url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-after-minnesota-dnr-issues-permit-for-permanent-flood-protection-in-red-river-valley,Hoeven Statement After Minnesota DNR Issues Permit for Permanent Flood Protection in Red River Valley,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.27.18
			 Hoeven Statement After Minnesota DNR Issues Permit for Permanent Flood Protection in Red River Valley 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Hoeven: The Red River Valley Needs Permanent Flood Protection
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a permit for comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley. The permit advances Route B, which incorporates the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton.
Residents and businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead region need the certainty and security that comes with permanent flood protection,said Hoeven. Today's permit from the Minnesota DNR is an important step that will enable this vital project to advance and is necessary to address the injunction on the project. Getting this permit is necessary as we work to secure additional federal funding for this infrastructure project. 
As a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to maintain strong support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' construction account and secure project funding in the coming years. This follows the increased funding Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 for the Corps' construction efforts, which helped ensure the Corps included $35 million for construction of flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region in its FY2019 work plan.
Hoeven secured provisions in this year's WRDA legislation and the FY2019 Energy and Water funding bill, both of which were signed into law this fall, to move forward with flood protection projects in North Dakota and throughout the country.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT
 
Resolves easement issue to enable Route B: Hoeven includedhis provision to resolve easements on land purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. The senator's provision grants the authority needed to implement Route B, the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton.
 
FISCAL YEAR 2019 ENERGY AND WATER FUNDING BILL
 
Increases the Corps' construction accountby $150 million to ensure priorities like flood protection in the Red River Valley continue to receive funding.
Implements the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programto provide states and local governments with low-cost, flexible funding sources when building water infrastructure.

The legislation directs the Corps to complete a detailed plan for implementing WIFIA and provides up to $6 million tosupport WIFIA program implementation. This aligns with Hoeven's legislationto extend the WIFIA program.

Ensures fair treatment of P3projectsand others that use alternative financing methods during the Corps' cost-benefit analysis, including flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

The bill requires the Corps to develop a policy on how it will evaluate P3s and incorporate them into its budget.
Hoeven also helped advance a provision in the Senate-passed Financial Services and General Government funding bill ensuring the Corps can fund P3s.

 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7B4F5F7A-E603-45A8-9DFD-552CD8FEB362,"Heitkamps Bipartisan Bill to Support Native Youth Education Passes in the U.S. Senate & U.S. House, Headed to Get Signed into Law",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Approximately 500,000 Eligible Native American & Alaska Native Students Are Excluded from Education Resources they are Promised Under Federal Law
Senator's Bipartisan Legislation Will Require an Accurate Count of All Eligible Students, Push for Greater Access to Culturally Relevant Learning Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that her bipartisan bill to make sure Native American students receive the federal education support they need has now passed in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. The legislation will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.
According to recent Census Bureau estimates, about 500,000 potentially eligible Native American students are excluded from accessing federal resources to address their academic needs. Heitkamp's bill would make sure more Native American students can receive federal learning resources that they are eligible to obtain under law.
Studies have indicated that culturally relevant learning programs help Native students perform better in the classroom"" said Heitkamp. ""But too often, these federal programs meant to address the specific needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students are underfunded or poorly implemented. It's a huge deal that my bipartisan bill -- that just passed in Congress and will soon be signed into law -- willrequire that accurate counts of Native American students are performed, so that these underserved students and schools can receive the support they deserve. This important and needed legislation continues my decades-long work to stand up for Native children and families, and it comes soon after my bill, Savanna's Act also passed in Senate and we're trying to get it across the finish line in the U.S. House to help address the crisis of missing and murderedNative women. Congress must continue to pass critical legislation to support tribal communities and I'll continue to advocate to help make that happen.
Currently, the federal government relies on two-decade old Bureau of Indian Affairs' (BIA) data to determine Native students' eligibility for federal funding needs and distribution for the Johnson-O'Malley (JOM) program  a federal cultural educational support program that works to boost academic achievement among underserved students in Native populations. Heitkamp's bipartisan Johnson O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act  which she introduced alongside U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Steve Daines (R-MT)  would work to change that by requiring the federal government to accurately count all Native students who could be served under the program. By providing accurate eligibility data, Heitkamp aims to narrow the significant achievement gaps among Native students and make sure they are able to access programs that help them improve academically.
During a time when Native students graduate from high school at a rate far lower than any other racial or ethnic demographic in the country, Heitkamp is working to make sure that the cultural programs in public schools that have been linked to boosting Native students' morale, as well as academic performance and attendance, are readily available in classrooms. Despite the stark need for such programs, the last official count in 1995 by BIA identified 271,884 Native students eligible for such resources. Since that time, the BIA has attempted to officially verify Native students eligible for the program without success, while the National Congress of American Indians has recently indicated a large gap in access to these programs  with a marked increase of more than 500,000 Native young people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which means there were close to 800,000 students nationwide in 2010 that could be eligible for JOM cultural resources.
Heitkamp's bipartisan bill, which unanimously passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in October, would call on the U.S. Department of the Interior to update its severely outdated count of Native students in a timely manner by using existing public information from various data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), to show underserved students who are potentially eligible under the program. This data is crucial for making sure Native students in public schools can access the cultural and educational investments critical to their success. By providing more accurate and updated eligibility data, this bipartisan bill aims to help close significant achievement gaps among Native students and make sure they are able to access programs that help them improve academically.
In a U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing last May, Heitkamp reinforced the need to pass her bipartisan bill to make sure programs designed to enrich the academic performance among Native students are reaching students as intended.
Background
Heitkamp has long worked to make sure Native young people living in Indian Country have access to the quality educational opportunities and resources they need to succeed by:
 
