are distributed as follows:
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians:
 
$876,182 in federal funding to Indian tribal governments authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to support tribal governments in decreasing the violence Native American women face, strengthen tribal government’s ability to quickly respond, and make sure those who commit such crimes are held accountable.
 
 
$753,801 in federal funding under the Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program that will improve facilities at the Turtle Mountain adult detention center by installing a new camera system, replacing the heating and cooling system, and installing a perimeter fence to increase safety.
 
 
$718,657 in federal funding from the Public Safety and Community Policing Grant Program for hiring and training law enforcement as well as making sure they have the equipment they need to do their jobs.
 
 
$403,478 in federal funding made available through the Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities Program that will assist the community in improving investigations, prosecution, and promoting trauma-informed and culturally appropriate practices in managing child abuse cases.
 
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe:
 
$816,260 in federal funding to Indian tribal governments authorized under VAWA to support tribal governments in reducing the violence Native American women face, strengthen the tribal government’s ability to respond quicker, and make sure those who commit such crimes are held accountable.
 
 
$311,034 in federal funding made available under the Tribal Juvenile Healing and Wellness Courts program to build a center that will work with the juvenile court system to help young people ages 12 through 21 address substance abuse challenges and put them on a better path forward.
 
 
$266,254 in federal funding from the Public Safety and Community Policing Grant Program to support training law enforcement as well as making sure they have the equipment they need to do their jobs.
 
 
$74,981 in federal funding under the Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning Program to support planning efforts that improve tribal justice and community safety.
 
Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation:
 
$449,994 in federal funding under the Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program to support victim assistance that provides better collaboration in response to crime, and improves trauma-informed and culturally appropriate practices that will help victims, their families, and the community recover.
 
Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe:
 
$345,300 in federal funding made available under the Tribal Youth Program to improve the Spirit Lake Sunka Wakan Ah-Ku (Bringing Back the Horses) Program which aims to prevent repeat criminal offenses from juveniles by promoting the work of Native youth with horses in a culturally appropriate manner to help put them on the right track forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A20C7C9-4A9E-4BE9-907A-2AE7360C8908,"On Minot Visit, Heitkamp Secures Defense Secretarys Continued Support for Nuclear Modernization",2016-09-26,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today helped host U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter for his first visit to Minot Air Force Base, as Secretary Carter reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the base’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range strike bombers – two vital legs of the country’s nuclear triad.
Secretary Carter’s visit comes two months after Heitkamp and U.S. Senator John Hoeven sent a bipartisan letter calling on Secretary Carter to clarify his department’s position on nuclear modernization efforts, including those in Minot. The senators’ request responded to concerns that the administration was falling behind schedule on nuclear modernization.
“Minot’s airmen have shown Secretary Carter today how committed they are to our nuclear missions, and I’m glad Secretary Carter has demonstrated that he remains committed to modernizing our nuclear arsenal,” said Heitkamp. “Now more than ever, smart investments in deterrence can keep our communities and families safe. Earlier this month, after North Korea launched another nuclear test, I urged Congress to commit to modernizing our nuclear arsenal. Our defense leaders owe it to our airmen – and to families and communities across America – to keep nuclear modernization efforts on track.”
Last week, Heitkamp spoke at the 5th annual Nuclear Triad Conference organized by Minot’s Task Force 21 in Washington, detailing her extensive work to protect and strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Earlier this month Heitkamp and her North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming colleagues urged House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders for strong nuclear modernization provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act – on the heels of North Korea successfully launching another nuclear test – reinforcing that a robust nuclear deterrent is key to maintaining national security.
Heitkamp announced in August that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile for Minot’s B-52 long-range strike bombers. The ICBMs and B-52 bombers in Minot are vital pieces of the country’s efforts to deter national security threats and keep the country safe. Heitkamp has been a strong supporter and defender of the ICBM and B-52 bomber missions since joining the U.S. Senate.
When U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jack General Weinstein visited Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases earlier this year he agreed to stay engaged with Heitkamp on nuclear issues impacting Minot Air Force Base. Heitkamp has since worked with General Weinstein – including a meeting in May – to make sure the Air Force is on track in updating the base’s ICBMs and helicopters, so the airmen in Minot have the tools they need.
As a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently worked to find innovative solutions to improve conditions for servicemembers, their families, and the communities they serve.
Heitkamp’s work to support ICBMs, B-52s, and the airmen at Minot Air Force Base includes:

 
Joining U.S. Secretary of Defense and top Air Force official at Minot AFB. In 2014, Heitkamp joined then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James at Minot Air Force Base. During the visit, Hagel committed to investing billions of dollars to maintain and modernize our nation’s nuclear forces by improving and sustaining infrastructure and equipment, boosting servicemember morale, and increasing oversight.
 
