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://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-introduces-bill-to-fix-arc-commodity-support-program,CRAMER INTRODUCES BILL TO FIX ARC COMMODITY SUPPORT PROGRAM,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Download Audio Comments: Click Here WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer introduced a bill cosponsored by Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), and Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) to require the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) when computing average county yields for the purposes of the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) Program. The 2014 Farm Bill included two new programs for covered commodities, Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), allowing the producer to choose once per farm bill which policy they believe would provide the most effective safety net. Unfortunately the design of ARC, and the manner in which USDA implemented the program has created problems for producers, particularly as it relates to inconsistent county yield data. Rather than the current policy of prioritizing inconsistent survey data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Cramers three page bill (H.R.4654) would direct the Secretary to prioritize Risk Management Agency (RMA), or crop insurance, data over all other forms in counties where RMA offers county-wide insurance products, while also allowing the Secretary of Agriculture flexibility for all other instances. Additionally, the legislation codifies USDAs earlier decision to operate the program based on the physical location of the base acres, rather than requiring producers to elect one county for all payments. Even though it is anticipated most producers will utilize Price Loss Coverage going forward, our legislation provides a surgical fix to ARC in case the program is reauthorized in the next Farm Bill, said Cramer. One less headache for North Dakota producers. As Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Im working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve existing farm bill programs. While Ive never been a fan of ARC I do believe we can make improvements to its data sources that will give producers more confidence in the program. This bill is a good starting point for reauthorizing the farm bill next year,said Peterson. Click here to read the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-tax-reform-discussion-at-american-crystal-sugar-to-outline-relief-for-north-dakota-families-small-businesses-farmers-and-ranchers,"Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Discussion at American Crystal Sugar to Outline Relief for North Dakota Families, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers",2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.27.17 Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Discussion at American Crystal Sugar to Outline Relief for North Dakota Families, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Hoeven Amendment Ensured Fair Treatment of Cooperatives in Tax Bill FARGO, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today was joined by Tom Astrup, American Crystal Sugar President and CEO; Jake Joraanstad, a tech entrepreneur and Myriad Mobiles co-founder and CEO; David Mueller, a farmer from Hillsboro; and Vikki Schneeberger, a local teacher, to outline how the tax relief plan benefits North Dakota workers, businesses and families. The new law lowers rates across-the-board for hard-working American families and provides relief for North Dakota small businesses, farmers and ranchers. The senator successfully worked to include an amendment in the bill to ensure fair treatment of cooperatives. Our tax reform legislation provides broad relief for individuals and families in North Dakota, enabling them to keep more of their paychecks, said Hoeven. At the same time, we lower the tax burden on our small businesses, farmers and ranchers. We included important provisions for producers, like raising the estate tax exemption and expanding and making permanent the Section 179 deduction. We also worked very hard to ensure cooperatives and their members are treated fairly so that tax reform works for our states agriculture industry. Highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Middle-class Americans will see a tax cut of: More than $1,300 for a single parent with one child earning $41,000. More than $2,000 for a median income family of four earning $73,000. More than $2,600 for a married small business owner earning $100,000. Cuts Tax Rates Across the Board for Hardworking Individuals and Families Increases the standard deduction, which means that Americans will not be taxed on the first $12,000 of income for individuals, $24,000 for married couples and $18,000 for a single parent with dependents. 9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Maintains the state and local tax deduction up to $10,000 for individuals and families. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child Preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Encourages businesses to provide paid family and medical leave by providing a tax credit Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit Retains Retirement Savings Options Continues tax deductions, including for: Student Loan Interest and Tuition Waivers Medical Expenses Charitable Contributions Home Mortgage Interest Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Includes Hoevens amendment to ensure the fair treatment of cooperatives and their members. For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments, which is phased down over an additional four year period. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility and the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Creates a tax deduction of 20% for qualified pass-through income, which reduces the tax burden for small businesses set up as partnerships or pass-through entities. Reduces the tax rate for C corps from 35% to 21%, making the U.S. tax system more competitive globally and bringing more capital and investment back to the U.S. Maintains the IC-DISC program, which enables small and medium businesses, including manufacturers, to reduce taxes on portions of their export income. Includes Hoevens amendment to allow implement and auto dealers to fully expense interest on inventory. Tax relief, combined with regulatory relief, will empower economic growth leading to greater government revenues. While some have claimed the legislation will lead to cuts under pay-go rules, these rules have never been enforced and Congress voted to waive the rule last week. Over time the tax relief bill will help grow the economy and will generate more revenue not less. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-a-christmas-message,CRAMER: A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 22, 2017 Contact: jason.stverak@mail.house.gov Click here to download the video. Click here to download the audio. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-paygo-waivers-protect-north-dakota-seniors-and-farmers,CRAMER: PAYGO WAIVERS PROTECT NORTH DAKOTA SENIORS AND FARMERS,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 22, 2017 Contact: Jason.stverak@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer commented on the Pay-as-You-Go (PAYGO) provisions of the continuing resolution passed yesterday by Congress which provides funding for the federal government until January 19, 2018. As promised, there will be no automatic cuts to agriculture programs or Medicare due to the tax bill. PAYGO was waved and the doom and gloom forecasted by many politicians will not come to fruition as a government shut down and cuts to government services important to thousands of North Dakotans were avoided this Holiday season.I hope Senate Democrats will join with Republicans and help return regular order to the appropriations process in 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-congratulates-cattlemen-s-beef-promotion-and-research-board,CRAMER CONGRATULATES CATTLEMENS BEEF PROMOTION AND RESEARCH BOARD APPOINTEE,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 21, 2017 Contact: Dana.Stancavage@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer commended Raymond Erbeles appointment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cattlemens Beef Promotion and Research Board. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the selection of 27 members for the board, two serving in one-year positions. It is my pleasure to acknowledge Raymond on his appointment and this tremendous honor, said Cramer. Raymond has been tasked with a job important to many North Dakotans, and I know he will represent the interests of our producers well. Congratulations again, we are proud of your accomplishments and know you will do excellent work. Erbele, a Streeter resident, will have a direct role in shaping the agriculture sector of beef imports while making significant research findings. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-short-term-funding-continued-resolution,CRAMER: STATEMENT ON SHORT-TERM FUNDING CONTINUED RESOLUTION,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 21, 2017 Contact: Dana.Stancavage@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government until January 19: Santa should put coal in the stockings of Senate Democrats for refusing to work in a bi-partisan manner to pass all 12 appropriations bills like the US House did in 2017. Thankfully, there will be no Grinch this year as Congress has passed a continuing resolution assuring the government will remain open and functioning for the next four weeks.I look forward to Congress setting aside partisan differences and returning to regular order in 2018. The short-term funding package includes $2.85 billion for the CHIP program through March 31 with additional measures passed for $81 billion in disaster relief aid. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-united-nations-vote-on-jerusalem-resolution,CRAMER: STATEMENT ON UNITED NATIONS VOTE ON JERUSALEM RESOLUTION,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 21, 2017 Contact: Dana.Stancavage@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the United Nations (UN) voted down President Trumps decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital: With no surprise the UN has yet again voted contrary to the rights of the state of Israel. Israel, like any other sovereign nation, has the right to declare their capital. This month when President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital by announcing the U.S. embassy move, we stood with Israel against their many adversaries in the region. This declaration is not subjective, we are acknowledging Israels capital because it is the right thing to do. Cramer is an original cosponsor of H.Res.671 introduced by Rep. Lamborn to express strong disapproval of todays resolution by the UN. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-agreement-to-fund-the-government,Hoeven Statement on Agreement to Fund the Government,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Hoeven Statement on Agreement to Fund the Government WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after Congress passed legislation to fund the government through January 19. In addition to keeping the government operating, the agreement provides funding for the Veterans Choice program, extends the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), funds Community Health Centers, and provides additional defense funding to detect and defend against the use of ballistic missiles. Additionally, the legislation waives pay-go requirements, which have never been enforced, to ensure that tax reform does not lead to program cuts. This legislation funds the government, provides funding to ensure we care for our veterans, and extends important programs, including CHIP and funding for Community Health Centers. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-todays-united-nations-vote-on-jerusalem,Hoeven Statement on Today's United Nations Vote on Jerusalem,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 Hoeven Statement on Today's United Nations Vote on Jerusalem WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the United Nations voted to reject President Trumps decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The United Nations vote today is disappointing. We continue to support the presidents decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy a policy that was directed by Congress with strong bipartisan support in 1995 and again by the Senate earlier this year. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/tax-cuts-benefit-everyone-especially-the-middle-class,Tax Cuts Benefit Everyone Especially the Middle Class,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"While Americans hung their stockings by the chimney with care, Congress worked diligently to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate tax bills. The result is final passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which promises to keep Uncle Sam far from the holiday spoils. Congress bill is a win for our state. First and foremost, the standard deduction which82 percentof North Dakotans claimed according to 2014 returns doubles to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families. Under this provision alone, a family earning the states median household income of$59,000would pay no federal tax on almost half of their wages. Coupling these changes with a reduction to the 12 percent income tax bracket, youll find that the vast majority of earners in North Dakota will see far less of their earnings sent to Washington. And with the bill making it to President Trumps desk before Christmas, the IRS projects that taxpayers will see less money withheld from their paychecks as early as February 2018. In addition to increasing take home pay, the tax cuts will give local businesses greater flexibility to reinvest in themselves and their community. The final bill allows small businesses to deduct 20 percent of their income, dropping the top tax rate for North Dakotas73,021small businesses from 39.6 percent down to 29.6 percent. Another provision allows small businesses to write off capital investments and accrued interest. Tax cuts like these will help small business owners address some of their primary concerns: repaying debt so they can focus on expanding, hiring, and retaining good employees with higher wages. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act takes care of our farmers by expanding the Section 179 expensing of equipment, doubling the death tax exemption, and maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. And it supports farm cooperatives by including the Hoeven-Thune amendment to allow for a 20 percent tax deduction at the entity and member level a solution I helped push through the House of Representative that compensates farmers for the elimination of the Section 199 deduction. When you consider that98.8 percentof businesses in our state are small businesses, its easy to see what a far-reaching impact this plan will have on working families. Yet several under-reported aspects of the bill ensure that its positive impacts extend beyond the lifespan ofany one cut. The compromise bill also incentivizes scholarship and innovation by maintaining the tax graduate school tuition waivers, and reinstating deductions for student loan interest and private research and development. Just as value-added agriculture, technological advancements in oil and natural gas extraction, and an expanding tech sector helped position North Dakota as the nationsfirst in economic growth, so too does the success of the American economy depend on the ingenuity and education of its next generation. Yet those who broadly oppose any policy championed by representatives with an R beside their name are playing the same old song and dance, calling the bill a tax break for the wealthy. When three Senate Democrats spread a talking point that the Republican plan would raise taxes on the middle class by about $800, evenThe Washington Post hardly a bastion for conservative thought gave the Senators four out of four Pinocchios in itsfact checkanalysis. The Post found that more than 97 million households and every group of income earners, on average, will receive a tax cut. In this time of political division, we should acknowledge the bills strengths and the compromises necessary to pass sweeping tax cuts for the middle class. For instance, legislators increased the top corporate tax rate to 21 percent, higher than originally proposed in either the House or Senate and far higher than Trumps initially requested 15 percent rate, in order to make the deal work. This tax bill isnt perfect hardly any legislation is. But putting money back into local economies where it belongs is the best Christmas gift Washington can give, and I was glad to support Congressional Republicans and President Trump in bringing tax cuts to the people of North Dakota. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), represents North Dakota's at-large congressional district. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-rugby-and-towner-on-january-8,CRAMER ANNOUNCES MOBILE OFFICE HOURS IN RUGBY AND TOWNER ON JANUARY 8,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Date: December 20, 2017 Contact: Kaitlyn.Weidert@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer has scheduled mobile office hours in Rugby and Towner on Monday, January 8th. Mobile Office Hours allow constituents to receive assistance with casework from the Congressmans staff. Many issues are raised through various forms of contact with me and my offices. Having members of my staff in Rugby and Towner allows more time for those with concerns and questions to explore solutions with people in a position to help, said Cramer. I realize it's not always easy or even possible for people to get to my district offices. Mobile office hours brings these services closer to constituents. Individuals from the Rugby and Towner areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office for help with veterans and Social Security benefits, Medicare billing problems, immigration issues, military records or medals, or for assistance with any other federal agency. Monday, January 8th Heart of America Library 11-12:30pm 201 3rd Street SW Rugby, ND 58368 McHenry County Courthouse 1:30-3pm Commissioners Room 407 Main Street South Towner, ND 58788 Contact Kaitlyn Weidert, Cramers District Representative, with any questions. Her email is Kaitlyn.Weidert@mail.house.gov and her phone is 701-839-0255. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-corps-completes-section-408-review-and-eis-for-minot-advances-construction-of-flood-protection-in-the-region-,"Hoeven: Army Corps Completes Section 408 Review & EIS for Minot, Advances Construction of Flood Protection in the Region",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Hoeven: Army Corps Completes Section 408 Review & EIS for Minot, Advances Construction of Flood Protection in the Region Senator Worked to Expedite 408 Reviews, Ensure Phases Can Proceed without Further Delay WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed the Section 408 review for the Minot regions flood protection project. The delay in the review, which is required to make changes to existing Corps projects, had prevented the Souris River Joint Board from awarding contracts for constructing flood control infrastructure under the first three phases the project. As a result, the boards bids for these phases were at risk of expiring. Todays approval allowed the Corps to issue its Record of Decision in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, ensuring the contracts can be awarded prior to the January 15 deadline and streamlining the approval of the projects future phases. Hoeven has been in regular contact with the Army Corps to resolve the delay since July. This includes calls with Army Corps officials, a meeting he held with R.D. James, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works, and a letter he sent to the Corps Acting Assistant Secretary Doug Lamont. Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, also secured language in the Senates Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 appropriations bill directing the Corps to expedite processing of Section 408 packages. The delay in Section 408 reviews represented a real challenge to moving forward on flood protection for the Minot region, said Hoeven. We appreciate the Corps heeding our call to complete the permit, bringing us closer to constructing this vital infrastructure. This is part of our ongoing work to deliver comprehensive flood protection for the entire region. Hoeven is working to support regional flood protection efforts in North Dakota. In addition to the Section 408 provision, the senator helpedinclude the following priorities in the Senates FY2018 funding measure and is continuing his efforts to include them in a future appropriations package: Army Corps Construction Provides $125 million in funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects above the administrations budget request. This additional funding will help ensure that efforts like comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley are funded in the Corps FY2018 work plan. Minot Area Flood Study Provides $400,000 for the Corps feasibility study in the Souris River Basin. The study is a vital step in advancing the first four phases of the Minot areas flood protection project. Fair Treatment of Public-Private Partnerships Includes a provision to ensure fair treatment of public-private partnerships, such as flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead region, during the Corpss analysis of a projects benefits and costs. Hoeven has secured commitments from administration officials to address inconsistencies in this policy, including Office of Management and Budget DirectorMick Mulvaney, Army Corps Chief Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite andNeomi Rao, the head of the administrations central regulatory authority. In addition, Hoeven continues working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long, who Hoevenhostedin Minot earlier this year, to ensure the agencys preliminary flood maps and the resulting flood insurance rates are accurate in the Souris River Basin. This includes making sure FEMA reevaluates discrepancies in its preliminary flood maps, provides an extended timetable for public comment on the maps and updates the maps as permanent flood protection is built. Hoeven is also working with FEMA to identify additional funding to construct flood protection for the remainder of the Souris River Basin. The Army Corps of Engineers current project entails four phases, and federal support is needed to develop subsequent phases and ensure protection for the whole region. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-hhs-award-nearly-13-million-head-start-grant-to-cankdeska-cikana-community-college,Hoeven: HHS Award Nearly $1.3 Million Head Start Grant to Cankdeska Cikana Community College,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Hoeven: HHS Award Nearly $1.3 Million Head Start Grant to Cankdeska Cikana Community College WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $1.27 million to the Cankdeska Cikana Community College. The funds will support the institutions Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which serve children from birth through age five as well as expecting mothers in the surrounding community. The award comes as part of a five-year grant that began in 2014. Todays award is an investment in the continued education and well-being of the children and families of the Spirit Lake Nation, Hoeven said. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-tax-reform-lowering-rates-across-the-board-for-individuals-and-families-providing-relief-for-small-businesses-farmers-and-ranchers,"Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Reform Lowering Rates Across the Board for Individuals and Families, Providing Relief for Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.17 Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Reform Lowering Rates Across the Board for Individuals and Families, Providing Relief for Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Legislation Includes Hoeven Amendment to Ensure Fair Treatment of Cooperatives WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Senate has passed tax reform legislation that lowers rates across-the-board for hard-working Americans, while also providing the nations small businesses, farmers and ranchers with relief. The bill includes a Hoeven amendment to ensure the fair treatment of cooperatives in North Dakota and across the nation. We worked hard to provide North Dakotans with tax relief that enables them to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, said Hoeven. The legislation passed by Congress lowers rates across the board for individuals and families. At the same time, it modernizes our tax code and provides our small businesses, farmers and ranchers with tax relief that will enable them to grow and invest. This tax relief plan, coupled with regulatory relief, will unleash economic growth to grow wages and income, as well as government revenues. This tax relief bill is good for America and good for North Dakota. Middle-class families will see a tax cut of: More than $1,300 for a single parent with one child earning $41,000. More than $2,000 for a median income family of four earning $73,000. More than $2,600 for a married small business owner earning $100,000. Hoeven worked to ensure that the legislation provided relief for North Dakota small businesses, including farmers and ranchers. The senators amendment to ensure fair treatment of cooperatives was included in the legislation. Additionally, Hoeven worked to secure the following highlights: Cuts Tax Rates Across the Board for Hardworking Individuals and Families Increases the standard deduction, which means that Americans will not be taxed on the first $12,000 of income for individuals, $24,000 for married couples and $18,000 for a single parent with dependents. 9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Maintains the state and local tax deduction up to $10,000 for individuals and families. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child Preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Encourages businesses to provide paid family and medical leave by providing a tax credit Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit Retains Retirement Savings Options Continues tax deductions, including for: Student Loan Interest and Tuition Waivers Medical Expenses Charitable Contributions Home Mortgage Interest Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Ensures the fair treatment of cooperatives and their members. For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments, which is phased down over an additional four year period. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Increases the tax deduction to 20% for qualified pass-through income, which reduces the tax burden for small businesses set up as partnerships or pass-through entities. Reduces the tax rate for C corps from 35% to 21%, making the U.S. tax system more competitive globally and bringing more capital and investment back to the U.S. Maintains the IC-DISC program, which enables small and medium businesses, including manufacturers, to reduce taxes on portions of their export income. Provides greater flexibility for implement and auto dealers to expense interest on inventory. The legislation includes a Hoeven amendment that exempts businesses with floor plan financing from the interest expense limitation, subject to further rules. Tax relief, combined with regulatory relief, will empower economic growth leading to greater government revenues. While some have claimed the legislation will lead to cuts under pay-go rules, these rules have never been enforced. Additionally, both Senate and House leadership have said the pay-go rule will be waived, if necessary. Over time the tax relief bill will help grow the economy and will generate more revenue not less. Congress will also continue to work to make the individual rate reductions permanent after 2025, but will need bipartisan support. Throughout the process, Hoeven worked to ensure the best possible tax relief package for North Dakota families and businesses. In November, the senator held roundtables in Bismarck and Fargo to gather input from North Dakotans. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities. Additionally, earlier this fall, the senator held a series of roundtable discussions in Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-departure-of-adam-jorde-hiring-of-jason-stverak,Cramer Announces Departure of Adam Jorde & Hiring of Jason Stverak,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer announced today that Communications Director Adam Jorde is departing his Washington office and Jason Stverak is returning to the office as Deputy Chief of Staff. Adam Jorde will join NTCAThe Rural Broadband Association as Director of Government Affairs onDecember 21, 2017. NTCAThe Rural Broadband Association represents nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. As Cramers lead telecommunications aide, Jorde focused on policy issues within the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. He also worked as a lead staffer in the House Rural Broadband Caucus where Cramer is a founding co-chair. Since 2013, Jorde has served on Capitol Hill in various communications, policy, and administrative positions for Rep. Kevin Cramer and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). A native of Cando N.D., Jorde received his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Spanish from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. I appreciate the dedication and hard work Adam hasgivenme and the people of North Dakota, said Cramer. Growing up in rural America, Adam has witnessed the digital divide firsthand, and understands the critical and competitive importance of high-speed broadband to education, health care, and economic development. I wish him the best in his new role and I have no doubt hell continue to be a tireless advocate for rural America. Cramer also announced the hiring of Jason Stverak as his Deputy Chief of Staff. Jason will be responsible for communications and will serve as the congressmans foreign policy advisor. Prior to rejoining Congressman Cramers official staff, Jason most recently served as Legislative Director and Lobbyist for Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Action Fund. With more than 3.8 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. Jason served as the Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party from 2001 to 2007, and later founded the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, a non-profit journalism organization. Jason brings a wealth of experience on North Dakotas issues, and relationships with its people. His understanding of media and the important foreign policy issues facing our nation will be a benefit to my office as he works on behalf of North Dakota and its citizens, said Cramer. Contact Stverak for all future press inquiries at Jason.Stverak@mail.house.gov ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-passes-historic-final-vote-on-tax-cuts-jobs-act,CRAMER: House Passes Historic Final Vote on Tax Cuts & Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement following after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1 the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: Todays a truly historic moment for Congress, for our country, and for the conservative values of small government that so many of us stand on. With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Congress just corrected the tax imbalance created by decades of special interest lobbying in Washington. In 2018, North Dakota families across all income levels will keep more of their money; America will be open for business as one of the most competitive countries in the world; and 70,000 pages of convoluted tax code will be simplified to the point where most individuals will be able to fill out their taxes on a post card. Putting money back into local economies where it belongs is the best Christmas gift Washington can give, and I was glad to support Congressional Republicans and President Trump in bringing tax cuts to the people of North Dakota. NORTH DAKOTA HIGHLIGHTS OF TAX BILL: Individuals and Families Reduces taxes at every income level and sets individual rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. Doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers, $18,000 for heads of household, and $24,000 for joint filers. Over 80 percent of North Dakotans currently take the standard deduction. Preserves and expands the deduction for charitable contributions. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes just like current law up to $10,000. Gives individuals and families the ability to choose among sales, income and property taxes to best fit their unique circumstances. Expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples. The tax credit is fully refundable up to $1,400 and begins to phase-out for families making over $400,000. Parents must provide a childs valid Social Security Number in order to receive this credit. The bill also provides a $500 nonrefundable credit for non-child dependents. Retains the mortgage interest deduction providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. For all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction. For homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000. Preserves the medical expense deduction and expands it in years 2018 and 2019 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. This floor reverts back to 10 percent beginning in 2020. Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them if they choose. Retains the student loan interest, qualified tuition, and educator expense deductions. Graduate student tuition waivers also remain in place. Increases the exemption amount from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) to reduce the complexity and tax burden for millions of Americans. Farmers and Ranchers Supports farm cooperatives by including the Hoeven-Thune amendment to allow for a 20 percent tax deduction at the entity and member level. Expands and makes permanent section 179 expensing up to $1 million in assets. Provides for full and immediate expensing of capital investments for five years. Preserves full interest deductibility for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses with average gross receipts of $25 million or less. Doubles the current estate tax exemption and maintains step-up in basis for capital gains. Preserves cash accounting. Job Creators Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018) down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history. Delivers significant tax relief to small business job creators by offering a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%. Retains the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects. Eliminates the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax Read the full summary here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-350000-in-economic-development-grants-for-north-dakota,"Hoeven Announces $350,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.17 Hoeven Announces $350,000 in Economic Development Grants for North Dakota WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Economic Development Administration has awarded five grants totaling $350,000 to regional councils in North Dakota. The funds will support strategies to spur investment and job creation. The details of the awards are as follow: Lake Agassiz Regional Council, Fargo - $70,000 Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council, Mandan - $70,000 North Central Planning Council, Devils Lake - $70,000 Roosevelt-Custer Regional Council for Development, Dickinson - $70,000 Souris Basin Planning Council, Minot - $70,000 Our regional councils work to meet the needs of communities across the state, ensuring robust economic growth and good job opportunities for our citizens, Hoeven said. Todays awards support this important mission. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-und-students-selected-to-train-as-federal-airborne-law-enforcement-officers,Hoeven: UND Students Selected to Train as Federal Airborne Law Enforcement Officers,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.17 Hoeven: UND Students Selected to Train as Federal Airborne Law Enforcement Officers WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after 15 students at the University of North Dakota (UND) were selected to train as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Interdiction Agents under the universitys Pathways Program. Earlier this year, Hoeven announced the CBP program, which provides federal career opportunities for students learning to fly both manned and unmanned aircraft. This really is a win-win not only do UND aerospace students get a job and get paid while theyre going to school, but CBP gets these great young people to help them carry out their very important mission, Hoeven said. The pathways program represents a tremendous opportunity for UNDs students and ensures CBP has access to the pilots it needs to ensure the security of our border. Congratulations to all of the successful applicants. The students, who are hired as federal employees with flexible full or part-time schedules, will assist in developing operational plans for interdiction missions, work with state and local law enforcement officials and perform security liaison duties. Upon graduation and while accruing flight hours, the trainees will become Aviation Enforcement Agents with duties that include collecting and processing evidence and interviewing suspects and witnesses. Upon completion of flight hours, the trainees will become CBP Air Interdiction Agents conducting aerial border security missions. Todays announcement dovetails with Hoevens work as a members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure $8 million in Fiscal Year 2017 funding to ensure that CBPs UAS operations and training facility would remain in Grand Forks. The CBPleased arecently renovated space on the air base in September. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-epa-s-replacement-rule-for-clean-power-plan,CRAMER: Statement on EPAs Replacement Rule for Clean Power Plan,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement following an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advance notice of proposed rulemaking for greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric utility generating units: I appreciate Administrator Pruitts emphasis on industry and state stakeholder involvement, this is what has been missing all along. With the proposed repeal of the overreaching Clean Power Plan already in motion, this action begins consideration of a new rule to regulate carbon dioxide from existing power plants. I encourage consumers, state officials, energy producers, and others to weigh in on this important rulemaking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-1-million-grant-for-stem-undergraduate-scholarships-at-und,Hoeven Announces Nearly $1 Million Grant for STEM Undergraduate Scholarships at UND,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.17 Hoeven Announces Nearly $1 Million Grant for STEM Undergraduate Scholarships at UND WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a nearly $1 million grant to the University of North Dakota (UND) to support scholarships for undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The funds will go to students from low-income families and underrepresented groups, giving them the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty and preparing them for graduate studies and research careers. These scholarships will open new opportunities for students to gain valuable, hands-on experience as they pursue a STEM degree, helping them to achieve their education and career goals, Hoeven said. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped secure funding in the Senates Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bills for programs to enhance STEM education, including the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program at NSF. In addition, Hoeven successfully included a provision to improve students access to STEM education in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which Congress passed last year. The measure was based on legislation he introduced with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-fargo-wins-georgetown-university-energy-award-will-help-establish-5-million-energy-efficiency-project,"Hoeven: Fargo Wins Georgetown University Energy Award, Will Help Establish $5 Million Energy Efficiency Project",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.17 Hoeven: Fargo Wins Georgetown University Energy Award, Will Help Establish $5 Million Energy Efficiency Project WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after eFargo, the partnership between the City of Fargo and North Dakota State University (NDSU), won the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Among other things, Fargo will receive support in obtaining $5 million in financing for an energy efficiency project. The senator wrote in support of Fargos application in 2014. Congratulations to Fargo, NDSU and all of their partners on this tremendous achievement, Hoeven said. Weve worked hard over the years to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, both in the Red River Valley and across the state. This award stands as a testament to the problem-solvers who are driving the future of our economy, and we thank everyone involved for their hard work. The award recognizes the significant energy savings achieved by the community and its partners. The efforts arising out of the universitys challenge will be used to develop innovative energy efficiency plans that can be replicated across the nation, helping to reduce energy costs for individuals, families and businesses. The award dovetails with Hoevens work to establish the state as a hub of technology entrepreneurship and innovation. At his 2017 State of Technology Conference, Hoeven stressed how technology is the third wave in North Dakotas economic growth and is bringing new opportunities to the states core industries, including energy development. The senator showcased local, innovative projects like Project Tundra, theAllam Cycle and Red Trail Energys project to reduce the emissions from its ethanol plant in Richardton which will allow greater energy production with better environmental stewardship. As a member of the Senate Energy and Energy Appropriations Committees, Hoeven continues to support these efforts and is working to ensure the final Fiscal Year 2018 funding bill provides adequate funding for carbon capture and sequestration programs. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-thune-amendment-fixes-tax-provision-for-cooperatives,Hoeven-Thune Amendment Fixes Tax Provision for Cooperatives,2017-12-16,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.17 Hoeven-Thune Amendment Fixes Tax Provision for Cooperatives Senators Secure Language in Tax Relief Legislation WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that his amendment to maintain the fair tax treatment of cooperatives, which he authored with Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), has been included in the conference committees final tax relief package. The elimination of Section 199 in Congress draft tax bills presented a significant problem for cooperatives, threatening to increase their taxes and leading to higher costs for their members. The Hoeven-Thune language included in the final bill fixes this provision, ensuring cooperatives in North Dakota and across the nation will benefit from Congress tax relief legislation. We worked hard to ensure the final tax relief legislation provided certainty for cooperatives and treated them fairly, Hoeven said. Cooperatives provide vital services for our communities and agriculture producers and fill an important role in our economy. I appreciate Senator Thune, as well as our colleagues in the Senate and the House, for working with us to secure this important provision for our cooperatives. I look forward to advancing this and the rest of our tax relief legislation to help grow our economy and benefit middle-class Americans, workers, small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Throughout the debate on tax reform, Senator John Hoeven has worked tirelessly to ensure that farmers and their co-ops were treated fairly. In particular, the Senator recognized early on that the elimination of the Section 199 deduction threatened to raise the tax burden of many producers and cooperatives. The provisions that he and Senator John Thune were able to secure in the bill will, we believe, keep money in the pockets of family farmers across the country at a time when low commodity prices mean that every penny counts. We strongly support this bill and thank Senator Hoeven for his leadership.Chuck Conner, President & CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives Tom Astrup, President and CEO of American Crystal Sugar Company, applauds Senator Hoeven for his hard work on behalf of family farmers. Senator Hoeven fought effectively to craft a good alternative to Section 199, the Domestic Production Activity Deduction, which is eliminated under the tax bill. We think the alternative will continue to provide important job creating incentives to rural America, which is extremely important given this challenging period for the farm economy. Senator Hoevens leadership in the tax reform debate means that CHS membersboth farmers and local co-opswill continue to be engines of economic activity in North Dakota and across the territory we serve. The Section 199 deduction helped to create jobs and broaden the tax base in many rural communities and the loss of the deduction would have had impacts far beyond agriculture. Senator Hoeven has prevented that scenario through his efforts to make the new tax code work for co-ops and their members. On behalf of CHS and our farmer-owners, I would like to thank him for being a champion of agriculture. Jay Debertin, President & CEO of CHS Inc. Land OLakes and our members thank Senator Hoeven today for his dedication to making the tax reform package work for family farmers and the co-ops they own. Senator Hoeven led the effort to ensure that eliminating the Section 199 deduction does not have the unintended consequence of raising taxes on producers during hard times across the countryside. The provisions included in the final package will offset the loss of this deduction, we believe, and help encourage job creation and growth across rural America.Chris Policinski, President & CEO of Land OLakes, Inc. Congressman Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) worked to gather support for the Hoeven amendment in the House of Representatives, along with Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Mike Conaway (R-Texas).Other cosponsors of Hoevens amendment in the Senate included Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tom Cotton (R-Texas) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.). -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-release-of-final-tax-bill-to-be-voted-on-next-week,CRAMER: Statement on Release of Final Tax Bill to be Voted on Next Week,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the House and Senate Conference Committee on tax reform released the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill providing the most significant tax reform since 1986: Without question, the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act released tonight will save Americans thousands of dollars in taxes. Farmers will save money; local businesses will save money; young working families will save money; single individuals will save money; nearly everyone in America will keep more of their hard-earned money. This is a win for the American people, and people should expect to see more money in their paychecks beginning February 2018. Read the summary of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-supports-privacy-policy-notification-bill-modernizing-regulations,Cramer Supports Privacy Policy Notification Bill Modernizing Regulations For Auto Lenders,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer supported a bill this week simplifying the privacy policy requirements for finance institutions making auto loans. H.R. 2396, the Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act, eliminates the requirement for auto financial companies to mail physical copies of their annual privacy notifications. The bill allows institutions to include their privacy policy electronically or on the billing statement. It does not modify privacy policies that are in place or the requirement for financial institutions to disclose them, but it streamlines the process of keeping consumers updated in a resourceful process. Oftentimes, these financial institutions do not make changes to their privacy policies, but are still required to mail hundreds of pages of information. The legislation passed by the House reduces the redundant and unclear information being sent to consumers, and brings attention to important announcements a financial provider would send physically. Being able to request and view your lending privacy policy online is a commonsense solution to the unnecessary amount of mail folks are receiving, said Cramer. This bill corrects a practice that bombards consumers with unnecessary mailers, and removes this nonsensical regulation that has hurt auto lenders and community financial institutions. In the 114th Congress, the House passed the Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act so unchanged privacy policies do not require distribution. H.R. 2396 awaits action in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-final-bill-provides-tax-relief-for-north-dakotans-small-businesses-farmers-and-ranchers-,"Hoeven: Final Bill Provides Tax Relief for North Dakotans, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.17 Hoeven: Final Bill Provides Tax Relief for North Dakotans, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers Legislation Cuts Taxes for Individuals, Families and Small Businesses WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the Senate and House Conference Committee released the final tax relief legislation, which lowers rates across the board for individuals and families and provides relief for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. We worked hard to ensure that the tax relief bill works for North Dakota, said Hoeven. This legislation lowers rates across the board for individuals and families, enabling hard-working Americans to keep more of their paycheck. At the same time, it lowers rates and provides relief for small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers. This will enable us to grow our economy and create more jobs with higher wages. Tax relief, combined with regulatory relief, will empower the economy to grow and increase government revenues. The legislation does not cut spending to agriculture or other programs nor does it require across the board spending cuts due to paygo requirements. Though the paygo rules have been brought up as a concern, Senate and House leadership have committed to waive them if needed. Hoeven highlighted important provisions in the final tax plan, including: Cuts Tax Rates Across the Board for Hardworking Individuals and Families Provides a net tax cut of more than $2,059 for a median income family of four. Increases the standard deduction, which means that Americans will not be taxed on the first $12,000 of income for individuals, $24,000 for married couples and $18,000 for a single parent with dependents. 9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child Preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Continues tax deductions, including for: Student Loan Interest and Tuition Waivers. Medical Expenses Charitable Contributions Home Mortgage Interest Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments, which is phased down over an additional four year period. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Additionally, during Senate debate on the bill, Hoeven worked to secure: Increasing the tax deduction to 20% for qualified pass-through income, which reduces the tax burden for small businesses set up as a partnerships or pass-through entities. Maintaining the state and local property tax deduction up to $10,000 for individuals and families. Maintaining the IC-DISC program, which enables small and medium businesses, including manufacturers, to reduce taxes on portions of their export income. Greater flexibility for implement and auto dealers to expense interest on inventory. The legislation includes a Hoeven amendment that exempts businesses with floor plan financing from the interest expense limitation, subject to further rules. Hoeven has been working to ensure tax reform works for North Dakota families and businesses. In November, the senator held roundtables in Bismarck and Fargo to gather input from North Dakotans. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities. Additionally, earlier this fall, the senator held a series of roundtable discussions in Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-time-for-congress-to-enact-bipartisan-net-neutrality-legislation,CRAMER: Time for Congress to Enact Bipartisan Net Neutrality Legislation,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted to restore internet freedom by reclassifying the internet under the same light touch regulatory framework developed during the Clinton Administration: “This has gone on long enough, it’s time for Republicans and Democrats to enact permanent net neutrality legislation in Congress. Contrary to what the left is saying, the world is not going to end and your access to the internet was never in danger. From mass hysteria to bomb threats and even naming of FCC commissioners’ children online, the rhetoric over poorly named ‘net neutrality’ rules has turned into a dangerous political mudslinging match. Ironically, Republicans and Democrats actually agree on most principles surrounding net neutrality. I support a free and open internet and want to ensure consumers and small businesses have the same opportunities that larger companies such as Google and Netflix have. Where we disagree is on the regulatory framework to enforce these rules. As a former utility regulator, I know exactly how Title II utility regulation affects companies. It was established to give the government more control over monopoly-style companies like Ma Bell telephone. Putting these same regulations on our very competitive internet market stifles broadband investment and punishes small broadband providers who lack the resources and lawyers to deal with government red tape. That’s terrible for the consumer – especially considering we still lack adequate broadband coverage for 23 million Americans. Moving forward, we have a tremendous opportunity to hit the reset button. In the previous Congress, Republicans made multiple attempts to work with Democrats on codifying principles that ensure net neutrality. We stand ready to get back to work on net neutrality legislation, but we’ll need Democrats to work with us to get things across the finish line.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-streamline-federal-permits-for-energy-development,Hoeven Working to Streamline Federal Permits for Energy Development,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.17 Hoeven Working to Streamline Federal Permits for Energy Development Senator Invites Interior Official to North Dakota to Meet with Local Energy Industry on APD Delays, See Reclamation Practices Firsthand WASHINGTON During a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven outlined the need to streamline the federal permitting process for energy development. Hoeven stressed that delays in the permit process drive energy producers to avoid projects involving federal lands and mineral rights, adding cost to their operations and depriving the federal government of much-needed revenue. Hoeven highlighted his legislation, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mineral Spacing Act, which would direct BLM to establish a pilot program to waive the requirement for a federal permit when less than 50 percent of subsurface minerals are owned or held in trust by the federal government and there is no federal surface land. This would help free up BLMs staff and resources and address the backlog of applications for permit to drill (APD) on federal lands. Jim Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Interior, committed to work with Hoeven on this legislation and advance solutions to streamline APDs. The delays in federal permitting impose increased costs on energy producers and consumers, while also reducing royalties to mineral holders, including the government, Hoeven said. Our legislation would give control back to majority mineral rights holders and allow BLM to better focus on its surface acres. That means BLM can get more done with greater efficiency and the federal government will have access to increased revenues. I appreciate Mr. Cason for agreeing to work with us on this legislation, which aligns with our broader effort to provide regulatory relief for all of our energy producers. In addition, Hoeven invited Cason to North Dakota to meet with the states energy industry on the permit delays and learn firsthand about the benefits of a state-led regulatory approach. Hoeven cited the success of the states lignite coal industry and its land reclamation practices, which have been consistently recognized for their excellence by federal agencies. Hoeven said such practices stand as an example of how state primacy in regulations helps provide certainty for producers and a more timely permit process while ensuring good environmental outcomes. The hearing comes as part of Hoevens efforts to support robust energy development for the nation, which creates good paying jobs and generates revenues for local, state and federal government. To this end, Hoeven is working to advance regulatory relief for the nations energy developers, including: Stopping the Waters of the U.S. RuleHoeven worked through the Appropriations Committee to defund the regulation in 2016 and 2017. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recentlyissueda proposal to restore the regulations that were in place prior to WOTUS, which was issued in 2015. This is the first of two steps established by the executive ordersignedby the president in February. Repealing the Stream Buffer Rule Hoeven helped introduce and pass legislation torescindthe one-size-fits-all Stream Buffer Rule, which was primarily based on mining practices in the Appalachian region and threatened to eliminate thousands of mining jobs. Rolling Back Burdensome Regulations Hoeven joined the President and Interior Secretary to implement executive orders and begin rolling back regulations that hamper domestic energy production, including the EPAs costly rules for coal-generating power plants, BLMs hydraulic fracturing rule for federal lands, BLMs methane rule and the moratorium on federal coal leasing. The senator also cosponsored and voted for a resolution to repeal the BLM methane rule, for which the administration has proposed a three-year delay while it works to review and rescind the rule. Rescinding BLM Planning 2.0 Hoeven cosponsored and helped pass a resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal the rule. Thismaintainedmultiple-use requirements for federal lands, including energy development. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-passes-resolution-reaffirming-strategic-partnership-between,Cramer: House Passes Resolution Reaffirming Strategic Partnership Between U.S. & Canada,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"​WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ccongressman Kevin Cramer supported a resolution approved today by voice vote, which recognizes the importance of the United States’ partnership with Canada. Cramer, a co-chair of the House Northern Border Caucus, was an original cosponsor of the resolution. “Canada is one of our strongest allies and friends, and I’m happy to see the House of Representatives double down on supporting our northern neighbor” said Cramer. “Through our strategic partnerships on national security, energy, agriculture, and other bilateral trade deals, having Canada by our side makes North America stronger as a whole, and I look forward to an even stronger relationship in the future.” H. Res. 357 reaffirms the strong relationship between the U.S. and Canada, and recognizes that it has advanced U.S. national interests and urges increased cooperation on security, energy and economic issues. The resolution supports stronger trade relations, and encourages grater security collaboration in defense, border security, cyber security, and Arctic security.  Finally, the resolution calls for an increased focus on energy security through greater energy infrastructure integration. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-president-trump-signing-national-defense,CRAMER: Statement on President Trump Signing National Defense Authorization Act,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after President Trump today signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in to law: “I’m pleased to see this defense bill signed by the President become law today. During times of instability around the world and in countries like North Korea and Iran, it’s important to show the globe that the United States will always speak from a position of strength. The NDAA shows our continued strength while also authorizing the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years and supporting North Dakota’s military missions. Now it is important we pass a defense appropriation bill that reflects the same policies.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-216000-in-hud-grants-to-support-family-self-sufficiency-in-the-red-river-valley,"Hoeven Announces Nearly $216,000 in HUD Grants to Support Family Self-Sufficiency in the Red River Valley",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 Hoeven Announces Nearly $216,000 in HUD Grants to Support Family Self-Sufficiency in the Red River Valley WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded two grants totaling $215,735 to housing agencies in the Red River Valley. The funds are made available through HUDs Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program and will be used to coordinate services, such as job training, child care and financial literacy, to help families and individuals increase their income and reduce the need for rental assistance and other support programs. The details of the awards are as follows: Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority - $110,836 Grand Forks Housing Authority - $104,899 These awards will help families in Fargo and Grand Forks access opportunities, like a better job and permanent housing, that will give them a stronger financial footing, Hoeven said. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-president-signs-defense-authorization-into-law,Hoeven: President Signs Defense Authorization into Law,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.17 Hoeven: President Signs Defense Authorization into Law Bill Supports North Dakota Missions & Troops, Includes Hoeven UAS Pilot Amendment WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the president signed into law the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation provides strong support for North Dakotas defense missions, helps modernize the nations nuclear deterrent and improves pay and benefits for the troops, including authorizing health care benefits for Guard members deployed on pre-planned missions. Additionally, Hoeven included a provision enabling National Guard unmanned aircraft pilots to receive timely training from civilian contractors, like General Atomics, which has an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training facility at Grand Sky Technology Park. The president has now signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides strong support for the military missions in North Dakota, as well as the pay and benefits our men and women in uniform deserve, said Hoeven. The legislation also includes our provision to enable UAS pilot in the National Guard to train using facilities like Grand Sky Technology Park. North Dakota plays a vital role in our national defense strategy with our nuclear deterrent in Minot to the UAS intelligence and targeting in Grand Forks. This legislation authorizes tools and funding to support these missions. Support for North Dakota Missions Authorizes nearly $300 million for the Global Hawk, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk program at Grand Forks Air Force Base. $108.6 million in authorized funding for the Air Force to replace the UH-1N Huey helicopter that provides security for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) located around Minot Air Force Base. $586 million authorized to sustain the existing fleet of ICBMs and $215.7 million for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program to develop a replacement for the existing Minuteman III. Authorizes $221.4 million for upgrades to the B-52 and $451 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52. Hoevens amendment authorizes the National Guard to send unmanned aircraft pilots to a civilian contractor for training if the Air Force lacks the capacity to train pilots in a timely fashion. The amendment ensures that pilots are able to train using UAS training academies, like those at Grand Sky Technology Park, adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base. Hoeven played a key role in bringing Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to Grand Sky to establish these training facilities. Support for the Troops Authorizes a 2.4 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the uniformed services. Authorizes health care benefits for members of the National Guard who are deployed for pre-planned operations. This will help members of the North Dakota Guard who deploy to Washington, DC as part of Operation Noble Eagle. Hoeven has sponsored legislation that addresses these benefits. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-usgs-to-work-with-state-industry-on-comprehensive-study-of-williston-basin,"Hoeven: USGS to Work With State, Industry on Comprehensive Study of Williston Basin",2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.17 Hoeven: USGS to Work With State, Industry on Comprehensive Study of Williston Basin Senator Hosted USGS Director in Bismarck in August to Highlight ND Energy Industry WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Energy Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct a comprehensive, broad-based resource estimate for the Williston Basin. The USGS notified Hoeven today that it will undertake the analysis as a result of a meeting he hosted in Bismarck with USGS Acting Director William Werkheiser. Hoeven brought Werkheiser to the state to hear firsthand from energy leaders about the latest data, geological surveys and technical achievements in the oil field.  “Our state’s energy industry continues to develop new and innovative ways to produce more energy with better environmental stewardship,” said Hoeven. “With these innovations come new assumptions about oil production in the Williston Basin. That’s why our producers made a strong case for this new USGS study. We appreciate the USGS taking a comprehensive look at the region as they work with the State and industry to update the estimate of recoverable oil.” Hoeven spearheaded a similar effort that resulted in the latest USGS study from 2013, which more than doubled the estimates of technically recoverable oil at that time, from 3.65 billion barrels to 7.4 billion barrels. In addition, Hoeven continues working through the Appropriations Committee to support federal research programs that empower producers to get more out of oil and gas wells, while also reducing the environmental footprint of drilling. To this end, the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2018 energy funding bill includes $26 million for enhanced oil recovery research, a $6 million increase over the previous year. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-passes-legislation-accelerating-investigations-at,CRAMER: House Passes Legislation Accelerating Investigations at Substandard VA Facilities,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported legislation passed this week in the House of Representatives to speed up the process of correcting substandard medical practices at VA facilities. Oftentimes, when wrongdoing or substandard care is uncovered at a VA medical facility, the Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office are charged with completing the investigation. However, bogged down in red tape and government bureaucracy, these investigations frequently take a long time to complete – all while patients are continuing to receive care from these facilities. The Enhancing Veteran Care Act (S. 1266) allows the VA to contract with non-profits that accredit health care organizations to investigate VA medical centers at a much faster pace. “When bad actors or substandard care is discovered at a VA facility, it needs to be fixed yesterday – that’s the sort of urgency our veterans deserve,” said Cramer. “The Enhancing Veteran Care Act delivers on our promise to hold the VA accountable, and I’m pleased to see this bill going to the White House to be made law.” Through Cramer’s work in the House of Representatives, the VA has seen steady improvements to address accountability concerns including hiring practices, health care scheduling practices, and new technologies aimed at improving care for rural areas.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-community-bank-regulatory-relief-bill-passes-house,CRAMER: Community Bank Regulatory Relief Bill Passes House,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported a bill today bringing regulatory relief to community banks for certain escrow requirements. H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act, would exempt lenders from certain escrow and impound requirements if they have consolidated assets of $25 billion or less, and hold the mortgage on their balance sheet for three years. The bill would also direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to exempt mortgage servicers from certain requirements related to mortgage loan servicing and escrow account administration if they service 30,000 or fewer mortgage loans annually. “For North Dakotans, this is an access to banking services issue. When community banks are dropping mortgage services altogether in order to stay afloat, consumers across rural America are the ones who lose out. The House has passed numerous bills over the years to bring financial relief to our community financial institutions. I hope the Senate this Congress can finally follow suit.” Escrow requirements enacted by the CFPB have caused small lenders to increase mortgage costs on consumers or exit the mortgage market entirely. Unlike larger banks who have the resources and economies of scale to handle such requirements, smaller institutions lack the human or financial resources necessary to comply with many of burdensome regulations placed on them by the CFPB and the Dodd-Frank Consumer Protection Act.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-passage-of-short-term-budget-continuing-resolution,CRAMER: Statement on Passage of Short-Term Budget Continuing Resolution,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted today to pass a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government until December 22: “While ironing the final wrinkles out of our tax reform bill, this short-term funding extension is necessary to make sure the federal government keeps the lights on. I look forward to enacting a fiscally sustainable budget in the coming weeks after Congress has passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-and-house-move-to-conference-on-tax-relief-legislation,Hoeven: Senate and House Move to Conference on Tax Relief Legislation,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.17 Hoeven: Senate and House Move to Conference on Tax Relief Legislation On Senate Floor, Senator Outlines Important Provisions in Legislation to Lower Rates for Individuals, Families and Small Businesses, Empower Economic Growth WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven again spoke on the Senate floor to outline important provisions in tax relief legislation to lower tax rates across-the-board for working Americans and to provide the nation’s small businesses, farmers and ranchers with relief. The Senate voted to move to a conference committee with the House of Representatives.                 “We’re working to get the best possible tax relief package for North Dakotans and our small businesses, farmers and ranchers,” said Hoeven. “Tax relief really is all about hardworking taxpayers across this country, not just in terms of making sure they keep more of their hard-earned dollars after taxes, but making sure that their wages and income go up. As we work on this tax package, we want to make sure that across all income groups we see real tax relief. But the other aspect is that it’s pro-growth. It’s about stimulating investment across this country by entrepreneurs, innovators, small companies and with companies bringing money from overseas back home to America to create jobs here. That’s what we’ll continue to focus on as we move to conference committee with the House.”   Hoeven highlighted important provisions in the Senate plan, including:  Increasing the tax deduction to 23% for qualified pass-through income, which reduces the tax burden for small businesses set up as a partnerships or pass-through entities.  Maintaining the state and local property tax deduction up to $10,000 for individuals and families. Maintaining the IC-DISC program, which enables small and medium businesses, including manufacturers, to reduce taxes on portions of their export income.  Greater flexibility for implement and auto dealers to expense interest on inventory. The legislation includes a Hoeven amendment that exempts businesses with floor plan financing from the interest expense limitation, subject to further rules.  Additionally, the Senate Tax Relief Package:  Reduces the Tax Burden on Hardworking American Taxpayers The Senate tax reform bill cuts tax rates across the board.  Provides a net tax cut of about $2,200 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction, which means that Americans will not be taxed on the first $12,000 of income for individuals, $24,000 for married couples and $18,000 for a single parent with dependents.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Continues tax deductions, including for:  Student Loan Interest and Tuition Waivers. Medical Expenses Charitable Contributions. Home Mortgage Interest Up to $10,000 in property taxes paid to state and local governments Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments, which is phased down over an additional four year period. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Tax relief, combined with regulatory relief, will empower the economy to grow and increase government revenues. Claims that the legislation will increase the deficit do not account for or underestimate revenue from a growing economy. According to the Tax Foundation, the Senate tax bill will increase the size of the economy by 3.7 percent, increase wages by 2.9 percent and create nearly 1 million new jobs. Hoeven has been working to ensure tax reform works for North Dakota families and businesses. In November, the senator held roundtables in Bismarck and Fargo to gather input from North Dakotans. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities. Additionally, earlier this fall, the senator held a series of roundtable discussions in Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input.   -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-senate-leadership-to-delay-electronic-logging-device-implementation-for-motor-carriers-hauling-livestock,Hoeven Urges Senate Leadership to Delay Electronic Logging Device Implementation for Motor Carriers Hauling Livestock,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.17 Hoeven Urges Senate Leadership to Delay Electronic Logging Device Implementation for Motor Carriers Hauling Livestock Senator Worked with DOT to Secure ELD Waiver, Flexibility in HOS Regulations WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, recently joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging the Senate leadership to delay implementation of electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for commercial motor vehicles hauling livestock. The full letter can be found here. We need to provide a smooth transition from paper records to ELDs for motor carriers tasked with hauling livestock, Hoeven said. This is all about ensuring the new rules do not interfere with the safe, efficient and humane transportation of livestock. This effort aligns with Hoevens work to provide needed regulatory relief to ensure agriculture producers can get their products to market and secure safe transportation for their livestock. This includes: ELD Waiver Last month, Hoeven announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was issuing a waiver on ELD requirements for the commercial transportation of agriculture products. Hoeven worked with DOT officials to secure the waiver, effective for 90 days, which ensures drivers will not be forced out of service if they are still using paper logs to record their hours of service (HOS). In addition, DOT says it will not enforce out-of-service violations for all motor carriers until April 1. Drivers transporting non-agricultural products may still receive a citation for being out of compliance during this period, but may continue to drive. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will not record out-of-service violations against motor carriers federal safety rating while the waiver is in effect. Hours of Service Flexibility Earlier this year, Hoeven secured flexibility under FMCSAs HOS regulations for truckers hauling livestock. Agriculture groups were concerned that due to the nature of hauling livestock, potential animal safety concerns could arise should a driver not reach his destination within the 11 hours of driving, 14 hour work day allowed under HOS requirements. FMCSAs flexibility within the agriculture exemption means HOS do not apply to those hauling livestock when their work is conducted within a 150 air mile (or about 172 road mile) radius of the source of the livestock. Should a driver go beyond this radius, the HOS begin to apply and the driver can drive an additional 11 hours and work 14 hours. FMCSA has announced it will issue a Notice for Comment on Agricultural Hours of Service clarifying the ag-exemption 150-air mile radius rule. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-approves-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act,CRAMER: House Approves Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported legislation today to increase the rights of gun owners and ensure current law is being enforced with respect to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The Constitution grants Americans the fundamental right to own a firearm. With the passage of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, would allow individuals who are qualified to carry a concealed handgun in one state to carry in other states that permit concealed carry. Under the legislation, the license holder must abide by the laws of the state which recognize their own residents’ right to concealed carry. Cramer is a cosponsor of this bill. This legislation also includes the Fix NICS Act, which corrects the problems of inaccurate reporting within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In a measure to prevent gun-related misconduct, the Fix NICS Act instructs both state and federal law enforcement officials to report criminal history and penalizes agencies who fail to do so. The Fix NICS Act also requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to account each time a bump stock is used to commit a crime. “There is no reason a law-abiding gun owner in North Dakota should lose their Second Amendment rights while crossing state lines,” said Cramer. “The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act protects every citizens’ federal constitutional right to bear arms while ensuring individuals, who are legally prohibited from owning a firearm under current law, are prevented from doing so. This is a very common sense law.” H.R. 38 is supported by 24 State Attorneys General in a letter written to congressional leadership outlining how the individual right of gun ownership does not correlate to increased risk of crime. Both bills move to the Senate for further action.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-moving-us-embassy-to-jerusalem,CRAMER: STATEMENT ON MOVING U.S. EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: “Moving our embassy to Jerusalem is a long overdue recognition to the undeniable core of Israel. Today’s announcement by President Trump comes at a time when reaffirming the strong alliance between the United States and Israel is critical towards stabilizing and advancing diplomacy in the region. We remain committed to peaceful solutions to conflict in the region and working with our partners.” Cramer signed a letter in January urging President Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate our embassy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-trump-to-appoint-bob-wefald-to-american-battle-monuments,CRAMER: Trump to Appoint Bob Wefald to American Battle Monuments Commission,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer announced today that President Trump intends to appoint Robert “Bob” Wefald of North Dakota to the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). Earning his B.A. from the University of North Dakota and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, Wefald has served the people of North Dakota in several public positions including North Dakota Attorney General from 1981 to 1984. He also served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years including during the Vietnam War. “It was really easy to recommend Bob to President Trump for this role,” said Cramer. “As a former Navy Captain, North Dakota Attorney General, and a District Court Judge, he checks all the boxes for a member of this honorable commission. Bob’s unwavering commitment to veterans and veteran issues is well known, and his personal record of military experience and his dedication to North Dakota will serve him well as he begins his time on the American Battle Monuments Commission. I’m very happy for Bob.” The American Battle Monuments Commission, established by the Congress in 1923, is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. Charged with guarding America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials, the agency honors the service, achievements and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. ABMC’s commemorative mission includes: Designing, constructing, operating and maintaining permanent American cemeteries in foreign countries. Establishing and maintaining U.S. military memorials, monuments and markers where American armed forces have served overseas since April 6, 1917, and within the United States when directed by public law. Controlling the design and construction of permanent U.S. military monuments and markers by other U.S. citizens and organizations, both public and private, and encouraging their maintenance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-bill-to-expand-resources-for-indian-victims-of-crime-clears-indian-affairs-committee,Hoeven Bill to Expand Resources for Indian Victims of Crime Clears Indian Affairs Committee,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Hoeven Bill to Expand Resources for Indian Victims of Crime Clears Indian Affairs Committee WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today welcomed committee passage of legislation he introduced to expand critical resources and programs for Indian victims of crime. The Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act, which has 9 bipartisan cosponsors, increases resources for tribal victim assistance by requiring a 5 percent allocation from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) be provided to Indian tribes through a grant program. Despite high rates of victimization, Indian tribes currently receive less than one percent of CVF resources. The grant program created by the SURVIVE Act will improve public safety and strengthen victim services in Indian Country, said Hoeven. Tribal communities experience some of the highest victimization rates in the country, with little to no resources to assist victims. This bill will establish direct tribal access to the Crime Victims Fund by creating a five percent set aside for Indian tribes, which amounts to $150 million per year for culturally relevant and tribal specific victim assistance programs. Additionally, the senator's bill empowers tribal victims of crime by: Expanding the types of victim assistance, services, and infrastructure for which the funds may be used, including domestic violence shelters, medical care, counseling, legal assistance and services, and child and elder abuse programs. Enhancing Indian tribes' flexibility to deliver culturally tailored victim services that best meet the needs of their local communities. Providing for significant confidentiality and privacy protections for crime victims receiving services. Increasing the resources available to Indian crime victims from the CVF, which is funded by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders, without increasing overall spending. The SURVIVE Act has received support from the National Congress of American Indians, the United Tribes of North Dakota, the Navajo Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance the bill to the full Senate. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-hearing-to-examine-indian-water-rights-settlement-legislation,Hoeven Holds Hearing to Examine Indian Water Rights Settlement Legislation,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Hoeven Holds Hearing to Examine Indian Water Rights Settlement Legislation WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today held a hearing to examine two Indian water rights settlement bills: The Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017, sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT); and The Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017, sponsored by Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and co-sponsored by Senator John McCain (R-AZ). The Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017 The Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017 intends to resolve claims between the Navajo Nation and the State of Utah regarding allocation in the San Juan River. The bill authorizes over $210 million of approved water development projects for the Navajo Nation and allocates 81,500 acre-feet per year of water from the San Juan River. The Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017 The Hualapai Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2017 resolves claims of the Hualapai Nation to water allocation in the Colorado basin. It would authorize approximately $173.5 million for water development projects and reallocate 4,000 acre-feet per year of water from Central Arizona Project to the tribe. Click here for complete witness testimony and video of the hearing. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-appointment-of-bob-wefald-to-american-battle-monuments-commission,Hoeven Statement on Appointment of Bob Wefald to American Battle Monuments Commission,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Hoeven Statement on Appointment of Bob Wefald to American Battle Monuments Commission WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the president announced the appointment of Robert Wefald to the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). Wefald is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served 27 years and rose to the rank of Captain, and held the positions of North Dakota Attorney General and District Court Judge for South Central North Dakota. He also served as chairman of the committee that worked to secure the designation of USS North Dakota for a Virginia-class submarine. “Bob has long been an advocate for our state and nation’s servicemembers and a dedicated public servant,” Hoeven said. “Throughout his career and personal life, his passion for serving his fellow veterans has been apparent. In this new role, he will continue his work to honor the men and women who gave everything for our country. We congratulate him on this well-earned position, and wish him the best in this important mission.” The ABMC administers and maintains U.S. military cemeteries, memorials and monuments, both domestically and across 16 foreign countries. The sites commemorate the service, achievements and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces. The agency also operates an online database of names associated for each site. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-presidents-decision-to-move-us-embassy-to-jerusalem,Hoeven Statement on President's Decision to Move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.17 Hoeven Statement on President's Decision to Move U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem Move Recognizes Jerusalem as Capital of Israel WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement about the President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and begin the process of relocating the U.S. embassy. “We support the President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to begin the process of relocating the U.S. embassy. Congress directed, with strong bipartisan support in 1995, that the embassy be moved to Jerusalem. Earlier this year, the Senate voted 90-0 in favor of a resolution calling on the President to abide by the 1995 law. Moving the embassy to Jerusalem in no way prejudges the outcome of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The specifics of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem must be determined through negotiations and we continue to encourage Israelis and Palestinians to reach a peace deal.”  -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-confirmation-of-kirstjen-nielsen-as-dhs-secretary,Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen as DHS Secretary,2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.17 Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen as DHS Secretary Senator Secured Commitment from Nielsen to Visit ND, Advancing States UAS Expertise to Strengthen National Security WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as the Secretary of Homeland Security. In a meeting with Nielsen and during her confirmation hearing, Hoeven highlighted the unique advantages of North Dakotas unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry in developing solutions to improve the nations security, both at the borders and across the country. This includes assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in testing and evaluating technologies that can counter illegal use of unmanned aircraft, which might pose a threat to public safety or key infrastructure. Accordingly, the senator extended an invitation to Nielsen to visit North Dakota, which she accepted. UAS holds the promise of not only providing great commercial benefits, but also in helping to better secure our nation, said Hoeven. Secretary Nielsen and I have extensively discussed North Dakotas leading role in developing and testing these UAS applications and how we can leverage this technology to strengthen DHS operations. I look forward to working with her to do just that. Hoeven continues his efforts to ensure North Dakota leads in developing the future of the UAS industry. To this end, the senator is actively working to secure the states role in the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) recently-launched drone integration pilot program. The state is well-positioned to lead in the pilot program, as well as in developing low altitude beyond-line-of-flight applications, UAS detection/counter-UAS technologies and the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) unmanned traffic management (UTM) system, due to two components Hoeven helped secure in recent years: Authorizationfor the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to oversee UAS operations that go beyond the line of sight of the operator. Upgradesfor the DASR-11 digital radar systems at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo. Further, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $8 million in Fiscal Year 2017 funding to ensure that CBPs UAS operations and training facility would remain in Grand Forks. The CBPleasedrecently-renovated space on the air base earlier this year. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-forman-and-ashley-on-december-12,Cramer Announces Mobile Office Hours in Forman and Ashley on December 12,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer has scheduled mobile office hours in Forman and Ashley on Tuesday, December 12th.   Mobile Office Hours allow constituents to receive assistance with casework from the Congressman’s staff. “Many issues are raised through various forms of contact with me and my offices. Having members of my staff in Forman and Ashley allows more time for those with concerns and questions to explore solutions with people in a position to help,” said Cramer. “I realize it's not always easy or even possible for people to get to my district offices. Mobile office hours brings these services closer to constituents.” Individuals from the Forman and Ashley areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office for help with veterans and Social Security benefits, Medicare billing problems, immigration issues, military records or medals, or for assistance with any other federal agency. Tuesday, December 12 Forman Public Library — 10-11:30am 347 Main St. Forman, ND 58032   Ashley City Building — 1:30-3pm Conference Room 113 1st Ave NW Ashley, ND 58413     Contact Cody Morsching, Cramer’s Field Representative, with any questions. He can be reached by email at Cody.Morsching@mail.house.gov or telephone 701-356-2216. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-moves-tax-legislation-to-conference,CRAMER: House Moves Tax Legislation to Conference,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement this evening after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the motion to go to conference on H.R. 1 – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: “At the beginning of this year, Congress and the Trump Administration pledged to enact meaningful tax reform making American businesses globally competitive again, and giving middle class taxpayers the tax cut they deserve. Tonight’s vote marks one of the final steps in passing historic tax reform, and I’m looking forward to seeing a bill on President Trump’s desk before Christmas.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-tax-relief-for-north-dakotans-small-businesses,"Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Relief for North Dakotans, Small Businesses",2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.02.17 Hoeven: Senate Passes Tax Relief for North Dakotans, Small Businesses Legislation Cuts Taxes for Individuals, Families and Small Businesses WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed tax relief legislation to lower tax rates for working Americans and the nation’s small businesses.  “The Senate took an important step to provide hardworking, middle-class Americans with tax relief that will enable them to keep more of their paycheck and at the same time lower rates for small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers, so we can grow our economy and create more jobs with higher wages,” said Hoeven. “Now that the Senate has passed its tax relief plan, we’ll go to work with the House to deliver the best possible bill for hardworking Americans.”   During Senate debate on the bill, Hoeven successfully worked to include provisions in the tax relief plan to benefit North Dakotans, including: Increasing the tax deduction to 23% for qualified pass-through income, which reduces the tax burden for small businesses set up as a partnerships or pass-through entities.  Maintaining the state and local property tax deduction up to $10,000 for individuals and families. Maintaining the IC-DISC program, which enables small and medium businesses, including manufacturers, to reduce taxes on portions of their export income.  Greater flexibility for implement and auto dealers to expense interest on inventory. The legislation includes a Hoeven amendment that exempts businesses with floor plan financing from the interest expense limitation, subject to further rules.  Additionally, the Senate Tax Relief Package:  Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers.  Provides a net tax cut of about $2,200 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.   Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmer and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments, which is phased down over an additional four year period. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Tax relief, combined with regulatory relief, will empower the economy to grow and increase government revenues. Claims that the legislation will increase the deficit do not account for or underestimate revenue from a growing economy. Additionally, the legislation does not cut spending to agriculture or other programs nor does it require across the board spending cuts due to Pay-Go requirements.  Hoeven has been working to ensure tax reform works for North Dakota families and businesses. Last week, the senator held roundtables in Bismarck and Fargo to gather input from North Dakotans. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities. Additionally, earlier this fall, the senator held a series of roundtable discussions in Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input.   -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-431000-hhs-grant-for-family-healthcare-in-fargo,"Hoeven Announces $431,000 HHS Grant for Family Healthcare in Fargo",2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.17 Hoeven Announces $431,000 HHS Grant for Family Healthcare in Fargo WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a $431,077 grant to Family HealthCare in Fargo. The funds are made available through HHS health center cluster program and will support improved and expanded primary health care services at the centers facilities. Todays funds will help Family HealthCare provide affordable, quality health care services to individuals and families in the Fargo-Moorhead region, helping to improve their long-term wellbeing and quality of life, Hoeven said. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-on-senate-floor-senate-tax-reform-provides-working-north-dakotans-small-businesses-with-tax-relief,"Hoeven on Senate Floor: Senate Tax Reform Provides Working North Dakotans, Small Businesses with Tax Relief",2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.17 Hoeven on Senate Floor: Senate Tax Reform Provides Working North Dakotans, Small Businesses with Tax Relief Legislation Will Spur Economic Growth, Help Raise Wages WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven continued working to pass tax relief for hardworking North Dakota families and small businesses, including the state’s farmers and ranchers. The senator spoke on the Senate floor to highlight important priorities in the Senate’s draft bill that will enable middle-income individuals and families to keep more of their paychecks.  Hoeven has been working to ensure that the Senate bill meets the needs of North Dakotans. Last week, the senator held roundtables in Bismarck and Fargo to gather input from North Dakotans.  “We’ve been working to provide middle class Americans with tax relief that will enable them to keep more of their hard earned money so they can invest in the future,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, by lowering rates on our small businesses and our farmers and ranchers, we’re empowering and growing our economy which will create good jobs and raise wages for workers. That’s why we continue working to pass this tax relief plan.”   The Senate Tax Relief Package:  Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers. Provides a net tax cut of about $2,200 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.  Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. The senator has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities. Additionally, earlier this fall, the senator held a series of roundtable discussions in Minot, Grand Forks and Bismarck with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input.   -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-usda-provides-flexibility-in-school-meal-programs,Hoeven: USDA Provides Flexibility in School Meal Programs,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.17 Hoeven: USDA Provides Flexibility in School Meal Programs Senator Has Led Efforts to Ensure Schools Can Offer Nutritious Meals While Still Meeting Their Budgets WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an interim final rule that provides regulatory relief under the agency’s Child Nutrition Programs. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Hoeven secured a commitment from USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue during his confirmation process to work with the senator, school nutrition professionals and school districts to ease the regulations. Further, the senator successfully included language in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funding agreement that provides schools with greater flexibility in meeting the whole grains, milk and sodium requirements. Today’s announcement comes as part of Hoeven’s ongoing efforts to ensure schools can both meet their budgets and serve nutritious meals.  “School nutrition professionals work every day to provide healthy meal options to our children,” said Hoeven. “School budgets and product availability place real constraints on their efforts, which is why we’ve worked to provide relief from these one-size-fits-all regulations. I appreciate Secretary Perdue for following through on his commitment to find a workable path forward for our schools to continue providing nutritious meals that students will actually eat.”   Specifically, today’s interim final rule would be in effect for the 2018-2019 school year and addresses requirements for: WHOLE GRAINS: Under current regulations, all grains offered with school meals must be whole grain rich – down to the croutons on the fresh salad bar. While schools have been able to apply for waivers, Hoeven has worked to address concerns with the waiver application and provide longer-term flexibility. This rule allows state agencies to grant exemptions to the whole grain requirements, allowing schools to serve enriched grain products and providing relief for those struggling with product availability or facing unreasonable cost increases due to the requirements. SODIUM: Schools have made great strides in reducing sodium to meet Target 1 sodium levels. However, school nutrition professionals have warned that lower sodium targets will push many healthy options, like low-fat deli sandwiches, soups and salads off the menu, due in part to naturally occurring sodium in foods. In recognition of this, the rule allows schools to remain at Target 1 sodium levels through the 2018-2019 school year, giving schools and children additional time to adjust to sodium reduction efforts. MILK: The rule gives schools the option to serve flavored low-fat milk, in addition to the currently allowed unflavored non-fat and low-fat milk and flavored non-fat milk. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-faa-drone-integration-pilot-program-for-uas-businesses-at-monthly-meetup,Hoeven Outlines FAA Drone Integration Pilot Program for UAS Businesses at Monthly Meetup,2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.17 Hoeven Outlines FAA Drone Integration Pilot Program for UAS Businesses at Monthly Meetup Senator Working to Secure Role for North Dakota in UAS Pilot Program FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new drone integration pilot program for representatives of North Dakota’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry at the Drone Focus monthly meetup. Earlier this month, Hoeven joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to launch the program, which was followed by the FAA’s formal call for applications. The senator is actively working to secure the state’s role in the pilot program. Accordingly, Hoeven is committed to setting up a meeting between the FAA and UAS leaders from the Red River Valley, including those from the Northern Plains Test Site and Grand Sky Development Company. This will provide them an opportunity to outline North Dakota’s UAS expertise and infrastructure to the FAA and help ensure the agency utilizes the unique advantages of the state when selecting projects under the new integration program. Hoeven has also sent a letter to Secretary Chao to advance this effort and hosted the secretary at the annual Drone Focus conference in Fargo this past May, giving her firsthand knowledge of North Dakota’s dynamic UAS industry. “For more than a decade, we have worked to establish North Dakota as a premiere hub of UAS research, development, operations and training,” Hoeven said. “While that includes having our UAS missions and establishing Grand Sky, the test site and the center of excellence, it also means having a pro-growth approach that allows these innovations to be developed. This pilot program represents an important opportunity for our state to fill a central role in securing the future of this industry by bringing that same approach to the national level.” Hoeven stressed that due to the relationship built between government and the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry in North Dakota, the state is well-positioned to take a lead in the pilot program and serve as a model for the nation to help advance the integration of this technology into the national airspace (NAS). This would help create a regulatory environment that allows development of this technology, from its applications in national security to agriculture and energy, while also protecting the privacy rights and safety of citizens. This is the latest effort in Hoeven’s work to ensure North Dakota leads in developing the future of the UAS industry, which includes low altitude beyond-line-of-flight applications, UAS detection/counter-UAS technologies and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) unmanned traffic management (UTM) system. These technologies are central to safely incorporating UAS into the NAS, developing new commercial applications for unmanned aircraft and protecting against rogue UAS threats. The state is able to lead advancements in these areas due to two components Hoeven helped secure in recent years: Authorization for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to oversee UAS operations that go beyond the line of sight of the operator. Upgrades for the DASR-11 digital radar systems at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo.  -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-touts-economic-success-and-growth-of-north-dakotas-technology-sector-at-1-million-cups-fargo,Hoeven Touts Economic Success and Growth of North Dakota's Technology Sector at 1 Million Cups Fargo,2017-11-22,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.17 Hoeven Touts Economic Success and Growth of North Dakota's Technology Sector at 1 Million Cups Fargo Senator Highlights North Dakota’s UAS Industry as Model for Future Drone Integration Like Recently-Launched FAA Program FARGO, N.D. – At the third annual 1 Million Cups (1MC) Reunion Fargo, Senator John Hoeven today underscored the importance of North Dakota’s growing technology sector and how entrepreneurs are playing an important role in creating jobs and growing the state’s economy. The senator also highlighted how the relationship between North Dakota and the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry has transformed the state into a UAS hub and should serve as a national model as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) works to integrate UAS into the national airspace (NAS) through its new drone integration program. Hoeven will attend the Drone Focus monthly meetup later today, where he will outline the opportunities of the pilot program, as well as his efforts to secure the state’s role in the FAA’s efforts. “Innovation is an important reason why North Dakota’s entrepreneurs are increasingly making our state’s economy stronger and more diverse,” Hoeven said. “By building relationships and creating the right legal, tax and regulatory environments to fuel growth, our state has helped to foster innovation and empower our entrepreneurs. Whether through developing new technology like UAS, or by creating new products and services, the work of our local entrepreneurs is growing our state’s technology sector and helping to improve and strengthen our economy.” Earlier this month, Hoeven joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta at an event to mark the launch of FAA’s drone integration pilot program. The senator is committed to setting up a meeting with the FAA and North Dakota UAS leaders – including those from the Northern Plains Test Site and Grand Sky Development Company – to outline the state’s UAS expertise and infrastructure. This will help ensure the FAA utilizes North Dakota’s unique UAS advantages when selecting projects under the new drone integration program. Since his time as governor, Hoeven has worked to position North Dakota’s technology sector for growth, naming it as one of the state’s five targeted industries. Hoeven continues working through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to build a pro-growth business climate for the state’s industries, as well as to work and advocate for the support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. In August, Hoeven hosted the seventh annual State of Technology Conference in Fargo to highlight advances throughout the state, and particularly the Red River Valley, in high-tech products and services. This includes developments with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology, advancements in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and the buildout of fiber optic and broadband infrastructure. 1MC Fargo is a local chapter of the national series of events and around 150 individuals and entrepreneurs from the Fargo community attend each week. 1MC Fargo was founded by Emerging Prairie, an entrepreneurial community incubator in Fargo.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-electronic-logging-devices-waiver,CRAMER: STATEMENT ON ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICES WAIVER,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced agricultural industries will receive a 90-day compliance waiver for the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate: “I am pleased the FMCSA has granted the agriculture industry a 90-day waiver. This extra time will allow the agency to fully consider the exemption requests that have poured in from the industry. I will keep pressure on the FMCSA and encourage our ag commodity haulers to voice their views to the agency as it reviews the exemption request.” FMCSA also announced a delay in placing non-ELD compliant vehicles out-of-service until April 1, 2018. If a vehicle is stopped for inspection between December 18, 2017 and April 1, 2018, and it does not have an ELD, the driver will only be cited for not having an ELD, but will be allowed to continue driving. In addition, the violation will not impact the carrier’s safety percentiles. In September, Congressman Cramer joined a majority of his colleagues in supporting the House appropriations package. The spending package included H.R. 3353, which contains report language that would instruct the Department of Transportation to analyze whether a full or targeted delay in ELD implementation and enforcement would be appropriate. The package also prohibits any funds from being used to enforce the mandate on truckers transporting livestock. Cramer is also a cosponsor of H.R. 3282, the ELD Extension Act which would delay the ELD mandate for two years.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-fcc-announcement-of-restoring-internet-freedom-order,CRAMER: STATEMENT ON FCC ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESTORING INTERNET FREEDOM ORDER,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced the circulation of his draft Restoring Internet Freedom Order. The Order will be voted on during the FCC’s open meeting in December. “The partisan politics around the inappropriately named ‘net neutrality’ rules need to stop. There’s nothing ‘neutral’  about an unelected federal agency unilaterally taking authority over an entire industry. On the contrary, this anti-freedom, government-knows-best rule was another Washington power grab that stifled investment of our internet industry and punished internet providers, both small and large, for doing nothing wrong. I applaud Chairman Pai for restoring internet freedom, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to enact policy that is legitimately neutral for consumers, businesses, and internet providers alike.