Identifying challenges faced by Native young people: Heitkamp's top priorities include comprehensively addressing the challenges Native children face. Her first bill introduced as a U.S. Senator, a bipartisan bill to create a Commission on Native Children, was signed into law in 2016.
Protecting and strengthening Native languages and cultures: Building on her work to reauthorize legislation to help preserve endangered Native languages, Heitkamp encouraged Congressional leaders in November 2015 to protect cultural language enrichment and immersion programs in the U.S. Senate's K-12 education reform bill that boosts pride and morale in Native communities and improves students' academic performance and attendance.
Improving access to educational resources for Native youth: Heitkamp has long promoted safe after-school programs like 21st Century Community Learning Centers for vulnerable and at-risk youth in Indian Country, and pushed to include provisions reinstating resources dedicated to such programs in the U.S. Senate's K-12 education reform bill in April 2015. Heitkamp also convened North Dakota educators to discuss challenges Native students in rural areas face in accessing academic opportunities, and met with the head of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in 2014 on improving connectivity to make sure Native students in rural areas can access technology for educational and economic opportunities.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-joins-president-as-farm-bill-signed-into-law,Hoeven Joins President as Farm Bill Signed into Law,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18
			 Hoeven Joins President as Farm Bill Signed into Law 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today joined President Donald Trump as he signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. Hoeven served as a member of the farm bill conference committee and successfully secured his provisions in the final farm bill, including:
 
A version of Hoeven's Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act to ensure producers, including beginning farmers, have access to the credit necessary to start or grow their operations. The bill increases:

Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Guaranteed Operation and Ownership Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million
Direct Operating Loans from $300,000 to $400,000
Direct Ownership Loans from $300,000 to $600,000.

Improvements to ARC and PLC:

The conference agreement includes Hoeven's proposal to reduce ARC disparities from county to county. It also includes an increase to the plug yield in ARC and uses trend adjusted yields under ARC.
The bill updates the PLC program to allow reference prices to increase if commodity prices rise significantly over the years and permits nationwide yield updates. Additionally, farmers will be allowed to make a new election between ARC and PLC in 2019, again in 2021 and annually in the following years.

 
Congress passed the farm bill with broad, bipartisan support because good farm policy benefits every American, every day, said Hoeven. We are pleased that the President has signed this legislation into law. With the many challenges facing farm country, this long-term farm bill will provide our producers with the tools they need to maintain and grow their operations. 
As a member of the farm bill conference committee, the Senate Agriculture Committee, and chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven also secured the following priorities in the final farm bill:
 
Maintaining Crop Insurance:The farm bill maintains strong crop insurance policy.
Sugar Policy:The farm bill maintains strong sugar policy.
Increases for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): The bill increases MAL, a marketing tool that provides producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
Improvements to CRP and Wetland Exemptions:Both Senate and House farm bills make changes to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Maintains Private Property Rights: At Hoeven's urging, a proposal to authorize permanent easements was rejected by the conferees in defense of private property rights of farmers and ranchers. 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Site Visit: Improves the quality of the wetland appeals process by requiring NRCS to conduct a site visit with the participant after an appeal has been filed.
Report on Small Wetlands: Directs the NRCS to report the number of wetland acres in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa that have been delineated and are less than one acre.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Maintains EQIP and the full suite of other conservation programs.