 
Pressing top Air Force officials to improve support for Minot AFB’s nuclear missions. In January 2015, Heitkamp highlighted the importance of bolstering the missions at Minot Air Force Base in a meeting with Miranda Ballentine, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy.
 
 
Leading efforts to strengthen support for ICBMs. Opposing efforts to reduce nuclear forces, Heitkamp and her colleagues in the Senate ICBM Coalition successfully convinced the Department of Defense to back off a plan to potentially reduce the number of ICBM silos.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B4EF2914-B875-4777-9292-E83723962450,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding for Education and Economic Development in Indian Country,2016-09-26,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MINOT, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced eight federal grants totaling over $1.4 million to spur economic development in Indian Country and further education that will support Native American communities.
“All students should be able to grasp every opportunity to obtain the education, training, and initiative they need to support themselves, their families, and lift their communities up,” said Heitkamp. “With the right investments in education we can boost economic development, especially in Indian Country where the need for well-paying jobs is critical for future success. This federal funding will assist tribal colleges in making critical infrastructure investments that will support education and spark innovation to help solve challenges in tribal communities.”
The following two federal grants are made available through the Indian Education Professional Development Program administered under the U.S. Department of Education to increase training and education of Native Americans to become educators in Indian Country:
 
University of Mary: $367,702
 
 
Sitting Bull College: $290,837
 
The following federal funds are made available through the Tribal College Initiative Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
 
Candeska Cikana Community College: $143,000 in federal funds to construct a cultural center.
 
 
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College: $ 143,000 in federal funds to make physical improvements on campus.
 
 
Sitting Bull College: $143,000 in federal funding to improve student housing.
 
 
Turtle Mountain Community College: $143,000 in federal funding to upgrade facilities.
 
 
United Tribes Technical College: $143,000 in federal funding to improve road infrastructure on campus.
 
The following federal grant is made available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program authorized under USDA:
 
