url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-grafton-and-lakota-jan-9,Cramer Announces Mobile Office Hours in Grafton and Lakota Jan. 9,2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer has scheduled Mobile Office Hours in Grafton and Lakota on Monday, Jan. 9. 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 Grafton and Lakota will allow 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 Grafton and Lakota 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. Mobile Office Hours — Monday, Jan. 9 Carnegie Regional Library — 10 to 11:30 a.m.             630 Griggs Ave, Grafton, ND    Lakota Library — 1:30 to 3 p.m. 116 B Avenue West, Lakota, ND Contact Randy Richards, Cramer’s field representative, with any questions.  His email is randy.richards@mail.house.gov and his phone is 701-738-4880.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-200000-in-awards-for-rural-north-dakota-communities-to-attract-investment-create-jobs,"Hoeven Announces Nearly $200,000 in Awards for Rural North Dakota Communities to Attract Investment, Create Jobs",2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.30.16 Hoeven Announces Nearly $200,000 in Awards for Rural North Dakota Communities to Attract Investment, Create Jobs WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded two grants totaling $198,000 to the Lake Agassiz Regional Council, North Central Planning Council and the Souris Basin Planning Council. The investment awards will support the councils' work to develop and implement a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to attract private capital investments and create job in the regions they serve. Lake Agassiz Regional Council $66,000 The council serves Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties. North Central Planning Council $66,000 The council serves Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner counties as well as the Spirit Lake Nation and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Souris Basin Planning Council $66,000 The council serves Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward counties. Today's investment awards will help rural areas in North Dakota create an economic development framework to help create jobs and attract investments to these communities, Hoeven said. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-presents-lost-medals-to-family-of-world-war-ii-pilot,Cramer Presents Lost Medals to Family of World War II Pilot,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – Congressman Kevin Cramer presented the family of the late Sgt. Robert Johnston six World War II military medals in a ceremony today at the Fargo Air Museum.  The medals were earned during Johnston’s service in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945.  Records of the medals were lost and never awarded to Johnston, who died in 1996.  His grandson, Levi Otis of Fargo, contacted Cramer’s office for assistance in locating the lost records. In today’s ceremony, Cramer presented Johnston’s widow, Lila Johnston, with her husband’s medals, the Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster, the POW Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, the World War II Victory Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button from World War II.  He also presented her with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building.  “It is my great honor to present these medals to you,” Cramer told Mrs. Johnston.  “As the service person serves, so does the spouse and the family.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity today to honor the memory of your husband and recognize this outstanding member of our Greatest Generation.” Johnston served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as an airplane mechanic gunner.  He took part in the massive Allied air offenses over German-controlled Europe, which included the Naples-Foggia Campaign that was vital in driving Italy from the war, and the Rome-Arno Campaign which not only liberated the city of Rome, but saved the lives of countless Italian citizens.  His airplane was shot down flying over enemy territory on Jan. 30, 1944.  Johnston was forced to parachute out of the plane, injuring his shoulder, where he was captured by German soldiers.  He was sent to a prisoner of war camp in East Prussia and then to Germany.  A POW for 16 months, Johnston stole a German officer’s car and escaped to Allied territory.  After World War II, Johnston returned to his home area of Henning, Minn., and later served in the Korean War. He was a self-employed heavy equipment operator, farmer and trucker.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=76FF19D5-9DFF-41FA-9570-2DBEA52C2339,"Heitkamp, Ernst Bill to Promote Efficient, Effective Federal Programs Becomes Law",2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joni Ernst of Iowa today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan legislation to make federal government programs more efficient and effective. The Senate and House passed the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act earlier this year. “Our bipartisan bill becoming law is a win for accountability and transparency. The federal government will now do more to make sure federal programs are well managed – saving taxpayers’ money and reducing waste,” said Heitkamp. “It’s an important step for North Dakota communities and businesses that rely on federal programs, whether in agriculture, energy, or beyond. Good management practices can make all the difference in guaranteeing efficient, effective federal programs and making sure they are well implemented locally.” “I am thrilled that President Obama has signed our bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act into law,” said Ernst. “Iowans sent me to Washington with a mission to make the federal government less wasteful and more efficient, and the passage of this legislation is an important step in doing just that. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act reduces cost overruns and increases accountability to create a more productive government through better management procedures. I am pleased we were able to make meaningful progress in safeguarding our taxpayers’ hard-earned tax dollars, and remain committed to continuing to look for new ways to eliminate waste.” By increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst’s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the bar for the management of the federal programs communities need – and that taxpayers are counting on to run efficiently and effectively. Click here to read the bill text. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act will: Establish a leader within each agency that is focused on program management. Create an inter-agency Program Management Council to drive improvements through portfolio reviews of agency programs and encourage communications between agencies and program management professionals. Require the development of a specific job category with distinct qualification for project managers. Require the federal government to adopt widely-accepted program management best practices and standards. Require the Government Accountability Office to issue a report three years after the bill’s enactment on its overall effectiveness and impact on program management in the federal government. Work directly with the Department of Defense to improve its current procedures while making sure to not duplicate existing efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784,Heitkamp Successfully Pushes Administration to Expand Northern Plains UAS Test Site Operations,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that, after pressing the White House on the issue earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorizing the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks as the first site in the country to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Heitkamp successfully pushed the administration in August to authorize BVLOS operations at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site as a part of new commitments the White House issued to expand the integration of UAS safely into the national airspace. Now that the commitment Heitkamp secured has FAA airspace authorization, UAS flights at the test site are one step closer to flying up to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft, supporting the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes. “North Dakota is No. 1 when it comes to unmanned aircraft, and that’s why I pushed the administration to make the Northern Plains UAS Test Site the first to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations,” said Heitkamp. “Grand Forks and the entire Red River Valley lead the country in developing and advancing these exciting technologies. Today’s announcement puts the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in an even better position. It’s encouraging to see FAA move ahead on this authorization after pressing the administration, and I look forward to helping expand North Dakota’s leadership in UAS even further in the coming year."" As a co-founder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to promote Grand Forks and Fargo as hubs of UAS innovation. Most recently, Heitkamp helped pass a bill reauthorizing the FAA – including key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota that will: Expand the ability of UAS technologies to improve public safety: Heitkamp helped pass bipartisan provisions that, by promoting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace, will expand the ability of UAS technologies to help respond to natural disasters, provide emergency response, and protect critical infrastructure like pipelines. Strengthen UAS technology development in Grand Forks: Long a vocal advocate for continuing to advance UAS research and development at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Grand Sky UAS Business and Aviation Park, Heitkamp helped pass a three year congressional authorization for the test site. Reform burdensome requirements for small aircraft pilots: Continuing her push to make sure general aviation pilots are not overly burdened by regulations, the bill includes provisions that will reform and streamline the third class medical certification process. As part of the second pilot’s bill of rights, which Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate, this new process will benefit North Dakotans who fly small aircraft like crop dusters. Support graduates of the air traffic control program at UND: The bill includes provisions that will change hiring guidelines for air traffic controllers, acknowledging and giving credit to UND students who have received special training. For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies in Grand Forks. She brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota in 2014 to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the FAA to remove barriers blocking the test site’s flight operations. She also led efforts to develop an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County and introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage further research and development of UAS technologies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/faa-notifies-hoeven-that-authorization-for-beyond-line-of-sight-operability-is-approved,FAA Notifies Hoeven that Authorization for Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operability is Approved,2016-12-28,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.28.16 FAA Notifies Hoeven that Authorization for Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operability is Approved Senator Worked to Secure COA for First in the Nation Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operability WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a certificate of authorization (COA) for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to oversee unmanned aircraft operations that go beyond the line of sight of the operator. The senator worked to secure approval of this request from the FAA. The North Dakota test site is the first in the nation to have such beyond-line-of-sight operability. This means the test site will be able to support the development, testing and evaluation of a wide range of new applications for UAS technology, giving the state a competitive edge. The FAA's approval of this COA is a major step forward for North Dakota and the UAS industry in general because UAS will have to be able to fly beyond the line of sight in order to operate concurrently with piloted aircraft in the National Air Space, Hoeven said. This authorization will help companies like General Atomics, Northrop Grumman and future tenants at the Grand Sky technology park test and evaluate complex UAS operations possible nowhere else in the nation. It also makes North Dakota an attractive place for government agencies like NASA, the Air Force and the Department of Homeland Security to integrate UAS into the national airspace system. North Dakota is ideally suited to support beyond line of sight operations with the combination of an FAA test site, the Grand Sky Technology Park and Grand Forks Air Force Base, which hosts the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system. Grand Forks Air Force Base uses a DASR-11 digital radar system. The system helps operators track unmanned aircraft so they can fly safely even when beyond the sight of the UAS operator. Hoeven secured funding for upgrades to this system and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo earlier this year as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site will continue to use a chase plane until the Grand Sky Technology Park implements a scheduled software upgrade to its system so that it can link to the DASR-11 radar at Grand Forks Air Force Base. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A28D8BE5-1E8A-4AF3-9A1E-C7AFA556887B,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Help Homeless Families,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, today announced more than $1.9 million in federal funding to help families find permanent housing and prevent homelessness. “North Dakota’s communities are only strong when families have safe places to call home, said Heitkamp. “The winter months are tough in our part of the country and this year has been no exception. Secure housing is essential to making sure folks are safe. The federal funding announced today will help families in need find permanent housing solutions as well as help with transitional housing services when families face emergency situations.” These federal funds are distributed as follows: Abused Adult Resource Center - $83,664 Burleigh County Housing Authority – $209,150 Community Violence Intervention Center Inc. - $93,928 Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority - $389,883 Prairie Heights Apartments, Grand Lodge of North Dakota, I.O.O.F - $46,675 North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People, Inc. - $133,572 North Dakota Department of Commerce - $304,416 Prairie Harvest Mental Health Supportive Housing Program - $89,727 St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Store – $15,277 Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center– $37,599 YWCA Minot Center of Hope and Emergency Shelter - $30,000 YWCA Cass Clay - $345,525 This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. The CoC Program provides federal funding to state and local governments as well as non-profits that work to end homelessness and help families who are in need of safe and affordable housing. Heitkamp has been a steadfast advocate for affordable housing in North Dakota, whether it’s pushing for more affordable housing in western North Dakota when prices skyrocketed or in Indian Country dealing with the chronic housing problems. Heitkamp recently met with staff and toured St. Joseph’s Social Care and Thrift in Grand Forks that provide transitional services for families in need as well as permanent housing for those with disabilities. In August, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s first Great Plains regional Indian Housing conference that aimed to leverage public-private partnerships to provide long-term strategies that will boost housing opportunities across Indian Country. Additionally, last week Heitkamp announced that the Government Sponsored Enterprises will be allowed to invest in Low Income Housing Tax Credits in high-need rural areas as part of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s new Duty to Serve Rule, a change which Heitkamp pushed for in an October letter to the Agency.              ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D88A3A2D-57B1-47A0-AD5B-B98F63A50917,Heitkamp Meets with Air Force Leader to Fight for Future Missions at Grand Forks Air Force Base,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Grand Forks community leaders hosted Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein at Grand Forks Air Force Base on Wednesday to reinforce the importance of the base to U.S. national security, to highlight the military value provided by its RQ-4 Global Hawk and High Frequency Global Communications System missions, and to emphasize its potential for future missions. Base Commander Colonel Rodney Lewis, Mayor Michael Brown, and other state and local leaders also highlighted the national security importance of the base to General Goldfein at the dinner. Prior to the event with General Goldfein, Heitkamp met on Tuesday with leaders from Grand Forks Air Force Base and the community to discuss efforts to strengthen the base. “Showing Air Force leaders what an asset Grand Forks Air Force Base is reinforces that Grand Forks is an ideal candidate for future missions,” said Heitkamp. “As General Goldfein has seen this week, Grand Forks Air Force Base is leading the way in remotely piloted aircraft with the strong support of the Grand Forks community and private sector. Grand Forks is a proven leader in areas that are really the future for the Air Force, which is why I’m continuing to push Air Force leaders to understand that the base is the right fit for Arctic missions and additional remotely piloted operations down the road. Now General Goldfein has had the chance to also hear from leaders in Grand Forks about what an asset the base and community are to the Air Force.” Earlier this month, Heitkamp helped the U.S. Senate pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support Grand Forks priorities. Long a champion of improving national security through innovative remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) solutions, Heitkamp successfully included a provision in the recent defense authorization to track the success rate of those technologies in border security missions along our northern, southern, and coastal borders. Heitkamp also helped support strong funding for Global Hawks flown by the 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as MQ-9 Reapers operated by the North Dakota Air National Guard. After urging the new U.S. Northern Command leader in June to visit Grand Forks, Heitkamp this month also secured a commitment from Air Force General Lori Robinson to visit the base and review its activities. Heitkamp invited General Robinson, who also leads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), so that she can see the base’s potential for Arctic missions and its innovation in remotely piloted aircraft operations and training up close. Heitkamp has consistently fought to support both of North Dakota’s bases, and is a cofounder of the Senate Defense Communities Caucus. In February, she congratulated Grand Forks when the community won the Great American Defense Communities award, which Heitkamp formally endorsed Grand Forks for given the community’s exceptional support for the base. Heitkamp also honored Grand Forks for the award at a reception in Washington. In February, Heitkamp stressed that Grand Forks Air Force Base is uniquely suited for RPA missions and Arctic missions that will bolster national security as General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, the official who oversees the base’s Global Hawk mission, visited Grand Forks. Heitkamp has long supported Grand Forks Air Force Base, including efforts to promote: The Global Hawk Mission: In February, Heitkamp spoke with General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who oversees the remotely-piloted Global Hawk missions, before he visited the base to stress that Grand Forks is ideal for Global Hawk and other missions. The 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base flies combat support missions as well as training and sensor operating missions. Arctic Missions: Heitkamp successfully amended the defense authorization bill Congress passed last year to improve the military’s Arctic strategy and make Grand Forks attractive for future Arctic missions. The bill required DOD to submit a report on protecting national security in the Arctic region. Heitkamp’s amendment strengthened the report and positions Grand Forks to play a significant role in Arctic missions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-19-million-in-hud-funding-for-north-dakota,Hoeven Announces More than $1.9 Million in HUD Funding for North Dakota,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.16 Hoeven Announces More than $1.9 Million in HUD Funding for North Dakota WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $1,903,991 to organizations in North Dakota. The funds, part of HUD's Continuum of Care Program, support organizations and service programs working to end homelessness by serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. All North Dakotans deserve access to safe, healthy housing, and today's funds will help families and individuals secure permanent housing in North Dakota, Hoeven said. The funds are awarded as follows: Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority $389,883 YWCA Cass Clay $345,525 North Dakota Department of Commerce $304,416 Burleigh County Housing Authority $209,150 North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People, Inc. in Bismarck $133,572 Fraser Ltd. in Fargo $124,575 Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks $93,928 Prairie Harvest Mental Health in Grand Forks $89,727 Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck $83,664 Prairie Heights in Devils Lake $46,675 Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson $37,599 Minot YWCA's Center of Hope and Emergency Shelter $30,000 St. Joseph's Social Care and Thrift Store in Grand Forks $15,277 -###- 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-brings-usaf-chief-of-staff-to-nd-to-see-one-of-a-kind-capabilities-of-grand-forks-air-force-base-grand-sky-tech-park,"Hoeven Brings USAF Chief of Staff to N.D. to See One-of-a-Kind Capabilities of Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Sky Tech Park",2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.16 Hoeven Brings USAF Chief of Staff to N.D. to See One-of-a-Kind Capabilities of Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Sky Tech Park Beyond-Line-of-Sight Authorization Expected by Year End, NASA Partnership Progressing, Opportunities for Cybersecurity Operations Emerging GRAND FORKS, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today led a roundtable with U.S. Air Force (USAF) Chief of Staff General David Goldfein and officials from Grand Sky, the Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) and the North Dakota University System (NDUS). Hoeven invited Goldfein to the state so he could see firsthand the unique capabilities offered by the base and Grand Sky Technology and Business Park, which are available nowhere else in the nation. We're leading the way in UAS, creating a one-of-a-kind facility, Hoeven said. And before the end of the year we'll be adding FAA authorization for beyond-line-of-sight operations, another unique capability that will enable us to safely develop concurrent Air Space use for both military and civilian operations. Our facility will enable FAA and DOD to work together in one location. We'll be able to do research, testing, training and deployment without chase aircraft statewide across North Dakota. That can't be done anyplace else in the country and will give us a competitive edge. This opens opportunities for military and commercial applications and will attract more companies like Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to set up operations at Grand Sky. Today, we had the privilege of hosting Gen. David Goldfein's tour of Grand Sky and sharing in a discussion of the future of UAS and its impact on military and private sectors, said Thomas Swoyer, Jr., president of the Grand Sky Development Co. The UAS industry continues to be among the fastest-growing in the world. Because of continued support from our local, state and federal officials, Grand Sky is poised to maintain its leadership role in the UAS industry. This support has put North Dakota on the map as a hub of UAS activity and we look forward to continued success as a team. Before the roundtable, the senator joined General Goldfein and Swoyer on a tour of the business park to review its shared runway with the air base, new General Atomics Flight Training Academy now under construction and plans for future development. Securing Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operations The senator told roundtable participants that he expects the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide a Certificate of Authorization (COA) for the Northern Plains UAS Test site for beyond-line-of-sight operations sometime next week, as they committed to him. The authorization will make the North Dakota UAS test site the first in the nation to have such operability. Authorization means that unmanned vehicles will be able to fly outside of view and with no manned tracking aircraft. The FAA's approval would be due in part to the DASR-11 digital radar system at GFAB. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven earlier this year secured $2 million for technical upgrades for this system and a similar system at Hector Field in Fargo. NASA's Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) System In a related initiative Hoeven is also working to partner the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Ames Research Center to partner with Grand Sky to develop the agency's Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system and other programs that will help to safely integrate UAS into the National Air Space. Earlier this year, the senator met with Dr. John Cavolowsky, NASA's lead researcher in developing its UTM system. This partnership would build on work already undertaken by the test site, which helped NASA evaluate its traffic management platform in April by conducting close-proximity UAS flight tests. Emerging Opportunities in Data Management, Cybersecurity Hoeven also underscored the fact that UAS are capable of gathering enormous amounts of data, and are becoming increasingly important for cybersecurity and commercial applications. For example, EdgeData recently announced plans to establish a data center at Grand Sky. The company will allow Grand Sky tenants to safely store data and convert it into consumable information. To meet the growing needs for secure data management and analysis, the North Dakota University System (NDUS) has undertaken an effort to develop a comprehensive cyber education and research program. Bismarck State College offers a two-year program in cybersecurity, and new course development is ongoing at NDSU, UND and Minot State University. These programs will offer opportunities for service members to improve their cybersecurity knowledge and gain credentials, enhancing the cybersecurity missions of the North Dakota National Guard. These include the regional Cyber Protection Team and the 119th Air Wing's cyber targeting mission at Hector Field, for which Hoeven secured $7.3 million to build a new facility. Hoeven authored and helped pass legislation in 2012 creating the FAA's six test sites to integrate UAS into the National Airspace. He also included a provision in the FAA Reauthorization bill passed this year to extend the authorization for the test sites, including the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, through September 2019. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=29B6F353-AC40-40DD-9650-677158838138,Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project. “Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.” The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project. In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life. Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns are addressed. Click here to read the letter. The senators also expressed concern about the detrimental financial impact of the demonstration on physicians in rural communities and at small, independent practices, which could have disrupted access to care and force patients to travel longer distances for care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9DAE425D-D941-42B4-86F0-B5D8F000B1E4,"Heitkamp Announces Significant Federal Funding for Fargo-Moorhead Health Services, Standing Rock Head Start Programs",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced nearly $1.1 million to help boost access to health services in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and almost $1.65 million to strengthen early childhood education programs for Native children in Standing Rock. “Promoting a healthier, more prosperous North Dakota means making sure everyone has opportunities to succeed with access to quality health services and educational programs from an early age,” said Heitkamp. “This robust federal support for North Dakota programs will serve families in the Fargo-Moorhead area with top-notch health care, and help make sure Standing Rock children have the chance to thrive with early learning programs. These investments in the health of our communities and the education of our young people are key to ensuring a healthier community and statewide economy for years to come.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing $1,065,858 in federal support that will help promote the important work of employees at Family HealthCare, a Fargo health facility which strives to provide a multitude of quality, affordable services to families in the Fargo-Moorhead area. HHS also awarded $1,674,276 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe for five years of Head Start programming to support the early childhood education and growth of Native young people living on the reservation. Heitkamp has long been an advocate of federal resources to promote better, more affordable access to health care services, particularly in high-need and rural areas in North Dakota, as well as strengthening educational opportunities for young people, especially Native children. This funding for the Family HealthCare Center in Fargo is made possible by the Health Resources & Services Administration within HHS, an agency dedicated to promoting better access to quality health services for underserved and high-need communities. The funding for Head Start programming on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Reservation is made possible by the Office of Head Start of the Office of the Administration for Children and Families, an agency within HHS. The program is dedicated to school readiness for children under five years of age from low-income families though education, health, and social services. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DCB25D7B-C3D6-4612-B7BF-173869A23486,Heitkamp Announces Committee Assignments for 115th Congress,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced her U.S. Senate Committee assignments for the 115th Congress. Through her roles on five different committees, Heitkamp will keep advocating for policies that support North Dakota families and stand up for rural America. She will continue to serve on: the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs; U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; and U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship. “Every single day I come to work in the U.S. Senate, I’m fighting for folks living in rural America. When rural America flourishes, so does the rest of our country,” said Heitkamp. “Through my work on five different committees in the U.S. Senate, I’ve worked toward that goal, and passed bills that have been signed into law that will support first responders, advocate for farmers and ranchers, boost small businesses, and stand up for Native American children, among many other issues. In the coming Congress, I’ll continue to build on many of these successes and make sure that North Dakota has the voice in Congress that it deserves.” Heitkamp has been working to stand up for working families, small businesses, and rural communities on each of her assigned committees in the U.S. Senate, and will continue to build on her accomplishments in the upcoming Congress: U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry: Heitkamp has been a leader in securing a strong future for North Dakota farmers and ranchers by: Fighting for a strong Farm Bill: Heitkamp helped write and pass the Farm Bill in 2014, and is already looking ahead to fighting for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 by holding a Farm Bill tour last August to get feedback from North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Promoting American agricultural products Cuba: Heitkamp has been working to advance her legislation to ease financial restrictions on U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba and will continue her work to expand U.S. exports to Cuba. Protecting ranchers, rural families from unsafe prescribed burns: Earlier this month, Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill requiring greater collaboration to prevent U.S. Forest Service prescribed burns from becoming out-of-control fires and hurting the property of North Dakota ranchers was signed into law. U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs: Heitkamp has been fighting to support small businesses, consumers, workers, and retirees by: Making sure small businesses, startups have a seat at the table: This month the president signed into law Heitkamp’s bipartisan SEC Small Business Advocate Act that will create an office within the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission to help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them grow jobs and their businesses. Replacing unnecessary burdens on farmers, small banks with commonsense rules. Last year, with Heitkamp’s help the Senate passed several bipartisan bills providing regulatory relief for small lenders, including her bipartisan Privacy Notice Modernization Act to eliminate redundant, costly and often ignored annual banking notifications and instead require banks to alert customers only when privacy changes actually occur. Fighting to protect livelihoods of workers, retirees: Heitkamp has been fighting against steep pension cuts to thousands of workers and retirees in North Dakota across the country who have paid into Central States Pension Plan. Providing certainty for American businesses and workers: The U.S. Senate passed Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank – an independent federal government agency which has supported $42 million in exports since 2011 in North Dakota alone. She is continuing to work to make sure the Bank can fully function so it can support North Dakota businesses and workers. U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs: Heitkamp has been leading the charge to improve how the federal government operates and fight for efficient, effective solutions for rural communities and small businesses as well as prepare our communities for emergencies and protect them from threats: Preparing first responders to handle hazardous incidents: This month, the president signed into law Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act to help make sure first responders have the tools they need to respond to potential hazardous incidents, including derailments of crude oil trains, to keep communities strong and safe. Strengthening the Northern Border: This month, Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security along the nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border was signed into law, which aims to address concerns she has heard from border security personnel in North Dakota, including in Pembina and Portal. Protecting a strong, reliable mail service for rural communities, businesses: Heitkamp introduced legislation to improve mail delivery and service in rural communities, which aims to specifically address concerns she has heard from hundreds of North Dakotans who responded to her Fix My Mail initiative. Heitkamp also brought U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to Bismarck in August. Pushing for better, more effective federal rules: As ranking member of the subcommittee which oversees the federal regulatory process, Heitkamp has led bipartisan efforts to cut red tape and improve the regulatory process through stronger accountability and more transparency. Her bipartisan regulatory reform bills passed in the committee with bipartisan support and she successfully fought against standards that hurt North Dakota agricultural businesses. U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: Improving the lives of Native children: The president signed into law Heitkamp’s bipartisan bill to stand up for Native American youth and help enable them to thrive by creating a Commission on Native Children. Facing the long-term impacts of trauma, reducing its impact on Native youth: Heitkamp has been working to address the detrimental impact traumatic experiences – events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope – can have on tribal communities, particularly among Native children, by hosting a series of educational briefings for members of Congress about the issue and leading the first-ever U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs field hearing in North Dakota on the issue. Expanding safe, affordable housing opportunities across Indian Country: After bringing U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Julián Castro for his first visit to North Dakota in 2014 to view the housing challenges experienced by tribes on the ground, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address during HUD’s first Great Plains regional Indian housing conference in Bismarck in August, which she requested. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Leveling the playing field for small businesses: Heitkamp has supported efforts to level the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses in North Dakota and across the country by allowing states to decide whether to continue to allow out-of-state internet retailers to conduct transactions without collecting sales tax owed. Building opportunity for rural small businesses, families, and startups: Heitkamp introduced her SEED Act to support startups in North Dakota and other rural states and small cities, by helping them get the early stage funding they need to grow. She also supported a commonsense federal paid family and medical leave policy to help working families care for their loved ones while continuing a strong workforce. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=19CFFD3F-DFAF-4F53-9338-631F4E8861B2,Heitkamp Underscores Need to Support Strong Manufacturing Workforce at First Delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today highlighted the importance of bolstering manufacturing and general aviation jobs in North Dakota and across the country during the first customer delivery of Cirrus Aircraft’s New Vision Jet – the world’s first single-engine personal jet. Joining North Dakota officials as well as Cirrus manufacturing workers and leaders at Grand Forks Airport, Heitkamp – long a champion of manufacturing and general aviation– spoke about the need to build on today’s successful milestone by promoting opportunities that help these industries thrive and support North Dakota workers who enable these businesses to run. “Today’s delivery is a milestone in aviation history – and it’s also a significant step forward for Cirrus and the manufacturing community here in Grand Forks,” said Heitkamp. “North Dakota has been leading the charge in turning innovative ideas into real jobs, opportunity, and cutting-edge technologies – and by delivering the world’s first single-engine personal jet, we’re making history, too. In the U.S. Senate, I’ve been working to encourage ideas that yield success for American businesses and workers, particularly for those in manufacturing and aviation, by fighting to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank – which helps support and grow jobs in these industries. Just as companies like Cirrus are committed to producing American-made components in Grand Forks, I’ll keep pushing leaders in Congress to promote and invest in policies that keep and grow jobs here at home.” Long a champion of such industries to spur innovation, job creation, and infrastructure building, Heitkamp has spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to reauthorize and promote a working Export-Import Bank – an independent federal government agency and the official export credit agency of the United States. In North Dakota alone, the Export-Import Bank has supported $42 million in exports since 2011, as well as 633 jobs statewide through loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to facilitate overseas sales. Heitkamp is fighting to make sure the agency is able to fully function so it can keep supporting American businesses and workers, which it has been unable to do for about a year because there haven’t been enough members on the Export-Import Bank Board. Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate earlier this month about this issue and the importance of supporting American workers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2FB561FE-4F02-4DD5-9007-10EF720FF959,President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Make Sure ND Small Businesses & Startups have Seat at the Table,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Small Businesses Account for 96 Percent of ND’s Employers and Two-Thirds of ND’s Private-Sector Workforce GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan bill to make sure small businesses and startups have a seat at the table when new federal rules are written on how they can raise funding and access the resources they need to succeed. Introduced with Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada and cosponsored by Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, Heitkamp’s SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help make sure small businesses – which make up about three-fifths of North Dakota’s private-sector workforce – have a strong voice on federal rules that apply to private enterprises. Too often, these rules do not distinguish between large and small businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage. Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will create an Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – the nation’s regulatory authority on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation and keeping the U.S. marketplace fair and efficient – to help small businesses and startups advocate for policies that help them build investments in their companies as well as jobs across the country. The legislation, which unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, was initially introduced by U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The senators passed their bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate in April. Small businesses make up almost 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers, with close to 195,000 workers employed by small businesses statewide. Across the country, small businesses make up almost half of the country’s private-sector workforce from 2002 to 2010, creating about two-thirds of the nation’s net new jobs between mid-2009 and 2011.“We can do more to level the playing field for small businesses and startups in rural America by making sure they have a seat at the table when it comes to federal rulemaking,” said Heitkamp. “Small businesses make up 96 percent of North Dakota’s employers, but when it comes to the rules of private enterprise, they don’t always have a voice – and are many times swept up in rules aimed at larger, more powerful players – putting them at an immediate disadvantage. With a little North Dakota commonsense, we can change that. Now law, my bipartisan bill will make sure the challenges small businesses and startups face are considered when it comes to writing the rules that impact them. We can encourage innovation and entrepreneurial growth, and we can do it by making sure our small businesses and burgeoning startup communities are heard.” “Nevada’s small businesses employ over 428,000 jobs for its workers. Yet, these economic engines rarely have their voice heard in the regulatory process. I teamed with Senators Heitkamp and Peters on bipartisan legislation to ensure that the more than 230,000 small businesses in the state get a fair shake from the SEC. I’m proud to say the SEC Small Business Advocate Act has now been signed into law. This is a prime example of how putting the needs of small businesses first encourages hiring of new employees and growth of our nation’s economy,” said Heller. “Michigan is home to over 850,000 small businesses, which hire locally, give back to their communities, and boost economic growth across the state,” said Peters. “The SEC Small Business Advocate Act will help ensure these small businesses have a seat at the table when critical decisions impacting them are made, and I’m pleased that this bipartisan legislation has now been signed into law.” A member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Heitkamp has been working to spur opportunities that promote innovation and economic growth, particularly in North Dakota and in rural communities across the country. In the Fargo-Moorhead area alone, about one-third of startups named the challenge of raising early stage funding as the biggest hurdle to growing their businesses. To alleviate part of that challenge, Heitkamp introduced Startup Entrepreneur Empowerment Delivery (SEED) Act in April by providing the small seed funding small businesses and startups need to grow. By creating a federal pilot program granting up to $120,000 in federal funds to ten small cities across the country which would be awarded to startups in the communities, Heitkamp’s SEED Act would invest in communities across the country with populations of 200,000 or less with the aim of identifying and promoting innovative ideas emerging in more rural communities throughout the country between New York and Silicon Valley. Since entering the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has been meeting with leaders in the startup and small business communities across the state to better understand their needs and concerns. In July 2015, Heitkamp brought U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to Fargo for the first U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship field hearing in North Dakota. At the hearing, and during a separate meeting with successful female entrepreneurs in Bismarck about collaborative strategies to encourage and support women-owned small businesses, Heitkamp and Contreras-Sweet spoke with local entrepreneurs about the roadblocks they face in starting or growing their businesses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-congratulates-paul-lindseth-on-appointment-to-dot-working-group,CRAMER: Congratulates Paul Lindseth on Appointment to DOT Working Group,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer congratulated Paul Lindseth, Dean of University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegaard School of Aerospace Sciences, on his appointment to the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation’s Working Group on Improving Air Service to Small Communities. “Rural residents depend on airports in communities across North Dakota to ensure they have access to air travel connecting them to larger markets,“ said Cramer. “Paul understands this well, especially as it relates to having well-trained pilots meeting those needs. His extensive experience as an instructor and Air Force pilot makes him a great choice to advocate for our state. I look forward to working with Paul in his new role.“ Lindseth will join 24 other members from small communities involved in aviation across the United States to advise Congress on priorities, issues and funding needs in rural areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-the-release-of-clean-power-plan-model-rule-working,CRAMER: Statement on the Release of Clean Power Plan Model Rule Working Drafts,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releasing its Clean Power Plan Model Rule working drafts, viewable here. “The release of these working drafts is nothing more than manipulation disguised as transparency. It’s clearly a nudge by the EPA to the states to try and get them to adopt a cap-and-trade program that the Congress of the United States has already rejected. The incoming President has also made it very clear there will be no cap-and-trade policy forthcoming. What this really reminds us is that it’s time to end the illegal power grabs, and a reminder that we need to not rest – but to double down on our diligence as pro-growth, pro-job Republicans to ensure future environmental policy is guided by regular order, not executive fiat.” Cramer has been a vocal opponent of the Clean Power Plan Model and the EPA’s lack of transparency during the rulemaking.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5CC11688-99C5-4764-974B-50D74B6F27C7,Heitkamp Statement on Final Stream Protection Rule,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior released its final Stream Protection Rule. “As I review the final Stream Protection Rule, I continue to have real concerns about this administration’s one-size-fits-all approach to the regulation of energy development and production, which doesn’t work for our state,” said Heitkamp. “When a top Interior Department official visited North Dakota in May, I showed her firsthand how this rule would hurt our state’s coal industry and workers, and how it failed to take into account drastic differences in mining practices and geography between states like North Dakota and regions like Appalachia. Going forward, I’ll work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and the incoming administration to see if this rule is workable. We need commonsense energy policies that provide good-paying jobs and affordable, reliable power for folks in North Dakota and around the country – and I’m determined to make that possible.” Proposed last year, the Stream Protection Rule was intended to address issues with Appalachian mining practices, but the draft rule showed little understanding of the mining practices of the lignite industry or the geography of North Dakota. In May, Heitkamp toured Beulah’s Freedom Mine with a top U.S. Department of the Interior official to make sure the agency understood how the Stream Protection Rule would negatively impact the state’s coal mining industry, and to press the agency to fix its draft rule to guarantee coal has a viable path forward in the state. Janice Schneider, Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, came to the state to hear about concerns that lignite mining leaders and North Dakota officials have with the Office of Surface Mining’s (OSM) draft rule. Schneider oversees OSM and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which Heitkamp criticized in January for its freeze on federal coal leasing. Prior to Schneider’s visit, Heitkamp urged Interior to remain actively engaged with North Dakota’s coal industry in making fixes to its draft Stream Protection Rule. The Stream Protection Rule comes at a challenging time for coal-fired power because of EPA’s Clean Power Plan rules on new and existing power plants, the federal moratorium on coal leases, and more. In January, Interior announced it would review the federal coal program and stop issuing new coal leases on federal lands – potentially for three years – during the review process. In North Dakota, around 20 percent of coal comes from federal leases, and the state is paid around $1 million in royalties annually, with half going to support counties and schools in the state. Heitkamp has pressed BLM to continue reviewing the two pending applications for coal leases from BNI Coal in North Dakota. Heitkamp has long worked to guarantee that coal remains a vital component of North Dakota’s energy mix, most recently introducing a bill with broad bipartisan support to extend a key tax credit that incentivizes the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies and processes. Heitkamp brought EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to North Dakota in February 2014 so the Administrator could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=941CCA3F-0F99-4DBE-9D02-F0E662EE95DE,President Signs into Law Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator’s Legislation Will Help Provide Better Resources & Training for First Responders to keep Communities Strong & Safe BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments. The president’s signature comes just days before the third anniversary of the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton, which prompted Heitkamp to introduce this bill.Following the 2013 derailment in Casselton, Heitkamp wanted to make sure first responders are prepared to handle the transportation of crude oil on the rails, especially as many first responders in rural communities like Casselton are volunteers, prompting her to introduce this legislation. The derailment was also the impetus for her Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, which aims to help address some of the new challenges facing the state by bringing a greater focus to keeping North Dakota’s communities strong and families safe in their homes. She issued her Strong & Safe Communities Report in August. Among the goals of her initiative includes better equipping emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails, which Heitkamp’s legislation will do. ""When flames began billowing from the derailment of a crude oil train in Casselton almost three years ago to the day, and then again in Heimdal in last year, North Dakota first responders did not hesitate – they ran toward the flames to protect their communities,” said Heitkamp. “With the president signing into law my bipartisan bill, our first responders will get the tools they need to do their jobs and make sure communities are strong and safe no matter what the challenge is. Every second counts when first responders are called into action, and this bill will help make a difference so they can return home safely to their families each night knowing that they have the tools at their disposal to protect our towns."" Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act establishes a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), will provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country. Joining in support for Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA), and U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) worked with Heitkamp to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015. Despite the current downturn in oil production, 35 percent of North Dakota crude oil is still transported by rail and will likely continue to into the future. On major freight railroads across the country, the number of railcars carrying crude oil grew by more than 4,000 percent. In addition to her RESPONSE Act, Heitkamp has worked to improve first responder safety by helping secure $5 million in federal funding to support a one-of-a-kind federal training facility in Pueblo, Colorado that prepares first responders to handle hazmat incidents on the rails, such as crude oil train derailments. Nearly 310 North Dakota first responders have participated in training at the Pueblo facility, more than 130 of which were trained to specifically handle crude-by-rail incidents. She has also worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, including bringing U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to North Dakota and holding a U.S. Senate hearing on first responder safety.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-administrations-stream-buffer-rule-doesnt-work-for-north-dakota,Hoeven: Administration's Stream Buffer Rule Doesn't Work for North Dakota,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.16 Hoeven: Administration's Stream Buffer Rule Doesn't Work for North Dakota Senator Will Work to Stop Final Rule Through CRA WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Administration's final Stream Buffer Rule, which fails to account for differences in mining practices across the United States. The Administration's Stream Buffer Rule clearly won't work in North Dakota, said Hoeven. Instead of working with states to allow flexibility based on the different mining practices used across the country, the Administration has continued its one-size-fits all approach to the stream buffer rule. This will result in burdensome costs and job losses without any environmental benefits in states like North Dakota. We'll work with the new Administration and through the Congressional Review Act to stop the final rule. Like the proposed rule, the final rule is based primarily on mining practices used in the Appalachian region and does not properly take into account differences in mining techniques, land reclamation and geography throughout the country, such as the surface mining performed in North Dakota. Hoeven Efforts to Address the Stream Buffer Rule Earlier this year, Hoeven brought Janice Schneider, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the Interior Department, to North Dakota to show her firsthand the impact of the proposed Stream Buffer rule, which threatens thousands of jobs in 22 states, and to press for a states-first approach to the rule. The 2016 Interior Appropriations bill directs the Office of Surface Mining to work with states to ensure that water quality is protected while not adversely impacting jobs and the economy. The senator cosponsored bipartisan legislation to require the Secretary of the Interior to make publically available all scientific products and data relied on used to draft the new Stream Buffer Zone rule, or face delay and eventual withdrawal of the rule. The bill also prohibits the Interior Secretary from issuing a rule or determinations that needlessly duplicate or overlap with current environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act, under the jurisdiction of other agencies and prevent duplicate regulations between federal agencies. -###- 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-manchin-states-first-coal-ash-recycling-legislation-passes-as-part-of-new-water-bill,Hoeven-Manchin States-First Coal Ash Recycling Legislation Passes as Part of New Water Bill,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.16 Hoeven-Manchin States-First Coal Ash Recycling Legislation Passes as Part of New Water Bill Senator Also Working to Advance Clean Coal Projects Like the Allam Cycle, Project Tundra BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable to outline coal ash recycling legislation he and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) worked to pass as part of the new water development bill that Congress passed earlier this month. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and the backing of coal producing states because it enforces standards through state-led permit programs, rather than through costly and time-consuming lawsuits. Our legislation will make it easier for coal ash to be recycled into materials that have a wide range of safe and cost-effective applications, including in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges and other necessary infrastructure, Hoeven said. Both the North Dakota Heritage Center on the Capitol grounds in Bismarck and the Bismarck State College Energy Center of Excellence are constructed of recycled coal ash. Hoeven Coal Ash Recycling Legislation The coal ash recycling legislation, which is included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. is based on Hoeven's Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016, a bill he introduced earlier this year with Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). After a March hearing on the Hoeven-Manchin bill before the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, the senator worked with EPW Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to add the bipartisan amendment to the water development and infrastructure legislation. The measure prevents costly litigation and, for the first time, creates an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash. The senator is also working to promote innovative clean coal technologies like the Allam Cycle and the Tundra Project, which will help to secure the future of both existing and new coal-fired electrical generation plants. The Allam Cycle The Allam Cycle is a new pilot and demonstration project being developed by Basin Electric and Allete Inc. to reduce CO2 emissions and increase efficiency in new coal-fired and natural gas power plants. The innovative technology captures CO2, a byproduct of burning coal, and uses it as a type of fuel itself. Rather than having to use energy to capture CO2, the Allam Cycle collects it, pressurizes it into a liquid and uses it to turn a turbine to generate electricity. That means it uses less energy and low emissions. When the power plant is done with the CO2, it can either be sequestered or sold off for industrial uses like enhanced oil recovery. Project Tundra Project Tundra aims to develop next-generation, advanced, full-plant scrubbing technologies to retrofit existing plants to capture CO2, which can then be sequestered or used in enhanced oil recovery, making the facilities viable into the future. The senator helped to formalize a partnership between Minnkota Power Cooperative, Allete Clean Energy, BNI Energy and the University of North Dakota's (UND) Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) for Project Tundra. Last summer, the senator arranged a meeting between North Dakota energy industry leaders and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to encourage the Energy Department to partner with the state's energy industry to develop and implement commercially-viable clean coal technologies. Hoeven and the energy leaders made the case for the Energy Department to support Project Tundra as well as the Allam Cycle pilot project to develop the new technologies. For a meeting handout, click here. -###- 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-meeting-today-with-standing-rock-sioux-tribal-chairman-david-archambault,Hoeven Statement on Meeting Today with Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.16 Hoeven Statement on Meeting Today with Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault BISMARCK, N.D. -- Senator John Hoeven today issued this statement following a meeting with Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault: Today, Chairman Archambault and I met to discuss the Dakota Access Pipeline project and the ongoing protests in the area of construction. These protests have been very difficult for North Dakotans who live and work in the region, particularly for farmers and ranchers. They have also disrupted the lives of people who live and work in surrounding communities, and created great difficulties as well for state and local law enforcement officers, who have been very professional and dedicated to maintaining public safety. There has always been a good relationship between tribal and nontribal members in North Dakota. That relationship has been strained, however, by protesters who have come from around the country with a variety of agendas, and who have been willing to engage in violence and break the law. As a result, Chairman Archambault should work with other state leaders to get people to leave the illegal campsite on Army Corps of Engineers land. He should also join with us to call on the Obama administration to provide federal law enforcement personnel and resources to work with our state and local law enforcement professionals to ensure that any future protests are peaceful and within the law. The Dakota Access Pipeline can be built safely, protecting the tribe and all other downstream interests in accordance with the law and all applicable regulations. If the tribe still opposes the project, their concerns should be addressed through the court system, rather than through protests that impede or interfere with the lawful construction of the project and the rights of people who live in the area to get to work or attend school. We must all follow the rule of law for the safety of everyone and to protect everyone's rights. Our nation must be able to build new energy infrastructure, or we will be forced to rely on existing infrastructure, which is wearing out, making it less safe and less environmentally sound. We can work together to improve the permitting process going forward. As fellow North Dakotans both native and non-native we need to work together to restore our long-standing good relationship. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-water-infrastructure-law-will-benefit-north-dakota-manufacturers,CRAMER: Water Infrastructure Law Will Benefit North Dakota Manufacturers and Producers,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer released this statement following President Obama’s signing of legislation today funding water infrastructure projects critical to the nation’s economic competitiveness. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, formerly known as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), addresses projects at America’s harbors, locks, dams, flood protection and other water infrastructure. It contains language that allows the continued use of trailer homes around Lake Tschida in southwestern North Dakota and prevents significant cabin fee increase at three Bureau of Reclamation state reservoirs.  The new law also includes a provision, long supported by Cramer, empowering states to establish their own coal ash disposal program as long as it meets the standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. “This law funds infrastructure projects needed for North Dakota’s manufacturers, farmers and ranchers to deliver their products to domestic and international markets on inland waterways and coastal ports. It also funds drinking water programs in small communities and research on new water safety technologies.  I am pleased this law also allows homeowners to remain at Lake Tschida and addresses unreasonable permit fee increases at Dickinson, Heart Butte and Jamestown reservoirs. This will enhance the enjoyment of our federal recreation areas in North Dakota.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stream-protection-rule-is-last-attempt-to-kill-coal,Stream Protection Rule is Last Attempt to Kill Coal,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here   Congressmen Kevin Cramer issued this statement following today’s pre-publication by the Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining (OSM) of the Stream Protection Rule. Click here for more information. “This is the Obama Administration’s last attempt to kill the coal industry. Since the beginning of his first term, President Obama’s Department of the Interior has spent millions of taxpayer dollars to rewrite an already modern 2008 rule. This rule infringes on a state’s ability to manage their own successful coal reclamation programs. In fact, just two weeks ago the OSM reported that ‘North Dakota has an effective program with no issues.’ It’s well documented that states which actually implement these rules on the ground have been pushed aside by OSM. I encourage them to continue fighting this rule and I will work with my colleagues in Congress and President-elect Trump to prevent this rule through the Congressional Review Act.” Upon taking office, the Obama Administration began rewriting the 2008 Stream Buffer Zone Rule after an environmental group lawsuit despite that rule’s five years of environmental analysis and careful scientific consideration. Through Congressional oversight it was learned the Obama Administration has spent at least $10 million on the new rule purportedly based on “new science” not made freely available to the public. Additionally, states, which by statute are partners in carrying out the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), have been “locked out of the rule and EIS development process,” according to the Interstate Mining Compact Commission. Despite Congressional direction in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations, OSM has not provided for meaningful cooperation with states regulating coal mining operations for more than 30 years. Meaningful state engagement is important because of the varying geology and hydrologic conditions across the country. On January 12, 2016, the House passed the STREAM Act, H.R. 1644, cosponsored by Cramer, to block this rule and increase transparency in the development of SMCRA regulations. The bill was not acted on in the Senate. Last May, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Janice Schneider toured North Dakota mining and reclamation sites with OSM staff, industry, North Dakota’s Congressional delegation, and the North Dakota Public Service Commission. Cramer and others pressed her on pursuing genuine engagement with state regulators and asked why she felt the rule was necessary in North Dakota, to which she had no answer. As the final rule progressed to the Office of Management and Budget, Cramer spoke with Howard Shelanski, Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, about the rule’s impact on North Dakota and the entire energy industry. The Congressional Review Act provides special procedures for disapproving agency rules if approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President. It’s estimated that final rules submitted to Congress on or after June 13, 2016, will be subject to this review when President Trump assumes office in 2017.