Supports Agricultural Trade: Supports agricultural trade by consolidating and providing strong funding for the Market Access, Foreign Market Development, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Emerging Market Programs.
Ag Research:The final bill maintains strong land-grant formula research funding and includes increased funding for other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs included in the Senate version. For example, the authorization for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is increased from $10 million to $15 million, which benefits research conducted at North Dakota State University.
Maintains the Water Bank Program.
Honey Bee Storage: Includes a Hoeven provision that would allow beekeepers to apply for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which enables successful applicants to obtain low-interest loans for construction of farm storage facilities. The storage of beehives is not currently in the acceptable uses of the program, however the Hoeven language would make temporary refrigerated beehive storage facility eligible for the program.
Opioid Grant Funding for Rural Communities: Includes legislation Hoeven sponsored to help rural communities combat the opioid abuse epidemic. The legislation directs the USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program to give priority to applicants in rural communities that would use the grants for substance abuse education, treatment and prevention efforts.
FARMERS FIRST Act: Includes Hoeven-cosponsored provisions to assist states with establishing helplines, training and support groups as well as reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and a new Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee.
CROPS for Indian Country Act: Hoeven secured key provisions from his bipartisan CROPS for Indian Country Act that will promote agribusiness in Indian Country and strengthen Tribal self-governance for USDA programs, including expanded support for Tribal Colleges and Universities, as well as continuation of the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill also includes a technical fix for names of Tribal Colleges and Universities including Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, ND.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-creating-good-jobs-is-essential-to-growing-our-state-and-communities,Hoeven: Creating Good Jobs Is Essential to Growing Our State and Communities,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18
			 Hoeven: Creating Good Jobs Is Essential to Growing Our State and Communities 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Census Bureau released estimates showing that North Dakota has reached a record-high population. As of July, North Dakota had an estimated population of 760,077 residents, an increase of nearly 5,000 over the previous year.
North Dakota continues to demonstrate how essential a strong economy is to growing our state and its communities, Hoeven said. That's why job creation has been job number one throughout my time as governor and now in the U.S. Senate. This focus has helped make our state one of the fastest growing since 2010 as well as one of the youngest states in the nation. Americans are looking for better opportunities for themselves and their families, and the policies we've advanced to create the right climate for job growth have helped bring folks from across the country to North Dakota and kept them here.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-helps-pass-bipartisan-legislation-to-reform-federal-criminal-justice-system-reauthorize-second-chance-act,"Hoeven Helps Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Reform Federal Criminal Justice System, Reauthorize Second Chance Act",2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.18
			 Hoeven Helps Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Reform Federal Criminal Justice System, Reauthorize Second Chance Act 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Pushed to Include Changes to Better Ensure Public Safety, Prevent Release of High Risk Offenders
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today helped pass the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation that reforms the federal criminal justice system and reauthorizes the Second Chance Act. The Second Chance Act provides support to state and local governments in reducing prison costs and improving public safety by preventing repeat offenses and violent crime. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to support programs under this legislation, which have benefitted criminal justice and rehabilitation efforts in North Dakota.
Hoeven supported the legislation after a previous version was modified to address many of the concerns from the National Sheriffs' Association, including preventing supervised release for certain offenders such as those who are at a high risk for recidivism, committed violent or sexual crimes or were convicted of trafficking fentanyl.
We advanced this legislation to better focus our criminal justice system on rehabilitation and preventing repeat offenses and to help address the costs of the growing federal prison population, said Hoeven. We appreciate Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley for working with the nation's law enforcement stakeholders to ensure the bill accomplishes these goals without risking public safety. Further, we welcome the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which has provided important tools to North Dakota in helping previous offenders become productive members of their communities as they are released from the justice system.
The First Step Act creates a risk and needs assessment system under the Federal Bureau of Prisons, wherein minimum and low risk offenders can earn time credits toward supervised release for participating in recidivism reduction programs and other activities, including mental health treatment, education and job training. Priority is given to prisoners who are within two years of release, and the bill provides for reassessment of those within five years of release to determine appropriate programming for reducing recidivism.
The legislation also reforms federal guidelines for mandatory minimum sentences and provides judges with tools to reduce sentences for those with little to no criminal history. Specifically, the bill limits qualifying prior convictions, as they apply to mandatory minimums, to serious drug felonies that occurred within 15 years and, at the same time, expands qualified convictions to include serious violent felonies.