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians: $103,994 in federal funding for entrepreneurship training and technical support for a local food initiative.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5767627F-207E-4653-B26A-340D38505C09,"Heitkamp Highlights Innovation in ND UAS Industry at Packet Digital, Botlink",2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a strong supporter of North Dakota’s growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, today toured Packet Digital in Fargo to learn more about its ground-breaking technology to increase energy efficiency and battery life as well as the affiliated Botlink, another Fargo-based startup on the forefront of UAS development. 
Packet Digital, a women-owned small business in Fargo, specializes in innovative power management applications, including a new technology that extends battery life by 400 percent in wireless sensors. Its cutting-edge technology has the potential to expand UAS applications in fields such as precision agriculture and infrastructure inspection – helping farmers work more efficiently, and make sure inspections of railroads and pipelines are done effectively.  In June 2014, Packet Digital partnered with Aerobatic Innovations to form Botlink, which Heitkamp also toured. Botlink develops technology for pilots, allowing them to track their aircraft in flight using real-time mapping technologies, communicate with air traffic control and other pilots, and receive real-time aircraft avoidance and assurance alerts. 
“North Dakota is a known leader in the UAS industry, and it’s critical that we capitalize on this momentum to keep our businesses and state on the cutting edge,” said Heitkamp. “Today at Packet Digital and Botlink, I saw firsthand the commitment of these women-owned companies to turn ideas into reality by making the applications necessary to help businesses thrive.  Packet Digital and Botlink are at the forefront of our state’s UAS revolution, and I’ll keep working to encourage a business-friendly climate that bolsters their innovative work, as well as the public-private partnerships the UAS industry needs to prosper.”
For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies across the state. In 2014, she brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the FAA to remove barriers blocking the test site’s flight operations. Heitkamp continues to work to encourage safe commercial use of UAS, introducing bipartisan legislation last year that would remove red tape for UAS research, open the door to more private investment, and save taxpayer money.
Through her role on the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Heitkamp has been a strong advocate for women-owned small businesses. Last year, Heitkamp brought Cabinet Member U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to North Dakota to hear unique challenges rural small businesses face. Heitkamp and Contreras-Sweet met with successful female entrepreneurs in Bismarck about collaborative strategies to encourage and support women-owned small businesses, and about how to overcome roadblocks they face in starting or growing their businesses.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6A428881-C925-4DB6-8A50-F36290F2C719,"At U.S. Senate Hearing, Heitkamp Fights to Protect Farmers & Retailers from Harmful Fertilizer Standards",2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a U.S. Senate hearing, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp pushed key administration officials for a solution that protects North Dakota farmers, fertilizer retailers and rural communities from harmful new federal fertilizer standards. Heitkamp called on the administration to voluntarily delay the standards given the impact they would have.
The standards – set to be enforced October 1 – would apply tough, across-the-board restrictions on agricultural retailers that sell anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer, seriously burdening retailers and farmers. Complying with those new standards could cost $25,000 to $50,000 per facility, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. More than 30 North Dakota retailers say they will stop selling the fertilizer October 1, forcing farmers to pay more and travel farther for inputs.
In July, Heitkamp and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to stop these harmful federal standards from going into effect.
“Farmers and retailers in North Dakota have made it clear that these new federal standards would hurt retailers, family farmers and rural economies,” said Heitkamp. “More than 30 retailers in North Dakota alone could stop carrying this critical fertilizer in October if these new standards go into effect. And it’s no secret why – complying with the new standards could cost as much as $50,000 per facility, according to North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture. Sweeping actions like this fail to take into account the full and harmful impact on rural America, which is the message I drove home at the hearing. To get a solution that works for our family farmers, I’m pushing my bipartisan bill with Senator Fischer so we give retailers and farmers meaningful input in the rulemaking process.”
Heitkamp spoke at hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs & Federal Management, which she helps lead. Witnesses testifying included M. Patricia Smith, an official at the U.S. Department of Labor, which issued the anhydrous ammonia enforcement memorandum. Howard Shelanski, administrator of the Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) also testified.
The new standards were announced in July 2015 and became effective immediately. The new policy requires facilities that store or transport 10,000 pounds or more of anhydrous ammonia to obtain Process Safety Management Standard documentation. If the facility cannot obtain this documentation, it could be forced to purchase new storage tanks, costing $70,000 or more.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) did not choose the traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking process, which would have given retailers and farmers an opportunity for more meaningful consultation as the rule was developed, and instead issued interpretive guidance, which did not include substantial input from affected industries. Because of language Fischer and Heitkamp helped include in the end-of-the-year spending bill Congress passed last December, OSHA postponed enforcement of the guidance until October 1.
The Fischer-Heitkamp bill would require OSHA to withdraw the July 2015 memo. It would also require the agency to abide by a formal rulemaking process when instituting a similar policy change in the future. Click here to view text of the FARM Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6B1F756E-1088-4A2C-B738-7C2FB3C8B34A,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault,2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced two federal grants totaling over $1.2 million for the North Dakota Department of Health to provide vital support services and enhance criminal justice efforts on behalf of victims of sexual and domestic violence.
“It is critically important that we can deliver quality intervention and support services for domestic and sexual assault victims as well as coordinated criminal justice efforts for those affected by this unacceptable abuse,” said Heitkamp. “These services can help individuals recover from abuse and remove themselves from dangerous situations. Throughout my time in public service I have been a staunch advocate for better policies, support services, and criminal justice efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence. Today’s federal funds will build on that work by helping the North Dakota Department of Health provide direct intervention services for victims of sexual assault to empower them as they heal and to bring their abusers to justice.”
These federal funds are made available through two grant programs under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecution (STOP) Formula Grant will provide $874,549 and the Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Program will provide $349,368 in federal funding.