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=809FE07B-0785-4057-A9EC-7274D3CF1533,Heitkamp: Renewed Sanctions Will Help U.S. Hold Iran Accountable,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after a bill she helped pass to extend the Iran Sanctions Act through 2026 became law. The law imposes harsh sanctions on anyone who invests in Iran’s oil and gas sector, the sale of weapons of mass destruction, or uranium mining. Had an extension not been passed, sanctions that provide leverage for the United States to hold Iran accountable for destabilizing behavior would have expired this year. The U.S. Senate passed the 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act earlier this month. “Our country needs to stay tough on Iran, and extending these sanctions is another avenue to do that,” said Heitkamp. “Tough, smart sanctions were critical in bringing Iran to the negotiating table and keeping it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Iran deal has been successful so far, but we still need to keep the pressure on Iran through the ability to re-impose sanctions should it cheat on the nuclear deal. Strong sanctions like these hold Iran accountable while working to protect our national security and keep North Dakota families safe.” Sanctions played a key role in bringing Iran to the table for the Iran nuclear deal, which Heitkamp supported and which so far has successfully reined in Iran and kept it from advancing its nuclear program. The deal – which was negotiated between the United States, Iran, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia – has increased access for international inspectors, eliminated 97 percent of the country’s uranium stockpile, and ripped out more than 13,000 centrifuges. Heitkamp supported the deal after participating in dozens of meetings, classified briefings, and congressional hearings on the deal with national security and non-proliferation experts, senior diplomats, advocates on all sides, and North Dakotans. Read more about why Heitkamp supported the deal in her Medium post on the Iran deal. Even with the deal in place, Congress continues to hold Iran’s feet to the fire by maintaining sanctions on the country’s support for terrorism, malign influence in the Middle East, and human rights violations. During a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking earlier this year, Heitkamp urged top Administration officials to guarantee that sanctions are used to punish Iran for its development of ballistic missiles and that the Iran nuclear deal is strictly enforced. Heitkamp has successfully pushed the Administration to use sanctions to hold Iran’s feet to the fire on its nuclear program and other destabilizing behavior. After Iran tested ballistic missile technology last year, Heitkamp called on the president to take strong action in response to the violations of international law. Two months later the Administration did as Heitkamp requested, imposing stricter sanctions on companies and individuals involved in developing Iran’s ballistic missile program. Heitkamp joined in a Congressional trip in January to the Middle East and Vienna, where she met senior International Atomic Energy Agency officials – the international inspectors who are implementing the Iran nuclear deal – and allies about fully implementing and enforcing the deal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8780267B-6EE3-4604-BBB7-B7D588617F0A,"Heitkamp Announces Nearly $700,000 in Federal Funding for Turtle Lake Community Health Center",2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $692,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Northland Health Partners Community Health Center in Turtle Lake. The funding will help provide health services to 2,522 new patients, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Maintaining the best quality health care in rural communities is critical if we’re going to keep North Dakota strong for years to come,” said Heitkamp. “In the U.S. Senate, standing up for rural America is one of my top priorities – and this funding is a critical step in supporting rural health care. The federal funds will help make it easier for folks in Turtle Lake and the surrounding community to access health care, overcoming geographic and economic barriers that too often make it harder for folks in rural areas to get the services they need.” The $692,000 in federal funding supporting the center in Turtle Lake was among $50 million in funding awarded to 75 health centers in 23 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated State of Micronesia. The purpose of the funding is to support new service delivery sites, and to provide comprehensive primary health care services to underserved and vulnerable populations. Health centers are community-based organizations that deliver comprehensive  high-quality primary health care services. Across the U.S., nearly 1,400 health centers with over 9,800 sites provide care to more than 24 million people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A67B136E-C8C0-4EF2-A7BD-A8FBEC00B5C7,Heitkamp Successfully Presses Administration to Maintain Access for Medicare Beneficiaries,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – After leading eight senators in warning the administration about a potentially harmful Medicare proposal, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has heeded her concerns, and will not to go forward with the proposed demonstration project. “Earlier this year, I stood up to voice my concerns about a proposal that could have impacted our most vulnerable seniors – including folks in rural areas suffering from cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases. Now, the administration has listened to those concerns and dropped the proposal,” said Heitkamp. “Fighting for quality health care for seniors is a responsibility I take seriously. That’s why I warned the administration about how this could impact seniors and independent physicians who are critical for rural communities. Going forward, I’ll continue fighting to defend Medicare and to improve care for all North Dakotans.” The proposed demonstration would have impacted payments for nearly all Medicare Part B drugs over a five-year period, and would have required up to 75 percent of providers to participate in one or both of the two phases of the project. In May, Heitkamp led eight fellow U.S. Senators in pressing CMS to reexamine the size and scope of the proposed demonstration, as they were worried it could have impacted Medicare Part B services for the sickest seniors with some of the most serious illnesses. Access to treatments for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and auto-immune diseases is fundamental to Medicare beneficiaries’ health and quality of life. Heitkamp was joined by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Angus King (I-ME). The Senators pressed the agency to engage in meaningful dialogue with the impacted medical and beneficiary communities, and urged CMS not to move forward with the demonstration until those concerns were addressed. Click here to read the letter. The senators also expressed concern about the detrimental financial impact of the demonstration on physicians in rural communities and at small, independent practices, which could have disrupted access to care or forced patients to travel longer distances for care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-extension-of-sanctions-on-iran,Hoeven Statement on Extension of Sanctions on Iran,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.16 Hoeven Statement on Extension of Sanctions on Iran Senator Opposed Administration's Iran Nuclear Agreement WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement following the enactment of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which extends sanctions on Iran through 2026. We are committed to our Middle Eastern allies, especially Israel, which is why I continue to support efforts to curtail Iran's attempts to destabilize the region. Sanctions remain one of the most effective ways to address Iranian belligerence. Congress originally passed legislation in 1996 requiring the President to sanction any entity that invests in Iran's energy sector. These sanctions would have expired this month if we had not acted. Early this month, the Senate voted 99-0 to pass an extension of these sanctions, ensuring that Iran continues to be penalized as long as they propagate terror. This builds on our continued opposition to formalizing relations with the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. Last year the Administration and Iranian government reached an agreement to lift several financial sanctions not addressed by the sanctions we have extended. We subjected that agreement to Senate approval before it could go into effect, and last September, I joined a bipartisan majority of senators in voting to oppose the agreement. That vote was ultimately filibustered and, without Senate consent, the Administration implemented the agreement under an executive order. -###- WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement following the enactment of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which extends sanctions on Iran through 2026. We are committed to our Middle Eastern allies, especially Israel, which is why I continue to support efforts to curtail Iran's attempts to destabilize the region. Sanctions remain one of the most effective ways to address Iranian belligerence. Congress originally passed legislation in 1996 requiring the President to sanction any entity that invests in Iran's energy sector. These sanctions would have expired this month if we had not acted. Early this month, the Senate voted 99-0 to pass an extension of these sanctions, ensuring that Iran continues to be penalized as long as they propagate terror. This builds on our continued opposition to formalizing relations with the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. Last year the Administration and Iranian government reached an agreement to lift several financial sanctions not addressed by the sanctions we have extended. We subjected that agreement to Senate approval before it could go into effect, and last September, I joined a bipartisan majority of senators in voting to oppose the agreement. That vote was ultimately filibustered and, without Senate consent, the Administration implemented the agreement under an executive order. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-president-s-refusal-to-stand-up-against-known-enemies-once-again,CRAMER: Presidents Refusal to Stand Up Against Known Enemies Once Again Exposed in Refusal to Sign Iran Sanctions Bill,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement in reaction to President Obama allowing the Iran Sanctions Extension Act to become law early this morning without his signature. The legislation extends for another 10 years sanctions against foreign companies investing in Iran’s energy sector and technology related to weapons of mass destruction. It ensures Congress is able to maintain pressure on Iran as the United States continues to abide by the Iran Nuclear Deal. While this legislation does not impose any new sanctions on Iran, it provides for the “snapback” of sanctions, should Iran violate the nuclear agreement. It passed the Senate by a 99 - 0 vote and the House of Representatives by a 419 – 1 vote. “I am pleased this legislation is now law, despite President Obama’s true allegiance. Near unanimous votes by the House and Senate weren’t  convincing enough for the President to back the obvious will of the majority of Americans. His refusal to sign this bill sends a clear message that he is unwilling to stand up to our enemies -- just like those Senate Democrats who refused to support the House in blocking the Iran Deal in the first place.  This is just one more reason why I look forward to the foreign policy of the incoming Trump Administration, which I know will give more support to our allies than our enemies.” #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=47804B37-0521-4205-A8D2-4D079C0A57C6,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Combat Opioid Abuse,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp today announced $2 million in federal funding to the North Dakota Department of Human Services to combat the opioid epidemic throughout the state. “Too many North Dakotans have suffered the consequences of the opioid epidemic that is devastating communities across the nation,” said Heitkamp. “We must work to bring substance abuse out of the dark, educate folks to prevent addiction, and make sure we have treatment programs to get people back on their feet. The federal funding announced today will help provide the resources needed to reduce overdoses, provide treatment, and prevent addiction from occurring in the first place.” This federal funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Heitkamp has been working to address opioid abuse in North Dakota and has hosted a series a roundtable listening sessions across the state over the past year to hear from law enforcement, treatment providers, and families who are on the front lines of this epidemic. Earlier this month, Heitkamp also helped pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=50A534DD-5818-4E65-B96D-72F7C691E933,"Heitkamp: WTO Compliance Case against China Protects North Dakota Wheat, Corn Growers",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is bringing a World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture compliance case against China for the second time this year – this time, seeking to hold the country accountable for failing to meet market access commitments to American wheat, corn, and rice growers. Heitkamp has long fought to guarantee North Dakota farmers have fair access to China. In September, she joined U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce an earlier compliance case to hold China accountable for over-subsidizing its domestic crops. ""Today we're again standing up to hold China accountable for cheating North Dakota farmers,"" said Heitkamp. ""When China or any other country cheats on a trade agreement, they make it harder for North Dakota wheat and corn farmers to access markets and get fair value for our state's top-notch crops. This is the second time the U.S. Trade Representative has brought an agricultural compliance case against China this year, and that's good news for North Dakota farmers and rural communities - especially when commodities prices are already challenging."" The WTO complaint today charges that China’s opaque and unpredictable tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn, and rice fail to live up to the country’s WTO commitments and undermine market access for U.S. producers. China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion in additional crops last year alone had it fairly administered its tariff-rate quotas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. North Dakota – an agricultural state that depends on exports – was the top wheat producer in the U.S. in 2015 and is a growing producer of corn, meaning the state’s producers are heavily impacted when China limits market access or over-subsidizes its domestically produced crops. The U.S. Trade Representative’s enforcement challenge aims to hold China to its trade agreements and level the playing field so that American farmers have fair access to the market. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture and Ranking Member on Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, Heitkamp has worked to expand market access for North Dakota farmers. Earlier this year, Heitkamp called on U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to protect North Dakota grain growers from unfair treatment, after a report she requested demonstrated that Canada is segregating North Dakota grain and offering unfair prices to U.S. producers at Canadian elevators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5F1E351A-DF34-462B-A8A9-B290F291C7DE,"President Signs into Law Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – to make sure North Dakota’s communities remain strong and safe. A key piece of Heitkamp’s Strong & Safe Communities Initiative, the bill specifically addresses the concerns and challenges she and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard about in April 2015 from federal, state, county, and local officials and law enforcement while visiting Pembina when she brought Mayorkas to North Dakota’s Northern Border. Heitkamp heard similar feedback during other meetings she held in North Dakota and at a Senate hearing she pushed for on the issue. The bill passed unanimously in both the Senate and House. Now law, Heitkamp’s bill will require DHS to evaluate security threats at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels. The assessments Heitkamp’s bill calls for will help tackle the challenges she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. “When it comes to protecting North Dakota’s rural communities along our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border, we need to take steps now to address any challenges before security issues arise,” said Heitkamp. “While meeting with the dedicated border agents and officers who serve in incredibly remote locations like Portal and Pembina, many told me about the difficulty they face in recruiting and retaining the workforce they need to keep our communities safe. I heard their concerns loud and clear, and with this new law, we can begin bolstering security along the longest common law border in the world by giving them the tools and resources to keep our communities and families strong and safe.”“I’m proud that our bipartisan bill to help secure our northern border is now becoming law, as keeping New Hampshire and our country safe has always been one of my top priorities,” said Ayotte. “We are facing unprecedented national security challenges that demand a full understanding of the northern border’s needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I applaud New Hampshire’s law enforcement community, especially those serving Coos County, for their work to protect the border and look forward to the implementation of this law to help further support their efforts. I also want to thank Senator Heitkamp for her partnership and dedication to getting this important measure signed into law.”“For almost two decades, I’ve been working to keep our nation’s borders safe, and I can tell you that protecting our country’s longest border – particularly in remote areas like around Portal – is a whole different ballgame than the Southern Border. Fortunately, Senator Heitkamp understands the unique challenges we face, and her bill that was signed into law makes that crystal clear,” said Aaron M. Heitke, U.S. Border Patrol Grand Forks Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “When Senator Heitkamp visited Portal this fall and spoke with my team on the ground, it was clear she grasped the difficulty we face in recruiting and retaining the workforce our nation needs, particularly when we lack the resources to help agents move themselves and their families across the country from duty on the Southern Border. By providing assessments of the threats our nation faces along the Northern Border and the technology tools and recruitment resources to help overcome them, Senator Heitkamp’s bill will help make sure we get the support we need to face challenges such as terrorism and drug trafficking so we can keep our communities safe.” At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Heitkamp’s Northern Border Security Review Act will require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with: Recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border; Determining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border; Identifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and Finding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement. Click here to view a summary of the bill. Last week, a separate bipartisan bill Heitkamp helped introduce passed in the U.S. Senate and will also soon be signed into law, which will speed up travel at border crossings, especially for commercial cargo at the most congested crossings, increasing economic activity while keeping the border secure. Since first offering an amendment to improve security at the Northern Border to comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2013, Heitkamp has been working to make sure sufficient attention is paid to protecting the Northern Border through meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington, visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation. More details about action she has taken to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention include: Bringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border. Holding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=84B8FDBF-504A-4FC5-8241-F2C687D6F33D,"Heitkamp Announces $178,000 in Federal Funding Supporting Tribal Education",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced more than $178,000 in federal funding to support tribal education. “Math skills are vital for putting students on the path to success, and this funding will help make sure programs to boost math skills in tribal communities are having an impact,” said Heitkamp. “Encouraging math, science, and technology learning in tribal communities helps build up Indian Country and prepares the next generation for good-paying jobs.” The federal funding will support an 18-month planning project that will gather information to study the impacts that the Sunday Academy Model – a National Science Foundation-funded outreach project in tribal communities – has had on math learning in Native communities. The funding was made available through the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP). Sunday Academy is a collaborative, culturally sensitive STEM learning outreach model that from 2001 to 2015 was partially supported by TCUP.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-the-obama-administrations-refusal-to-send-additional-law-enforcement-help-for-dapl-protests,Hoeven Statement on the Obama Administration's Refusal to Send Additional Law Enforcement Help for DAPL Protests,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.16 Hoeven Statement on the Obama Administration's Refusal to Send Additional Law Enforcement Help for DAPL Protests WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice refused to provide Morton County with additional law enforcement personnel as they requested again earlier this week. The DOJ also notified the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation today that it will not approve an application for funding submitted under the Byrne Grant program, which is administered by the DOJ: The Obama administration again declined our request for both law enforcement personnel and funding to address the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. We have repeatedly requested federal law enforcement assistance to help state and local law enforcement, who have shown dedication and professionalism in working to keep the peace and protect people who live and work in the area of the protests. Further, they have denied assistance despite the fact that the Obama administration has prolonged the problem by refusing to approve the easement, which would allow the pipeline project to be completed. That's why we have already reached out to the next administration to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement to help them keep the peace, as well as to issue the easement so that construction can be completed. We have spoken with Vice President-Elect Mike Pence, Attorney General Nominee Jeff Sessions and the Trump transition team to secure this assistance, and we will work in Congress to secure funding as well. We are committed to doing all we can to resolve this problem, which has been very difficult for North Dakotans. -###- 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-working-to-support-comprehensive-efforts-to-prevent-and-treat-opioid-addiction,Hoeven Working to support Comprehensive Efforts to Prevent & Treat Opioid Addiction,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.16 Hoeven Working to support Comprehensive Efforts to Prevent & Treat Opioid Addiction Senator Meets with Fargo Blue Ribbon Commission, Outlines Opioid Funding in Cures Act, Legislation to Close Synthetic Drug Loophole FARGO, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today hosted a roundtable with the Fargo metro area's Blue Ribbon Commission on Addiction to outline his work to combat the growing issue of opioid abuse in North Dakota. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified the state as one of 14 that experienced a statistically significant increase in drug overdose deaths between 2013 and 2014, from 20 to 43, respectively, and the Fargo region has experienced 20 known overdose deaths this year alone. Hoeven heard from the commission on their work to develop a comprehensive response to the increase in opiate overdoses and deaths in the region and highlighted federal opportunities to advance local efforts to improve and expand prevention and treatment services, including: Opioid prevention and treatment funding included in the 21st Century Cures Act Hoeven's Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act of 2016 Expanded prevention and education efforts in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act The influx of opioids into our communities has brought tremendous pain and tragedy for families in our state, Hoeven said. We are working to support a comprehensive approach, where our law enforcement, educators and health care providers, including those who attend to mental health and substance abuse, have the tools they need to prevent and treat addiction. Through measures such as the opioid funding in the Cures Act and my Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, we can combat opioid abuse and save lives. A fact sheet on the legislation can be found here. 21st Century Cures Act The Cures Act, which Congress passed earlier this month, provides $1 billion over two years to supplement states' efforts to combat opioid addiction. The funding will be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). The agency issued the Funding Opportunity Announcement for the program yesterday, following inquiries by Hoeven's staff. The program details can be found here. The funds are provided to states using a formula based on the number of people who abuse or are dependent on opioids with unmet treatment needs and the number of drug poisoning deaths. North Dakota is allocated $2 million in first-year funds. The eligible applicant for the state is the Behavioral Health Division at the North Dakota Department of Human Services, and applications are due by February 17, 2017. Among other things, the funds can be used to: Identify effective, comprehensive strategies to prevent opioid abuse Improve prescription drug monitoring programs Implement evidence-based prevention activities Provide training for health care practitioners Expand access to health care services, such as substance abuse treatment programs Support innovative telehealth in rural and underserved areas Address the opioid abuse crisis through other public health-related activities At the same time, Hoeven has been in contact with the Region VIII Opioid Consultation Team at SAMHSA. This team provides consultation and technical assistance on efforts related to opioid addiction in a six-state region, which includes North Dakota, and helps to identify and coordinate federal, state and local resources to support these efforts. Hoeven is working to facilitate collaboration between the team and the local commission, and the chair of the team, SAMHSA Regional Administrator Dr. Charles Smith, has welcomed the opportunity to work with and assist the commission. Hoeven encouraged the commission members to work with the state and the consultation team in developing an application for the Cures Act funding. In addition, the Cures Act reauthorizes the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, while also allowing states greater flexibility in administering the programs to meet local needs. North Dakota has received nearly $7 million from these programs since Fiscal Year 2015. Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act of 2016 This legislation, which Hoeven authored and introduced with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), closes a loophole in current law that enables companies to circumvent the law and sell synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as not for human consumption. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that fentanyl, which is a controlled substance used as a painkiller, is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Synthetic variants of fentanyl have been identified as the cause of many of the recent overdose deaths in the Fargo area. Hoeven said his legislation is one concrete step that can be taken to help cut off the influx of dangerous substances into the region. Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act Hoeven also supported the passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in July. The bipartisan legislation will help combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing communities across the nation by expanding prevention efforts, supporting law enforcement, improving treatment of overdoses and enhancing access to treatment for drug addiction. -###- 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-wto-compliance-case-against-china-to-level-playing-field-for-nd-wheat-corn-producers,"Hoeven: WTO Compliance Case Against China to Level Playing Field for N.D. Wheat, Corn Producers",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.16 Hoeven: WTO Compliance Case Against China to Level Playing Field for N.D. Wheat, Corn Producers WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today said he fully backs U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman bringing another compliance case against China in the World Trade Organization (WTO) for failing to meet market access obligations for American wheat, corn and rice. It's the second case the USTR has taken against China this year. In September, the United States filed a separate compliance case against China for over-subsidizing its domestic crops. In September, I offered my support to the USTR in its compliance case against China, along with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, Hoeven said. Now we find that China is engaging in other activities that put our farmers at an unfair disadvantage. Trade agreements are meant to level the playing field for all countries involved, but when one country, like China, provides its producers with high subsidies and blocks market access, it needs to be held accountable. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that China's tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for wheat, corn and rice were worth over $7 billion in 2015. Under WTO rules, these quotas are supposed to provide market access at lower tariff rates to U.S. commodities up to certain levels, but China is not living up to these market access commitments for wheat, corn and rice. If the TRQs had been fully used, China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion worth of additional crops last year alone. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-honored-to-be-considered-for-energy-post,CRAMER: Honored to be Considered for Energy Post,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer released this statement following today’s announcement by President-Elect Donald Trump he is nominating former Texas Governor Rick Perry to lead the Department of Energy: “I congratulate Governor Perry on his nomination to head the Department of Energy.  As a former governor of Texas, he understands the importance of energy in our nation.  It was an honor to be considered for this position, and I trust the judgement of President-Elect Trump as he assembles a world-class cabinet.  I look forward to continuing to champion the North Dakota brand and now the Trump Administration’s energy agenda in Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CCD41060-CCBE-467D-889F-AD8FD6C5323A,Heitkamp Secures New Investments Supporting Affordable Housing in Indian Country,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"ND Native Households are Overcrowded at Almost Four Times the Rate of the Rest of the Country, and Live in Poverty 2.7 Times More than Americans Nationwide BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a new federal rule she pushed for that will promote more accessible and affordable housing in high-need areas, including rural and tribal communities. The announcement follows Heitkamp’s efforts to expand the rule to support affordable housing in Indian Country where 15 percent of Native households nationally and 18 percent in the Great Plains have severe housing needs, including overcrowded spaces, not enough insulation, or black mold. The new Duty to Serve rule from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) comes after Heitkamp called on the FHFA in October to open up credit and investment options that will help families in rural and tribal communities find safe, affordable housing. FHFA’s final rule will allow the Government Sponsored Enterprises to receive Duty to Serve credit for Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity investments in rural housing projects that will help put them on par with investments in urban housing projects. This change will provide more housing resources to rural communities where new construction and rehabilitation opportunities are severely lacking, and especially to Indian Country where the lack of such investments has been particularly apparent and harmful. “Anyone who has been on the ground in some of the poorest Great Plains tribal reservations can tell you, the outlook for families seeking safe, affordable shelter that can withstand a harsh North Dakota winter is bleak,” said Heitkamp. “But this new rule provides a ray of hope for these families. This rule which I pushed for is helping to level the playing field so there is more affordable and accessible housing in rural communities, especially in Indian Country where housing conditions are particularly dire. No one should have to live in a house meant for four people that instead sleeps 15 people or isn’t insulated enough to keep a family warm in the tough North Dakota winter. Now, we’re making a needed step forward to change that.” The FHFA’s rule will help bring much-needed equity to housing across Indian Country – particularly in North Dakota. According to U.S. Census Bureau data provided by HUD, those living in tribal communities in North Dakota lack a kitchen, plumbing or live in overcrowded conditions almost four times more often than Americans nationwide, and are impoverished at 2.7 times the rate of the rest of the country.  