Due to these reforms, not only does the bill focus on sentence reduction for those with just minor offenses, such as misdemeanors or nonviolent drug possession, it also empowers prosecutors to target high-risk, repeat offenders by including violent felonies as a qualifying prior conviction for sentence enhancements. This gives prosecutors an additional tool to protect the public from violent offenders.
The legislation is supported by President Trump, the American Correctional Association, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National District Attorney's Association, National Governors Association and the International Union of Police Associations.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0BB79682-EF50-4297-9A95-4261F6E81C73,"Heitkamp Releases Final Podcast as U.S. Senator, Answers Questions from former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad about Her Time Serving North Dakota",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Last Week, Heitkamp Delivered her Farewell Speech on the Floor of the U.S. Senate 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the latest episode of her podcast, The Hotdish,' in which she was interviewed by former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad. This episode is Heitkamp's seventeenth and final podcast as a U.S. senator.
In this episode, the tables were turned and Conrad interviews Heitkamp about her time serving the people of North Dakota, her legislative accomplishments and legacy, and the future of bipartisanship.
Conrad served North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2013, where he twice served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Prior to his time in the U.S. Senate, Conrad served as Tax Commissioner of North Dakota. Heitkamp followed Conrad as Tax Commissioner in 1986, and she succeeded him as a United States Senator in 2013 following his retirement.
The Hotdish is available on Spotify, iTunes and Anchor. Current episodes are also available on Soundcloud.
When I began my career in public service, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of North Dakota leaders who had demonstrated a commitment to getting things done for our state, no matter how tough the task may have seemed and one of those elected officials was Kent Conrad. Over the years, Senator Conrad has been an invaluable political mentor, confidant, and friend, and I'm honored to have him join me on this episode of The Hotdish,' to talk about the importance of public service and the need to work with those on both sides of the aisle to get results which is particularly important during these divisive times, said Heitkamp. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I've tried to see the world through the eyes of those I am here to serve working families, Native youth, those with chronic health conditions, retirees, and many more. And I decided from the get-go that I wouldn't be afraid to roll up my sleeves and help address the challenges they face every day. This podcast has been an insightful way of diving deeper into issues affecting North Dakotans, and I hope listeners have benefited from my conversations with experts, reporters, and fellow lawmakers on topics ranging from human trafficking to affordable health care. These are the issues that have motivated me, and I'm not done fighting for the people of North Dakota, especially the children I meet across our state. As I discuss with Senator Conrad, they are our future leaders and I'm determined to help make their futures stronger, healthier, and safer.
Last week, Heitkamp delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber. Click hereto watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube.Click hereto watch her full remarks on Facebook.
About The Hotdish
Heitkampkicked off her podcast in February 2017with an episode on her efforts to combat human trafficking, interviewing anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain and North Dakota journalist Kevin Wallevand. Since then, Heitkamp's podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including negotiations for the nextFarm Bill, the role ofmoderates in Congress,U.S.-Russia relations,health care, her bipartisan bill that wouldpromote carbon capture, therole of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thethreat posed by North Korea, andtackling the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, tax reform, an update on her effort to combat human trafficking, the importance of smart trade policies and NAFTA, Capitol Hill interns, Vietnam veterans, and the Farm Bill.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0BB79682-EF50-4297-9A95-4261F6E81C73,"Heitkamp Releases Final Podcast as U.S. Senator, Answers Questions from former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad about Her Time Serving North Dakota",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Last Week, Heitkamp Delivered her Farewell Speech on the Floor of the U.S. Senate 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the latest episode of her podcast, The Hotdish,' in which she was interviewed by former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad. This episode is Heitkamp's seventeenth and final podcast as a U.S. senator.
In this episode, the tables were turned and Conrad interviews Heitkamp about her time serving the people of North Dakota, her legislative accomplishments and legacy, and the future of bipartisanship.
Conrad served North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 1987 to 2013, where he twice served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Prior to his time in the U.S. Senate, Conrad served as Tax Commissioner of North Dakota. Heitkamp followed Conrad as Tax Commissioner in 1986, and she succeeded him as a United States Senator in 2013 following his retirement.
The Hotdish is available on Spotify, iTunes and Anchor. Current episodes are also available on Soundcloud.