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-125000-rural-development-grant-for-veterinary-clinic-in-hettinger,"Hoeven Announces $125,000 Rural Development Grant for Veterinary Clinic in Hettinger",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Announces $125,000 Rural Development Grant for Veterinary Clinic in Hettinger WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) has awarded a $125,000 grant for the West River Veterinary Clinic in Hettinger. “It’s important for our agriculture producers to have access to quality veterinary care for their animals and livestock,” Hoeven said. “Today’s Rural Development funds will help ensure that farmers and ranchers in the Hettinger area will be able to get the care for their animals that they need.” -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-500000-in-funding-for-west-fargo-and-fargo-law-enforcement-to-hire-officers,"Hoeven Announces $500,000 in Funding for West Fargo & Fargo Law Enforcement to Hire Officers",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Announces $500,000 in Funding for West Fargo & Fargo Law Enforcement to Hire Officers Senator Recently Urged Attorney General to Release Funds that Support Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Efforts WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a total of $500,000 in funding for the West Fargo and Fargo Police Departments. The funds are allocated through the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program and will be used to hire additional police officers. “The Fargo and West Fargo Police Departments do a great job of keeping their communities safe,” Hoeven said. “Today’s DOJ funding will help the departments meet increased demands by hiring additional law enforcement officers, which help ensure the continued safety and quality of life for the Fargo and West Fargo communities.” Last week, Hoeven sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking him to release Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) funds as soon as possible. Byrne JAG funds are used by local governments and law enforcement to, among other things, purchase equipment and supplies and provide training. North Dakota has been allocated more than $460,000 in Byrne JAG funds for FY17. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-fmcsa-to-waive-eld-requirements-for-motor-carriers-hauling-agriculture-products,Hoeven: FMCSA To Waive ELD Requirements for Motor Carriers Hauling Agriculture Products,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven: FMCSA To Waive ELD Requirements for Motor Carriers Hauling Agriculture Products Senator Worked to Secure Waiver, Will Help Ensure Farmers & Ranchers Can Get Products to Market WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will issue a waiver on electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for commercial vehicle operators transporting agriculture products. Hoeven worked with DOT officials to secure the waiver, effective for 90 days, which ensures drivers will not be forced out of service if they are still using paper logs to record their hours of service (HOS). In addition, DOT says it will not enforce out-of-service violations for all motor carriers until April 1. Drivers transporting non-agricultural products may still receive a citation for being out of compliance during this period, but may continue to drive. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will not record out-of-service violations against motor carriers’ federal safety rating while the waiver is in effect. “Our agriculture producers cannot afford to have limited transportation options when looking to sell their goods,” Hoeven said. “This waiver provides flexibility to give drivers more time to comply with the ELD rule and helps ensure farmers and ranchers can get their products to market.” Today’s announcement follows Hoeven’s efforts to secure flexibility under FMCSA’s HOS regulations for truckers hauling livestock. Agriculture groups were concerned that due to the nature of hauling livestock, potential animal safety concerns could arise should a driver not reach his destination within the 11 hours of driving, 14 hour work day allowed under HOS requirements.  FMCSA’s flexibility within the agriculture exemption means HOS do not apply to those hauling livestock when their work is conducted within a 150 air mile (or about 172 road mile) radius of the source of the livestock. Should a driver go beyond this radius, the HOS begin to apply and the driver can drive an additional 11 hours and work 14 hours. FMCSA has announced it will issue a Notice for Comment on Agricultural Hours of Service clarifying the ag-exemption 150-air mile radius rule. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-tax-reform-roundtable-in-fargo,Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Roundtable in Fargo,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Roundtable in Fargo Senator Outlines Senate Draft Tax Relief Provisions Important for North Dakotans FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a tax reform roundtable in Fargo to gather input. The senator highlighted important provisions in the draft Senate legislation to provide tax relief for hardworking, middle-income North Dakota families and local businesses, including the state’s manufacturers, exporters and agriculture industries.  “Tax reform is not just about putting more money in the pockets of hardworking, middle-class Americans, but also spurring economic growth by lowering rates for our farmers, ranchers, small businesses and North Dakota industries,” said Hoeven. “As the Senate continues its work on a tax reform package, I appreciate this opportunity to hear directly from North Dakotans, including local small businesses and our state’s key industries about the importance of tax relief. We’re working to pass tax reform to grow our economy, create good jobs and raise wages for workers.”  The draft Senate tax relief bill:  Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers. Provides a net tax cut of about $1,500 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.  Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Hoeven has been meeting with North Dakotans around the state to gather input on tax relief. Yesterday, the senator met with small business owners in Bismarck and he has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.  The senator has also held a series of roundtable discussions with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input and advance tax reform.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-nominates-three-students-for-military-academy-appointments-2017,Hoeven Nominates Three Students For Military Academy Appointments,2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Nominates Three Students For Military Academy Appointments WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has nominated three North Dakota students for appointments to the nation’s military academies. Hoeven nominated Elijah Stewart of Minot to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Seth Hanson of Grand Forks to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA) and Emily Robinson, formerly of Minot, to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). “It is a privilege to nominate outstanding young people for appointments to our service academies,” said Hoeven. “These individuals are very motivated to succeed and we are glad to see their commitment to serve our nation. Elijah, Seth and Emily have excelled in their studies and all they have set out to achieve. We are confident that they will do a great job representing our state and our country during their time at the Naval, Military and Air Force academies and in their military appointments and future careers.” As part of the application process, service academies require students to be nominated by a member of Congress or the Vice President. Each academy determines final appointments. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and must serve in the military for at least five years following graduation. Individuals interested in applying for a military academy nomination for academic year 2018-2019 should submit an application by October 2018. Additional information on service academy nominations is available through Senator Hoeven’s website. Photos of the nominees can be seen by clicking here. Information on the students Hoeven nominated for academy appointments follows: U.S. Naval Academy Elijah Stewart – Minot Elijah is a freshman at Minot State University (MSU) and a graduate of Minot’s Bishop Ryan High School where he was named regional senior athlete of the year after having played football, baseball and basketball. He was also named to the Lion’s All Star Team. Elijah currently plays on the MSU men’s basketball team. He is also a participant in the assistant chaplain program, a member of the National Honor Society and a volunteer with Special Olympics. Elijah is the son of Peter and Julie Stewart. U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Seth Hanson – Grand Forks Seth is a senior at Grand Forks’ Red River High School where he holds a 4.0 GPA and is active in football, wrestling and track and field. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a section leader in orchestra, a member of the student council and participated in North Dakota Boys State last summer. Seth is the son of Mark and Jana Hanson. U.S. Air Force Academy Emily Robinson – Burke, Va.  Emily is currently a senior at Lake Braddock High School in Virginia and previously attended Minot High School while her father served at the Minot Air Force Base. Senator Hoeven nominated her brother Mitchell to the USAFA to where he was appointed in 2013. Throughout high school, Emily has been very active in swimming, both as a competitor and instructor, and she is involved in DECA, boxing and a Women’s Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. Emily is the daughter of Maj. Christopher and Louann Robinson. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-jamestown-reservoir-land-transfer-legislation-for-homeowners-statesman-county-park-board,"Hoeven Outlines Jamestown Reservoir Land Transfer Legislation for Homeowners, Statesman County Park Board",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Outlines Jamestown Reservoir Land Transfer Legislation for Homeowners, Statesman County Park Board JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today convened a meeting with the Stutsman County Park Board and homeowners from the Jamestown Reservoir to outline his recently-introduced legislation that would allow the homeowners to purchase their lots from the federal government and transfer all remaining Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lands around the reservoir to state and local public ownership. After providing an overview of the bill, the senator held a question-and-answer session with local stakeholders. Hoeven’s legislation grew out of meetings his staff held with the homeowners and local officials over the past year and is modeled after similar legislation the senator introduced for homeowners at Patterson Lake in Dickinson.  “Our legislation is about protecting residents’ investments in their homes around the Jamestown Reservoir and ensuring the future of this community,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate all of the county officials, the park board members and the homeowners for coming together and working with us on this legislation. We look forward to advancing this bill through Congress and giving residents the opportunity to own the land on which they live.” Specifically, Hoeven’s legislation: Establishes a process to make 71 residential lots on the reservoir available for sale to the homeowners for five years. Permanently transfers all other federal lands in the area, including two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots, to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.  Requires BOR to provide a legal description of all properties to be transferred. Provides that the value of the residential lots be based on a local third party appraiser, valuing the land as unimproved residential property, excluding all improvements. Maintains BOR responsibility over the reservoir and dam and directs all revenue from the sale of residential lots to be used for the costs of carrying out this legislation and deferred maintenance of the dam. This bill follows Hoeven’s successful efforts to include a provision in the Water Resources and Development Act last year that limited fee increases for permittees on Patterson Lake, Lake Tschida and the Jamestown Reservoir. BOR had proposed increasing fees to more than twice the cost of current fees for permits on the three reservoirs. Hoeven’s legislation prevented that increase and limited the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over 5 years. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-jamestown-reservoir-land-transfer-legislation-for-homeowners-stutsman-county-park-board,"Hoeven Outlines Jamestown Reservoir Land Transfer Legislation for Homeowners, Stutsman County Park Board",2017-11-21,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.17 Hoeven Outlines Jamestown Reservoir Land Transfer Legislation for Homeowners, Stutsman County Park Board JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today convened a meeting with the Stutsman County Park Board and homeowners from the Jamestown Reservoir to outline his recently-introduced legislation that would allow the homeowners to purchase their lots from the federal government and transfer all remaining Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lands around the reservoir to state and local public ownership. After providing an overview of the bill, the senator held a question-and-answer session with local stakeholders. Hoeven’s legislation grew out of meetings his staff held with the homeowners and local officials over the past year and is modeled after similar legislation the senator introduced for homeowners at Patterson Lake in Dickinson.  “Our legislation is about protecting residents’ investments in their homes around the Jamestown Reservoir and ensuring the future of this community,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate all of the county officials, the park board members and the homeowners for coming together and working with us on this legislation. We look forward to advancing this bill through Congress and giving residents the opportunity to own the land on which they live.” Specifically, Hoeven’s legislation: Establishes a process to make 71 residential lots on the reservoir available for sale to the homeowners for five years. Permanently transfers all other federal lands in the area, including two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots, to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.  Requires BOR to provide a legal description of all properties to be transferred. Provides that the value of the residential lots be based on a local third party appraiser, valuing the land as unimproved residential property, excluding all improvements. Maintains BOR responsibility over the reservoir and dam and directs all revenue from the sale of residential lots to be used for the costs of carrying out this legislation and deferred maintenance of the dam. This bill follows Hoeven’s successful efforts to include a provision in the Water Resources and Development Act last year that limited fee increases for permittees on Patterson Lake, Lake Tschida and the Jamestown Reservoir. BOR had proposed increasing fees to more than twice the cost of current fees for permits on the three reservoirs. Hoeven’s legislation prevented that increase and limited the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over 5 years. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-nebraska-approval-of-keystone-xl-pipeline,Cramer: Statement on Nebraska Approval of Keystone XL Pipeline,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement today after the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the route for the Keystone XL pipeline: “More than anything else the Keystone XL Pipeline is an important piece of energy security infrastructure. Unfortunately, it’s become a high profile example of the type of development paralysis the Obama Administration put our country through. This project displaces oil from hostile countries, like Venezuela, with that from a friendly country, like Canada. It helps restore this important relationship that was frayed by the last administration. It’s also important to remember that the completion of the Keystone XL provides additional options for Bakken crude once it comes online. The jobs that are created through the construction and operation, notwithstanding the additional employment created as a result of refining this oil here in the United States, will help continue the momentum of increased prosperity and job creation that’s realized as a result of the Trump Administration. And in addition to the other state regulators along the pipeline route, I’m sure that the Nebraska commissioners took a thorough review of the project in their state and will hold the company accountable.” Since entering Congress in 2013, Cramer has been a leading advocate for the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. In the 114th Congress, Congressman Cramer introduced H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act, which passed Congress, but was vetoed by President Obama. While serving as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, Cramer sited the original Keystone Pipeline through North Dakota.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-brings-nrcs-acting-chief-to-north-dakota-working-to-resolve-delays-and-uncertainty-in-wetland-determinations,"Hoeven Brings NRCS Acting Chief to North Dakota, Working to Resolve Delays & Uncertainty in Wetland Determinations",2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Brings NRCS Acting Chief to North Dakota, Working to Resolve Delays & Uncertainty in Wetland Determinations Senator Secured Provisions in 2014 Farm Bill to Ease Wetland Compliance, Continues Efforts to Ensure Fair Treatment of Producers in Upcoming Farm Bill BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today hosted the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Chief Leonard Jordan for a roundtable with local agriculture producers, commodity groups and representatives from the drain tile industry. The senator brought the NRCS chief to the state to receive input from local farmers about delays and uncertainty in the agency’s wetland determinations process, which undermine producers’ ability to manage water on their land.  “Today’s meeting is about building on the wetland compliance relief we secured in the last farm bill and creating a workable guideline for NRCS’ wetlands determinations,” said Hoeven. “That means having policies in place that treat farmers and ranchers fairly and ensure NRCS can provide timely, objective decisions based on the best historical data for the region. This kind of approach will provide certainty for agriculture producers, helping them to plan and make long-term investments in their land and operations, while maintaining good environmental stewardship.”   The roundtable comes as part of Hoeven’s effort to promote a consistent and fair application of the agency’s wetlands rules. As a member of the 2014 farm bill conference committee, Hoeven worked to authorize and secure $9 million in funding for a program to encourage a market-based approach to help farmers comply with wetland mitigation requirements. Further, the legislation included a Hoeven proposal that encourages the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use an acre-for-acre ratio for wetland mitigation, helping ensure a fair exchange for producers. Hoeven has also secured similar acre-for-acre provisions in the annual agriculture appropriations bills since the farm bill’s passage.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-calls-on-commerce-secretary-to-evaluate-how-any-changes-to-nafta-will-impact-ag-sector,Hoeven Calls on Commerce Secretary to Evaluate How Any Changes to NAFTA Will Impact Ag Sector,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Calls on Commerce Secretary to Evaluate How Any Changes to NAFTA Will Impact Ag Sector WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would affect the nation’s crop and livestock sectors. The full text of the letter, which is led by Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), can be found here. “Our farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality, lowest cost food supply in the world, and exports are a vital part in their success,” Hoeven said. “That’s why we have continuously stressed to the administration that any renegotiation of NAFTA must result in better terms for agriculture producers. To ensure this, we are asking Secretary Ross to provide a thorough analysis of any proposed changes for this trade agreement.” Today’s letter comes as part of Hoeven’s continued work to ensure access to foreign markets for the state’s ag producers and push back against unfair trade practices. To this end, Hoeven met with Ted McKinney, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, during his recent confirmation process and stressed the importance of trade in creating strong prices for producers and how agriculture provides a positive balance of trade for the nation. Hoeven served as a member of the Senate-House Conference Committee that crafted the final farm bill of 2014, which directed USDA to create the undersecretary of trade position. Hoeven also announced the lifting of trade restrictions on U.S. pork in Argentina and beef in China earlier this year. This follows Hoeven and a bipartisan group of senators pressing the administration to reach an agreement with China on imports of U.S. beef. In addition, the senator urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Ross to reach a sugar agreement with Mexico that is fair to American farmers and ensure its strict enforcement. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-tax-reform-roundtable-with-bismarck-small-businesses,Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Roundtable with Bismarck Small Businesses,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Holds Tax Reform Roundtable with Bismarck Small Businesses BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a tax reform roundtable with local small business owners to highlight important provisions in the draft Senate legislation to provide tax relief for hardworking, middle-income North Dakota families and small businesses, including farmers and ranchers. The full Senate is expected to begin debate on the legislation after Thanksgiving.  “We’re focused on providing tax relief for hardworking, middle-income families that enables them to keep more of their paycheck,” said Hoeven. “Tax reform also needs to work for our small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers, because they are the engine of our economy. Lowering rates and modernizing the code will empower our businesses to grow, create jobs and increase wages for workers. The Senate is continuing to work on legislation to do just that and I appreciate having the input of North Dakota’s small businesses.” The draft Senate tax relief bill:  • Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers. Provides a net tax cut of about $1,500 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.  Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments. Expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility as well as the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.  The senator has also held a series of roundtable discussions with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input and advance tax reform.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-hosts-nrcs-acting-chief-at-nd-association-of-soil-conservation-districts-annual-meeting,Hoeven Hosts NRCS Acting Chief at ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts Annual Meeting,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Hosts NRCS Acting Chief at ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts Annual Meeting Senator Outlines Work as Ag Approps Chairman to Support Ag Research, Conservation Programs that Work for Farmers, Ranchers & Sportsmen BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today hosted the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Chief Leonard Jordan at the annual meeting of the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The senator brought the acting chief to the state to hear from local stakeholders about ways the agency can improve its conservation programs in a manner that works for farmers, ranchers and sportsmen while supporting good environmental stewardship. This dovetails with meetings Hoeven has held with farmers and ranchers across North Dakota to gather feedback for the 2018 farm bill. “We’ve worked hard to advance conservation programs that empower farmers and ranchers to make the best use of their land, while maintaining environmental quality and creating opportunities for our sportsmen,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Chief Jordan for coming to North Dakota to hear about local conservation efforts firsthand and receive feedback on NRCS’ programs and policies. Today’s meeting provided important insights as we continue to seek input from ag producers and local stakeholders on the upcoming farm bill.”  Hoeven is working through his role as chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee to support research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that help farmers increase yields, manage their land and water and strengthen conservation practices. This includes research conducted at the ARS facilities in Mandan and Fargo. Hoeven held a meeting at the Northern Great Plains Research Lab in Mandan earlier this year to review its research on soil health and receive input on priorities for the next farm bill. As part of these efforts, Hoeven worked to secure the following priorities in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill: Agriculture Research – provides $2.55 billion to support agriculture research conducted by ARS and NIFA. The bill would also maintain funding for land-grant universities and prevent proposed terminations of extramural research projects and laboratory closures. State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program (SAFE) – includes language encouraging the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate a greater number of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres to programs like SAFE, which allow producers to create habitat that is beneficial for wildlife. This program benefits both farmers and sportsmen because it allows farmers to optimize CRP acreage to encourage wildlife populations. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – maintains funding for this voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to help plan and implement conservation practices to improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-approval-of-keystone-xl-pipeline-route-through-nebraska,Hoeven Statement on Approval of Keystone XL Pipeline Route Through Nebraska,2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Statement on Approval of Keystone XL Pipeline Route Through Nebraska BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement today after the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved the route for the Keystone XL Pipeline in the state.  “After nearly a decade of delay, the Keystone XL Pipeline is now moving again,” said Hoeven, “This pipeline project is important energy infrastructure for our nation that will create jobs and economic growth and make our nation more secure by reducing our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Building newer and better infrastructure is safer and will provide our country with the infrastructure we need now and in the future.” In the last Congress, Hoeven introduced S.1, legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline on constitutional grounds. The bill passed with bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House, but was then vetoed by President Obama, who had delayed the project for more than seven years. In March, the Trump Administration approved the permit to build the pipeline.   -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-agriculture-secretary-and-us-trade-representative-to-push-back-against-indias-dry-pea-tariff-provide-relief-to-ag-producers,"Hoeven Urges Agriculture Secretary & U.S. Trade Representative to Push Back Against India's Dry Pea Tariff, Provide Relief to Ag Producers",2017-11-20,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.17 Hoeven Urges Agriculture Secretary & U.S. Trade Representative to Push Back Against India's Dry Pea Tariff, Provide Relief to Ag Producers WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to provide relief to impacted agriculture producers by pushing back against India’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on dry pea imports. India is the top export market for U.S. dry peas, and this action has forced hardship on exporters with shipments en route to India and severely impacted crop prices in the U.S. The full text of the bipartisan letter, led by Steve Daines (R-Mont.), can be found here.  “Without warning, India has taken a drastic action against our nation’s dry pea industry,” Hoeven said. “This will have serious, long-term consequences for our producers if relief is not provided. That’s why we are calling on Secretary Perdue and Ambassador Lighthizer to pursue solutions that will bring stability to the dry pea market and help our farmers navigate this difficult situation.” As Governor of North Dakota and now as U.S. Senator, Hoeven has worked to secure access to new markets for the state’s ag producers and ensure fair treatment of the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Hoeven recently announced the lifting of trade restrictions on U.S. pork in Argentina and beef in China. This follows Hoeven and a bipartisan group of senators pressing the administration to reach an agreement with China on imports of U.S. beef. The senator also urged Secretary Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to reach a sugar agreement with Mexico that is fair to American farmers and ensure its strict enforcement. In addition, Hoeven met with Ted McKinney, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, during his recent confirmation process. The senator stressed the importance of trade in creating strong prices for producers and how agriculture provides a positive balance of trade for the nation. Hoeven served as a member of the Senate-House Conference Committee that crafted the final farm bill of 2014, which directed USDA to create the undersecretary of trade position. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-washburn-and-stanton-on-november,CRAMER ANNOUNCES MOBILE OFFICE HOURS IN WASHBURN AND STANTON ON NOVEMBER 29TH,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Kaitlyn.Weidert@mail.house.gov   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer has scheduled mobile office hours in Washburn and Stanton on Wednesday, November 29th.     Mobile office hours allow constituents time with Cramer’s staff and access to resources required for personal casework on issues ranging from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, immigration issues, and other federal agencies. “Mobile office hours have facilitated a way for constituents across the state to get the help they need with federal agencies,” said Cramer. “I understand the difficulties in dealing with some of these agencies, and we strive to serve as many folks as possible by working on cases in numerous cities.”   Individuals from the Washburn and Stanton areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office at the times listed below.      Wednesday, November 29     Washburn Public Library—11:00-12:00pm 705 Main Avenue Washburn     Stanton Public Library—1:30-2:30pm   600 County Road 37 Stanton   Contact Kaitlyn Weidert, Cramer’s District Representative, with any questions. Her email is Kaitlyn.Weidert@mail.house.gov and her phone number is 701-839-0255.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-220000-in-infrastructure-funding-for-north-dakota,"Hoeven Announces More Than $220,000 in Infrastructure Funding for North Dakota",2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Hoeven Announces More Than $220,000 in Infrastructure Funding for North Dakota WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded three grants totaling $226,474 for infrastructure funding throughout North Dakota. The awards are distributed as follows: North Dakota Department of Transportation – $100,000 – The funds will be used to repair roads and infrastructure throughout the James and Sheyenne River Basins that were damaged by flooding. North Dakota Department of Transportation – $100,000 – The funds will be used to repair roads and infrastructure throughout Divide County that were damaged by heavy rain. National Park Service, McKenzie, Billings – $26,474 – The funds will be used to reconstruct several Federal Lands Transportation Facilities. “Today’s funds will help ensure that roads and transportation facilities in our state can continue to be used safely,” Hoeven said. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-930000-grant-15-million-loan-to-improve-linton-water-and-waste-disposal-infrastructure,"Hoeven Announces More Than $930,000 Grant, $1.5 Million Loan to Improve Linton Water and Waste Disposal Infrastructure",2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Hoeven Announces More Than $930,000 Grant, $1.5 Million Loan to Improve Linton Water and Waste Disposal Infrastructure WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) has awarded a $934,000 grant and a $1,554,000 loan to the City of Linton. The funds will be used to renovate the sanitary sewer system and secondary lift station as well as to improve the main lift station. “In order for our communities to grow, we need to ensure we have the infrastructure to meet their needs,” Hoeven said. “These Rural Development funds will enable Linton to make long-term infrastructure investments necessary to serve its citizens now and in the future.” -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-shari-buck-as-new-regional-director-for-western-north-dakota,Hoeven Announces Shari Buck as New Regional Director for Western North Dakota,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.17 Hoeven Announces Shari Buck as New Regional Director for Western North Dakota WATFORD CITY, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Shari Buck will serve as the new Regional Director for western North Dakota. In this role, she will cover 13 counties in the western portion of the state, helping the senator assist constituents, businesses and community leaders in the region.  Buck comes to Hoeven’s office with extensive experience in public service, most recently as Planner and Director of Public Relations for McKenzie County. Her work has included a wide range of issues relevant to the region, such as western water issues, energy production, economic development and transportation infrastructure. She has also served as councilwoman and mayor of North Las Vegas, Nev., and in leadership positions both in public agencies and private enterprises. Her move to North Dakota was brought about by opportunities in the oil field. Buck will be based out of Watford City and can be reached by phone at (701) 580-4535 or by e-mail at shari_buck@hoeven.senate.gov. “Shari has been an engaged citizen and a devoted public servant throughout her career, a trend she has continued since making North Dakota her home, and we are excited to bring her knowledge, experience and skills to our team,” Hoeven said. “She will be an important asset as we continue working to ensure a high quality of life for our citizens and help our businesses throughout the region succeed, including our core industries of agriculture and energy. I want to thank Jon for his good work over these past five years. His efforts across western North Dakota have helped us respond to the needs of the region and craft solutions for local residents. Mikey and I wish him the best in his retirement and all of his future endeavors.” Jon Cameron, who served in this position since it was established in 2012, retired after 42 years of public service at the local, county, state and federal levels. Hoeven created the Western North Dakota Regional Director position, the first permanent presence from a member of the North Dakota congressional delegation west of Bismarck and Minot, in response to the rapid development of the region and in recognition of its contributions to the state’s overall economy.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-a-historic-moment-for-the-middle-class,CRAMER: A Historic Moment for The Middle Class,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recording: HD Video WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today - a bill bringing an estimated gain in after-tax income of $2,287 for middle-income North Dakota families and 2,676 new jobs. H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will return an estimated $1.5 trillion to America’s hardworking families and businesses. In North Dakota, that means a roughly $2,287 pay raise for middle-income families across the state - enough for 8 months of groceries in the average household, or for a local restaurant owner to invest in wage increases or a much-needed new employee. “For far too long, Washington lobbyists and special interest groups have held a chokehold on the 74,000 page U.S. Tax Code, said Cramer. “Bloated with carve-outs and gimmicks meant to incentivize one industry over another, the United States has the least competitive tax system in the industrialized world, which is why House Republicans are pushing the reset button.” The bill lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6% for high-income Americans. It also significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. And, contrary to rumors, it retains savings options for 401(k)s and other individual retirement accounts. It permanently lowers the corporate tax rate to 20% - adding jobs, increasing workers’ wages, and making the United States one of the most competitive tax countries in the world. It also provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the exemption and repealing the Death Tax after six years while also maintaining ‘step-up in basis.’ Family-owned farms and businesses will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their life’s work to the next generation. During debate today, Cramer emphasized the importance this bill has on the middle class – over-and-above the economic and job creation benefits. “It’s really the long overdue direct tax benefits to the vast middle-class who don’t have a lobbyist living in the rich suburbs of Washington D.C. that takes center stage for me and my fellow North Dakotan,” said Cramer. “The benefit of doubling the standard deduction combined with greater job opportunities and simpler, less expensive filing costs, and a generous family tax credit will put more money in the pockets and less anxiety in the hearts of middle-class North Dakotans.” Summary of bill’s benefits to Americans For individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6% for high-income Americans. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. Eliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans’ taxes – so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard. Takes action to support more American families by: Establishing a new Family Credit – which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses. Preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support. Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and their homes to an adopted child. Maintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves. Streamlines higher education benefits to help families save for and better afford college tuition and other education expenses. Continues the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization. Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes up to $500,000 – providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. Continues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local property taxes up to $10,000. Retains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future. Repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax so millions of individuals and families will no longer have to worry about calculating their taxes twice each year and pay the higher amount. Provides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the exemption and repealing the Death Tax after six years. Family-owned farms and businesses will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their life’s work to the next generation. For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20% – down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world – the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation’s history. Reduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25% – the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II. Provides a new, low tax rate of 9% for businesses earning less than $75,000 in income to help the Main Street startups who fuel innovation and job creation in communities across the country Establishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and “pass-through” business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most. Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers – unleashing the growth of jobs, productivity, and paychecks. Protects the ability of small businesses to write off the interest on loans that help these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers, and increase paychecks. Retains the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home. Preserves the Research & Development Tax Credit – encouraging our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge “Made in America” products and services. Strengthens accountability rules for tax-exempt organizations to ensure that churches, charities, foundations, and other organizations receiving tax-exempt status are focused on helping people and communities in need. Modernizes our international tax system so America’s global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated “worldwide” tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nation’s job creators. Makes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities. Prevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad. Support from business community: Airlines for America, Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute, Alliance for Competitive Taxation (ACT), American Bankers Association, American Forest & Paper Association, American Hotels and Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, American Petroleum Institute, American Trucking Association, AT&T, AT&T – $1 Billion Investment, Business Leaders for Michigan, Business Roundtable, Consumer Technology Association, CTIA, Electronic Transactions Association, Entertainment Software Association, Ford, Grocery Manufacturers Association, International Franchise Association, Intuit, Insured Retirement Institute, Motion Picture Association (MPAA), National Association of Broadcasters, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Wholesale-Distributors (NAW), National Federation of Independent Business, National Restaurant Association , National Retail Federation, Printing Industries of America, Raytheon, Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Reforming America’s Taxes Equitably (RATE) Coalition, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council , UPS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Walmart, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Chamber Group Letter Conservative Support: American Action Network, American Commitment, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Tax Reform – Key Vote, American Legislative Exchange Council Action, Association of Mature American Citizens, Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Center for Individual Freedom, Citizens Against Government Waste, Concerned Veterans for America, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Club for Growth, Digital Liberty, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Family Business Coalition, Freedom Partners, Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, FreedomWorks, Generation Opportunity, Heritage Action, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Independent Women’s Voice, The LIBRE Initiative, National Taxpayers Union, Reaching America, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund, 60 Plus Association, Group Letter ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-public-schedule-9,Cramer Announces Public Schedule,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov   BISMARCK, N.D. – Congressman Kevin Cramer announced his public schedule for November 17 - 22. All times are local.   Friday, November 17   Keynote Speaker at Williston Petroleum Banquet *Open Press 8:00pm The Grand Williston Hotel & Conference Center Williston, ND   Saturday, November 18   Remarks at Independent Beef Association of North Dakota *Open Press 4:00pm Baymont Inn Mandan, ND   Tuesday, November 21   Remarks at North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts *Open Press 9:15am Ramkota Bismarck, ND   Wednesday, November 22   Scott Hennen: What’s on your Mind? 10:00am-11:00am Listen Live   Meeting with Jerod Hendrix *Closed Press 11:30am Bismarck, ND   The Rob (Re)Port - WDAY 1:30pm Listen Live    Contact Adam Jorde for all state and national press inquiries.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-passes-fy-2018-defense-authorization-legislation-goes-to-president-for-signature,"Hoeven: Senate Passes FY 2018 Defense Authorization, Legislation Goes to President for Signature",2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.17 Hoeven: Senate Passes FY 2018 Defense Authorization, Legislation Goes to President for Signature Defense Bill Includes Hoeven UAS Pilot Training Amendment, Supports North Dakota Missions & Troops WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which authorizes the nation’s defense programs, strongly supports North Dakota’s missions, helps modernize the nation’s nuclear deterrent and improves pay and benefits for the troops, including authorizing health care benefits for Guard members deployed on pre-planned missions. Further, it includes a Hoeven-sponsored amendment that ensures National Guard unmanned aircraft pilots receive timely training by leveraging the expertise of civilian contractors, like General Atomics, which has an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training facility at Grand Sky Technology Park. The bill has now been passed by both the House and Senate and will go to the president for his signature. “North Dakota’s servicemembers fill vital roles in our nation’s defense strategy, from our nuclear deterrent to UAS intelligence and targeting,” said Hoeven. “We worked hard to ensure the NDAA provides the pay and benefits our men and women in uniform deserve, while also supporting their good work by delivering the funding and tools they need to succeed in their missions. This includes ensuring the Air National Guard has the UAS pilots it needs by opening more training options through academies like those at Grand Sky.” Hoeven UAS Pilot Training Amendment Specifically, the Hoeven amendment authorizes the National Guard to send unmanned aircraft pilots to a civilian contractor for training if the Air Force lacks the capacity to train pilots in a timely fashion. For many years, the Air Force has struggled to train enough pilots to fly the Predator and Reaper, and the Air National Guard has often seen delays in getting its pilots fully trained for these platforms. Hoeven’s amendment ensures that pilots are able to train using UAS training academies, like those at Grand Sky Technology Park, adjacent to Grand Forks Air Force Base. Hoeven played a key role in bringing Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to Grand Sky to establish these training facilities. Support for North Dakota Missions Authorizes nearly $300 million for the Global Hawk, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk program at Grand Forks Air Force Base. $108.6 million in authorized funding for the Air Force to replace the UH-1N Huey helicopter that provides security for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) located around Minot Air Force Base. $586 million authorized to sustain the existing fleet of ICBMs and $215.7 million for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program to develop a replacement for the existing Minuteman III. Authorizes $221.4 million for upgrades to the B-52 and $451 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52. Support for the Troops Authorizes a 2.4 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the uniformed services.  Authorizes health care benefits for members of the National Guard who are deployed for pre-planned operations. This will help members of the North Dakota Guard who deploy to Washington, DC as part of Operation Noble Eagle.  Hoeven has sponsored legislation that addresses these benefits. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-meets-with-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-to-continue-efforts-to-pass-tax-relief-for-hardworking-north-dakotans-small-businesses-farmers-and-ranchers,"Hoeven Meets with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to Continue Efforts to Pass Tax Relief for Hardworking North Dakotans, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers",2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 Hoeven Meets with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to Continue Efforts to Pass Tax Relief for Hardworking North Dakotans, Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to continue working to provide tax relief for hardworking North Dakota families and small businesses. Hoeven highlighted the importance of ensuring that the tax package lowers rates for working Americans and small businesses. “Secretary Mnuchin and I had a good meeting to talk about the importance of passing tax reform that modernizes and simplifies the tax code,” said Hoeven. “I really drove home the importance of providing tax relief for hardworking, middle-income Americans, as well as our small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers. They’re the ones that create the majority of jobs in our economy and as they do so, they push wages and income higher for workers.” The draft Senate tax relief bill:  Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers. Provides a net tax cut of about $1,500 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.  Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments Also expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Maintains the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.  The senator has also held a series of roundtable discussions with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input and advance tax reform.  -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-homeland-security-committee-advances-nomination-of-kirstjen-nielsen-for-dhs-secretary,Hoeven: Senate Homeland Security Committee Advances Nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen for DHS Secretary,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.17 Hoeven: Senate Homeland Security Committee Advances Nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen for DHS Secretary WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after he joined a bipartisan majority of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in advancing the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security. During Nielsen’s confirmation hearing and in a meeting with the nominee, Hoeven highlighted the unique advantages of North Dakota’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry in developing solutions to improve the nation’s security, both at the borders and across the country. The senator extended an invitation to Nielsen to visit North Dakota when confirmed, which she accepted. “We took a critical step in advancing Kirstjen Nielsen’s nomination this week, and she will be a welcome addition to DHS as the department continued its efforts to secure our nation’s borders and protect our country against modern threats,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate her commitment to visit North Dakota and to see firsthand the work and expertise of our state’s UAS industry, including Grand Sky and its tenants, the test site, the Grand Forks Air Force Base and our universities. The technology we are developing will play a vital role in the future of our nation’s security, and I look forward to demonstrating that to her following her confirmation by the full Senate. ”   Hoeven is working to build on the past decade of efforts to ensure North Dakota leads in developing the future of the UAS industry. This includes low altitude beyond-line-of-flight applications, UAS detection/counter-UAS technologies and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) unmanned traffic management (UTM) system. The state is able to lead advancements in these areas due to two components Hoeven helped secure in recent years: Authorization for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to oversee UAS operations that go beyond the line of sight of the operator. Upgrades for the DASR-11 digital radar systems at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo.  Further, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $8 million in Fiscal Year 2017 funding to ensure that CBP’s UAS operations and training facility would remain in Grand Forks. The CBP leased recently renovated space on the air base earlier this year. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-reforms-national-flood-insurance-program,CRAMER: House Reforms National Flood Insurance Program,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer supported the passage of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which puts the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on a fiscally sustainable path and promotes the private flood insurance marketplace. The taxpayer-backed NFIP was created in 1968 to provide government insurance protection against flood risks for both homeowners and commercial businesses. 50 years later, the federal program in effect has a monopoly, has borrowed over $30 billion from taxpayers, operates a $1.4 billion annual deficit and lacks the innovation expected of a company with $1.2 trillion of insurance coverage. The 21st Century Flood Reform Act is a collection of seven bills reauthorizing the NFIP for five years and modernize the program. “Given the risk of flooding in many North Dakota communities we’re very aware of the federal flood insurance program,” said Cramer. “While it’s served many well, it’s also been a source of frustration, illogical cost, and dissatisfaction for others. By providing an affordable path to more accurate risk-based premiums and improved mitigation policy, consumers and taxpayers alike will be better served. Most importantly, bipartisan reforms to establish a strong private flood insurance market will bring consumer choice, broaden the financial risk, and, as we’ve seen in several cases, save consumers money.”   Specifically, the bill would: ·         Decrease the cap on individual annual rate increases from 18% to 15%. ·         Limit the chargeable risk premium of any residential property to no more than $10,000 per year. ·         Leave in place the current practice of grandfathering.  ·         Consider differences in flood risk for coastal and inland properties in premium rates. ·         Reduce annual surcharges from $250 to $125 for certain non-owner occupied low-risk residential properties. ·         Allow for the continued coverage of new construction. ·         Include the Ross-Castor Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act [H.R. 1422] to provide greater private market access, competition and consumer choice. ·         Allow localities, who elect to use their own resources, to develop their own map alternatives to NFIP flood maps using better and cost-effective technology at an accelerated pace, subject to FEMA standards and approval. ·         Simplify FEMA’s approach to designating and addressing multiple-loss properties. ·         Require prioritization in maintaining its Reserve Fund, which would avoid NFIP borrowing from the U.S. Treasury. ·         Require due process protections for consumers pursuing their NFIP contract rights ·         Allow for more efficient claims processing ·         Provides each policyholder a disclosure sheet that provides general information about the policyholder’s standard NFIP policy Cramer spoke at length about the opportunities for private flood insurance in a recent opinion editorial to the Fargo Forum. “Just like health care, or any other insurance market, we need extensive private sector competition to drive consumer choice and affordability,” said Cramer in the editorial. “Now with improved mapping and risk modeling developed in recent years, the flood insurance market should be included.” The bill is supported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), the National Taxpayers Union (NTU), and many other groups. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-national-defense-bill-passes-house,CRAMER: National Defense Bill Passes House,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov Recording: Audio WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer supported the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today, which passed the House of Representatives by a 356 to 70 vote. The modified NDAA bill, which has been reconciled between House and Senate versions previously passed by the respective chambers, now moves to the Senate for approval before going to the White House for President Trump’s signature. NDAA (H.R. 2810) for fiscal year 2018 increases defense spending 10 percent from last year’s level – a total of $696.1 billion. The added funding will further equip, supply, and train our troops while also caring for them and their families and setting national security policy in a dangerous world.  The defense bill also acknowledges North Dakota’s prominent role in defending our nation’s freedoms with continued support of the Air Force Bases in Minot and Grand Forks, as well as our state’s Air and Army National Guard.  “Maintaining peace and fending off foreign aggression from the likes of North Korea and Iran is easier when the world understands the strength and capabilities of the United States military,” said Cramer. “The passage of this defense bill is a good start to resolving concerns about combat readiness and cannibalizing old military planes due to lack of funding. The National Defense Authorization Act gives our troops the largest pay raise in eight years, ensures the Pentagon is spending wisely by performing the first ever audit, and strengthens our missile defense with a $4.4 billion increase to the budget.” READINESS: The legislation authorizes increasing the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard, and increases funding for maintenance for all Services, for increased training opportunities, and for sustaining, restoring, and modernizing facilities. It also enhances our defense by modernizing our nuclear weapons stockpile, missile defense, and military vehicles; and supporting defensive and offensive cyberspace strategy. Furthermore, It prohibits transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, and from transferring the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay back to Cuba. RESOURCES: NDAA fully funds the 2.4 percent pay raise our troops are entitled to under law. It also extends special pay and bonuses for service members. It blocks the misguided attempt to close military medical facilities upon which our deployed troops and their families rely. Provides commonsense resources to help families manage challenges like relocations, including reimbursements for spouse’s obtaining licensing/certification in another state. REFORM: NDAA instructs for the first-ever audit of the Pentagon, adds oversight to service contacts to prevent wasteful spending, and streamlines bureaucracy through transparent purchasing. NORTH DAKOTA HIGHLIGHTS: Authorizes the full budget request for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s nuclear weapons activities, including vital efforts to modernize the nuclear weapons stockpile. The bill authorizes $21 billion for nuclear weapon programs – including modernization of the infrastructure that supports the nuclear triad. Includes $27 million for an indoor firing range at Minot Air Force Base  Fully funds MQ-9 Reaper procurement and modifications at roughly $345 million, which are flown by the North Dakota Air National Guard in Fargo. Funds RQ-4 Global Hawk modernization at nearly $230 million, which are flown out of the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Authorizes a 2.4 percent  pay raise for our troops – a plus for the thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who serve in our state. Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to establish an intelligence fusion center to enhance the protection of nuclear command and control. Does not allow for a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commissions the DOD and National Guard to study the effectiveness of uses of  unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for National Guard operations For more information, view the a full summary of the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-hhs-awards-more-than-15-million-for-early-education-in-southeastern-north-dakota,Hoeven: HHS Awards More Than $1.5 Million for Early Education in Southeastern North Dakota,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.17 Hoeven: HHS Awards More Than $1.5 Million for Early Education in Southeastern North Dakota WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $1.5 million to the Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) for its Head Start Birth to Five program. SENDCAA is based in Fargo and serves Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, Richland and Sargent counties. “Through a combination of education, health and nutrition services, Head Start helps support the development and long-term success of children,” said Hoeven. “This award will help ensure access to these vital services for families and children in southeastern North Dakota.” -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-2018-military-academy-nominations,Cramer Announces 2018 Military Academy Nominations,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer has nominated seven students to the United States military service academies. Nominees would enter their academy in the fall of 2018. Cramer nominated Brenna Bulman of Cando and Ian Tjelta of Sheyenne to the United States Military Academy at West Point as well as Aidan Lambrecht of Bismarck and Brody Armstrong of Minot to the United States Naval Academy. He also nominated Evan Carmichael of Dickinson to the United States Air Force Academy, and John Lynch and Daniel Carroll, both of Dickinson, to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. “These young North Dakotans are second-to-none and I’m proud to be able to nominate them to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” said Cramer. “Every year, North Dakota produces strong candidates for the academies and this year is certainly no different. These students exemplify what it means to work hard, serve their community, and be leaders among their peers. I have no doubt each of them would be extremely successful cadets.” Students must be nominated to an academy by a member of Congress, the Vice President of the United States, or a Service Branch Secretary. Final appointment decisions are made by the individual academies. Those interested in applying for 2019 admission to a military service academy can find more information on Congressman Cramer’s official website, or by calling Randy Richards in the Grand Forks office at 701-738-4880. Information on the students is below: United States Military Academy at West Point:  Brenna Bulman (Cando, ND) – Brenna, daughter of Lee and Lori Bulman, attends North Star Public School and is active in many activities including volleyball, basketball, band, choir, drama club, FCCLA, and tutoring. She also serves as president of the Honor Society and student body. Ian Tjelta (Sheyenne, ND) – Ian, son of Peter and Jodi Tjelta, attends Devils Lake High School and participates in track and field, cross country, North Dakota All-Star Trap Team, 4-H Shooting Sports, JROTC, hunting, dog sledding, and church youth group. United States Naval Academy: Aidan Lambrecht (Bismarck, ND) – Aidan, son of Craig and Jewel Lambrecht, attends Shiloh Christian School and is active in football, basketball, student council, Sunday school, youth basketball coaching, youth mentoring, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Brody Armstrong (Minot, ND) – Brody, son of Darren and Amy Armstrong, attends Minot High School and is a part of student council, varsity wrestling, National Honor Society, and Air Force JROTC. United States Air Force Academy: Evan Carmichael (Dickinson, ND) – Evan, son of Bruce and Kim Carmichael, attends Dickinson High School and is involved in Academic Club, 321 Competition, hockey, National Honor Society, Boys State, Leadership Dickinson, golf, and has an interest in military history. United States Merchant Marine Academy: John Lynch (Dickinson, ND) – John, son of Christopher and Nancy Lynch, attends Dickinson High School and is active in the National Honor Society, marching band, jazz band, musical theatre, football, track, Boys State. In addition, John also serves a life guard. Daniel Carroll (Dickinson, ND) – Daniel, son of Russell and Carolyn Carroll, attends Dickinson High School and participates in cross country, FBLA, science club, Civil Air Patrol, Boys State, and math club. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-172000-usda-grant-to-ndsu-to-improve-pest-management-for-agriculture-industry,"Hoeven Announces $172,000 USDA Grant to NDSU to Improve Pest Management for Agriculture Industry",2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.17 Hoeven Announces $172,000 USDA Grant to NDSU to Improve Pest Management for Agriculture Industry WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $172,134 to North Dakota State University (NDSU) to improve crop protection and pest management.  “NDSU is continually developing new tools to help our state’s agriculture industry grow food, fuel and fiber to meet our needs,” said Hoeven. “Today’s funds will help NDSU develop new methods to help our producers prevent disease and pests from damaging their crops.” -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-11-million-head-start-grant-for-tgu-school-distric,Hoeven Announces More Than $1.1 Million Head Start Grant for TGU School Distric,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.17 Hoeven Announces More Than $1.1 Million Head Start Grant for TGU School Distric WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $1.1 million for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs operated by Early Explorers, a grantee of Towner, Granville and Upham (TGU) School District #60. “Today’s funds will support continued early education opportunities for children in north-central North Dakota, helping establish a strong foundation for well-being and success throughout their lives,” said Hoeven.   -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-secures-commitment-from-usda-general-counsel-nominee-to-support-regulatory-relief-for-farmers-and-ranchers,Hoeven Secures Commitment from USDA General Counsel Nominee to Support Regulatory Relief for Farmers and Ranchers,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.17 Hoeven Secures Commitment from USDA General Counsel Nominee to Support Regulatory Relief for Farmers and Ranchers Senator Also Discusses Need for Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act with Farm Credit Administration Nominee WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently secured a commitment from Stephen Vaden, the nominee to serve as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to work with him in providing regulatory relief to farmers and ranchers. The senator stressed how the added costs of burdensome federal rules strain agriculture producers’ operations, which poses an even more significant threat during times of low commodity prices and natural disasters. Hoeven also raised the issue of public roads and access in the national grasslands to Vaden, urging him to work with the Forest Service and the state to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. “The regulatory burden is an issue for all small businesses, and its impact is felt even more so by our farmers and ranchers as they recover from this year’s drought,” said Hoeven. “I appreciate Mr. Vaden’s commitment to provide relief to our agriculture producers, and I look forward to working with him following his confirmation.”   Regulatory Relief Today’s confirmation hearing aligns with Hoeven’s continued efforts to reduce the regulatory burden for agriculture producers. His recent efforts include: Stopping the Waters of the U.S. Rule – Hoeven worked through the Appropriations Committee to defund the regulation in 2016 and 2017. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently issued a proposal to restore the regulations that were in place prior to WOTUS, which was issued in 2015. This is the first of two steps established by the executive order signed by the president in February. Ensuring Availability of Fuel Blends – Hoeven is working through the Appropriations Committee to ensure safe, low-volatility biofuels can be sold year round. To this same end, he has cosponsored the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Rescinding the Bureau of Land Management’s “Planning 2.0” – Hoeven cosponsored and helped pass a resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal the rule. This maintained multiple-use requirements for federal lands, including grazing. Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act              In addition, Hoeven urged Glen Smith, nominee to be a member of the Farm Credit Administration Board, to support his Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act. The senator stressed that the caps under the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) programs have not kept up with the increased capital costs for agriculture, and Smith agreed that the caps should be raised. Accordingly, Hoeven’s legislation would increase the FSA loan guarantee amount from $1.39 million to $2.5 million and double the amount of direct loans from $300,000 to $600,000 for both farm operating loans and farm ownership loans. 2018 Farm Bill             Hoeven is also using the nomination process as an opportunity to begin working with USDA officials early to help secure needed improvements to the farm bill and ensure agriculture programs are implemented in a way that best serves producers’ needs. The senator continues to meet with farmers and ranchers across North Dakota to gather feedback and outline his priorities for the 2018 farm bill, including: Strong Crop Insurance – The senator is working to strengthen and prevent cuts to the crop insurance program, which is the primary risk management tool for many producers.  Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) – Hoeven secured $5 million for a pilot program in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and funding in the Senate’s FY 2018 Appropriations bill, to improve the fairness of ARC payment calculations, while exploring long-term solutions to the problem for the next farm bill.  Sugar Program – The senator said he will work to extend the sugar program in a bipartisan manner, ensuring that American producers have a level playing field in the world sugar market. Agriculture Research – Hoeven will work to include strong support for agricultural research, like the work done at North Dakota State University and the North Dakota Extension Service, to enhance crop genetics and production. Drought Support – Hoeven continues working to secure all possible support for farmers and ranchers to help them weather the drought. The senator is also working to improve the livestock assistance programs in the next farm bill and ensure they work for ranchers when needed most. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-ensures-va-reform-with-passage-of-legislation,CRAMER: HOUSE ENSURES VA REFORM WITH PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported legislation this week to reform policies for our nation’s veterans. The passage of fourteen bills by the House this week comes as Veterans Day is honored across the country. These bills aim to serve our military members by protecting both medical and housing benefits while holding VA officials responsible for program efficiency.    “We are reminded this Veterans Day weekend of the sacrifice made by countless men and women in our country. Our vets deserve the best care possible regardless of rank, location, or health condition,” said Cramer. “The House-passed measures this week will hold the VA accountable and improve the Department’s ability to provide much needed coverage.”   Veterans legislation passed by the House this week include: H.R. 2123, the VETS Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), would allow a VA licensed health care professional to practice telemedicine in any location and state. H.R. 1066, the VA Management Alignment Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), would mandate a one-time report submitted to Congress by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on organizational structure within the Department. H.R. 4173, the Veterans Crisis Line Study Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), would require the Secretary of the VA to provide a report on the effectiveness of the Veterans Crisis Line. H.R. 3122, the Veterans Care Financial Protection Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA), would require the VA to publish information on people who financially exploit veterans receiving pension benefits. H.R. 3562, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish assistance for adaptations of residences of veterans in rehabilitation programs under chapter 31 of such title, and for other purposes, authored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX). This bill would provide a veteran in rehabilitation accommodations for housing. H.R. 3656, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a consistent eligibility date for provision of Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose remains are unavailable, authored by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN). H.R. 3657, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide headstones and markers for the graves of spouses and children of veterans who are buried in tribal cemeteries, authored by Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME). H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, authored by Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), would provide mental health care to veterans that were ineligible due to other than honorable discharge. H.R. 1133, the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2017, authored by Rep. John Carter (R-TX), would authorize the VA to provide transplant operations on a live donor for an eligible veteran at a VA or non-VA facility. H.R. 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act, authored by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH), would designate the Veterans Memorial and Museum in Ohio as the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. H.R. 2601, the VICTOR Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), would create more access to community transplant centers through the Choice program for veterans who require transplants and experience travel burdens. H.R. 3634, the SERVE Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), would require the Secretary of the VA to provide proof to a veteran receiving housing payments to provide as proof to a landlord. H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), would require the VA and Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs) to develop a new method of notifying veterans of debt and how they can dispute claims. H.R. 3949, the VALOR Act, authored by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), would simplify job training and apprenticeship programs under the GI bill.  Other legislation supported by Cramer this Congress include:   H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, authored by Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL), reforms the process of veterans claims for benefits. This bill was signed into law by the President on August 23, 2017.    Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, combines the text of the every appropriations bill for FY2018. This legislation funds the VA at $78.3 billion, providing the highest level of funding for the VA. This bill supports medical care for 7 million patients including mental health services, suicide prevention activities, traumatic brain injury treatment, opioid abuse prevention, and homeless veteran services.   H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, authored by Rep. David Roe (R-TN), extends GI benefits with increased funding and removal of certain restrictions. This bill was signed into law by the President on August 16, 2017.         S. 114, the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, authored by Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), requires the VA to submit an annual report on the awards and bonuses given to Department officials. This bill was signed into law by the President on August 12, 2017. H.R. 1690, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act, authored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), requires the VA to submit a report on the performance given to Department officials. H.R. 1690 awaits action in the Senate. H.R. 1848, the Veterans Affairs Medical Scribe Pilot Act of 2017, authored by Rep. David Poe (R-TN), directs the VA to raise the use of medical scribes throughout facilities. H.R. 1848 awaits action in the Senate.   H.R. 95, the Veterans’ Access to Child Care Act, authored by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), would expand access to private or public child care assistance. This bill awaits action in the Senate. H.R. 282, the Military Residency Choice Act, authored by Rep. Elise Stefanik, authorizes the spouse of a military member to use the same residence as the member. This bill awaits action in the Senate. H.R. 2781, the Ensuring Veteran Enterprise Participation in Strategic Sourcing Act, authored by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), requires the VA to show preference is given to a fair amount of small businesses owned by veterans and service-disabled veterans in contracting. This bill awaits action in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-thanks-veterans-and-their-families-and-honors-their-service,Hoeven Thanks Veterans and their Families and Honors Their Service,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.17 Hoeven Thanks Veterans and their Families and Honors Their Service Senator to offer Remarks at Veterans Day Programs in Bismarck and Fargo BISMARCK, N.D. – In commemoration of Veterans Day, Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement to honor veterans throughout North Dakota and the nation. The senator will also speak at Veterans Day events in Bismarck on Friday and Fargo on Saturday. “Our freedoms have been secured by the sweat and sacrifice of courageous men and women who, throughout our history, have bravely done what was needed to protect our nation and way of life. We appreciate too the sacrifice of loved ones who have supported our veterans in their service. We must ensure that our veterans have the resources and support they need and have earned. While we cannot say ‘thank you’ enough, in this way, we can honor their courage and service. It is important that we show our gratitude to our veterans every day, but especially on Veterans Day, a day set aside in their honor. We have the greatest veterans in the world who have committed themselves to protect our nation, and in so doing, have transformed our nation into the greatest the world has ever known.” Senator Hoeven has been working to advance efforts and initiatives to help veterans in North Dakota and throughout the country. Some of the senator’s efforts include: Veterans Choice Program and Veterans Care Coordination Initiative – In August, Congress extended funding for the Veterans Choice Program and continues to work with the VA to design the next phase of the program. Building on the Choice Program, Senator Hoeven worked to implement the Veterans Care Coordination initiative at the Fargo VA Health Center so veterans in North Dakota and western Minnesota can coordinate all their health care services directly with the Fargo VA. The program has helped to significantly reduce wait times and has been expanded to a VA facility in Helena, Mont. Veterans Access to Long Term Care and Health Services Act – Senator Hoeven re-introduced legislation earlier this year to enable veterans to receive nursing home care near loved ones and in their home communities. Veterans Affair Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations – In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved record-level funding to care for the nation’s veterans. The funding will provide health care, benefits and memorial services and will go toward efforts to help prevent veteran suicide, increase access to health care in rural areas, improve health care for women veterans and complete VA construction projects. On Friday, Senator Hoeven will deliver remarks at the AMVETS Veterans Day Program in Bismarck. On Saturday, the senator will speak at the Veterans Day Program at the Fargo Civic Center’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Friday, November 10             12:50 p.m. CT         AMVETS Veterans Day Program Bismarck AMVETS Club  2402 Railroad Avenue Bismarck Saturday, November 11             10:30 a.m. CT         Veterans Day Program  Fargo Civic Center Veterans Memorial Auditorium  207 Fourth Street N  Fargo -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-public-schedule-8,Cramer Announces Public Schedule,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov FARGO, N.D. – Congressman Kevin Cramer announced his public schedule for November 9 - November 12. All times are local.   Thursday, November 9   Veterans Appreciation Program *Open Press 7:00pm-8:00pm Kindred Elementary School Kindred, ND   Saturday, November 11   Meeting with Robert Green, American Crystal Sugar *Closed Press 10:30am-10:45am Grafton Armory Grafton, ND                                                                        National Guard Final Formation Ceremony & Lunch *Open Press 11:00pm-1:00pm Grafton Armory Grafton, ND   Sunday, November 12   Cancer Benefit for Cory Hjleden *Open Press 5K run/walk starting at 1:00pm Silent auction and get together 2:00pm-6:00pm The Bowler Fargo, ND   Contact Adam Jorde for all state and national press inquiries.   ###   Adam Jorde Communications Director Rep. Kevin Cramer | North Dakota 1717 Longworth HOB | O: 202-225-2611 Mobile: 202-308-3853 | @JordeAdam",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-house-continues-cutting-red-tape-for-startup-community,CRAMER: HOUSE CONTINUES CUTTING RED TAPE FOR STARTUP COMMUNITY,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer voted in favor of a bill today making it easier for friends and family to support startup businesses across America. Oftentimes, small businesses rely on the capital of friends and family members to start their businesses. The practice, frequently referred to as a nonpublic offering or a ‘friends and family’ round, gives startups the initial seed capital needed to operate until they’re profitable. However, Securities regulations, typically written for large corporations, cause major problems for these small businesses – exposing them to potential lawsuits and future liabilities by unintentionally violating the Securities Act. Violations of the Securities Act occur because there’s no clear definition of the difference between a public and non-public offering. The Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act (H.R. 2201) alleviates this problem by providing an exemption referred to as a “private offering.” The amendment to the Securities Act allows small businesses to operate with the assurance that they will not be subject to unknown legal liabilities. “No one should need a team of lawyers to get his or her business off the ground,” said Cramer. “This bill provides an exemption for our entrepreneurs who rely on their friends and family to get started. With North Dakota’s startup community being an important part of our local economy, it’s my hope this bill addresses concerns for business owners and ensures our startups get the access to capital they need to grow a successful business.” Under the bill, small businesses will qualify for a micro-offering exemption so long as: Each purchaser has a substantive pre-exiting relationship with an officer, director, or shareholder with 10 percent or more of the share of the issuer. The issuer reasonably believes there are no more than 35 purchasers of securities from the issuers that are sold in reliance on the exemption during the 12-month period preceding the transaction. The aggregate amount of all securities sold by the issuer does not exceed $500,0000 over a 12-month period. Cramer continues supporting the North Dakota startup community through his work in Congress. In January, Cramer supported the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act, which clarifies that certain startup companies can give presentations about their company and host events like demo days without violating SEC investment solicitation bans. He also supported the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act in April, which directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to make it easier for employees to assume an ownership stake in the companies they work for. And in recognition of Start-Up Day Across America in August, Cramer met with a host of startup founders at the NDSU Research and Technology Park in the Fargo-Moorhead area. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-senate-tax-relief-plan-enables-working-families-to-keep-more-of-their-paycheck-supports-small-businesses-farmers-and-ranchers,"Hoeven: Senate Tax Relief Plan Enables Working Families to Keep More of Their Paycheck; Supports Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers",2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.09.17 Hoeven: Senate Tax Relief Plan Enables Working Families to Keep More of Their Paycheck; Supports Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers WASHINGTON –Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the Senate draft tax relief bill was released. Hoeven has been working to secure provisions important to North Dakota in the tax reform plan, which will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee then brought before the full Senate for debate.  “Tax reform is all about modernizing and simplifying our tax code to enable working Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, while at the same time lowering taxes to empower our small businesses to grow and compete,” Hoeven said. “The Senate tax relief draft lowers rates for individuals and small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers, which is good for North Dakota and good for our nation.” Hoeven highlighted the following provisions that he worked to include in the Senate tax relief bill:  • Reduces the tax burden on hardworking American taxpayers. Provides a net tax cut of about $1,500 for a median income family of four.  Increases the standard deduction for individuals to $12,000 and married couples to $24,000.  Increases the standard deduction for a single parent with dependents to $18,000.  9 out of 10 taxpayers will likely use the expanded standard deduction. Benefits to Small Businesses, Farmers and Ranchers For the first five years, allows full expensing or writing off the cost of new investments. Also expands the Section 179 expensing of equipment on a permanent basis. Doubles the estate tax exemption, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Maintains interest deductibility. Maintains the property tax deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.  The senator has also held a series of roundtable discussions with the North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input and advance tax reform.  -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-12-million-grant-nearly-430000-loan-for-city-of-mercer,"Hoeven Announces More Than $1.2 Million Grant, Nearly $430,000 Loan for City of Mercer",2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.17 Hoeven Announces More Than $1.2 Million Grant, Nearly $430,000 Loan for City of Mercer WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) has awarded the City of Mercer a $1.255 million grant and a $429,000 loan. The funds will be used to update the city’s water supply system through a number of projects including connecting the city to rural water, renovating the city’s water storage building, replacing the water storage tank, replacing meters and updating the water distribution system. “The North Dakota Department of Health identified areas in Mercer’s water supply system that needed to be improved,” Hoeven said. “Today’s Rural Development funding will help address these needs by implementing long-term solutions, and will help Mercer provide clean, safe and reliable water to its residents.” -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-drives-home-importance-of-leveraging-north-dakotas-uas-expertise-to-improve-security-at-borders-and-across-nation-with-dhs-nominee-nielsen,Hoeven Drives Home Importance of Leveraging North Dakota's UAS Expertise to Improve Security at Borders and Across Nation with DHS Nominee Nielsen,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.17 Hoeven Drives Home Importance of Leveraging North Dakota's UAS Expertise to Improve Security at Borders and Across Nation with DHS Nominee Nielsen Senator Builds on Meeting with Nominee, Restates Invitation to Grand Forks WASHINGTON – During a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today, Senator John Hoeven secured a commitment from Kirstjen Nielsen, the nominee to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security, to pursue the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in improving national security, both at the borders and across the country. Hoeven stressed the ability of the technology to aid in detecting illegal crossings and the transportation of illicit substances. At the same time, the senator highlighted how the expertise of North Dakota’s UAS industry can be leveraged to ensure the technology is integrated safely into the nation’s airspace, protect citizen’s privacy rights and help to protect against emerging threats from the misuse of UAS. Today’s hearing follows a meeting Hoeven held with Nielsen last month, where the senator invited her to visit North Dakota when confirmed to see the work of the Grand Sky Technology Park, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) UAS facility and the Grand Forks Air Force Base firsthand. “UAS provides unique capabilities to improve our nation’s security, a point I continue to drive home with the DHS nominee, Kirstjen Nielsen,” said Hoeven. “I look forward to working with her to use this technology in combination with the right mix of personnel and infrastructure to secure our borders.”   Hoeven is working to build on the past decade of efforts to ensure North Dakota leads in developing the future of the UAS industry. This includes low altitude beyond-line-of-flight applications, UAS detection/counter-UAS technologies and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) unmanned traffic management (UTM) system. The state is able to lead advancements in these areas due to two components Hoeven helped secure over the past couple of years: Authorization for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to oversee UAS operations that go beyond the line of sight of the operator. Upgrades for the DASR-11 digital radar systems at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo.  Further, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $8 million in Fiscal Year 2017 funding to ensure that CBP’s UAS operations and training facility would remain in Grand Forks. The CBP leased recently renovated space on the air base earlier this year. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-save-local-business-act-passes-house,CRAMER: SAVE LOCAL BUSINESS ACT PASSES HOUSE,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer supported legislation today rolling back an Obama-era joint employer scheme that puts small businesses, particularly franchisees, in jeopardy. Decisions such as hiring, work schedules, and pay raises all take place between an employer and employee. However, in 2015, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) intervened in the employer-employee relationship by putting direct liability on the employer for things that may occur by an independent contractor or franchisee. This new liability standard hurts working families and small businesses by blurring the lines of responsibility for decisions affecting the daily operations of local businesses across the country. Two or more employers can be considered joint employers for making a business agreement that “indirectly” or “potentially” impacts their employees’ day-to-day responsibilities and working environment. “This ambiguous standard leads to more uncertainty for small businesses and puts them at risk of legal liability over the actions of employees they have no direct control over,” said Cramer. “This bill provides certainty and stability for employers and workers to ensure the little guy isn’t pushed out of business and the American dream remains strong.” The Save Local Business Act (H.R. 3441) would define a joint employer as someone who exercises direct and immediate control of an employee’s terms and conditions of employment under the National Labor Relations Act. The definition would also apply to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. All existing labor protections for workers remain under this legislation.    According to the American Action Forum, the current joint employer scheme could result in 1.7 million fewer jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-introduces-legislation-to-allow-homeowners-to-purchase-lots-at-jamestown-reservoir,Hoeven Introduces Legislation to Allow Homeowners to Purchase Lots at Jamestown Reservoir,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 Hoeven Introduces Legislation to Allow Homeowners to Purchase Lots at Jamestown Reservoir Legislation Recognizes, Protects Homeowners Investments in the Land & Property at Jamestown Reservoir WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven recently introduced legislation that would allow homeowners at the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots from the federal government and transfer all remaining Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lands around the reservoir to state and local public ownership. The bill grew out of meetings Hoeven’s staff held with the homeowners and local officials over the past year and is modeled after similar legislation the senator introduced for homeowners at Patterson Lake. “After years of investment in their homes and lots, residents of the Jamestown Reservoir deserve the security of owning the land on which they live,” said Senator Hoeven. “We worked hard to find common ground with all parties, including homeowners and the federal, state and local entities. This legislation helps secure the future of the community that has been built around the reservoir and maintains access to important outdoor recreational opportunities for the region.” Specifically, Hoeven’s legislation: Establishes a process to make 71 residential lots on the reservoir available for sale for five years. Permanently transfers all other federal lands in the area, including two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots, to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.  Requires BOR to provide a legal description of all properties to be transferred. Provides that the value of the residential lots be based on a local third party appraiser, valuing the land as unimproved residential property, excluding all improvements. Maintains BOR responsibility over the reservoir and dam and directs all revenue from the sale of residential lots to be used for the costs of carrying out this legislation and deferred maintenance of the dam. This bill follows Hoeven’s successful efforts to include a provision in the Water Resources and Development Act last year that limited fee increases for permittees on Patterson Lake, Lake Tschida and the Jamestown Reservoir. BOR had proposed increasing fees to more than twice the cost of current fees for permits on the three reservoirs. Hoeven’s legislation prevented that increase and limited the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over 5 years. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-tax-relief-will-enable-working-families-to-keep-more-of-their-paycheck-empower-small-businesses,"Hoeven: Tax Relief Will Enable Working Families to Keep More of Their Paycheck, Empower Small Businesses",2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 Hoeven: Tax Relief Will Enable Working Families to Keep More of Their Paycheck, Empower Small Businesses Hoeven Joins Senators, Secretary Mnuchin, Tax Reform Advocates to Outline Importance of Tax Relief WASHINGTON –Senator John Hoeven today joined with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a group of his colleagues and tax reform advocates to highlight the importance of passing tax reform that enables working Americans to keep more of their hard-earned pay and empowers small businesses, including the nation’s farmers and ranchers, to grow and invest.   “We have a once in a generation opportunity to reform our outdated and complex tax code and most importantly provide much needed tax relief for our nation’s families and small businesses – including the many farmers in my home state of North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “Tax reform will help individuals and families get ahead by generating new jobs through sustained economic growth, while lowering the overall tax burden and putting more money back in their pockets.” Hoeven was joined by Secretary Mnuchin, as well as senior leaders from Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Prosperity, and the Heritage Foundation.  Hoeven has been working to secure the following provisions to provide tax relief for North Dakotans: Reduce the tax burden on individuals and small businesses, including farmers and ranchers. Provide relief from the estate tax, while maintaining the step-up in basis for capital gains. Increase expensing for small business owners, including Section 179 expensing of equipment, which is important for farmers. Maintain interest deductibility for small businesses. Maintain the property tax deduction.  Recently, Hoeven worked to pass and voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution, the necessary first step in enacting tax relief for individuals and families. The House of Representatives then passed the Senate Budget Resolution. Approval of the budget resolution will help Congress stay on track to pass tax reform and provide relief for the American people.  Hoeven has repeatedly spoken on the Senate floor to outline tax reform priorities for the nation’s farmers and ranchers.  The senator has also held a series of roundtable discussions with North Dakota small businesses and farmers and ranchers to gather input and advance tax reform.  -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-army-assistant-secretary-nominee-to-help-advance-flood-protection-for-minot-region-red-river-valley,"Hoeven Urges Army Assistant Secretary Nominee to Help Advance Flood Protection for Minot Region, Red River Valley",2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.07.17 Hoeven Urges Army Assistant Secretary Nominee to Help Advance Flood Protection for Minot Region, Red River Valley WASHINGTON – In a meeting today with R.D. James, the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Army – Civil Works, Senator John Hoeven urged the nominee, if confirmed, to help advance comprehensive flood protection in North Dakota. The senator introduced James to the flood study in the Minot region and the work to secure flood protection for the Red River Valley, stressing the importance of these efforts to the long-term security and well-being of families and businesses in the regions. “Continuing to secure support from officials and nominees is an important part of keeping this process moving forward and preventing delays for our flood protection efforts,” Hoeven said. “This meeting was about ensuring Mr. James understands our flood protection needs early on in his confirmation process so that he is ready to advance these priorities for our communities right after his confirmation. That aligns with our work to ensure the Corps has the funding and flexibility it needs to build comprehensive flood protection for Minot region and the Red River Valley.”  Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee to support regional flood protection efforts in North Dakota. To this end, the senator helped secure the following priorities in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 appropriations legislation and is continuing his efforts to include them in the final funding bill: Army Corps Construction – Provides $125 million in funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects above the administration’s budget request. This additional funding will help ensure that efforts like comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley are funded in the Corps’ FY2018 work plan.  Minot Area Flood Study – Provides $400,000 for the Corps’ feasibility study in the Souris River Basin. The study is a vital step in advancing the first four phases of the Minot area’s flood protection project. Addressing Section 408 Delays – Includes a provision at Hoeven’s request directing the Corps to expedite processing of Section 408 packages, which are used to make changes to existing Corps projects and find alternative ways to approve project modifications. The delays are affecting North Dakota projects, including those in the Minot area and Cass County.  Fair Treatment of Public-Private Partnerships – Includes a provision directing the Corps to evaluate the total return on federal investment when a project secures private sector funds. This helps ensure fair treatment of public-private partnerships, such as flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead region, during the Corps’s analysis of a project’s benefits and costs. Hoeven has secured commitments from administration officials to address inconsistencies in this policy, including Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Army Corps Chief Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite and Neomi Rao, the head of the administration’s central regulatory authority. In addition, Hoeven continues working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long, who Hoeven hosted in Minot earlier this year, to ensure the agency’s preliminary flood maps and the resulting flood insurance rates are accurate in the Souris River Basin. This includes making sure FEMA reevaluates discrepancies in its preliminary flood maps, provides an extended timetable for public comment on the maps and updates the maps as permanent flood protection is built. Hoeven is also working with FEMA to identify additional funding to construct flood protection for the remainder of the Souris River Basin. The Army Corps of Engineers current project entails four phases, and federal support is needed to develop subsequent phases and ensure protection for the whole region. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-clare-carlson-named-as-rural-development-state-director-brad-thykeson-as-fsa-state-director,"Hoeven: Clare Carlson Named as Rural Development State Director, Brad Thykeson as FSA State Director",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.06.17 Hoeven: Clare Carlson Named as Rural Development State Director, Brad Thykeson as FSA State Director WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the following key positions were filled for North Dakota at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Clare Carlson as North Dakota State Director for Rural Development (RD) – Carlson previously served in this role for eight years during the Bush Administration. He has served as agriculture adviser to Governors Ed Schafer and Hoeven and has a farming interest in NW Minnesota. Hoeven appointed Carlson Deputy Director of North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) in 2009. Brad Thykeson as North Dakota State Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) – A farmer of 33 years in Barnes and Steele Counties, Thykeson has firsthand knowledge of FSA policies and programs and how they will affect North Dakota producers. He has served as president of the North Dakota Grain Growers and been active in several other farm associations. “The services of Rural Development and FSA are crucial to our farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” Hoeven said. “Clare and Brad have a deep familiarity not only with the roles of their respective agencies, but with our state and the needs of our agricultural producers. We welcome them to their new posts and look forward to working with them as we draft the next farm bill. Further, with farmers and ranchers still recovering from this year’s drought, I will work with Brad to ensure our ag producers receive all available assistance in a timely fashion.”  The appointments dovetail with Hoeven’s efforts to secure needed improvements to the farm bill and ensure agriculture programs are implemented in a way that best serves producers’ needs. The senator continues to meet with farmers and ranchers across North Dakota to gather feedback and outline his priorities for the 2018 farm bill, including: Strong Crop Insurance – The senator is working to strengthen and prevent cuts to the crop insurance program, which is the primary risk management tool for many producers.  Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) – Hoeven secured $5 million for a pilot program in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and funding in the Senate’s FY 2018 Appropriations bill, to improve the fairness of ARC payment calculations, while exploring long-term solutions to the problem for the next farm bill.  Sugar Program – The senator said he will work to extend the sugar program in a bipartisan manner, ensuring that American producers have a level playing field in the world sugar market. Agriculture Research – Hoeven will work to include strong support for agricultural research, like the work done at North Dakota State University and the North Dakota Extension Service, to enhance crop genetics and production. Drought Support – Hoeven continues working to secure all possible support for farmers and ranchers to help them weather the drought. The senator is also working to improve the livestock assistance programs in the next farm bill and ensure they work for ranchers when needed most. In addition, Hoeven continues working to provide support through FSA for farmers and ranchers facing drought this year. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured a provision in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2018 funding bill directing FSA to allocate additional staff and resources to drought stricken areas. Following this, Hoeven announced that FSA had assigned additional staff to six county offices in North Dakota to prevent service backlogs for agriculture producers facing severe drought conditions. Hoeven continues working to advance drought support for agriculture producers in the final appropriations measure. -###- Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-carlson-thykeson-federal-appointments,CRAMER: Statement on Carlson & Thykeson Federal Appointments,2017-11-04,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement today after President Donald J. Trump announced Clare Carlson to be named U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development (RD) state director for North Dakota, and Brad Thykeson as the Farm Services Agency State Director: “Congratulations to Clare and Brad as they assume these very important positions. Through demonstrated experience and leadership, they have what it takes to hit the ground running, and I look forward to working with them in their new roles.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/children-s-health-program-extension-passes-house,CHILDRENS HEALTH PROGRAM EXTENSION PASSES HOUSE,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Adam.Jorde@mail.house.gov Recording: Audio WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported a bill passed out of the House of Representatives today extending funding for the successful State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This legislation, known as the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, provides five years of federal appropriations for CHIP while also extending funding for vital public health programs. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a means-tested program that provides health coverage to targeted low-income children and pregnant women in families that have annual income above Medicaid eligibility levels but have no health insurance. CHIP is jointly financed by the federal government and states, and the states are responsible for administering CHIP. “The CHIP program provides care for some of the most vulnerable children across the nation, and this should have been reauthorized months ago, said Cramer. “Unfortunately, what’s typically a bipartisan bill, has been held up by Democrats who are opposed to adding a small premium to Medicare recipients making more than a half-million dollars a year to help pay for children’s health insurance. Unlike the Senate’s companion bill, the House is taking the fiscally responsible step of ensuring our bill is fully paid for and will not increase the federal deficit. I strongly urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible.” The legislation includes: Five Year Extension of The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): The bill extends CHIP funding through FY 2022 and ensures children continue to receive coverage through state CHIP programs rather than through the ACA exchanges and Medicaid. 2 Year Extension of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): The bill extends funding for these centers for two years through the Community Health Center Fund. The bill provides $3.6 billion per year. 2 Year Extension of Important Public Health Programs: Funding for the National Health Service Corps ($300M), Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education ($127M), Family-to-Family Health Information Centers ($6M), the Youth Empowerment Program ($75M), and the Personal Responsibility Education Program are included in this bill. Also extends the special diabetes program by two years ($150M). Medicaid Funding for Territories: The bill includes over $1 billion for the Medicaid programs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to help shore up those programs so patients can receive access to care.   Averts FY2018 and FY2019 Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Reductions: The bill eliminates the $5 billion reductions included in Obamacare that reduced funding for hospitals, and specifically rural hospitals. For more information on this legislation, click here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ee-news-cramer-bill-passes-to-prevent-electric-fires-on-public-land,E&E NEWS: [Cramer] Bill passes to prevent electric fires on public land,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"E&E NEWS: [Cramer] Bill passes to prevent electric fires on public land Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder, E&E News reporter Published: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 The House yesterday approved legislation to allow utilities to test projects that could reduce the risk of wildfires on national forest land. H.R. 2921, from Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), passed with support of the Forest Service and by voice vote under suspension of the rules, a way to fast-track noncontroversial measures. Cramer said that deep within national forest lands, ""the potential for problems persists."" He also noted how important a reliable source of electricity is for rural areas. Some of the pilot projects could involve tree thinning and fuel reduction. Cramer noted they would only be implemented outside designated wilderness areas. The House also passed H.R. 2521, from Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to allow residents of South Carolina to be appointed to the Peanut Standards Board. South Carolina grew very few peanuts in 2002, said Wilson, but now the state is the fourth-largest producer, and the official snack is a boiled peanut. ""If only the farm bill was this easy,"" Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) quipped during debate. The House passed two more bills by voice vote: H.R. 2941, from Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), to provide for the conveyance of certain National Forest System land within Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. H.R. 3567, from Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), to authorize the purchase of about 8.75 acres from the Natural Resources Conservation Service in California by the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District. Read original article here: https://www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060065243/search?keyword=kevin+cramer ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z