Heitkamp has long been working with U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to bring about long-term solutions to improve housing options across Indian Country. After bringing HUD Julián Castro for his first visit to North Dakota in 2014 to view the housing challenges experienced by tribes on the ground, Heitkamp delivered the keynote address during HUD’s first Great Plains regional Indian housing conference in Bismarck in August.As North Dakota’s Attorney General, Heitkamp served on the board of directors of the state’s Housing Finance Agency and worked to promote better housing solutions on tribal lands. Since joining the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has been steadfast in her work to improve housing conditions for families across Indian Country, by: Working to sustain and improve tribal housing: As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Heitkamp has advocated for increased infrastructure and financial solutions to barriers in Indian housing development. In March 2015, Heitkamp helped the Committee pass bipartisan legislation to reauthorize NAHASDA, which supports efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to American Indians. Heitkamp has been pushing for the reauthorization of NAHASDA since July 2013. Engaging the Administration on improving unsafe conditions in Indian Country: Heitkamp has consistently engaged the President and federal leaders on addressing mold issues across tribal lands. After the President and First Lady visited Standing Rock in June 2014, Heitkamp encouraged President Obama to improve educational conditions for children at Cannon Ball Elementary – a school battling mold, rats and a leaky roof. Shortly after, the school was awarded technological assistance in every classroom, and President Obama cited his visit as the impetus for his Generation Indigenous initiative to help Native students overcome barriers to success. Securing investments in housing improvements: In September 2015, Heitkamp announced that the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe would receive $800,000 in federal assistance for its mold remediation efforts. That funding comes from the $6 million in mold remediation funding which was announced by Castro when Heitkamp brought him to Belcourt in 2014 during his first trip to North Dakota. In February 2015, Heitkamp announced more than $20 million in federal funding to promote safe and affordable housing on tribal lands in North Dakota. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-highlights-end-of-year-legislative-accomplishments-in-meeting-with-golden-kiwanis-club,Hoeven Highlights End-of-Year Legislative Accomplishments in Meeting with Golden Kiwanis Club,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.16 Hoeven Highlights End-of-Year Legislative Accomplishments in Meeting with Golden Kiwanis Club MINOT, N.D. Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today met with members of the Golden Kiwanis Club of Minot to highlight important provisions for North Dakota he worked to include in the recent year-end legislation Congress passed. We worked hard to pass legislation to support our military, combat the opioid epidemic and enable reservoir permit holders to stay on their land, Hoeven said. In the National Defense Authorization Act, we included measures to make Minot Air Force Base more secure by replacing UH-1N helicopters that provide security, and we funded improvements for B-52s stationed at the base and development for a new intercontinental ballistic missile. The 21st Century Cures Act authorizes $1 billion over two years to fight the opioid epidemic across our nation. We passed a Water Resources Development Act which helps North Dakota reservoir permit holders. In the year-end funding bill, we included provisions to give the Farm Service Agency additional loan authority to help farmers and we clarified the restart rule for truck drivers. Some of the provisions included in the end-of-year legislation Hoeven highlighted include: National Defense Authorization Act Authorizes $18 million for the Air Force to begin replacing the Huey helicopters that provides security for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) located around Minot Air Force Base Authorizes $114 million for research and development on a next generation ICBM to replace the existing Minuteman III Authorizes funds to continue upgrades to the B-52's internal weapons bay and authorization of new projects to modernize the B-52, which includes developing a new advanced radar system and equipping Line of Sight Tactical Data Link (TDL); currently the B-52 is the only combat aircraft without Line of Sight TDL Authorizes $95 million for research and development on a new nuclear cruise missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52 Authorizes an across-the-board pay raise of 2.1 percent for all servicemen and women 21st Century Cures Act Provides $1 billion over two years to help states combat opioid addiction and includes support for treatment and prevention activities Helps increase access to outpatient therapeutic services in rural hospitals including drug infusions, blood transfusions, outpatient psychiatric services, wound treatment and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services by maintaining the general supervision requirement for these services for calendar year 2016 Authorizes new funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration Streamlines and modernizes the approval process for new drugs and medical devices Makes reforms to help ensure Americans who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders can receive the care they need Water Resources Development Act Enables Lake Tschida homeowners to remain on their lots Limits fee increases for permittees on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir Authorizes a states-first approach to coal-ash management and recycling Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out pilot projects to help prevent and mitigate ice jams, with a priority for the Upper Missouri River Basin Government Funding Legislation Provisions Provides FSA with sufficient loan authority to meet increased demand and ensure that farmers and ranchers continue to have access to capital Requires that the Department of Transportation follow the existing 34-hour restart rule for truck drivers -###- 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-ndaa-strengthens-minot-air-force-base-missions,Hoeven: NDAA Strengthens Minot Air Force Base Missions,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.16 Hoeven: NDAA Strengthens Minot Air Force Base Missions Senator Worked to Secure Authorization for New Helicopters, Updates to ICBM and B-52 MINOT, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable meeting with Minot military and community leaders to outline provisions he worked to secure in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will support the missions at Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). The bill authorizes funding to begin replacing the Huey helicopters, research and develop the next generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), continue upgrades and modernization to the B-52 bomber and develop a new nuclear cruise missile to carry on the B-52. Hoeven was joined by Minot Mayor Chuck Barney, Minot Chamber of Commerce President John MacMartin, 5th Bomb Wing Commander Colonel Matthew Brooks, 91st Missile Wing Commander Colonel Colin J. Connor, as well as members of Task Force 21 and the Minot Chamber Military Affairs Committee. The Defense Authorization legislation provides our troops with the resources they need to succeed in their missions. That includes strong provisions to update and improve our nuclear forces, said Hoeven. As home to two legs of our nuclear triad, these initiatives are particularly important to the missions at Minot Air Force Base. That's why we worked hard to secure funding to replace the Huey helicopters and to make important upgrades to the B-52 bomber and its cruise missile. Specifically, the bill includes: $18 million in authorized funding for the Air Force to begin replacing the UH-1N Huey helicopter that provides security for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) located around Minot Air Force Base $114 million authorized for research and development on a next generation ICBM to replace the existing Minuteman III Continuing upgrades to the B-52's internal weapons bay and authorizing new projects to modernize the B-52, which includes developing a new advanced radar system and equipping Line of Sight Tactical Data Link (TDL); currently the B-52 is the only combat aircraft without Line of Sight TDL $95 million authorized for research and development on a new nuclear cruise missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52 Congress passed NDAA late last week and sent the bill to the president to be signed into law. Hoeven today also led the Senate ICBM Coalition in calling on the next administration and Congress to support nuclear deterrence and support modernization of the nuclear triad, including replacing the existing land-based ICBM fleet. -###- 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/senate-coalition-highlights-value-of-americas-nuclear-missiles,Senate Coalition Highlights Value of America's Nuclear Missiles,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.16 Senate Coalition Highlights Value of America's Nuclear Missiles Senators Call On Congress, Next Administration to Support ICBM Modernization WASHINGTON The Senate Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Coalition released a white paper today calling on the next administration and Congress to support the modernization of the missiles that form the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The bipartisan Coalition, which includes senators from several states associated with the Air Force's ICBM mission, recommended that the next administration and Congress make nuclear deterrence the highest priority mission of the Department of Defense and support the modernization of the nuclear triad, including the replacement of the existing 1970s-era land-based ballistic missile fleet. The Coalition further recommended full funding for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrence (GBSD) program, which will produce a new ICBM before 2030. The full text of the white paper can be found here. This is a critical moment for our ICBM force, said Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), whose office authored the white paper. Nuclear threats are increasing around the world, and our existing ICBMs will not last forever. The Coalition is making a strong case to support the modernization of the ICBM force today so that it can continue to protect us for decades to come. As a new administration takes office, it absolutely should review major weapons systems to ensure that they are being maintained in the interest of national security, said Senator Mike Lee R-Utah. A strong and cost-efficient national security system starts with strategic deterrence, and I believe that the new administration will find a strong bipartisan consensus in Congress for modernizing our nuclear forces. To protect our national security, we need to reinforce the value of our intercontinental ballistic missiles with the president-elect and his staff, said Senator Heidi Heitkamp D-N.D.). As Defense Secretary Ash Carter said when he visited Minot Air Force Base in September, the nuclear deterrent at bases like Minot is the bedrock of our security and the highest priority mission of the Department of Defense. This bipartisan paper demonstrates how the next administration can bolster the credibility of our deterrent by robustly supporting the nuclear triad. It is clear that our ICBM's play a key role in the strategic defense of our country, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said. And it is critical that our ICBM's are modernized in order to ensure we are prepared to defend against potential threats that we could face from around the world. I urge the new administration to support the bipartisan effort to update this crucial nuclear weapon system that is already close to 50 years old. It's important we maintain a peace through strength strategy in this increasingly dangerous world, stated Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.). Our nuclear weapons are our most powerful deterrent and ensuring that they are modernized and capable of meeting the demands of 21st century warfare is essential to our national defense. Our nation's ICBM force plays a critical role in ensuring our country has an effective nuclear deterrent, said Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). The new administration must be committed to strengthening and modernizing our nuclear arsenal. This will make sure Americans and our allies remain protected. ICBMs are this country's most effective deterrent and a pivotal component of our national security, said Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.). It is critical that the next administration work closely with Congress to modernize the nuclear triad and fully fund the Ground Based Strategic Deterrence program. At a time when our country is facing real threats from across the globe, making these important investments is a top priority. Our national security relies on an effective, up-to-date deterrent system, said Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). The modernization of the ICBM force is a critical step towards ensuring our preparedness. When it comes to protecting our allies and the homeland, we mean business. In the white paper, ICBM Coalition members noted that the nation's triad of nuclear bombers, submarine-based missiles and land-based missiles has been very successful in deterring threats to the United States and its allies. They argue further that ICBMs remain critical to the success of the nuclear triad, given the rising threats from Russia, China, North Korea and elsewhere. This is the second white paper produced by the Senate ICBM Coalition. The Coalition previously authored a white paper in 2009 before Senate consideration of the New START agreement with Russia. Senators signing the white paper include John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Mike Lee (R-UT). -###- 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-roundtable-to-outline-legislation-enabling-lake-tschida-homeowners-to-remain-on-lots-limiting-fees-for-reservoirs-permits,"Hoeven Hosts Roundtable to Outline Legislation Enabling Lake Tschida Homeowners to Remain on Lots, Limiting Fees for Reservoirs Permits",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.16 Hoeven Hosts Roundtable to Outline Legislation Enabling Lake Tschida Homeowners to Remain on Lots, Limiting Fees for Reservoirs Permits BISMARCK, N.D. Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable with Lake Tschida homeowners to outline legislation he authored that enables them to remain on their lots, and limits fee increases for permittees on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and Jamestown Reservoir. The provisions were passed by Congress late Friday as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Hoeven was joined by Senator Heidi Heitkamp, who helped pass the legislation in the Senate, and Congressman Kevin Cramer, who worked to pass it in the House. Outdoor recreation is an important part of our state's heritage, including at Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and Jamestown Reservoir, Hoeven said. That's why I worked to get support for our legislation that will allow people to continue to live and work, both seasonally and year-round, on these popular recreational areas. At Lake Tschida, we are allowing homeowners, who have made investments in good faith with approval from the Bureau of Reclamation, to stay on their lots and enjoy the improvements they have made. At all three reservoirs, we are providing some relief and more certainty for permit fee increases, which will allow people more time to plan and budget. Folks along these lakes will be able to enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing for years to come thanks to the provision Senator Hoeven and I worked on to make sure these lots remain affordable, said Heitkamp. Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, and Jamestown Reservoir are valuable assets to our state, expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is why we fought to make sure North Dakotans can continue to enjoy them. Enjoying the great outdoors is something we cherish in North Dakota, which is why one of my priorities in Congress is to ensure we're getting maximum use of our federal lands, said Cramer. Working to that end with the Senators and our colleagues, we were able to get these important provisions passed to ensure trailers would continue to be used at Lake Tschida and fees across Bureau of Reclamation facilities in North Dakota remain affordable. Hoeven Amendment Enables Lake Home Owners to Remain on Lake Tschida The Hoeven legislation enables owners with homes around Lake Tschida to stay on their lots. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has issued permits for homes to be located around the lake for decades, but the agency has notified owners that they will have to remove their lake homes after 2021. The Hoeven legislation allows the homes to remain on the land as long as they are sufficiently anchored to the ground for safety. The dam and reservoir are managed by the BOR and the recreation areas around the lake, which offer fishing, boating, camping, and swimming, are managed by the local Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority. Hoeven Amendment Limits Fee Increases for permit holders on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir The Bureau of Reclamation was set to almost double fees at Lake Tschida and more than double fees at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir. The Hoeven language limits the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over five years for all three. You can find a fact sheet on the new legislation and how it works here. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-the-death-of-judge-myron-bright,Hoeven Statement on the Death of Judge Myron Bright,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.16 Hoeven Statement on the Death of Judge Myron Bright WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today issued this statement following the death of Judge Myron H. Bright, who served on the U.S. Court Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Judge Bright served his country for half a century, both in the military during World War II and on the bench, gaining the respect and admiration of people, both regionally and nationally. His judicial roles and awards are too numerous to list, but suffice to say he had an impact on the federal judiciary and the lives of thousands for five decades. Mikey and I extend our condolences to Judge Bright's family and friends and hope his long, distinguished career will provide comfort at his passing. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=233BFCE4-BB16-4D1C-AC26-D5A664A8AC3E,Heitkamp Statement on the Passing of Judge Myron Bright,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on the passing of Judge Myron Bright, who served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. “Judge Bright’s empathy and compassion were unsurpassed – whether at home or in the courtroom,” said Heitkamp. “While making decisions, he always walked in the shoes of those who may not have had a voice in the courtroom, reminding us why empathy is so vital on the bench. That compassion and ability to look at matters from all perspectives made him an invaluable defender of equal rights and a proponent of tolerance – improving lives in Native American communities and bringing kindness to any job he did or decision he made. His calls to address sentencing disparities for Indian Country were among Judge Bright’s most important work, including his fifty-plus page dissent in U.S. v. Deegan, a seminal treatise on how our laws treat Native Americans unfairly and without consideration of historical and continued trauma. For years I felt lucky to call him a friend, and know his loss will be felt by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and especially with his granddaughter Amy, whose compassionate and diligent work for the people of North Dakota in my Fargo office is a testament to the values Judge Bright inspired in those around him.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-legislation-to-fund-government-ensure-fsa-loan-funding-for-producers-clarify-hours-of-service-rule-for-truckers,"Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Fund Government, Ensure FSA Loan Funding for Producers, Clarify Hours-of-Service Rule for Truckers",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.16 Hoeven: Congress Passes Legislation to Fund Government, Ensure FSA Loan Funding for Producers, Clarify Hours-of-Service Rule for Truckers WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that legislation approved by Congress today to fund the government includes provisions to help farmers and ranchers access Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans and to clarify the hours-of-service regulation for truck drivers. The provisions were approved as part of legislation to continue funding the government at the current budget cap levels through April 28. Funding for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loan Programs Due to low commodity prices and cash flow issues, farmers across the nation have been increasingly relying on the FSA direct and guaranteed loan programs for temporary assistance. These programs are being utilized considerably more than in past years, and program funds have been mostly depleted. The legislation provides FSA with sufficient loan authority to meet the increased demand and ensure that farmers and ranchers continue to have access to capital. These FSA loan programs exist to help our farmers and ranchers weather low prices, said Hoeven. This provision will help ensure that our producers have access to the capital they need to continue their operations. With today's low commodity prices, this is an important tool to help our farmers and ranchers through these tough times. Hours-of-Service Regulation for Truck Drivers The legislation requires that the Department of Transportation (DOT) follow the existing 34-hour restart rule for truck drivers. The administration issued new proposed rest requirements, which Congress subsequently required DOT to prove effective. The language clarifies that the existing 34-hour restart rule applies, should the DOT study fail to meet criteria set by Congress. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-honors-north-dakota-national-guard-battalion-families-at-send-off,"Hoeven Honors North Dakota National Guard Battalion, Families at Send-Off",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.16 Hoeven Honors North Dakota National Guard Battalion, Families at Send-Off 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Will Deploy Early Next Year to Afghanistan for One Year DEVILS LAKE, N.D. Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Committee, today joined state, community and North Dakota National Guard leaders in a send-off ceremony for the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion based in Devils Lake. The unit is preparing for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan beginning early next year. The men and women in the North Dakota National Guard do outstanding work, which is why the 136th has been called on to provide logistical support in Afghanistan, Hoeven said. We are thankful for the sacrifices these soldiers and their families are making during this deployment, and we know they will do an excellent job. Our thoughts and prayers go with them. The 136th will specifically be working to provide command and control structure for logistical units in Afghanistan. The unit is comprised of individuals from more than twenty-eight communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and Kentucky. -###- 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-legislation-in-new-wrda-bill-enables-lake-tschida-homes-to-remain-on-their-lots-limits-fees-for-reservoirs-permits,"Hoeven Legislation in New WRDA Bill Enables Lake Tschida Homes to Remain on Their Lots, Limits Fees for Reservoirs Permits",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.16 Hoeven Legislation in New WRDA Bill Enables Lake Tschida Homes to Remain on Their Lots, Limits Fees for Reservoirs Permits Also Includes Hoeven Initiative for States First Coal Ash Management and Ice Jam Prevention, Mitigation WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Senate and House have reconciled their versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and it has now passed both chambers. The House passed the measure with provisions introduced by Hoeven on Thursday, and it now goes to the president's desk for signature. The Hoeven legislation: Enables Lake Tschida homeowners to remain on their lots. Limits Fee Increases for permittees on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir Authorizes a states-first approach to coal-ash management and recycling Authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out pilot projects to help prevent and mitigate ice jams, with a priority for the Upper Missouri River Basin Hoeven Amendment Enables Lake Home Owners to Remain on Lake Tschida The Hoeven amendment enables owners with homes around Lake Tschida to stay on their lots. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has issued permits for homes to be located around the lake for decades, but the agency has notified owners that they will have to remove their homes after 2021. The Hoeven legislation allows the homes to remain on the land as long as they are sufficiently anchored to the ground for safety. The dam and reservoir are managed by the BOR and the recreation areas around the lake, which offer fishing, boating, camping, and swimming, are managed by the local Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority. Over the decades, many residents around the lake have invested thousands of dollars in their homes and improvements on the lots they pay fees to occupy, Hoeven said. We worked very hard to ensure that they can continue to use their homes and enjoy the lake as they have for years. Hoeven Amendment Limits Fee Increases for permit holders on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir The BOR had proposed increasing fees to twice the cost of current fees for permits on the three reservoirs; the Hoeven legislation prevents that increase and limits the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over 5 years. North Dakotans have enjoyed swimming, boating and fishing on the reservoirs for generations, and many have been year-round residents for decades Hoeven said. They can now continue to enjoy their homes because they will remain affordable and accessible for decades to come. Hoeven Coal Ash Recycling Legislation Also Included in the House Bill WRDA includes legislation based on Hoeven's Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016 that he introduced with Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). After a March hearing on the Hoeven-Manchin bill before the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, the senator worked with EPW Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to add a bipartisan amendment to the WRDA legislation. This coal ash measure prevents costly litigation and, for the first time, creates an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash. This is a double win in terms of reduced energy costs for consumers and improved environmental stewardship, Hoeven said. Coal ash has a wide range of safe and cost-effective applications, including in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Our bill is a bipartisan compromise that enforces standards through state-led permit programs, rather than through costly lawsuits. Both the North Dakota Heritage Center on the Capitol grounds in Bismarck and the Bismarck State College Energy Center of Excellence are constructed of recycled coal ash. Other Important Provisions in WRDA That Benefit North Dakota include measures that help with flood control and expedite requests for surplus Missouri River water: In 2009, the Missouri River was jammed with ice floes, which caused damaging floods in south Bismarck. Then Governor Hoeven contracted with a demolition company to dislodge the ice jams using explosives. WRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out pilot projects to address ice jam prevention and mitigation, with a priority for the Upper Missouri River Basin. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D849BE34-2109-41D3-8DF6-AECBF41983BC,"Heitkamp Helps Pass Water Resources Bill Benefiting Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, Jamestown Reservoir",2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass a water resources bill, which contains provisions she worked with Senator John Hoeven to include that benefit trailer home owners along Lake Tschida and permit holders along three North Dakota reservoirs. The provisions benefiting North Dakota were included in a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the House and the Senate, and were based on provisions Heitkamp and Hoeven successfully pushed for when the Senate first passed its version of the bill in September. “Working with Senator Hoeven, we were able to make sure folks on Lake Patterson, Lake Tschida, and Jamestown Reservoir can keep swimming, fishing, and boating on these lakes,” said Heitkamp. “Outdoor recreation on our lakes is one of many reasons North Dakota is such a great place to live and raise a family, and Senator Hoeven and I were able to fight together to keep those recreation opportunities affordable for folks along these reservoirs.” Earlier this year, the Bureau of Reclamation announced permit fee changes for those who have permits for cabins and trailers around the reservoirs, with fees set to increase between 90 and 157 percent. Heitkamp was concerned about the steep increase in permitting fees, which was scheduled to take effect in January 2017. The provisions will limit a planned increase in permit costs for lots on Jamestown Reservoir, Lake Tschida, and Patterson Lake. Capping the rent that the Bureau of Reclamation can charge will help make sure those lots remain affordable over the next five years. Additionally, the bill will allow trailers at Lake Tschida to remain on their lots if anchored so that trailer-owners who have invested in those properties can remain and enjoy the lake as they have for years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D48E691C-CE49-440D-B4BF-D1D99F051F36,"Heitkamp: Congress Must Protect Future for Coal, Workers’ & Miners’ Pensions & Health Care",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today stood up for retired coal miners and workers, and the industry their livelihoods depend on, by refusing to vote for a short-term bill to fund the government. “It isn’t enough to talk about supporting a future for coal and the workers whose livelihoods depend on it – Congress needs to stand up for real results and for those workers,” said Heitkamp. “This bill fails thousands of retired coal miners – who for decades played by the rules, sacrificing their health to provide for their families – by refusing to guarantee the health and retirement benefits they earned and were promised. These miners face similar challenges to the thousands of North Dakota retirees whose pensions I’ve been working to protect as the Central States Pension Fund restructures. All of these workers and retirees helped build our country through their own sweat and labor, yet some in Congress are willing to just turn their backs on them. I’m not willing to do that – that isn’t who I am. And as so many families are struggling to get by, I also strongly support a continued freeze on the salaries of members of Congress, and I won’t take a salary increase.“Today’s short-term spending bill also fails to help support a realistic path forward for coal, the industry these miners work in, as it avoids including my commonsense bill that has broad bipartisan support to actually help accomplish that goal. When it comes to the future of the coal industry, and protecting workers and retirees down the road – anything but a long-term solution isn’t going to cut it. So I’m going to keep fighting for these workers and retirees. And anyone in Congress who cares about American workers, should stand up and fight, too.” Heitkamp has long championed a realistic path forward for coal as part of the nation’s energy mix, as well as solutions to protect the hard-earned health and pensions of workers, miners, and retirees. In July, she introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage long-term clean coal energy development and innovation by extending the 45Q tax credit, which encourages investment in carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration – her bill has the strong support of progressive and conservative senators, including Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Heitkamp has also been fighting against steep pension cuts to thousands of retirees in North Dakota and across the country who have paid into Central States Pension Plan – a multiemployer fund that covers a range of fields. After pressure from Heitkamp and workers nationwide, the U.S. Department of the Treasury rejected a proposal to restructure the multiemployer pension plan, which would have included pension cuts up to 60 percent.Because today’s legislative package doesn’t include her bipartisan bill or a fix to support the health and pensions for more than 16,000 retired coal miners who could lose the benefits they earned by the end of the month, Heitkamp voted against the legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-continuing-resolution-funds-government-through-april-addresses,"CRAMER: Continuing Resolution Funds Government Through April, Addresses Farm Loan Backlog",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer announced  the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution  passed by the House of Representatives today includes language giving the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) more authority over funding loan programs. The $1.07 trillion bill continues funding the government through April 28, maintaining funding at the current budget cap levels. “This bill prevents a government shutdown on Friday, and includes provisions to continue essential government operations, including national defense,” said Cramer.    