When I began my career in public service, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of North Dakota leaders who had demonstrated a commitment to getting things done for our state, no matter how tough the task may have seemed and one of those elected officials was Kent Conrad. Over the years, Senator Conrad has been an invaluable political mentor, confidant, and friend, and I'm honored to have him join me on this episode of The Hotdish,' to talk about the importance of public service and the need to work with those on both sides of the aisle to get results which is particularly important during these divisive times, said Heitkamp. During my time in the U.S. Senate, I've tried to see the world through the eyes of those I am here to serve working families, Native youth, those with chronic health conditions, retirees, and many more. And I decided from the get-go that I wouldn't be afraid to roll up my sleeves and help address the challenges they face every day. This podcast has been an insightful way of diving deeper into issues affecting North Dakotans, and I hope listeners have benefited from my conversations with experts, reporters, and fellow lawmakers on topics ranging from human trafficking to affordable health care. These are the issues that have motivated me, and I'm not done fighting for the people of North Dakota, especially the children I meet across our state. As I discuss with Senator Conrad, they are our future leaders and I'm determined to help make their futures stronger, healthier, and safer.
Last week, Heitkamp delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber. Click hereto watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube.Click hereto watch her full remarks on Facebook.
About The Hotdish
Heitkampkicked off her podcast in February 2017with an episode on her efforts to combat human trafficking, interviewing anti-human trafficking leader Cindy McCain and North Dakota journalist Kevin Wallevand. Since then, Heitkamp's podcast has covered a wide range of topics, including negotiations for the nextFarm Bill, the role ofmoderates in Congress,U.S.-Russia relations,health care, her bipartisan bill that wouldpromote carbon capture, therole of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thethreat posed by North Korea, andtackling the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, tax reform, an update on her effort to combat human trafficking, the importance of smart trade policies and NAFTA, Capitol Hill interns, Vietnam veterans, and the Farm Bill.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-texas-judges-obamacare-ruling,Hoeven Statement on Texas Judges Obamacare Ruling,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Texas Judge's Obamacare Ruling 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement regarding a ruling on Obamacare by a federal judge in Texas:
As part of tax relief legislation, Congress removed the Obamacare individual mandate penalty. The Texas Court ruled that without the individual mandate, the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. This is the first step in what will be a lengthy legal process that could go all the way to the Supreme Court. As such, the law is not changed until the Supreme Court rules.
Costs have more than doubled under Obamacare, with families facing increased premiums and higher deductibles, as well as limited health insurance options in many regions of the country, including North Dakota. We need to replace Obamacare with patient-centered health care that provides greater choice and competition to lower costs. At the same time, we need to maintain coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-welcomes-second-round-of-trade-assistance-for-agriculture-producers-impacted-by-ongoing-trade-negotiations,Hoeven Welcomes Second Round of Trade Assistance for Agriculture Producers Impacted by Ongoing Trade Negotiations,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18
			 Hoeven Welcomes Second Round of Trade Assistance for Agriculture Producers Impacted by Ongoing Trade Negotiations 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Urged President, OMB, USDA to Release Payments in Timely Fashion, Ensure Assistance Best Meet the Needs of North Dakota's Farmers
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the second round of trade assistance for agriculture producers impacted by ongoing trade negotiations. Hoeven has been urging USDA officials, including Secretary Sonny Perdue and Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky, as well as Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney to move the payments forward in a timely manner and ensure the assistance best meets the needs of North Dakota's farmers.
We appreciate USDA and the administration for working with us and heeding our call to provide this assistance to farmers and ranchers, Hoeven said. Although we have made recent progress, including the soybean purchase from China and securing a new free agreement with Canada and Mexico, times are tough in farm country. Trade assistance and the recently-passed farm bill provide much-needed certainty for our agriculture producers as these negotiations continue.
The senator spoke with Mulvaney on this issue just last week and has been working with Perdue and Censky since before the first round of assistance was released in August. Hoeven also followed up on these efforts by sending a bipartisan letter with Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) to the President, pressing for the release of the second half of trade assistance.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/president-signs-hoevens-legislation-enabling-homeowners-around-patterson-lake-and-jamestown-reservoir-to-purchase-lots,President Signs Hoevens Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18
			 President Signs Hoeven's Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven announced that the President has signed into law S. 440 and S. 2074, legislation that Hoeven authored to enable homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots. Congress passed Hoeven's amended legislation last month.
Now that our legislation has been signed into law, the land around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir will be transferred to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and the Stutsman County Park Board respectively, Hoeven said. Individuals with homes at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir will be able to purchase their lots, which is an important opportunity for them to secure the property that they have developed. We appreciate all who worked with us to advance our legislation including the local homeowner associations and state, local and federal officials.
Patterson Lake Legislation
 Hoeven introduced S.440, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake in February 2017. Specifically, the legislation:
 