In the Senate, Heitkamp is building on her work as North Dakota’s Attorney General in the 1990s to combat sexual violence and stop those who seek to harm adults and children. Among the first bills Heitkamp cosponsored and helped pass in the Senate was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in VAWA to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities by strengthening existing programs and providing tribal governments with the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land. As North Dakota’s Attorney General, Heitkamp helped implement the initial VAWA after the 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.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=977FEAAF-E08A-423A-9261-A6E90952AED6,"Heitkamp: OSHA to Withdraw Harmful Fertilizer Standards, Protecting Farmers, Retailers",2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that fertilizer retailers in North Dakota and across the country will not have to comply with harmful standards issued last year by the Administration. The standards – which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must withdraw – would have applied tough, across-the-board restrictions on agricultural retailers that sell anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer, seriously burdening retailers and farmers.
In a decision issued this morning, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the administration should have gone through a formal rulemaking process, seeking more meaningful input from farmers and fertilizer retailers. The Administration created the new standards in a July 2015 memorandum, and they became effective immediately. However, because of language Heitkamp helped include in the end-of-the-year spending bill Congress passed last December, OSHA postponed enforcement of the guidance until October 1, 2016.
“As I said yesterday at a hearing I helped lead, the administration should have listened to farmers, retailers and rural communities before creating these standards – and today the courts agreed,” said Heitkamp. “This is a victory for rural communities whose economies rely on farmers’ accessing inputs like anhydrous ammonia fertilizer. Complying with those standards could have cost each facility up to $50,000, according to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. More than 30 North Dakota retailers said they would have had to stop selling the fertilizer. With those huge impacts on our farmers, it was clear all along that there should have been a formal rulemaking process rather than just agency guidance with little input from those impacted.”
Just yesterday, Heitkamp pushed key administration officials for a solution on the standards, pointing out – as the court said in its decision today – that the proposed standards looked more like rulemaking than guidance. Heitkamp called on the administration to voluntarily delay enforcing the standards given the impact they would have on farmers and retailers. The new policy would have required facilities that store or transport 10,000 pounds or more of anhydrous ammonia to obtain Process Safety Management Standard documentation. If the facility could not obtain this documentation, it would have been forced to purchase new storage tanks, costing $70,000 or more.
OSHA did not choose the traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking process, which would have given retailers and farmers an opportunity for more meaningful consultation as the rule was developed, and instead issued interpretive guidance, which did not include substantial input from affected industries.
In July, Heitkamp and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to stop these harmful federal standards from going into effect. It would also require the agency to abide by a formal rulemaking process when instituting a similar policy change in the future. Click here to view text of the FARM Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0F4753AA-BE27-4C5B-85D5-C179521C19BD,Heitkamp Reinforces Importance of Minot Nuclear Missions at Task Force 21 Nuclear Conference,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at the 5th annual Nuclear Triad Conference organized by Minot’s Task Force 21, detailing her extensive work to protect and strengthen the U.S. nuclear arsenal – one of our country’s toughest, most effective national security tools.
At the conference, Heitkamp discussed the critical role Minot Air Force Base plays in maintaining the nation’s security by hosting two legs of the nuclear triad. Minot is home to long-range strike bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Military, policy, industry and scientific experts in the nuclear field were all in attendance. Heitkamp reinforced the need to make sure the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense uphold their commitments to improving the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base and across the country, and that Congress appropriates sufficient funds for those missions.
“Growing hostility from adversaries like North Korea has made it clear just how valuable our nuclear arsenal is. With two legs of the triad in Minot, we know that smart investments in nuclear missions are smart investments in national security,” said Heitkamp. “This annual event has cemented Minot’s reputation as a nationwide leader in nuclear deterrence. Yesterday I met with Task Force 21 to discuss how the community supports the base and its missions, and to update them on my work to strengthen Minot Air Force Base – including my call last week for the next defense policy bill to include provisions modernizing our nuclear missions.”
Last week, Heitkamp and her North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming Senate colleagues urged House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders for strong nuclear modernization provisions in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act. The senators emphasized that modernizing our nuclear triad is needed for the U.S. to deter aggression from adversaries like North Korea. Earlier this month North Korea successfully launched another nuclear test, reinforcing that a robust nuclear deterrent is key to maintaining national security.
Last month, Heitkamp announced that – as she had long called for – the U.S. Air Force hit key milestones in modernizing Minot’s ICBMs and developing the Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) cruise missile for Minot’s B-52 long-range strike bombers. The ICBMs and B-52 bombers in Minot are vital pieces of the country’s efforts to deter national security threats and keep the country safe. Heitkamp has been a strong supporter and defender of the ICBM and B-52 bomber missions since joining the U.S. Senate.
When U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jack General Weinstein visited Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases earlier this year he agreed to stay engaged with Heitkamp on nuclear issues impacting Minot Air Force Base. Heitkamp has since worked with General Weinstein – including a meeting in May – to make sure the Air Force is on track in updating the base’s ICBMs and helicopters, so the airmen in Minot have the tools they need.
As a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently worked to find innovative solutions to improve conditions for servicemembers, their families, and the communities they serve.
Heitkamp’s work to support ICBMs, B-52s, and the airmen at Minot Air Force Base include:

 
Joining U.S. Secretary of Defense and top Air Force official at Minot AFB. In 2014, Heitkamp joined then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James at Minot Air Force Base. During the visit, Hagel committed to investing billions of dollars to maintain and modernize our nation’s nuclear forces by improving and sustaining infrastructure and equipment, boosting servicemember morale, and increasing oversight.
 
 
Pressing top Air Force officials to improve support for Minot AFB’s nuclear missions. In January 2015, Heitkamp highlighted the importance of bolstering the missions at Minot Air Force Base in a meeting with Miranda Ballentine, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy.
 
 
Leading efforts to strengthen support for ICBMs. Opposing efforts to reduce nuclear forces, Heitkamp and her colleagues in the Senate ICBM Coalition successfully convinced the Department of Defense to back off a plan to potentially reduce the number of ICBM silos.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z