The bill’s USDA loan provision allows the agency to make loans to farmers and ranchers in proportion to demand, ensuring it can offer credit to producers when demand for loans peak.  “This will prevent a recurrence of the situation encountered this year where USDA faced a loan application backlog when it ran out of funds for its direct and guaranteed operating loans,” he said. “Our farmers and producers need to know they can move into this next production year having loan options available to them, should they need them, and they almost certainly will need them. Once we get past this we have got to work on the next farm bill modernizing the loan program so it’s set up to meet contemporary agriculture issues and demands for capital.” The legislation also includes a provision relating to hours of service rules for truck drivers.  It requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to follow the existing 34-hour restart rule for truckers to ensure continuity in federal rest regulations.  The Obama Administration issued new rest requirements that are not yet final, pending a Congressionally mandated report from DOT demonstrating the new rule's effectiveness by meeting certain benchmarks.  Language in the bill also streamlines the process for confirming General James Mattis as the Secretary of Defense in the Trump Administration. The bill expedites consideration of legislation providing an exception to the prohibition against appointing a Secretary of Defense who was on active duty within the last seven years.  Mattis retired in 2013. Highlights of the FY2017 Continuing Resolution include: ·         Provides funding for the federal government through April 28, 2017 at a rate of $1.070 trillion ·         Includes total defense funding level is $8 billion higher than the current Continuing Resolution $5.8 billion for Department of Defense Overseas Contingency Operations $4.3 billion for State Department/USAID Overseas Contingency Operations, which is below the President’s request Funding to support counterterrorism, counter Russian aggression, and provide embassy security ·         Includes $4.1 billion to help families and communities rebuild and recover from recent flooding o   $1.8 billion for Community Development Block Grants o   $1.025 billion to repair damaged Corps of Engineers projects o   $1 billion for emergency relief through the Federal Highway Administration o   $206 million for Department of Agriculture watershed protection programs o   $74.7 million to repair damaged NASA facilities ·      Supports the 21st Century Cures Act with $872 million in funding - $20 million for the Food and Drug Administration, $352 million for the National Institutes of Health, and $500 million for states to continue to respond to the opioid epidemic ·        Provides $170 million in discretionary (fully offset) spending for states dealing with drinking water emergencies, like the current situation in Flint, Michigan ·        Continues policies contained in existing appropriations law, including pro-life riders and prohibitions on transfers from Guantanamo Bay or its closure ·        Includes a provision to provide $45 million, fully offset, for continued health care benefits for certain retired miners under the United Mine Workers Association 1993 Benefit Plan. This is necessary to prevent the loss of health care coverage for these miners and their families, scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. ·        Does not include an anomaly providing funding for the resettlement of Syrian refugees ·        Provides additional funding, if needed, for the housing and care of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) after February 1, 2017. This will allow the new President to decide on obligation of funds.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-leads-letter-to-canadian-government-on-super-bowl-ads-infringing,Cramer Leads Letter to Canadian Government on Super Bowl Ads Infringing on U.S. Trade Rights,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), co-chairmen of the House Northern Border Caucus, along with Caucus members Congressman Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), are urging Canadian officials to prevent the implementation of an arbitrary regulation targeting the annual broadcast of the Super Bowl.  In a letter sent to the Canadian government today, they wrote the inability to show Canadian ads during the Super Bowl would harm the ability of the National Football League (NFL) to protect the value of its programming in Canada. This violates, they wrote, Canada’s trade obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to provide key intellectual property protections to U.S. copyright owners. “The United States maintains a close relationship with our northern neighbor, one that is built on a mutual respect for our trade laws,” said Cramer.  “Unfortunately, in this instance, Canadian regulators are interfering with U.S. copyright protections given to all American businesses.  This rule established by the Canadian government discriminates against an American company and sets a dangerous precedent.  The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most televised international broadcasts, and each country must respect America’s intellectual property rights laws in order to watch it.”  The order issued by Canada’s broadcast regulator singles out the Super Bowl for disparate treatment while all other similarly situated content continues to enjoy the benefit of a Canadian regulatory policy in place for more than 40 years. The letter said this order undermines the contractual rights between a U.S. company, the NFL,  and its Canadian licensee, Bell Media, and creates serious – and unexpected – uncertainty in the marketplace for both. ‘ The Super Bowl is the most watched television program in Canada, capturing an estimated 9 million average viewers annually. Cramer is North Dakota’s at-large Congressman, and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  The House Northern Border Caucus consists of members who represent districts along the Canadian border.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-water-infrastructure-bill-addresses-concerns-of-state-cabin,CRAMER: Water Infrastructure Bill Addresses Concerns of State Cabin Owners,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Here to View Congressman Cramer’s Floor Debate WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer debated in support of language in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act preventing significant cabin fee increases at three state reservoirs and maintaining the use of trailer homes at Lake Tschida in southwestern North Dakota.  The bill passed the House of Representatives today. “This issue of allowing continued use of trailer homes around Lake Tschida has been going on for years,” said Cramer. “The requirements in this provision in the bill will increase safety while supporting existing investments and continued recreation at the Lake.” The bill also addresses looming fee increases for cabins and trailers at the three North Dakota Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs, Heart Butte, Jamestown, and Dickinson. “Because market rent surveys weren’t conducted for a number of years, surveys completed last year indicated fees should be increased anywhere from 91 to 232 percent at these locations. My constituents couldn’t bear such significant increases,” said Cramer.   Language in the bill limits these specific increases to no more than 33 percent over the next five years. He said the Bureau has committed to conducting another market rent survey in five years to help keep fees relevant to the marketplace and increases at a reasonable pace so owners can afford to continue to enjoy these recreation areas.    The WIIN bill, S. 612, addresses America’s harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water infrastructure critical to the nation.  Formerly called the Water Resources Development Act, Cramer said the bill is important for America’s economic competitiveness. “Many of North Dakota’s agricultural and other products use inland waterways and coastal ports for shipment,” said Cramer. “Maintaining and improving that transportation infrastructure is as crucial as good highways and railroads to North Dakota producers moving their products to domestic and international markets.” The bill includes sections similar to the Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulations Act, H.R. 1734, Cramer cosponsored and the House passed on July 22, 2015.  The legislation empowers states to establish their own coal ash disposal program as long as it meets the standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “The regulation of coal ash disposal has been debated for decades and fortunately for those of us in North Dakota over that time period we’ve had modern standards and facilities,” said Cramer.  “While this legislative approach isn’t perfect, it’s better than the EPA’s proposal which leaves too many opportunities for extreme environmental groups to replace regulations based on sound science with their agenda of shutting down the coal industry.” The bill also includes provisions to empower small and economically disadvantaged communities to improve drinking water services through changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act and additional authorized funding.  Research on innovative water technologies is authorized and a clearinghouse of public information on cost-effectiveness of alternative drinking water delivery systems will be created. Other highlights of the bill include: •          Reduces the inventory of water resources projects no longer needed and maintains a return to the two-year cycle of considering Water Resources Development Acts. •          Assigns a coordinator and principal approving officer for all Army Corps unmanned aircraft systems. •          Requires information sharing and reporting on the Army Corps tribal consultation process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BB1987FC-589A-422F-AE8C-04D33FF92A69,Heitkamp Helps Senate Pass Defense Authorization Bill to Support North Dakota Priorities,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding levels and helps set defense policy – including several key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to support North Dakota defense priorities.  The legislation is a bipartisan compromise negotiated between the Senate and the House, and passed last week in the House. Heitkamp helped pass an earlier version of the bill in the Senate in June. “Passing a strong, bipartisan defense bill will help keep our country safe, while also bolstering North Dakota’s defense priorities at our Air Force bases and beyond,” said Heitkamp. “This bill authorizes funding for the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base, and underscores the importance of all of these missions to supporting strong national security strategies. To boost our state’s leadership in the use of remotely piloted aircraft, the bill also includes a provision I backed bolstering support for these aircraft as well as provisions I fought for to help servicemembers with post-traumatic stress, encourage the quick replacement of Minot’s UH-1N helicopters, and more.” The National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions that Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota, including: Protecting the nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base: The bill includes a provision Heitkamp pushed for to keep development of the next generation of long-range strike bombers – like those at Minot Air Force Base – on track. Last year’s defense bill included elements of Heitkamp’s bipartisan Long Range Bomber Sustainment Act to make sure long-range bomber aircraft such as Minot Air Force Base B-52 bombers stay in service as long as they are needed, by restricting circumstances in which bombers may be retired.   Strengthening border security by boosting the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technologies: Long a champion of improving national security through innovative RPA solutions, Heitkamp successfully included a provision in the bill to track the success rate of those technologies in border security missions along our northern, southern, and coastal borders. Heitkamp also helped support strong funding for Global Hawks flown by the 69th Reconnaissance Group at Grand Forks Air Force Base, as well as MQ-9 Reapers operated by the North Dakota Air National Guard. Supporting servicemembers who suffer from post-traumatic stress: The bill includes provisions from a bipartisan bill Heitkamp supported to make sure benefits aren’t denied to servicemembers who served honorably, but were discharged from the military under less than honorable circumstances due to the effects of post-traumatic stress. Improving security at Minot Air Force Base: Heitkamp backed a provision to encourage the Department of Defense (DOD) to expedite long-overdue upgrades to Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters used at Minot Air Force Base to guard nuclear weapons. As a member of the bipartisan ICBM coalition, Heitkamp has consistently urged DOD to replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N helicopters. Reducing waste and promoting better management of federal programs: Today’s bill includes Heitkamp’s bipartisan Program Management Improvement Accountability Act to implement the oversight, training, and standards federal managers need to reduce waste and improve the performance of the programs North Dakota businesses and workers rely on. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-national-defense-authorization-act,Hoeven: Congress Passes National Defense Authorization Act,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 Hoeven: Congress Passes National Defense Authorization Act Bill Approves Key Priorities for North Dakota and the Nation WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which approves the nation's military programs. The legislation includes key provisions that will benefit North Dakota's bases and missions. Passing the National Defense Authorization Act is an important step because this legislation authorizes our nation's military programs, Hoeven said. This means that we will continue key programs like the North Dakota National Guard's missions in Fargo, nuclear missions at Minot Air Force Base and the Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks. We passed the Military Construction appropriations bill in September, and now with the passing of this authorization act, we're working to pass the Defense appropriations bill to fully fund and fully authorize our military and its operations. The NDAA passed today is a reconciliation of the House and Senate versions and will now go to the President for his signature. The Senate had originally passed its version of the bill in June. Provisions that will benefit North Dakota include: Full authorization of the RQ-4 Global Hawk program, which includes the Block 20 and Block 40 fleets based at Grand Forks Air Force Base $18 million in authorized funding for the Air Force to begin replacing the UH-1N Huey helicopter that provides security for the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) located around Minot Air Force Base $114 million authorized for research and development on a next generation ICBM to replace the existing Minuteman III Continuing upgrades to the B-52's internal weapons bay and authorizing new projects to modernize the B-52, which includes developing a new advanced radar system and equipping Line of Sight Tactical Data Link (TDL); currently the B-52 is the only combat aircraft without Line of Sight TDL $95 million authorized for research and development on a new nuclear cruise missile to replace the aging Air Launched Cruise Missile carried on the B-52 The bill also authorizes the following key provisions for our Armed Services and national security: Authorizes an across-the-board pay raise of 2.1 percent for all servicemen and women. Ensures Guantanamo detainees will not be transferred to the U.S. -###- 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-air-force-caucus-members-discuss-priorities-with-senior-members-of-air-force,Hoeven: Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 Hoeven: Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force WASHINGTON Members of the Senate Air Force Caucus met with U.S. Air Force leaders at the caucus' biannual breakfast in Washington to discuss upcoming priorities and challenges of the Air Force. Senators Hoeven, John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Jon Tester (D-MT) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus. Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein; Vice Chief General Steven Wilson and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody were among the senior Air Force leaders at the breakfast. The session afforded Members the opportunity to talk about a wide range of topics, from modernization and manning issues to the future of cyber operations and budgetary challenges. Our Air Force is second to none, owing to strong leadership and the dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform, said Hoeven. I'm proud to co-chair the Senate Air Force Caucus and help build a strong relationship between the Senate and Air Force leaders. This is essential to ensure we have a modern, technologically superior Air Force now and into the future. National security must be a top priority. To ensure our Air Force personnel have the resources needed to accomplish their missions Congress and the Air Force must maintain an open dialogue. I'm proud to be a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus and serve as a voice for the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform and protect us every day, Senator John Boozman said. Our men and women in uniform work hard to protect our country and keep American families safe, and I'm proud to work with the Senate Air Force Caucus to support them, Senator Heidi Heitkamp said. In the U.S. Senate, I've pushed for tough, smart national security strategies to strengthen Air Force bases in North Dakota and beyond. Airmen and women make valuable contributions to our communities each day in addition to their lasting contributions to our national security. Our Air Force has been engaged in combat operations for over 25 years, the average age of our aircraft is at an all-time high, readiness rates are at all-time lows, and costs to sustain legacy aircraft are increasing, Senator Jim Inhofe said. Our Air Force has suffered through eight years of budget, procurement, development and personnel cuts. It is time to grow, rebuild and modernize our Air Force and I look forward to working with my fellow Senators on this caucus and the United States Air Force to achieve these goals. I thank Air Force leaders for taking time out of their day to discuss steps we can take to make sure our Air Force has every tool it needs to be successful, said Senator Mike Rounds. From critical missions being conducted at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to important aerospace research being done to assure U.S. air superiority, the Air Force plays an important role in our long-term defense strategy. As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee and the Senate Air Force Caucus, I remain committed to fully supporting our Air Force. ""Our Air Force plays a unique and unparalleled role in ensuring our national security, Senator Jon Tester said. The Airmen at Malmstrom and around the world ensure our freedoms are protected and our families are safe. I am proud to co-chair the Air Force Caucus, which helps ensure these brave men and women have the resources and support they need to keep this country and its citizens safe. U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jon Tester (D-MT) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus. The bipartisan group includes 49 members and oversees issues impacting the U.S. Air Force. The caucus sponsors specialized briefings, base visits and outreach opportunities with Air Force stakeholders throughout the year. -###- 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-corps-transfer-of-public-land-to-interior-department-in-trust-for-tribe,Hoeven Statement on Corps' Transfer of Public Land to Interior Department in Trust for Tribe,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 Hoeven Statement on Corps' Transfer of Public Land to Interior Department in Trust for Tribe WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after his office was informed that the Army Corps of Engineers has transferred lands around Lake Sakakawea to be held in trust by the Department of Interior for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation: We are concerned that the Corps and Department of the Interior did not have agreements in place to protect access and all beneficial uses around the lake before transferring public land to the Interior Department in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes. We have been very clear that access agreements should be in place before any transfer occurs. In fact, the last time the Corps took public comments and held public meetings in North Dakota regarding the transfer was a decade ago. There were significant concerns about the plan then, including concerns raised by every member of North Dakota's congressional delegation and governor, and there continue to be concerns about the transfer now, which I along with Congressman Kevin Cramer and Governor Jack Dalrymple expressed again to the Corps, most recently in April of this year. Despite these concerns, however, the Corps has proceeded with the transfer. We have made it clear to both the Corps and the Interior Department that they need to address the access concerns of local stakeholders, and that if they don't, we will pursue legislation, either through the authorization or appropriations process, to compel them to do so. Specifically, we must have assurances that North Dakota citizens, including landowners who currently have lake access, will continue to have public access to the lake without charges or fees if the land is transferred. This is an important concern that has been raised again and again by landowners, sportsmen, county commissions, North Dakota Game and Fish officials, law enforcement and cabin owners, all of whom have an interest in a resource that North Dakotans, including tribal members, have enjoyed for decades. -###- 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/house-passes-hoeven-legislation-to-help-homeowners-on-lake-tschida-and-other-reservoirs,House Passes Hoeven Legislation to Help Homeowners on Lake Tschida and Other Reservoirs,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 House Passes Hoeven Legislation to Help Homeowners on Lake Tschida and Other Reservoirs Also Includes Hoeven Initiative for States First Coal Ash Management and Recycling WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today said he was pleases the House has passed his legislation enabling Lake Tschida homeowners to remain on their lots. The measure also caps fee increases for permittees on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir. The Senate has already passed the measure and sent it to the House, but the legislation will now return to the Senate for a final vote. Hoeven Amendment Enables Lake Home Owners to Remain on Lake Tschida The Hoeven amendment enables owners with homes around Lake Tschida to stay on their lots. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has issued permits for homes to be located around the lake for decades, but the agency has notified owners that they will have to remove their homes after 2021. The Hoeven legislation allows the homes to remain on the land as long as they are sufficiently anchored to the ground for safety. The dam and reservoir are managed by the BOR and the recreation areas around the lake, which offer fishing, boating, camping, and swimming, are managed by the local Tri-Cities Joint Job Development Authority. Over the decades, many residents around the lake have invested thousands of dollars in their homes and improvements on the lots they pay fees to occupy, Hoeven said. We worked very hard to ensure that they can continue to use their homes and enjoy the lake as they have for years. Hoeven Amendment Limits Fee Increases for permit holders on Lake Tschida, Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir The BOR had proposed increasing permit fees to twice the cost of current fees for permits on the three reservoirs; the Hoeven legislation prevents that increase and limits the total fee increase to no more than 33 percent over 5 years. North Dakotans have enjoyed swimming, boating and fishing on the reservoirs for generations, and many have been year-round residents for decades Hoeven said. They can now continue to enjoy their homes because they will remain affordable and accessible for decades to come. Hoeven Coal Ash Recycling Legislation Also Included in the House Bill WRDA includes legislation based on Hoeven's Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016 that he introduced with Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). After a March hearing on the Hoeven-Manchin bill before the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, the senator worked with EPW Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to add a bipartisan amendment to the WRDA legislation. This coal ash measure prevents costly litigation and, for the first time, creates an enforceable state permit program for the disposal of coal ash. This is a double win in terms of reduced energy costs for consumers and improved environmental stewardship, Hoeven said. Coal ash has a wide range of safe and cost-effective applications, including in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Our bill is a bipartisan compromise that enforces standards through state-led permit programs, rather than through costly lawsuits. Both the North Dakota Heritage Center on the Capitol grounds in Bismarck and the Bismarck State College Energy Center of Excellence are constructed of recycled coal ash. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-land-grant-agriculture-scholarship-bill-will-train-new-farmers,"CRAMER: Land-Grant Agriculture Scholarship Bill Will Train New Farmers, Reduce Unemployment",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click  Here to View Video of Congressman Cramer’s Testimony View Congressman Scott’s Testimony Here View Congressman Scott’s Opening Prayer Here WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer testified at a House Agriculture Committee hearing today on a bipartisan bill on which he is the lead Republican cosponsor to establish scholarship programs for agriculture education at the historically African-American 1890 Land-Grant universities.  The bill, H.R. 6020, the Funding for Student Scholarships for the 1890 Land-Grant African-American Colleges and Universities Act, was introduced by Congressman David Scott of Georgia. It would award $1 million in federal grants to each of the 19 schools established under the 1890 Land-Grant African-American Colleges and Universities Act for scholarships to African-American students who commit to pursuing careers in agriculture. While not subject to the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee, Cramer also voiced support at the hearing for a companion bill Scott introduced and he is co-sponsoring.  H.R. 6021 urges the Department of Labor to work with businesses, labor unions and contractors to actively recruit, hire and provide on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs in infrastructure-related fields for African-American men between the ages of 18 to 39. The hearing  began with a prayer led by Scott. Cramer testified his interest in this legislation stems from his friendship with Scott, a Democrat from the Atlanta area. “We have a shared mission of seeking pragmatic solutions to fix our nation’s most pressing economic and social crises. In this case, the crisis is the higher-than-average unemployment rate in the African-American community, specifically among young African-American men, which is around 40 percent nationally and can be as high as 50 percent in some areas. These bills provide a targeted two-prong approach to improve America’s employment crisis. It increases the number of young people receiving a good education in career fields in need of labor, such as agriculture. And, it encourages the building trades to invest in the wealth of human capital and potential which currently sits on the sidelines untapped.” Cramer said the seeds of H.R. 6020 and H.R. 6021 were planted two years ago during debate on the Keystone XL Pipeline Act, which he introduced. “Congressman Scott and I worked together on an amendment to address the national crisis of the high unemployment rate among young African-American men through on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs relating to construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.” They proposed an amendment to use existing apprenticeship programs to urge labor unions and contractors to actively recruit and train African-American men between the ages of 18 to 37 for jobs related to the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. “Both Congressman Scott and I saw this as a unique opportunity to not only help spur the hiring of underemployed blue-collar American workers who are ready and eager to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, but also as a strategy to help alleviate a social crisis without the use of additional federal resources or mandates.” Although their amendment was not included in the final Keystone XL Pipeline bill, Cramer said he and Scott have worked together seeking solutions to the national crisis of underemployed blue-collar American workers. H.R. 6020 also addresses the aging farmer and producer population in the United States.  “Looking at the agriculture industry alone, the number of farmers in the United States has declined over 4 percent in recent years, with the median age of an American farmer now being 60 years old,” Cramer said. “These alarming statistics indicate a new strategy is required to better sync our country’s education system with the needs and demands of a 21st Century workforce.” Cramer said feeding a hungry world requires having smart people in agriculture. “There is no social program more successful than a good education leading to a good-paying job.  In North Dakota, I have witnessed economic power being unleashed when the education system and private industry work in tandem to meet the needs of our state.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-pearl-harbor-75th-anniversary-a-time-to-honor-world-war-ii,CRAMER: Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary a Time to Honor World War II Veterans,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement on today’s commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor:   “Today is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor – an event that thrust the United States into the greatest war the world has ever seen. The bombing of the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet that day forever changed the course of world history. More than 3,500 Americans were killed or wounded on that horrific day of infamy. The further we get from December 7, 1941, the greater our respect grows for the veterans of the Greatest Generation who went to war and defeated the forces of evil. Only 620,000 of the 16 million men and women who served our nation during that war are still alive. Today we honor and remember these heroes for their steely-eyed determination and supreme sacrifice in fighting the war and winning the peace.