Transfers 41 cabin lots, and additional recreation and wildlife management lands, to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. It also transfers a parcel of land, currently being leased, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
Jamestown Reservoir Legislation
After working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown, Hoeven introduced S. 2074 in the Senate in November 2017. The Jamestown Reservoir legislation:
 
Permanently transfers federal lands around Jamestown Reservoir  including 71 permitted exclusive use cabin lots, two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots  to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The BOR would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
The bills are cosponsored by Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
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https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-farm-bill-passage-an-important-step-in-providing-certainty-for-farmers-and-ranchers,Hoeven: Farm Bill Passage an Important Step in Providing Certainty for Farmers and Ranchers,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.18
			 Hoeven: Farm Bill Passage an Important Step in Providing Certainty for Farmers and Ranchers 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 At ND Farmers Union State Convention, Senator Outlines Provisions He Secured in Farm Bill, Efforts to Advance Second Half of Trade Assistance
			
			 BISMARCK, N.D.  At the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention today, Senator John Hoeven outlined his efforts to provide certainty for farmers and ranchers. This includes passing a strong farm bill, which the Senate and House approved this week. As a member of the farm bill conference committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee, as well as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, the senator secured important provisions in the farm bill, including expanded access to credit for producers and his proposal to reduce disparities under the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 87 to 13, and it is now headed to the President to be signed into law.
Hoeven also highlighted his work to advance the second half of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) trade assistance to help producers impacted by ongoing trade negotiations. The senator spoke this week with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney to help move this assistance forward. Hoeven has also been urging USDA officials, including Secretary Sonny Perdue and Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky, to ensure the second round of assistance best meets the needs of North Dakota's farmers and to release the payments in a timely manner.
Our farmers and ranchers are facing real challenges, between trade uncertainty, bad weather and low commodity prices, said Hoeven. Our agriculture producers work hard to provide our nation with the highest quality, lowest cost food supply in the world, and they deserve our support. The passage of the farm bill is a vital part of this effort and gives producers certainty through strong risk management tools, like crop insurance as well as ARC and PLC, and also provides better access to capital to help them maintain their operations. At the same time, we are working to help weather trade negotiations. The recent soybean order from China is a good step, but farmers still need support. That's why we are urging OMB and USDA to advance the second round of trade assistance.
Hoeven worked to include the following priorities in the final farm bill:
 
Maintaining Crop Insurance:The farm bill maintains strong crop insurance policy.
Increased Access to Capital: The bill includes a version of Hoeven's Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act to provide producers, including beginning farmers, with greater access to the capital necessary to start or grow their operations. The bill increases the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Guaranteed Operation and Ownership Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million, Direct Operating Loans from $300,000 to $400,000 and Direct Ownership Loans from $300,000 to $600,000.
Improvements to ARC and Price Loss Coverage (PLC): Hoeven worked to build on strengths in the commodity title from both the Senate and House bills.

The conference agreement includes Hoeven's proposal to reduce ARC disparities from county to county. It also includes an increase to the plug yield in ARC and uses trend adjusted yields under ARC.
The bill updates the PLC program to allow reference prices to increase. Additionally, farmers will be allowed to make a new election between ARC and PLC in 2019, again in 2021 and annually in the following years.

Sugar Policy:The farm bill maintains strong sugar policy.
Increases for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): The bill increases MAL, a marketing tool that helps producers meet cash flow needs at harvest time without having to sell their commodities during the typical harvest-time low prices.
Improvements to CRP and Wetland Exemptions:Both Senate and House farm bills make changes to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Maintains Private Property Rights: At Hoeven's urging, a proposal to authorize permanent easements was rejected by the conferees in defense of the private property rights of farmers and ranchers. 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Site Visit: Improves the quality of the wetland appeals process by requiring NRCS to conduct a site visit with the participant after an appeal has been filed.
Report on Small Wetlands: Directs the NRCS to report the number of wetland acres in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa that have been delineated and are less than one acre.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Maintains EQIP and the full suite of other conservation programs.

Supports Agricultural Trade: Supports agricultural trade by consolidating and providing strong funding for the Market Access, Foreign Market Development, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Emerging Market Programs.
Ag Research:The final bill maintains strong land-grant formula research funding. It also includes increased funding from the Senate version for other USDA research programs, including the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which benefits research conducted at North Dakota State University.
Maintains the Water Bank Program.
Honey Bee Storage: Includes a Hoeven provision that make beekeepers eligible to apply to the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program for low-interest loans to support the construction of temporary refrigerated beehive storage facilities.
Opioid Grant Funding for Rural Communities: Includes legislation Hoeven sponsored to help rural communities combat the opioid abuse epidemic through the USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program.
FARMERS FIRST Act: Includes Hoeven-cosponsored provisions to assist states with establishing helplines, training and support groups as well as reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and a new Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee.
CROPS for Indian Country Act: Hoeven secured key provisions from his bipartisan CROPS for Indian Country Act that will promote agribusiness in Indian Country and strengthen Tribal self-governance for USDA programs.
 