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4CBBEFEB-C815-4A0D-A21F-E57A28ABF2FA,"Heitkamp, Hoeven Get Commitment from Commander of NORTHCOM to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today met with U.S. Air Force (USAF) General Lori Robinson, leader of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), headquartered in Colorado. Gen. Robinson, at Heitkamp’s and Hoeven's request, agreed to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base and review activities at the base. Heitkamp and Hoeven also discussed NORTHCOM’s operations in the Arctic region. The senators highlighted how the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base could contribute to NORTHCOM’s Arctic mission. “It is important that General Robinson come to Grand Forks to see firsthand what is happening at the base, including the work with the Global Hawk,” Heitkamp and Hoeven said. “The Global Hawk’s unique capabilities to gather information over a broad area and fly long distances make it an ideal aircraft to greatly contribute to NORTHCOM’s activities in the Arctic. Grand Forks Air Force Base is also strategically located in proximity to the Arctic, making the base uniquely qualified to support the Arctic mission, which is increasingly important to our nation’s security. Simply put, the Global Hawk can help increase our awareness of activity in this region, and it is already strategically based to provide immediate assistance.” Grand Forks Air Force Base is closer to some parts of the Arctic than even Alaska. Increased activity in the Arctic region, including more activity by Russia, has necessitated American activity and surveillance to ensure safety and stability. For the past several years, NORTHCOM has been working with the Canadian Joint Operations Command to coordinate operations, including domain awareness, emergency response and training activities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=61B74C4C-3BBA-409C-B22D-A8C718349E52,"Heitkamp Helps Pass Comprehensive Bill to Boost Life-Saving Medical Research, Tackle Opioid Abuse & Mental Health Challenges",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced she helped the U.S. Senate pass comprehensive health legislation that will strengthen federal funding for biomedical research to find a cure for cancer, boost resources for combatting opioid abuse, and improve critical mental health programs. The bill – which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law – includes two of Heitkamp’s bipartisan bills she introduced with Republican senators to improve access to quality health services, particularly in rural areas. Heitkamp has been a key advocate in Congress working to combat the nation’s opioid abuse crisis head on, and repeatedly advocated for more robust addiction and recovery federal resources – which this bill helps provide. She has also spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to educate senators and their staff about the long-term physical and psychological impact that traumatic events experienced at a young age – including abuse, violence, or disaster – can have on children and communities. Today’s bill includes legislation Heitkamp cosponsored to continue and build programs aimed at reducing the impact of childhood traumatic stress and preventing suicide. “For too long families and individuals have suffered in silence as a result of traumatic events they experienced as children, from the pain of opioid abuse, or from encountering disease or illness,” said Heitkamp. “This bill isn’t perfect, but it makes real progress by supporting critical research that could help find a cure for cancer and other diseases, addressing opioid abuse, and preventing suicide and reducing the impact of traumatic stress. But we can’t stop there. Rural families and businesses know that accessing equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen tanks in their hometowns, and helping their employees obtain quality health care shouldn’t be a challenge. That’s why I fought to include my bipartisan bills to improve access to quality care for rural communities in today’s legislation. We can face the challenges of addiction, trauma, and disease while improving access to care – and we can do it together.” A member of the U.S. Senate’s Rural Health Care Caucus, Heitkamp has consistently championed of the need for improved access to health care and consistently worked to bring attention to the priorities of rural communities in America’s heartland in the U.S. Senate. Today’s legislation builds on Heitkamp’s work for rural America, as well as her efforts to promote biomedical research and development in North Dakota, to combat the state’s growing opioid abuse crisis, and to reduce the impact of traumatic stress among children, by: Boosting life-saving research and development in North Dakota. Today’s legislation would provide $4.8 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for projects that work to find cures to the country’s most perplexing and threatening diseases and conditions, including cancer. This support builds on Heitkamp’s work to boost life-saving biomedical research across North Dakota – from helping secure almost $700,000 for expanded biomedical research opportunities at Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC)  in 2014, to helping secure almost $400,000 last year to bolster North Dakota State University’s colon cancer treatment research. Confronting North Dakota’s opioid abuse crisis. Today’s legislation would provide $1 billion over two years to states to implement prevention and treatment options for individuals and families batting opioid addiction and abuse. Heitkamp has been fighting for such community-based prevention and treatment resources since helping pass the nation’s Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in March, unveiling legislation to help provide such resources this summer, and hosting listening sessions with community leaders, treatment experts, law enforcement, and families who have been touched by abuse across the state. From 2013-2014 alone, opioid-related deaths in North Dakota increased by 125 percent. Reducing the impact of childhood trauma. A leader in the U.S. Senate on tackling the impact of traumatic events – particularly when they occur at a young age – Heitkamp joined and helped fight to include in today’s legislation a bill to improve and strengthen current mental health programs aimed at preventing suicide and combatting the long-term psychological and physical impacts of childhood trauma. In August, Heitkamp led the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs’ first-ever field hearing on trauma among Native youth, and has hosted an educational series on the impacts of trauma for members of the U.S. Senate and their staff to help build legislative solutions to mitigate its impacts. Expanding rural access to critical medical equipment. Today’s legislation includes Heitkamp’s bipartisan Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act. Introduced with Senator John Thune (R-SD), the bill will help connect patients in rural areas with the medical equipment they need, such as wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, in their home communities. Providing solutions for small businesses to help employees obtain quality care. Today’s legislation includes Heitkamp’s Small Business Health Care Act which she reintroduced in June with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The bill aims to help small businesses stay competitive by allowing them to help their employees buy health insurance. Improving access to critical health services in rural and remote communities. Today’s legislation helps boost resources for critical access hospitals in high-need rural and remote areas, including outpatient therapy services for families in such communities. In September, Heitkamp announced that after pushing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to recognize how essential the Critical Access designation is for the Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) and community it serves, CMS finalized its decision to maintain JRMC as a Critical Access hospital.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-calls-on-protesters-to-leave-urges-respect-for-the-rule-of-law-and-fact-based-solution-to-dapl,"Hoeven Calls on Protesters to Leave, Urges Respect for the Rule of Law and Fact-Based Solution to DAPL",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Hoeven Calls on Protesters to Leave, Urges Respect for the Rule of Law and Fact-Based Solution to DAPL Senator Speaks on Senate Floor to Address Steps Forward WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the Senate floor to call on protesters to leave the site and spare North Dakotans who live and work in the protest area further disruption in their lives. The senator also emphasized the need to respect the rule of law and take a fact-based approach to the Dakota Access Pipeline situation in moving forward. The senator also called for more federal law enforcement assistance and personnel to help state and local law enforcement in North Dakota. On the Need for Protesters to Leave Corps Land However, now that the Obama administration has made its decision, protesters should move from their unlawful site on Army Corps of Engineers land. Even Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault has finally said that protestors need to leave and return home, and the Obama Administration needs to do the same. The administration needs to call on protesters to leave their illegal site, as well. So it is time it is past time for the protestors to stand down and to recognize that the Courts and the next Administration will resolve the issue. On the Rule of Law and the Need for a Fact-Based Solution Moving Forward Unfortunately, the latest Obama administration decision fails to follow the rule of law, it fails to resolve the issue, and it perpetuates an extremely difficult situation for North Dakotans. Furthermore, it is estimated that over five thousand protestors are still unlawfully gathered on federal Corps of Engineers' lands in our state. They are there in direct violation of the Army Corps' December 5th eviction notice as well as an evacuation order from North Dakota's governor. The protesters need to follow the law, just like everyone else. The company developed the route for Dakota Access Pipeline beginning in 2014. The current path will run parallel to the existing Northern Border Gas Pipeline, which was placed into service in 1982, as well as an existing high-voltage electric transmission line. So it's already in an existing energy right-of-way corridor. It is important to recognize that this pipeline is not a unique or unusual infrastructure project. There are more than 38,410 crude oil pipeline river and waterbody crossings in the United States, and more than 1,000 in North Dakota. These crossings range from rivers, streams, and lakes, to ponds, canals, and ditches. Also, it's important to understand that the oil is already being transported across the river on rail and by trucks by road across bridges. Additionally, the pipeline company has modified the route on its own 140 times in North Dakota alone to avoid any important or cultural resources. This project should be decided on the merits and in accordance with the law. Failure to do so will cast new uncertainty on all future infrastructure projects from pipelines that carry oil, gas, and other liquids to transmission lines carrying both traditional and renewable energy. If companies and individuals cannot rely on a system that follows the rule of law, nobody will risk making future investments in our country's vital infrastructure. That will make our nation less safe, less secure, and less competitive. Think about it: If we can't build new infrastructure, then we'll continue to use old infrastructure, which is less safe and less environmentally secure. To avoid this kind of situation in the future the kind of standoff we have with the Dakota Access Pipeline we need to focus on ways to improve the regulatory process. We need to improve the process to help ensure that all stakeholders engage and all people's voices are heard in a timely way. When companies make large investments in costly infrastructure projects they need the regulatory certainty to know they can complete the project. This should be done prospectively not retroactively looking for ways to better streamline procedures, reduce duplicative hurdles, and improve methods for public input. This pipeline can be built safely and include necessary protections for both the Tribe and all others downstream. The fact is, our country needs energy and we can't have it without energy infrastructure pipelines, transmission lines, roads, rail, and bridges to move both traditional and renewable energy from where it's produced to where it's consumed. Move it both safely and efficiently. Let's all work together to make that happen. On the Need to for More Federal Law Enforcement Resources and Personnel The men and women in law enforcement are doing their best to protect everyone, including the protestors. We owe our law enforcement a debt of gratitude for their diligence, dedication, and professionalism. But North Dakota's law enforcement's resources are severely strained. I have repeatedly called on the U.S. Department of Justice to provide additional funding and law enforcement officers to ensure public safety. Our state has requested federal assistance and was assured by the Attorney General that we would be given expedited consideration; but that has not been the case. Our Byrne Grant application for federal assistance has still not be approved by the Attorney General. I will continue to call on the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Corps to provide additional federal resources, including funding and law enforcement personnel, to assist our state and local law enforcement officers and ensure public safety. A complete transcript of the senator's remarks can be found here. A video of speech can be found on YouTube here. A map of pipelines already existing in the U.S. can be found here. A map of the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline can be found here. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-passes-21st-century-cures-act,Hoeven: Congress Passes 21st Century Cures Act,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Hoeven: Congress Passes 21st Century Cures Act Legislation Includes Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic, Helps Increase Access to Outpatient Services at Critical Access Hospitals, Reforms and Reauthorizes Mental Health Programs WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that Congress has passed the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation to accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of new cures and treatments. The bill, which is fully paid for: Authorizes new funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Makes reforms to streamline and modernize the approval process for new drugs and medical devices. The 21st Century Cures Act is a bipartisan effort to help the scientific community develop cures and treatments for some of the most serious ailments we face today, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, Hoeven said. At the same time, this legislation addresses many other important priorities for North Dakota. This includes funding to help states treat and prevent opioid addiction, regulatory relief for Critical Access Hospitals to increase access to important outpatient services, such as psychiatric care, cardiac rehabilitation and injury treatment, in rural areas and flexibility in federal mental health and substance abuse block grants to better meet local needs for these services. Combating the Opioid Epidemic The Cures Act provides $1 billion over two years to supplement states' efforts to combat opioid addiction. The funds can support treatment and prevention activities, such as prescription drug monitoring programs, training health care providers and expanding access to opioid treatment activities. In addition to today's legislation, Hoeven authored and introduced the Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act of 2016 with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), which closes a loophole in current law that enables companies to circumvent the law and sell synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as not for human consumption. The senator also supported the passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This bipartisan bill expands prevention efforts, supports law enforcement, improves treatment of overdoses and enhances access to treatment for drug addiction. Providing Regulatory Relief for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) The Cures Act includes a provision that helps increase access to outpatient therapeutic services in rural hospitals, including drug infusions, blood transfusions, outpatient psychiatric services, wound treatment and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services, by maintaining the general supervision requirement for these services for calendar year 2016. In 2009, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) moved to require the direct supervision of a physician for these services, a policy that is overly burdensome for small hospitals and ignores the low-risk nature of the procedures. The general supervision standard would be made permanent by the Protecting Access to Rural Therapy Services (PARTS) Act, a bipartisan bill that Hoeven has cosponsored. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Rural Health Caucus, Hoeven works to support rural health programs that benefit CAHs, including the Rural Hospital Flexibility Grants and Rural Health Outreach Grants. Earlier this year, the senator also successfully intervened on behalf of Jamestown Regional Medical Center with Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield to ensure the center would retain its CAH designation. Reforming Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs The Cures Act makes reforms to help ensure Americans who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders can receive the care they need. The bill reauthorizes the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant, while also allowing the states greater flexibility in administering the programs to meet local needs. North Dakota has received nearly $7 million from these programs since Fiscal Year 2015. -###- 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-heitkamp-get-commitment-from-commander-of-northcom-to-visit-grand-forks-air-force-base,"Hoeven, Heitkamp Get Commitment from Commander of NORTHCOM to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Hoeven, Heitkamp Get Commitment from Commander of NORTHCOM to Visit Grand Forks Air Force Base Senators Also Push Role in Arctic Mission for Grand Forks WASHINGTON Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) today met with U.S. Air Force (USAF) General Lori Robinson, leader of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), headquartered in Colorado. Gen. Robinson, at Hoeven's and Heitkamp's request, agreed to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base and review activities at the base. Hoeven and Heitkamp also discussed NORTHCOM's operations in the Arctic region. The senators highlighted how the RQ-4 Global Hawk mission at Grand Forks Air Force Base could contribute to NORTHCOM's Arctic mission. It is important that General Robinson come to Grand Forks to see firsthand what is happening at the base, including the work with the Global Hawk, Hoeven and Heitkamp said. The Global Hawk's unique capabilities to gather information over a broad area and fly long distances make it an ideal aircraft to greatly contribute to NORTHCOM's activities in the Arctic. Grand Forks Air Force Base is also strategically located in proximity to the Arctic, making the base uniquely qualified to support the Arctic mission, which is increasingly important to our nation's security. Simply put, the Global Hawk can help increase our awareness of activity in this region, and it is already strategically based to provide immediate assistance. Grand Forks Air Force Base is closer to some parts of the Arctic than even Alaska. Increased activity in the Arctic region, including more activity by Russia, has necessitated American activity and surveillance to ensure safety and stability. For the past several years, NORTHCOM has been working with the Canadian Joint Operations Command to coordinate operations, including domain awareness, emergency response and training activities. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-prescribed-burn-bill-encourages-cooperation-communication-with,"CRAMER: Prescribed Burn Bill Encourages Cooperation, Communication With Forest Service and Landowners",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer supported a bill that passed the House of Representatives Monday setting guidelines for prescribed burns.    S.3395, the Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016, passed the Senate Nov. 17.  Cramer was an original co-sponsor of the House version of the bill, H.R.6029, which was introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota. It now goes to the President for his signature.   This bill requires collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and local officials when initiating prescribed burns, planned fires ignited intentionally for management of forest, prairie or farmland.  The bill prohibits the burns when there is a fire danger on nearby land in the county.    “It’s common sense for the Forest Service to communicate and collaborate with local officials and nearby landowners before starting prescribed fires,” said Cramer. “This legislation could prevent fires intended for land management from getting out of control and causing damage to private property.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-veterans-bills-improve-broadband-access-and-healthcare-services,CRAMER: Veterans Bills Improve Broadband Access and Healthcare Services,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer co-sponsored two bills passed by the House of Representatives today initiating programs to improve broadband access and healthcare services for veterans.  H.R. 6394, the Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016, requires the Federal Communications Commission to submit to Congress a report on promoting broadband internet access service for veterans. It originated in the Energy and Commerce Committee, which Cramer is a member.  This bill addresses the need for broadband access for the 1.4 million veterans living below the federal poverty level or in rural areas who are less likely to have broadband access. “Veterans living in rural areas are especially impacted, since these areas often take longer to get services,” said Cramer. “In our technology-driven economy, we must do all we can to help veterans have broadband access to apply for jobs, seek further education, access important records and stay in touch with family and friends.” H.R. 4352, the Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 brings self-scheduling technology used in the private sector to online appointment scheduling for Veterans Administration (VA) medical appointments in at least three Veterans Integrated Service Networks. “It’s time to bring more efficient technology to VA medical facilities,” said Cramer. “This self-scheduling technology has been successful in the private sector to reduce the number of missed or canceled appointments. This will give veterans a better experience with their health care and save money at VA centers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=55D61683-F854-4C02-84B1-6B9549852B05,"Heitkamp, Thune Bill to Prevent Unsafe Forest Service Burns Heads to President’s Desk",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statements after the House passed their bipartisan legislation that would require collaboration between U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme.  The bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate in November, now heads to the president to be signed into law. Heitkamp and Thune introduced this legislation in response to the Pautre fire, a prescribed burn that was intended to cover just over 100 acres in northwestern South Dakota, but quickly turned into a 16,000 acre out-of-control fire that burned for several days and destroyed millions of dollars in property in North Dakota and South Dakota. “The Forest Service needs to listen when ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn – and this bill will help guarantee that happens,” said Heitkamp. “The Pautre wildfire was completely preventable, making it obvious that the Forest Service hasn’t done enough to listen to local communities in North Dakota and beyond. Our bipartisan bill will help prevent what happened in 2013 from happening again, which will help protect our ranchers, their property, and valuable grasslands.” “Prescribed burns are a proven management tool that I support,” said Thune. “That said, before a prescribed burn is initiated, effective collaboration between Forest Service personnel and local officials is essential. South Dakota is all too familiar with what can happen when carelessly started prescribed burns, like the Pautre Fire, for example, blaze out of control. They can damage private property and require multiple local firefighting units, at a significant cost to taxpayers. I’m glad this common-sense bill is headed to the president, and I want to thank my colleagues in the House, including South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem and House leadership, for recognizing the need to get this bill to the finish line.” Heitkamp has long fought to protect ranchers, families, and rural communities in North Dakota and beyond from harm that could result from unsafe prescribed burns performed by the Forest Service. At a July 2015 U.S. Senate hearing, Heitkamp held the Forest Service accountable for the 2013 Pautre wildfire and pressed U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Robert Bonnie – who oversees the Forest Service – to take responsibility. Heitkamp has also been a leading voice in pressing the Forest Service to fully reimburse ranchers for documented losses, which totaled nearly $10 million in damage and 14,000 burned acres. Heitkamp first expressed her frustration with the controlled burn in April 2013, and has continued to advocate for North Dakota’s ranchers. In May 2014, a year after the Pautre fire, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell visited North Dakota and indicated that the Forest Service was in the process of reviewing claims made for losses from the fire. Heitkamp pressed Tidwell to reimburse ranchers, but Tidwell did not clearly concede that the Forest Service acted negligently in proceeding with the controlled burn that led to the Pautre fire. Less than a week after meeting with Tidwell in North Dakota, Heitkamp called on the Forest Service to clarify its responsibility for the fire and fairly compensate ranchers for their devastating losses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FF5DA5E3-B49B-4E48-856F-287D7F4E7BDE,Heitkamp: Army Corps Contract Marks Start of Federal F-M Diversion Construction,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a staunch advocate for flood protections throughout North Dakota, today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the first contract to begin construction on the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project. The $46 million contract for Ames Construction will include construction of the diversion inlet control structure south of Horace – a concrete structure with three gates to regulate flows into the diversion channel. “Today’s contract marks the start of federal construction for the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a critical project I’ve long pushed for to keep this region safe,” said Heitkamp. “After years of pressing for strong, permanent flood protections in the Red River Valley, the contract the Army Corps of Engineers awarded today is a milestone to celebrate. As the F-M diversion moves forward, I’ll keep doing everything I can to support this project – as well as other North Dakota flood protection projects – so they continue getting the federal support needed to help protect our communities.” In October, Heitkamp met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections – including a conversation she had with U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. Heitkamp has also continued working to include federal funds for the diversion in future spending bills, as well as pushing for diversion support in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ next work plan like she did last year. In July, the Army Corps and local leaders signed an agreement to initiate construction of the Fargo-Moorhead diversion – a project Heitkamp has fought to make happen. In the U.S. Senate, she pushed to secure federal resources in the year-end spending bill for the Army Corps to implement new construction starts. This year, Heitkamp successfully pressed Army Corps and OMB leaders for flood protections and a new Fargo construction start in the Corps’ work plan. Heitkamp has consistently worked to secure federal support for lasting flood protections in the Red River Valley by: Bringing local and federal officials together to support the Fargo-Moorhead diversion project. In May 2015, Heitkamp met with city officials from Fargo and Moorhead to discuss mutual efforts to push top officials from the Army Corps and OMB on using public-private partnerships to advance the project. Soon after, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan to urge him to take action so the diversion project could continue to move forward. In total, Heitkamp spoke with Donovan four times in the last year – each time pressing him about the critical importance of federal support for this project. Last fall, Heitkamp and Lieutenant General Bostick met with the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority to discuss permanent, comprehensive flood protections during his first-ever visit to Fargo. And this October, Heitkamp spoke with OMB Director Donovan again to press him on the need for continued federal support. Passing legislation securing flood protection infrastructure projects. In June 2014, the President signed into law the bipartisan bill Heitkamp pushed for – the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) – which supports water infrastructure projects in North Dakota including permanent flood protection for more than 200,000 residents in Fargo and surrounding area through the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-corps-awards-first-contract-for-permanent-flood-protection-calls-corps-award-big-step-forward-for-regional-flood-control,"Hoeven: Corps Awards First Contract for Permanent Flood Protection, Calls Corps Award ""Big Step"" Forward for Regional Flood Control",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.16 Hoeven: Corps Awards First Contract for Permanent Flood Protection, Calls Corps Award ""Big Step"" Forward for Regional Flood Control Work Continues to Address Minnesota, Upstream Concerns WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven announced today that the Corps of Engineers has awarded its first federal contract for permanent flood protection for the Red River Valley. The Corps awarded $46 million for construction of an inlet structure that will control the flow of water into a diversion channel. Work on the inlet structure is expected to be completed in 2020. Today's contract is a big step toward permanent flood protection for the entire region, Hoeven said. The snowstorm currently moving through North Dakota is a reminder that too much moisture at the wrong time can cause significant flooding in the spring. We cannot settle for emergency measures. We must be committed to building comprehensive, permanent flood protection even as we work to address concerns from the State of Minnesota and upstream interests in the project. Hoeven worked to secure the funding, as well as permission to begin construction, as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Committee. Hoeven also worked to get authorization for permanent flood protection in the Red River Valley in the 2014 water resources bill. -###- 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-vp-elect-pence-ag-nominee-sessions-northwest-division-commander-spellmon-on-dapl,"Hoeven Meets with VP-Elect Pence, A.G. Nominee Sessions, Northwest Division Commander Spellmon on DAPL",2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.16 Hoeven Meets with VP-Elect Pence, A.G. Nominee Sessions, Northwest Division Commander Spellmon on DAPL Senator Asks for Their Help to Resolve Issue WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today spoke at the U.S. Capitol with Vice President-Elect Mike Pence and Attorney General Nominee Senator Jeff Sessions to brief them on the Dakota Access Pipeline project and request their help. The senator also asked them to support sending additional resources and personnel to North Dakota to assist law enforcement with maintaining public safety. This situation needs to be resolved, Hoeven said. By its inaction, the Obama administration has prolonged problem, making life more difficult for everyone involved. That's why I am speaking with the new administration to protect people and property and bring the protests to a peaceful end. Also, earlier in the day, Hoeven met again with the Northwest Division Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Major General Scott Spellmon to press for a resolution to the Dakota Access Pipeline issue. The senator asked the general to work with him to secure more federal law enforcement resources and funding to address unlawful protesters. Following meetings Hoeven had with the Trump transition team, President-Elect Trump last week expressed his support for the project as well as for providing federal assistance to North Dakota, including additional resources and law enforcement personnel. -###- 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-receives-air-force-distinguished-public-service-award,Hoeven Receives Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.16 Hoeven Receives Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award Senator is Co-Chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus and a member of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Committee, today received the U.S. Air Force's Distinguished Public Service Award presented by U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. The award is in recognition of Hoeven's work to support the Air Force, its airmen and their families during his time in the Senate. I am honored to receive this award, Hoeven said. The men and women in our Air Force work tirelessly to protect our freedoms and advance American priorities throughout the world. We will continue our work to ensure they have the tools they need to keep our nation safe. During the presentation ceremony, the following statement was read: Senator Hoeven has exhibited extraordinary leadership and vision that has ensured that America's Air Force remains the preeminent air, space and cyberspace force in the world. As co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus, Senator Hoeven worked tirelessly to promote Air Force priorities and ensure a shared understanding between senior Air Force leaders and his fellow Senators. Moreover, his support to a myriad of other operational and quality-of-life improvements clearly demonstrates his dedication to the men and women of our air force. Senator Hoeven's outstanding, career-long contributions have ensured an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BAFA9263-A317-4A09-B54E-A1CE1938B4A5,Heitkamp Announces $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for NDSU Transportation Research,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded North Dakota State University $2.5 million in federal funding for transportation research that will help transit agencies serve changing populations with developing technologies. “North Dakota’s universities strengthen our state, educate our young people, and generate research that helps folks across the country,” said Heitkamp. “This federal grant will enable our students and faculty to continue their cutting-edge research. And in the U.S. Senate, I’ll keep encouraging the Transportation Department to provide more funding for NDSU research given the university’s reputation for leadership in transportation, agriculture, and so much more.” The grant is one of 35 five-year grants awarded to advance research and education programs that address critical infrastructure challenges facing the U.S. Heitkamp has long supported North Dakota universities’ efforts to secure federal funding for their research, including urging Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to select NDSU for federal transportation research funding in August. The consortium of universities that NDSU received the award through – the Mountain-Plains Consortium – also includes Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Colorado-Denver, the University of Denver, the University of Utah, the University of Wyoming, and Utah State University.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-25-million-dot-grant-to-fund-transportation-research-and-education-at-ndsu,Hoeven Announces Nearly $2.5 Million DOT Grant to Fund Transportation Research and Education at NDSU,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.16 Hoeven Announces Nearly $2.5 Million DOT Grant to Fund Transportation Research and Education at NDSU WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $2,470,600 to North Dakota State University. The funds are made available through DOT's University Transportation Centers (UTC) program and will be used to advance state-of-the art transportation research and invest in programs to develop new professionals in transportation fields. We need to invest in our infrastructure in order to create a vibrant and diverse economy, Hoeven said. This means funding research to find practical and innovative solutions to transportation challenges. NDSU is a world-class research institution and is leading the Mountain-Plains Consortium of eight regional universities working to advance transportation initiatives. Today's funds will support NDSU's and the consortium's work and enable them to continue to break new ground as they advance transportation solutions. The Mountain-Plains Consortium (MPC), led by NDSU, focuses on safe, mobile and sustainable passenger and freight transportation and has conducted projects on transportation operations, low-cost safety enhancements, high-risk rural roads and work zone safety. The MPC is the UTC Region 8 Transportation Center and is comprised of Colorado State University, South Dakota State University, University of Colorado, Denver, University of Denver (Colorado), University of Utah, University of Wyoming and Utah State University. Hoeven supports infrastructure investment and research and voted for the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act Congress passed last December. The FAST Act authorized more than $377 million in funding over five years for the UTC program, with more than $72 million in grants being awarded this year. -###- 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-attorney-general-loretta-lynch-needs-to-provide-action-not-just-words,"Hoeven: Attorney General Loretta Lynch Needs to Provide Action, Not Just Words",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.16 Hoeven: Attorney General Loretta Lynch Needs to Provide Action, Not Just Words WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the discussion U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch had with Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier today regarding his request for federal law enforcement assistance to deal with violent protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline project, as well as the attorney general news release issued later in the day: U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is not working with the North Dakota delegation to address violent protests in Morton County, contrary to her claim. Subsequent to her conversation with Sheriff Kirchmeier, she issued a release asserting she is working with the delegation and the state to find a resolution. This is not the case. I want to be clear: we have repeatedly called on the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to provide both funding and more federal law enforcement officers to assist state and local law enforcement. In fact, right now, the Justice Department has an application submitted by the state for Byrne Grant funding, which is administered by Attorney General Lynch, to assist state and local law enforcement in containing the violence. She needs to approve that request without delay to protect people and property. In addition, she needs to provide more actual law enforcement personnel, rather than only advisors. Area residents are contending with a difficult and volatile situation, and the attorney general needs to act appropriately. To end this situation permanently, it is essential that the Obama administration approve the long overdue easement on Corps land necessary to complete the pipeline. Now that the Trump administration has made clear it supports the project, the Obama administration's ongoing delay is clearly prolonging a difficult and volatile situation. At this point there is no further justification to delay a decision and subject North Dakotans in the protest area to additional weeks of hardship. -###- 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/obamas-denial-of-easement-violates-the-rule-of-law,Obama's Denial of Easement Violates the Rule of Law,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.16 Obama's Denial of Easement Violates the Rule of Law WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the Army Corps of Engineers' announcement that the Obama administration will refuse to grant an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline project: The Obama administration's refusal to issue an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline violates the rule of law and fails to resolve the issue. Instead, it passes the decision off to the next administration, which has already indicated it will approve the easement, and in the meantime perpetuates a difficult situation for North Dakotans. Protesters should move from their unlawful site now that the Obama administration has made its decision. By staying on the site, the protesters subject residents in the area to additional weeks of disruption and hardship. The reality is that the company has observed all proper procedures and met all environmental standards required by four states and the Corps itself. Further, refusing the easement has ramifications over the long term; if companies and individuals cannot rely on a system that follows the rule of law, nobody will risk making future investments in our country's vital infrastructure. That will make our nation vulnerable and less secure. Our state, local and federal law enforcement officials have acted with professionalism and diligence to maintain peace and order under very difficult circumstances, but their resources are strained and they need help. Following today's announcement by the Corps, it is incumbent on the administration to provide funding and law enforcement resources to help maintain public safety. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-corps-decision-denying-pipeline-permit-sends-chilling-signal-for,CRAMER: Corps Decision Denying Pipeline Permit Sends Chilling Signal for Infrastructure Development,2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer issued this statement following today’s announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers it is denying the permit for the Dakota Access Pipeline to complete the construction of the pipeline under Lake Oahe:   “I hoped even a lawless president wouldn’t continue to ignore the rule of law. However, it was becoming increasingly clear he was punting this issue down the road.  Today’s unfortunate decision sends a very chilling signal to others who want to build infrastructure in this country. Roads, bridges, transmission lines, pipelines, wind farms and water lines will be very difficult, if not impossible, to build when criminal behavior is rewarded this way. In my conversation with Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy today, she was unable to give any legal reasons for the decision and could not answer any questions about rerouting the pipeline. I’m encouraged we will restore law and order next month when we get a President who will not thumb his nose at the rule of law. I feel badly for the Corps of Engineers because of the diligent work it did on this project, only to have their Commander-in-Chief throw them under the bus. But he’s been doing that to the military for eight years, so why not one more time on his way out the door.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9610068A-12EF-4883-8ABE-73EFFCFAD2C6,Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Deny Dakota Access Easement under Lake Oahe,2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the easement for the Dakota Access pipeline to go under Lake Oahe. “It’s long past time that a decision is made on the easement going under Lake Oahe,” said Heitkamp. “This administration’s delay in taking action -- after I’ve pushed the White House, Army Corps, and other federal agencies for months to make a decision -- means that today’s move doesn’t actually bring finality to the project. The pipeline still remains in limbo. The incoming administration already stated its support for the project and the courts have already stated twice that it appeared the Corps followed the required process in considering the permit. For the next month and a half, nothing about this project will change. For the immediate future, the safety of residents, protesters, law enforcement, and workers remains my top priority as it should for everyone involved. As some of the protesters have become increasingly violent and unlawful, and as North Dakota’s winter has already arrived – with a blizzard raging last week through the area where protesters are located -- I’m hoping now that protesters will act responsibly to avoid endangering their health and safety, and move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River. “Additionally, our federal delegation and governor have been working together in a bipartisan effort to push for more federal resources for law enforcement who have worked day and night through weekends and holidays to support the safety of our communities. The administration needs to provide those funds – whether the protesters remain or not.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Heitkamp recently spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-criticizes-obama-administration-praises-law-enforcement-in-floor,"Cramer Criticizes Obama Administration, Praises Law Enforcement in Floor Speech on Dakota Access Pipeline Protest",2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 2, 2016 Contact: 202-578-9428 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer criticized the Obama Administration for improperly meddling in the Dakota Access Pipeline protest and praised law enforcement for protecting North Dakota citizens in a speech on floor of the House of Representatives Thursday night. He also read into the Congressional Record a resolution by the North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council condemning military veterans who participate in the pipeline protests. “You can’t encourage illegal behavior and then wonder why there is violence,”  said Cramer in his criticism of the Obama Administration’s efforts to block the legally permitted pipeline project. “The rule of law matters.  We cannot allow lawless mobs to obstruct projects that have met all legal requirements to proceed.” Cramer praised the work of law enforcement in protecting the citizens of North Dakota. “I am one of many North Dakotans who are tired of what once began as a peaceful protest and is now a full-fledged riot,” he said.  “It’s time for the bad actors, celebrities and political extremists to leave our state.”    Watch the full speech here. View the full speech transcript here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-national-defense-authorization-act-restores-troop-cuts-increases,"CRAMER: National Defense Authorization Act Restores Troop Cuts, Increases Soldier Pay, Funds ICBMs",2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Listen to Audio Here WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer joined the majority in the House of Representatives today in passing legislation restoring troop cuts, increasing soldier pay,  and funding the intercontinental ballistic missiles at Minot Air Force Base.  The House passed the Conference Report to S. 2943, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The legislation had been stalled during months of filibustering by Senate Democrats after the House passed its version of the bill in May. The Senate vote on this bill is scheduled for next week.   The bill authorizes and prioritizes funding for the Department of Defense and military activities and construction, and sets military personnel strengths.  “The primary responsibility of Congress is to provide for the common defense of our country, and this bill includes those necessary resources,” said Cramer.   “It also provides for the well-being of our military personnel and their families, authorizing the largest troop salary raise in six years.” The legislation provides $619 billion for the base defense budget and war-related overseas operations.  It eliminates 110 general and admiral positions and reverses the President’s drawdown of troops by adding 1,000 sailors, 3,000 Marines, 4,000 airmen and 1,000 active-duty Army soldiers, in addition to 15,000 who were set to be cut. “America’s armed forces defend our nation in a world of ever-changing threats, and North Dakota continues to be crucial in that defense,” Cramer said. Of particular interest to North Dakota are the following provisions in the bill: Prohibits funds from being expended to reduce, or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which is a key benefit of the nuclear triad in deterring an enemy strike. Continues to fund ICBM fuze modernization and supports the Air Force proposal to structure the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, to create a follow-on to the Minuteman III ICBM, as an integrated system consisting of the missiles, launch facilities, launch control centers, communications, and related infrastructure and equipment.  “The current GBSD program at Minot Air Force Base has served the country’s defense well and benefited North Dakota’s economy,” said Cramer. “However, to ensure these assets remain effective they must be modernized. Doing it in Minot is the best deal for the American taxpayer.”     Supports the new B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber to upgrade the current bomber fleet. “This includes the B-52s stationed at Minot Air Force Base, which ensure viability against current and emerging threats,” Cramer said. Makes no changes to out-of-pocket costs for current force or retirees in the Tricare Military Health Care Insurance Plan.   Prohibits a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) The legislation also: Extends special pay and bonus authorities for nuclear officers Includes a provision to deal with the California Guard bonus recoupment ordeal, shifting the burden of proof for accusations of fraud or misuse to the Department of Defense instead of individual soldiers. Continues to prohibit transferring detainees at the Guantanamo Bay military prison",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=88093253-8BA7-4CDB-82FD-6E623434A398,Heitkamp Statement on Attorney General Lynch Discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kirchmeier,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement on U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s discussion with Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier regarding the Dakota Access pipeline. “For months I’ve been working with the delegation and the governor to press the Administration to engage proactively with North Dakota law enforcement, and to deliver the concrete resources they need to keep our communities safe,” said Heitkamp. “It's a step in the right direction that Attorney General Lynch reached out to Sheriff Kirchmeier on the challenges related to Dakota Access pipeline protests that our law enforcement on the ground are facing. But it's a conversation that is long overdue -- and it isn't enough. It's my hope that today's discussion is a step toward the U.S. Department of Justice working hand-in-hand with North Dakota's delegation -- as I've been calling for the agency to do for the past four months -- and leads to effectively keeping our communities, residents, protestors, and law enforcement safe so law enforcement gets the federal resources to do their jobs.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just recently, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D3B43FF5-1EC3-422A-9326-CEBA6A991C35,Heitkamp Statement Following Meeting with President-Elect Trump,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after her more than hour-long meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump. “President-elect Trump and I had a thoughtful and wide ranging discussion on a variety of issues important to North Dakota and the country,” said Heitkamp. “We talked about finding a realistic path forward for coal and combating human trafficking, as well as the Export-Import Bank and keeping jobs in the U.S., energy infrastructure including the complexities of the Dakota Access pipeline and the challenges for law enforcement as well as the Keystone pipeline, and the issues facing small community banks that help support rural towns. We also discussed my background as I’m from a town of just 90 people from a rural state and my upbringing as the daughter of a seasonal construction worker and a school cook. I appreciate him being generous with his time, and I look forward to working with him and all of my colleagues in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, to reach results for North Dakota and the country.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=22699AB1-F0C9-4949-A345-9DB6B114D5AC,Heitkamp Statement on Friday Meeting with President-Elect Trump,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement regarding her meeting on Friday afternoon with President-elect Donald Trump. “I appreciate the president-elect inviting me for a meeting,” said Heitkamp. “Every single day, my work is motivated first and foremost by how I can be most helpful to the people of North Dakota. They are my driving force and have been throughout my career in public service. Whatever job I do, I hope to work with the president-elect and all of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to best support my state.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-iran-sanctions-legislation-will-help-prevent-iran-from-funding-terrorism,Hoeven: Iran Sanctions Legislation Will Help Prevent Iran from Funding Terrorism,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.16 Hoeven: Iran Sanctions Legislation Will Help Prevent Iran from Funding Terrorism Senator Opposed Nuclear Agreement Administration Reached With Iran Last Year WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Senate has passed H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act (ISEA), which extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 through 2026. The sanctions would have expired this year if an extension had not been passed. The House passed the extension last week, and it will now go to the President to be signed. Iran has a long history of not only sponsoring terrorism, but also of acting belligerently toward the United States and our allies in the Middle East, Hoeven said. We are committed to our allies, especially Israel, and we will not turn a blind eye to Iran's actions. Today we extended sanctions against anyone wanting to invest in Iran's energy sector. These sanctions should remain in place as long as Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and destabilizes the Middle East region. The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 requires the President to sanction any entity that invests in Iran's energy sector. The bill is designed to penalize Iran for sponsoring terrorism and make it difficult for Iran to obtain technology that could be used to develop or proliferate weapons of mass destruction. The nuclear agreement reached between the Obama administration and the Iranian government last year lifted several financial sanctions on Iran in return for an Iranian commitment to slow its nuclear program. However, the original sanctions on energy sector investment imposed under the Iran Sanctions Act remain in place. Last May, the Senate voted 98-1 to subject the Administration's Iran nuclear agreement to Senate approval before it could go into effect. Last September, Hoeven and a bipartisan majority of senators voted to oppose the deal, but that vote was filibustered and the Administration implemented the agreement under an executive order without Senate consent. -###- 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-trump-expresses-support-for-dakota-access-pipeline,Hoeven: Trump Expresses Support for Dakota Access Pipeline,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.16 Hoeven: Trump Expresses Support for Dakota Access Pipeline WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to President-elect Trump's expression of support for the Dakota Access Pipeline Project: The Obama administration should approve the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline without delay, and also provide assistance to state and local law enforcement. Because the Obama administration continues to delay that decision, we have met with President-elect Trump's transition team on a range of issues, including the need for the new president to issue an easement for the project. Today, Mr. Trump expressed his support for the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has met or exceeded all environmental standards set forth by four states and the Army Corps of Engineers. Also, it is important to know that the new administration will work to help us grow and diversify our energy economy and build the energy infrastructure necessary to move it from where it is produced to where it is needed. The result will be more jobs, a more vibrant economy and affordable energy for the American people. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/cures,CRAMER: 21st Century Cures Act a Game Changer for Medical Research and Innovation,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 30, 2016 Contact: 202-578-9428 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer described  the 21st  Century Cures Act passed by the House of Representatives today as landmark legislation transforming how the United States treats disease and funds medical research.  The bill – which is expected to pass the Senate next week – originated in the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Cramer is a member.  The bill also includes H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which is one of the most significant reforms to the mental health system in more than a decade.  Cramer was a cosponsor of H.R. 2646.  “All of us have suffered the pain of losing a loved one to a rare or deadly disease,” said Cramer. “All too often, a child is robbed of a parent, or a spouse falls ill one day only to discover they have an incurable disease.  These stories of loved ones we have lost are the motivators behind 21st Century Cures.  I simply cannot overstate enough how this legislation is going to be a game changer.  ‘Cures’ will remove the regulatory shackles from our scientists and allow the American medical industry to flourish.  It also protects American medical and biomedical jobs and brings new hope for patients and their families who have run out of options.” Cramer said North Dakota hospital and health care professionals have reached out to him about their support of provisions in the bill that recognize new hospital outpatient departments, prevent the enforcement of the direct supervision regulations for outpatient therapeutic services at small rural hospitals, fund opioid abuse crisis programs, adjust socioeconomic status in the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and extend for five years the Rural Hospital Demonstration Program. In advancing the legislation, Cramer said Energy and Commerce Committee members worked with more than 300 patient groups, as well as individual patients, researchers, academics, health professionals, innovators, the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health and the White House.  “There are 10,000 known diseases, 7,000 which are rare, and treatments are available for only 500,” he said.  “The 21st Century Cures Act will allow scientists and regulators to fully embrace advances in research and bridge the gap between the number of diseases and available treatments.” Highlights of the 21st Century Cures Act include: Catalyzes Cutting-Edge Research and personalized Drug Development Authorizes innovation prize competitions to advance biomedical science for diseases that are serious and represent a significant burden. (Section 2002) Establishes the Precision Medicine Initiative to help researchers develop medicines tailored to individuals, rather than one-size-fits-all treatments. (Section 2011) Provides opportunities for new researchers and promotes earlier research independence. (Section 2021) Supports high-risk, high-reward research that has the potential to transform the scientific field. (Section 2036)  Expedites the development and review of drugs for subgroups of rare disease patients by authorizing FDA to rely on data submitted in previously approved applications involving similar gene targeting technology. (Section 3012) Reauthorizes the pediatric priority review voucher program incentivizing the development of drugs for rare pediatric diseases. (Section 3013) Modernizes Clinical Trials and Evidence Development Directs FDA to provide clarity to drug developers about incorporating novel clinical trial designs into drug development. (Section 3021) Supports the utilization of real-world evidence in regulatory decision-making. (Section 3022) Harmonizes various regulations protecting patients in clinical trials to avoid duplication and unnecessary delays that researchers face on a daily basis. (Section 3023) Authorizes FDA to rely upon qualified data summaries to support the approval of supplemental applications. (Section 3031) Establishes an alternative approval pathway for sorely needed antimicrobial drugs intended for limited patient populations. (Section 3042) Brings FDA into the 21st Century Removes the silos at FDA by transitioning the agency towards a disease-centric approach. (Section 3073) Codifies a structured framework at FDA for the submission, review, and qualification of biomarkers that can be used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a product earlier in the process. (Section 3011) Fosters development and utilization of incredibly promising approaches to regenerative medicine. (Sections 3033 - 3036) Reforms the flawed combination product review process to provide certainty to manufacturers developing these complex therapies and technologies. (Section 3038) Provides long-overdue clarification regarding how medical product manufacturers can discuss the value of therapies and technologies with insurers and formulary committees. (Section 3037) Improves Medical Device Review Process and Reduces Unnecessary Regulation Empowers FDA to apply efficient and flexible approaches to expedite the development and review of new medical technologies like the breakthrough path for drugs that Congress made law four years ago. (Section 3051) Streamlines medical device and diagnostic regulations and ensures FDA uses the least burdensome approaches necessary. (Sections 3052-3059) Exempts certain software and personal health apps from FDA regulation. (Section 3060) Empowers Patients to Participate in Research and Development Activities Ensures that patients can voluntarily provide hospitals and research institutions authorization to use their personal health data for future research purposes. (Section 2063) Puts patients at the center of the drug development and FDA review process, requiring the FDA to routinely incorporate patient input and experiences into their regulatory decision-making. (Sections 3001-3004) Incentivizes the Development of Medical Counter Measures and Vaccines  Establishes a priority review voucher program that encourages the development of drugs and vaccines to protect Americans against agents that present a national security threat, like a bioterror attack. (Section 3086) Provides current and potential vaccine manufacturers with more predictable CDC timeframes. (Section 3091-3093) Fosters Interoperable Health Records Expedites the interoperability of electronic health record systems to help make good on the $30 billion taxpayer investment and benefit patients, providers, and researchers. (Sections 4003-4006)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=949CA1AD-1286-4968-AF5E-816638F8B9E0,Heitkamp Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for UND Energy Research,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced $10 million in U.S. Department of Energy funding for the University of North Dakota. The federal funding includes two grants for the University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center: one $1.2 million grant to study the feasibility of CO2 capture of emissions from Nebraska Public Power District’s Gerald Gentleman Station, and another grant of $8.8 million for UND researchers to determine the feasibility of developing a commercial-scale CO2 geologic storage complex in central North Dakota.  “Building a path forward for coal, as I’ve long been pushing for, requires investments into research and development of new technologies – and this federal funding for the University of North Dakota will help,” said Heitkamp. “UND researchers at the Energy & Environmental Research Center and across the university have made North Dakota a trailblazer in developing the skills and tools we need to keep coal a part of our energy mix. This federal funding will help further their research, and make sure we’re investing in the students, researchers, and faculty at our state’s research universities. Combined with these investments, Congress also needs to pass bipartisan legislation I introduced to incentivize a viable future for coal so we can support this industry and its workers in the long-term.” Heitkamp has long supported energy innovation in North Dakota to provide a strong path forward for coal – which North Dakotans rely on for almost 80 percent of their electricity – while working toward commonsense incentives to encourage new carbon technologies that can transform carbon emissions into useable products. After working together with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to boost recognition that the U.S. and world need to maintain a diverse energy mix that includes traditional energy sources while still reducing national and global carbon emissions, Heitkamp and Whitehouse introduced their bipartisan bill in July to forge a middle ground on energy issues. Already, their bill – which would incentivize the development and use of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies – has gained vast bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, including support from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited Great River Energy’s (GRE) Spiritwood Station to see firsthand how the high-efficiency coal-fired power plant generates electricity and steam to power homes and businesses in North Dakota. Heitkamp played a key role in getting Spiritwood Station and the Dakota Spirit AgEnergy plant online. In 2014, Spiritwood Station became the first coal-fired generating plant to go online in North Dakota in more than 30 years. Background: Heitkamp’s work to find a realistic path forward for coal builds on her more than a decade of experience on the board of directors of Dakota Gasification, the one-of-a-kind synfuels plant in Beulah, N.D. During her service as North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, on the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and as the state’s Attorney General, Heitkamp was able to work on viable solutions to make sure coal remains a strong part of the North Dakota’s energy mix. Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been committed to finding a realistic avenue for clean coal by: Securing a commitment in September 2015 from Janet McCabe, assistant administrator of the EPA, for her agency to send technical staff to North Dakota to work with utilities on the challenges in meeting EPA’s emissions reduction targets. During a meeting with the North Dakota congressional delegation the next day, McCabe again agreed to Heitkamp’s request that EPA technical staff visit North Dakota. Introducing major legislation in 2013 and again in 2015 to put coal on a viable path forward. Heitkamp’s bill – which she introduced in 2013 and again this Congress – would incentivize companies to invest in technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power. This is done through federal funding programs, federal support for private investment, and recommendations to Congress that provide insight on how best to support future CCS projects in the U.S. Then in May 2015, Heitkamp and Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia introduced a series of bills to make sure coal remains a key part of America’s energy mix, which incorporated Heitkamp’s initial legislation. Bringing EPA Administrator to North Dakota to talk about coal. Heitkamp has made it clear to the Administration and EPA that she disagrees with the agency’s policies regarding coal-fired power. After pressing EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Heitkamp brought McCarthy to North Dakota in February of 2014 so she could hear about the impacts of EPA regulations directly from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has also brought U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to North Dakota in August 2014 to push the U.S. Department of Energy for more investment in clean coal technology. Working closely with U.S. Energy Department (DOE) officials on finding a path forward for coal. Heitkamp has met with numerous top officials from DOE about the need to find a path forward for coal, including Energy Secretary Moniz and Julio Friedmann, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal at the DOE. They both participated in clean coal symposiums at Heitkamp’s request, and she will continue to press both of them on the issue. Convening industry, lawmakers, and academics to discuss a viable path forward for coal. Heitkamp co-hosted a Coal Technology Symposium on Capitol Hill in 2014 that brought together industry, lawmakers, experts and academics – including the Energy and Environmental Research Center from Grand Forks – to discuss the importance of finding a viable path forward for coal. To a crowded room, Heitkamp laid out why it is so important for our nation to put in place realistic energy policies and discussed the vital role coal plays in providing affordable energy in North Dakota and around the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A01121D8-5612-41F3-B835-48BB87C00BB6,Heitkamp Announces Federal Funding to Support Families & Prevent Child Abuse,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced $1,960,193 in federal funding for Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota to assist woman, children, and families improve prenatal and child health, prevent abuse, and promote child development. “The health, safety, and development of our children directly impacts their future success,” said Heitkamp. “It is so important that parents have the resources and tools they need to support the healthy growth of their children, especially those who are considered at risk. The federal funds announced today support families by providing advice, education, and best practices during home visitation that will help their children live healthy and productive lives.” Specifically, these federal funds will support the Federal Home Visiting Program that helps parents who participate in the program improve outcomes for their children. Home visits support the health of the mother and child both during and after pregnancy, improve child development and behavior, as well as support mothers in obtaining work and education so they are able to provide a secure future for their children. These federal funds are made available through the Health Resources and Services Administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E2D5238C-D24E-4ADC-87A4-36A73922971A,"Heitkamp, Ayotte Bipartisan Bill to Protect Northern Border Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives, Heads to Presidents Desk",2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, today announced that their bipartisan bill to help assess and strengthen American security at the Northern Border – the longest common land border in the world – unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Earlier this month, Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill unanimously passed in the U.S. Senate. Their bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act directly responds to the feedback Heitkamp and then-U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas heard in April 2015 from federal, state, county and local officials and law enforcement when she brought him to North Dakota to tour the Northern Border in Pembina. By requiring DHS to evaluate security threats and challenges at the border through a comprehensive examination of current resources and personnel levels, Heitkamp’s bill will address the concerns she and Mayorkas discussed with federal border security officials and local sheriffs about cooperation issues among law enforcement, and challenges recruiting and retaining a strong border security workforce. “Effectively protecting our nation’s 5,500-mile long Northern Border requires accurate assessments of the threats we face so we can make sure we have the robust security force our communities need to stay safe,” said Heitkamp. “In North Dakota, the Northern Border touches so many of our communities, and after visiting the border on multiple occasions – including Portal earlier this month – and meeting with border security officials about their growing challenges on the ground, I wanted to do everything I could to make a difference. Now, Congress has passed my bipartisan bill to do just that. When this bill is signed into law, it will help our dedicated forces along the border get the support they need to address serious threats and technology gaps on the Northern Border, and meet the challenges they face in attracting and retaining good employees to work in remote border areas like Portal, and across the country.”