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https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77B1F498-EC80-4C54-A2DA-77DC2F84F885,U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heitkamps Bill to Help Lower U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates; Legislation Heads to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Would Encourage Additional Research into Maternal Death Cases & Seek Local Solutions to Curtail an Increase in Preventable Deaths 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan legislation to examine and combat the escalating maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Her bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.
More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nationsand the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United States increased by 250 percent from 1987-2014. And to highlight the urgent need to tackle this problem, another study found that 60 percent of the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.
Heitkamp's bipartisan bill would strengthen on-the-ground resources to combat this growing crisis by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that study and address the causes of maternal death cases and work to increase the number of safe and successful pregnancies. MMRCs do not exist in 18 states, including North Dakota.
Especially in an industrialized country like the United States, no mother should have to worry about life-threatening complications during childbirth. Rising maternal mortality rates are simply unacceptable, and we need to develop a better understanding of this crisis, so that we can effectively identify risk factors and prevent further deaths, said Heitkamp. The U.S. Senate passing my legislation is a major step toward averting these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting the next generation of mothers and infants. By investing in cutting-edge research, giving physicians the tools they need to protect patients, and beefing up information sharing, my bill would help facilitate healthier pregnancies for so many moms and families in North Dakota and across the country. We are in the midst of a nationwide maternal health crisis including in our rural and tribal communities, and Congress has answered the call to action. We urgently need to develop a strategy to combat this epidemic, and I will continue to push for my bill to be signed into law.
By strengthening support for existing MMRCs and helping additional states create MMRCs, Heitkamp's legislation would examine the causes of U.S. deaths due to pregnancy complications and would help find feasible solutions to address the ongoing crisis in local communities. With additional research into this growing epidemic, the bipartisan bill would help expecting mothers access critical health care resources like hospital facilities, so they can experience healthier pregnancies.
Heitkamp's bill is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstrecticians and Gynecologists and the Preeclampsia Foundation. Click here for a full list of the more than 40 organizations supporting this bill.
In September 2018, Heitkamp convened health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks to examine the causes of rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to discuss ideas, like this bill, to better support the health and well-being of mothers and newborn children across North Dakota. During the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications either during pregnancy or after the birth of their children.
Earlier this year, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77B1F498-EC80-4C54-A2DA-77DC2F84F885,U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Heitkamps Bill to Help Lower U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates; Legislation Heads to Presidents Desk to be Signed Into Law,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Would Encourage Additional Research into Maternal Death Cases & Seek Local Solutions to Curtail an Increase in Preventable Deaths 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan legislation to examine and combat the escalating maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Her bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.
More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most other developed nationsand the number of maternal deaths is rising. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy-related deaths in the United States increased by 250 percent from 1987-2014. And to highlight the urgent need to tackle this problem, another study found that 60 percent of the nation's maternal deaths could have been prevented with proper care.
Heitkamp's bipartisan bill would strengthen on-the-ground resources to combat this growing crisis by expanding maternal mortality review committees (MMRCs) that study and address the causes of maternal death cases and work to increase the number of safe and successful pregnancies. MMRCs do not exist in 18 states, including North Dakota.
Especially in an industrialized country like the United States, no mother should have to worry about life-threatening complications during childbirth. Rising maternal mortality rates are simply unacceptable, and we need to develop a better understanding of this crisis, so that we can effectively identify risk factors and prevent further deaths, said Heitkamp. The U.S. Senate passing my legislation is a major step toward averting these heartbreaking tragedies and protecting the next generation of mothers and infants. By investing in cutting-edge research, giving physicians the tools they need to protect patients, and beefing up information sharing, my bill would help facilitate healthier pregnancies for so many moms and families in North Dakota and across the country. We are in the midst of a nationwide maternal health crisis including in our rural and tribal communities, and Congress has answered the call to action. We urgently need to develop a strategy to combat this epidemic, and I will continue to push for my bill to be signed into law.
By strengthening support for existing MMRCs and helping additional states create MMRCs, Heitkamp's legislation would examine the causes of U.S. deaths due to pregnancy complications and would help find feasible solutions to address the ongoing crisis in local communities. With additional research into this growing epidemic, the bipartisan bill would help expecting mothers access critical health care resources like hospital facilities, so they can experience healthier pregnancies.
Heitkamp's bill is endorsed by the American Congress of Obstrecticians and Gynecologists and the Preeclampsia Foundation. Click here for a full list of the more than 40 organizations supporting this bill.
In September 2018, Heitkamp convened health care providers, families, and maternal health advocates in Grand Forks to examine the causes of rising nationwide maternal mortality rates and to discuss ideas, like this bill, to better support the health and well-being of mothers and newborn children across North Dakota. During the roundtable discussion, Heitkamp heard from several mothers who have experienced complications either during pregnancy or after the birth of their children.
Earlier this year, Heitkamphelped pass a bipartisan funding bill that includes $50 million in fundingto be used for a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality which Heitkamp successfully pushed for. The bill also includes $12 million for expanded data collection at State Maternal Mortality review boards and $38 million to expand evidence-based programs to advance maternal health equity in rural, tribal, and historically underserved areas.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-and-udall-introduce-legislation-to-improve-hiring-process-for-bureau-of-indian-affairs-law-enforcement,Hoeven and Udall Introduce Legislation to Improve Hiring Process for Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18
			 Hoeven and Udall Introduce Legislation to Improve Hiring Process for Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Bill Would Help Address Background Check Backlog, Increase Number of Qualified BIA Law Enforcement Officials
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Tom Udall (D-NM), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs introduced legislation this week to help improve the hiring process for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement positions. The legislation would put in place a demonstration program enabling the BIA to conduct background checks for the agency's law enforcement positions.
Currently, the BIA runs their background checks through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which often takes as long as 12 to 18 months to complete the investigation.
This legislation would establish a demonstration program within the BIA to help address the backlog of background checks for those seeking to become BIA law enforcement officers. BIA law enforcement positions often go unfilled due to a lengthy background check process. It is critical that we fill those vacancies with qualified individuals and give BIA law enforcement the support they need, Hoeven said. This legislation will give BIA the authority to conduct their own background checks and fill those positions in a timely manner.
As I pointed out in the Indian Affairs Committee's hearing on missing and murdered Indigenous women, one of the biggest public safety issues facing Indian Country is the need for more law enforcement personnel. When qualified candidates apply for Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement positions, they often face a needlessly cumbersome and lengthy hiring process  which sometimes stretches out for a year or more. This discourages applicants and worsens the officer shortage in tribal communities. That is totally unacceptable, said Udall. I'm glad Senator Hoeven and I were able to work together on this bipartisan legislation. It is an important step in the right direction that would cut red tape and improve the background check process so that we can put more officers on the ground in Native communities to help keep Indian Country safe.
The bill:
 