“We need to better understand the security challenges at our northern border so that we can take necessary actions to remedy any vulnerabilities and protect our country from current or potential criminal or terror threats. I’m pleased Congress has unanimously passed this important legislation,” said Ayotte. “New Hampshire law enforcement officials, particularly those serving Coos County, are critical to maintaining the security of our border with Canada and this legislation will support their efforts and encourage better communication and collaboration with federal officials.”During a hearing today in the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Heitkamp spoke with Mark Morgan and Carla Provost – the chief and deputy chief of U.S. Border Patrol within U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – about how her bipartisan Northern Border Security Review Act would help address the recruitment, retention and technological concerns she has heard directly from border security agents on the Northern Border. Both Morgan and Provost agreed with Heitkamp’s call for stronger efforts to assess and strengthen security along the longest common land border in the world. Since first offering an amendment on the Northern Border to comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2013, Heitkamp has been working to secure better protections for the Northern Border through meetings with border security officials in North Dakota and in Washington, visiting the border in Pembina and Portal, raising awareness about the challenges at the border for top federal officials and agency heads, and introducing legislation. At 5,500 miles long, including 1,500 miles between Alaska and Canada, the Northern Border has 120 border crossings, many of which are small and in rural areas. Approximately 300,000 people and $910 million in trade cross the Northern Border every day, representing the largest bilateral flow of goods and people in the world. Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill would require a comprehensive examination of how to strengthen American security at the Northern Border by looking into issues with: Recruiting and retaining border security officials to cover the Northern Border, including at more remote areas of the border; Determining tools border security officials need to effectively combat drug and human trafficking at the Northern Border; Identifying technology that could expand the reach of border agents; and Finding vulnerabilities in cooperation between Canadian, state, county, local, and tribal law enforcement. Cosponsors of Heitkamp and Ayotte’s bill include Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Click here to view a summary of the bill. The United States and Canada conducted a joint border and threat risk assessment in 2011. Subsequently, the DHS published its Northern Border Strategy in 2012. Given the constant changes along the Northern Border, it is critical that the United States update its threat assessment so it can effectively respond to today’s challenges. The legislation follows a variety of actions Heitkamp has taken over the past two years to make sure the Northern Border receives the proper attention, including: Bringing then-DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to North Dakota. When Heitkamp brought Mayorkas to Pembina’s Port of Entry and Border Patrol Facilities in April 2015, they spoke about ways to improve issues federal border security officials and local county sheriffs face in attracting and maintaining a strong border security workforce. During the visit, they also discussed ways to improve efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as ways to expand the use of technology to help protect the border. Making the Northern Border a priority for a U.S. Senate committee. Following Mayorkas’ visit, Heitkamp successfully called for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, where she helps lead a subcommittee, to hold a hearing on the Northern Border. When that hearing took place, Heitkamp questioned federal border security officials about the issues she heard about firsthand in Pembina with Mayorkas. In March, Heitkamp pressed DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson on the need to pay closer attention to protecting the Northern Border. In June 2014, she brought U.S. Senator Tom Carper, now Ranking Member of the Committee, on a tour of the Northern Border. Holding border security meetings in Minot, Portal and Grand Forks. Heitkamp visited the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Grand Forks in January 2014, and she held a discussion in June 2014 with law enforcement in Minot to discuss stressed law enforcement personnel in the border region. Earlier this month, Heitkamp visited the Portal Port of Entry where she met with CBP officers and managers about the challenges they face in helping secure the Northern Border. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-10-million-in-federal-funding-for-und-to-test-commercially-viable-co2-storage-technologies,Hoeven Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for UND to Test Commercially-Viable CO2 Storage Technologies,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.16 Hoeven Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for UND to Test Commercially-Viable CO2 Storage Technologies WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded two grants totaling $10 million to the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota (UND). The funds are made available through the DOE's Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) initiative and will be used to study the feasibility of commercially-viable CO2 storage projects in North Dakota and Nebraska. For years, North Dakota has been a leader in developing technologies for the next generation of coal-fired power plants, Hoeven said. These efforts not only help us to continue producing affordable energy with better environmental stewardship, but they also help create good-paying jobs in our state's energy industry. Today's awards are the result of those years of work by the EERC, the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership and others and will help to continue the advancement of commercially-viable methods for reducing emissions. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee and Energy Appropriations Subcommittee, Hoeven has worked to advance the state's energy priorities, including clean coal technologies and research into carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Hoeven said today's funding will complement such efforts in North Dakota, such as Project Tundra, a project to retrofit existing power plants for CCS. To further this work, the senator helped to pass the Energy Policy Modernization Act. The Senate bill would authorize $610 million annually for a new Coal Technology Program to advance large-scale CCS demonstration projects and is currently in conference committee. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-2-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-home-visiting-program,Hoeven Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Home Visiting Program,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.16 Hoeven Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Home Visiting Program WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) has awarded a $1,960,193 grant to Prevent Child Abuse ND in Bismarck. The funds will be used to support the organization's Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. This program provides education and resources to help families identify their children's needs and supports families' overall well-being. Today's funding will help families meet their goals in providing for their children, Hoeven said. Prevent Child Abuse ND provides a valuable service to our state in their support of families and children. -###- 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-speaks-on-senate-floor-to-address-misconceptions-about-the-dakota-access-pipeline-project,Hoeven Speaks on Senate Floor to Address Misconceptions About the Dakota Access Pipeline Project,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.16 Hoeven Speaks on Senate Floor to Address Misconceptions About the Dakota Access Pipeline Project WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the Senate floor to address misperceptions about the Dakota Access Pipeline project. The senator outlined the project and the often violent protests that have occurred in recent months, as well as law enforcement's professional response. On Putting the Project in Perspective To put this issue into broader context, the Congressional Research Service estimates there are 38,410 [existing] crude oil pipeline river and waterbody crossings in the United States, including 1,079 in North Dakota. These crossings range from rivers, streams, and lakes, to ponds, canals, and ditches. On Court Challenges and Consultation with the Tribe Twice challenged and twice upheld including by the Obama administration's own appointees the federal courts found that the Army Corps had followed the appropriate process, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe was properly consulted, and the project could lawfully proceed. In total, the Army Corps held 389 meetings, conferred with more than 55 tribes, and conducted a 1,261-page environmental assessment, before finding that this infrastructure project has no significant environmental impact. On the Right to Peaceful Protests Everyone has a right to be heard, but it must done lawfully and peacefully whether this is during the permitting process with its opportunities for public comment or else disputing the outcome through the court system. On the Need for the Obama Administration to Issue the Easement The ongoing protest activities which at times have turned violent are being prolonged and intensified by the Obama Administration's refusal to approve the final remaining easement at Lake Oahe. This inaction has inflamed tensions, strained state and local resources, and, most importantly, is needlessly putting people at risk including tribal members, protestors, law enforcement officers, construction workers, and area residents our farmers and ranchers who live in the area. It's past time that the final easement is approved and construction is completed. We need to resolve this issue. As the record demonstrates, it should be done so by its merits through the previously established regulatory and legal process. Further the federal law enforcement agencies should help our state and local law enforcement officers to ensure the law is followed, prevent violent and unlawful protests, and see that the peace is maintained. Our law enforcement officers have worked professionally, diligently, and tirelessly to protect the public. On Law Enforcement's Professionalism There have been instances of trespassing, vandalism, theft and fire on privately owned ranchland. Residents have endured the challenges caused by roads being blocked or closed, either by protest activity or law enforcement's response to it to ensure safety at a time when farmers and ranchers are busy harvesting, hauling hay, shipping calves and moving their herds from summer pasture. In addition, law enforcement is investigating cases of butchered, mutilated, injured and missing cattle, horses and bison in areas adjacent to sites occupied by protesters. Law enforcement has worked to protect everyone. They have been patient, professional and diligent. They have not used concussion grenades. More than 500 protestors have been arrested for breaking the law, and over 90 percent of them are from out of state many if not most are not Native American. They are environmental activists from other parts of the country. If you want more information on law enforcement, go to YouTube Know the Truth, which is a website the Morton County Sheriff's Office uses to provide updates on their efforts to maintain law and order at the protest site. The motto of law enforcement is To Serve and Protect, and that is exactly what they are doing. A complete transcript of the senator's remarks can be found here. A map of the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline can be found here. A map of pipelines already existing in the U.S. can be found here. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-elevated-to-key-leadership-position-for-next-session-of-congress,Cramer Elevated to Key Leadership Position for Next Session of Congress,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer was elevated to an influential committee in the House of Representatives in his election today to the Republican Steering Committee. This powerful committee of House leaders decides all committee assignments and chairmanships.   “I am honored to be elected to this position,” said Cramer. “This will give me a greater voice in shaping the legislative agenda in the next session of Congress, and as the Small State Representative, I will speak out for states like North Dakota with small populations. Although it adds to my workload, which includes membership on the Energy and Commerce Committee, this elevates the influence of North Dakota in Congress.” The 32-member Steering Committee is chaired by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.  Members include the Republican leadership and regional representatives of all states. In addition to being represented in a region, the states of Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Wyoming, American Samoa and Puerto Rico will have additional influence on the Steering Committee through Cramer as the Small State Representative. Cramer has represented North Dakota as a member of the House of Representatives since 2013. He was re-elected to a third term on Nov. 8 by 69 percent of the vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6715D876-292F-40E0-B167-1E18073AE8D4,Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Unanimously Passes in U.S. House of Representatives,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator’s Legislation Calls for Better Resources & Training to Respond to Incidents to keep Communities Strong & Safe WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan legislation to support first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools they need to handle hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments, unanimously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives – bringing her legislation one step closer to being signed into law. Since late 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Casselton, which was followed by several other derailments nationwide, Heitkamp has been working to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails and keep communities strong and safe. The passage of today’s legislation in the House includes minor changes from the version that passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate in May, and will be sent back to the U.S. Senate for final approval before reaching the president’s desk. “When disaster strikes, North Dakotans depend on their communities to pull together to subdue the flames – and as a statewide family, we know our first responders need our protection just as much as we need theirs,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why in the wake of the crude oil train derailment in Casselton in 2013, I introduced my RESPONSE Act to pull together public and private expertise to help make sure Congress is supporting those who answer the call in such emergencies. Today, we’re bringing this bill one step closer to becoming law – and first responders one step closer to the resources they need to keep our communities strong and safe so they can return home to their families each night.” U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) worked with Heitkamp to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015. “With the passage of the RESPONSE Act we are making our Wisconsin communities safer by providing more training for our first responders and holding big railroad companies accountable for their actions,” said Rep. Kind. “Our residents have dealt with the negative impacts of rail traffic long enough and today we took action to solve the problem and keep our neighborhoods safe.” Heitkamp’s Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act would enable first responders to get quality training to handle hazardous situations and have access to the appropriate resources and effective communications. Specifically, her bill would establish a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), would provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders’ safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country. Joining in support for Heitkamp’s RESPONSE Act as cosponsors are U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Despite the current downturn in oil production, almost 30 percent of North Dakota crude oil is still transported by rail and will likely continue to into the future. On major freight railroads across the country, the number of railcars carrying crude oil grew by more than 4,000 percent between 2008 and 2013, with additional increases in 2014. In addition to her RESPONSE Act, after Heitkamp has worked to improve first responder safety by helping secure $5 million in federal funding to support a one-of-a-kind federal training facility in Pueblo, Colorado that prepares first responders to handle hazmat incidents on the rails, such as crude oil train derailments. Nearly 90 North Dakota first responders participated in training at the Pueblo facility in 2014 and 2015. She has also worked closely with federal, state, and local officials, including bringing U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to North Dakota and holding a U.S. Senate hearing on first responder safety.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4D5B679-D4ED-4FD8-AEB1-9FE1C5CCA038,Heitkamp Announces Five ND Students to Military Service Academies,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that she nominated five outstanding North Dakota students to the nation’s military service academies. Heitkamp nominated Jayce Moor from Crary, Olivia Nellermoe from West Fargo, Rose Gasper from Bismarck, and David Godfrey and Sophia Maliscke both from Fargo. “Our nation’s military academies train and equip the next generation to lead the United States,” said Heitkamp. “David, Jayce, Olivia, Rose, and Sophia have all demonstrated a deep sense of patriotism through their determination and ambition and I know they will uphold these values as they serve North Dakota and our nation.” Members of Congress are able to nominate students to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Below are further details on the students Heitkamp has nominated: David Godfrey – Principal Nomination to the United States Air Force Academy Godfrey, who is originally from Fargo, is currently attending the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado. He is active in the prep-school’s Drill Team, Color Guard, and Rifle Team. He plays basketball and is the school’s football team manager. Godfrey was also involved in the Civil Air Patrol. Jayce Moor – Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy Moor, who is from Crary, attends Lakota High School and is ranked second in his class. He is very involved in his school’s activities through Choir, Close-Up, Drama, Future Business Leaders of America, FFA, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Student Council, and his school’s year book. He has demonstrated his athletic abilities in football, track, and wrestling. Moor has also participated in Academic Challenge, Math Counts, Science Fairs, a Regional Spelling Bee, International Music Camp, and the Perkin Art Show. Olivia Nellermoe – Principal Nomination to the United States Air Force Academy Nellermoe, who is from West Fargo, is in her senior year at Sheyenne High School. She is active in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) as the Company Commander. She is also the president of the West Fargo Police Explorers, JROTC Volleyball Captain, and a Commissioned Leadership Officer in the Civil Air Patrol. Nellermoe also ran in the Fargo Marathon relay. Rose Gasper – Principal Nomination to the United States Naval Academy Gasper, who is from Bismarck, attends Century High School, is ranked first in her class and is involved in her school’s numerous academic activities, including the National Honors Society, Latin Club, and Prom Committee. She is also a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant. Gasper is also team captain of her hockey team and plays and coaches youth soccer. She is dedicated to her community as a Salvation Army Holiday Bell Ringer and volunteers at St. Gabriel’s nursing home. Sophia Maliscke – Principal Nomination to the United States Military Academy Maliscke, who is from Fargo, currently attends South High School and is involved in Technical Theatre, Orchestra, Cantare, Choir, Speech, and is president of her Drama Club. She also plays softball and attended the State Music competition. North Dakota students interested in applying to one of the military service academies for the 2018-2019 school year, should send in their applications by October 2017. For more information, visit Heitkamp’s website by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DEB94F9A-8904-4A69-9ED0-89F70387B6EE,"Heitkamp Announces Federal Funds for Head Start and Early Head Start in Fargo, TGU School District",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced a total of more than $2.6 million in federal funding to support Head Start and Early Head Start Programs at the Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo and the Towner, Granville, and Upham (TGU) School District #60. “Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state play an important role in shaping the future of our children and putting them on a path toward success,” said Heitkamp. “Every dollar we invest in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are an investment in our kid’s future. Children in Fargo and the TGU School District benefit from access to these programs and the federal funds announced today will continue that important investment.” The federal funds are distributed as follows: Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency in Fargo - $1,555,879. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support the birth – five year old program. Towner, Granville, Upham School District - $1,094,779. This continuation of federal funds will be used to support TGU’s Early Explorers program. Long an advocate for early childhood education, Heitkamp has been a staunch supporter of Head Start programs that help children get a solid education at a young age, setting them on paths to succeed. These funds are authorized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-again-pushes-corps-to-issue-easement-provide-timeline-for-resolution,"Hoeven Again Pushes Corps to Issue Easement, Provide Timeline for Resolution",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.16 Hoeven Again Pushes Corps to Issue Easement, Provide Timeline for Resolution WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven Monday again urged Assistant Secretary of the Army of Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy, who oversees the Army Corps of Engineers, to issue a final easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline and put an end to violent protests in North Dakota. Darcy indicated the Corps would issue a timeline for the Dakota Access Pipeline by the end of the week outlining when a decision will be made on the Missouri River crossing. She also said the Corps' Northwest Division Chief Brigadier General Scott Spellmon and Omaha District Commander John Henderson plan to meet with state, local and federal law enforcement officials this week in North Dakota to develop a plan on how to deal with protesters who refuse to leave restricted Corps land by December 5th. In light of violent protests over the past few months, people living and working in the area need to feel safe in their homes and on public roads, Hoeven said. They also deserve the certainty of knowing when the Obama Administration and the Corps will resolve this situation so life can get back to normal. We will continue to call on the Corps and the Obama administration to approve the easement, which we believe will bring this troublesome issue to an end. Area residents have seen incidents of trespassing, vandalism, theft and fire on privately owned land. Unlawful protesters have created severe challenges caused by roads being blocked or closed either by protest activity or law enforcement's responses to ensure public safety Law enforcement has also seen cases of butchered, mutilated, injured and missing cattle, horses and bison in areas adjacent to sites occupied by protesters. There have been reports of protesters following law enforcement to where they live and improvising explosive devices from gas camp stove canisters. These cases illustrate fears and safety risk that may exist for residents, ranchers and their livestock. -###- 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-echo-act-will-help-providers-deliver-better-health-care-services-to-rural-america,Hoeven: ECHO Act Will Help Providers Deliver Better Health-Care Services to Rural America,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.16 Hoeven: ECHO Act Will Help Providers Deliver Better Health-Care Services to Rural America Measure Links Primary-Care Doctors and Specialists to Better Serve Rural Patients WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Senate has passed the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to explore the expanded use of health-care videoconferencing technology for health-care professionals in rural communities so that patients get the best care possible. Technology has touched nearly every sphere of life in the modern world, linking rural communities with global markets and global information networks, Hoeven said. Now, the ECHO Act is working to connect primary care doctors in our rural and underserved communities, like many in North Dakota, with first-rate specialists in their field who would not otherwise be available to patients living and being treated in rural areas. Project ECHO is an innovative continuing medical education and consultation model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas. Together, they participate in weekly teleECHO clinics, which are supported by teleconferencing technology. During teleECHO clinics, primary care clinicians from multiple sites present patient cases to the specialist teams and to each other, discuss new developments relating to their patients and determine the best treatment. Specialists serve as mentors and colleagues, sharing their medical knowledge and expertise with primary care clinicians. The legislation has been endorsed by a number of health care associations, including the National Rural Health Association and National Association of Community Health Centers. -###- 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-26-million-in-fema-funding-to-cover-flood-cleanup-and-prevention-costs-from-2011-flooding,Hoeven Announces More Than $2.6 Million in FEMA Funding to Cover Flood Cleanup and Prevention Costs from 2011 Flooding,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.16 Hoeven Announces More Than $2.6 Million in FEMA Funding to Cover Flood Cleanup and Prevention Costs from 2011 Flooding WASHINGTON Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2,696,411 to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES). Today's funds will help reimburse NDDES for management costs resulting from flood cleanup, repair and prevention efforts following widespread flooding in the state in 2011 and for which the President made a disaster declaration. In 2011, North Dakota faced some of the worst flooding in our state's history, Hoeven said. Today's funds will help reimburse NDDES for costs they have incurred from flood cleanup and preparation efforts. Because of these efforts, our state is increasingly safeguarded from catastrophic flooding. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked extensively to secure funding for flood cleanup and prevention throughout North Dakota. Today's funds are part of FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program, which provides funds to states following a Presidential disaster declaration. To date, FEMA has awarded more than $232 million in Public Assistance funds in response to the 2011 flooding in North Dakota. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-the-corps-decision-to-require-dapl-protesters-to-leave-campsite,Hoeven Statement on the Corps' Decision to Require DAPL Protesters to Leave Campsite,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.16 Hoeven Statement on the Corps' Decision to Require DAPL Protesters to Leave Campsite WASHINGTON -- Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the Army Corps of Engineers' decision to require DAPL protesters to leave Corps land north of the Cannonball River: In light of violent protest activity, the Corps has taken a necessary step to protect public safety. Now, the protesters should respect the law and peacefully leave the protest area. The well-being and property of ranchers, farmers and everyone else living in the region should not be threatened by protesters who are willing to commit acts of violence. Now, state, local, tribal and federal authorities need to coordinate their efforts to help ensure that the protesters comply and leave. In the meantime, we will continue to call on the Obama administration follow the established procedure for siting important infrastructure projects and approve the easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline. Twice challenged and twice upheld, federal courts found that the Army Corps had followed the appropriate process, the tribe was properly consulted and the project could lawfully proceed. This difficult situation has gone on too long and we need to get it resolved. -###- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=64DE0110-8265-44C0-AA36-B6AF0ED54504,Heitkamp Statement on Army Corps Decision to Require Dakota Access Pipeline Protestors to Move from Federal Land,2016-11-26,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today issued the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to require Dakota Access pipeline protesters to leave Corps land north of the Cannonball River.  “The decision by the Army Corps is a needed step to support the safety of residents, workers, protestors, and law enforcement,” said Heitkamp. “Safety must remain the top priority for everyone, and to help make that possible, it’s critical protestors peacefully and lawfully move off of the Corps land north of the Cannonball River and to the identified federal and tribal lands. There has been an escalation of violence among some of the protestors that puts their lives, as well as the lives of law enforcement, residents, and land owners in jeopardy. We will continue to work together in a bipartisan way to make sure the Corps’ decision is adhered to and that all North Dakotans are protected. That also means the Administration must make a decision on the easement under Lake Oahe – just as I pressed the White House for again during a conversation last week. For too long, we have waited in limbo as the decision is put off. This issue needs to be put to rest once and for all for the sake of the safety of our communities.” For the past several months, Heitkamp and her staff have been meeting regularly with local law enforcement, land owners, workers, and residents about the Dakota Access pipeline protests. She has had continued conversations with the White House, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Department of Interior to push for a final decision on the easement going under Lake Oahe. She has also been working in a joint effort with the federal delegation and Governor Jack Dalrymple to push for federal funds to provide law enforcement with needed resources to support public safety during the ongoing demonstrations. Just last week, Heitkamp spoke with a top official at the White House and specifically pressed him about how the president needs to act now to make a decision on whether to grant the easement and pushed for federal funds for law enforcement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z