Gives the Secretary of the Interior authority to conduct background investigations for law enforcement positions within the BIA for the duration of the demonstration program.
Directs the Secretary to consider prior background checks in the process of their investigation.
Gives the Secretary the authority to enter into memorandums of agreement with State, Local, and Tribal governments to expedite the process.
Sets forth reporting requirements for BIA, and requires GAO to review the program to ensure the program's integrity.
 
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https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-group-in-pressing-to-modernize-tax-credit-to-help-advance-the-use-of-ccs-technology,"Hoeven Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group in Pressing to Modernize Tax Credit to Help Advance the Use of CCS Technology",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18
			 Hoeven Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Group in Pressing to Modernize Tax Credit to Help Advance the Use of CCS Technology 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Worked with Energy Stakeholders to Craft Solution, Ensure Standards Are Technically & Economically Feasible for CCS Retrofit Projects
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven this week led a bipartisan group of Senators and Congressmen in urging the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee to include a provision in upcoming legislation supporting the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology.
Our energy industry is constantly innovating and developing the technologies that will ensure America's energy security while also improving environmental stewardship, said Hoeven. We need to make sure that the standards we put in place actually accomplish the goal of reducing emissions. The Section 48A tax credit currently imposes requirements that don't reflect the technical and commercial realities of using CCS technology. We've worked to craft a legislative solution and are pressing for its inclusion in end-of-the-year tax legislation. Doing so will support the adoption of this technology and enable us to realize its full potential.
Basin Electric appreciates Senator Hoeven's leadership in supporting improvements to the 48A tax credit for advanced coal projects. This incentive is important to help the utility industry continue implementing solutions to reduce emissions from coal-based power plants and explore future options to keep coal in the generation mix as a reliable and affordable fuel source, said Paul Sukut, CEO and General Manager of Basin Electric. 
The 300 members of the Lignite Energy Council appreciate the support demonstrated by North Dakota's Congressional Delegation to both modify and extend an important tax incentive that will help boost clean coal technology. We are deeply committed to advanced generation technologies, in terms of dollars, time and resources. The 48A tax credit is one more arrow in our quiver as we bridge from traditional generation systems to advanced systems that are more efficient and increasingly clean. said Jason Bohrer, President and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council.
Thank you to Senator Hoeven for his efforts on putting together this notable letter, it's both bi-partisan with key policymakers as signatories.Making small changes to section 48A can really have a big impact to spur the development of carbon capture retrofit projects across the country, including Project Tundra.Thank you to Senator Hoeven and each of the co-signers for their leadership on this issue, said Mac McLennan, President and CEO of Minnkota Power.
Hoeven has been working with energy stakeholders to address the efficiency and performance standards under the Section 48A tax credit, which incentivizes investment in clean coal facilities. The tax credit was first established in 2005, and CO2 capture projects were made eligible in 2008. However, the eligibility standards for the credit are not technically or economically feasible for CCS retrofit projects, like Project Tundra. Accordingly, Hoeven and his colleagues are pressing for reforms to the standards that reflect the capabilities of existing technology, which will help promote the adoption of CCS technology and reduce emissions.
In addition to Hoeven, the letter was signed by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as well as Congressmen Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.). The full text of the group's letter can be found here.
Today's effort dovetails with Hoeven's CO2 Regulatory Certainty Act, which would ensure developers of CCS projects can use the Section 45Q tax credit, as well as his legislation to extend the Section 45 refined coal tax credit. Further, it builds on his efforts as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Hoeven secured the following priorities in the Fiscal Year 2019 funding legislation that was recently signed into law:
 
$30 million to support the development of commercial-scale carbon capture technology to be retrofitted on an existing power plant, funding for which the next phase ofProject Tundrawould be eligible.
$25 million to develop supercritical CO2technologies for coal and natural gas plants like theAllam Cycle.
Increased funding for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) carbon capture and storage research programs.
A provision supporting DOE's cooperative agreements with institutions like the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota.
 
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https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-presses-for-trade-assistance-to-continue-helping-producers-impacted-by-trade-negotiations,Hoeven Presses for Trade Assistance to Continue Helping Producers Impacted by Trade Negotiations,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18
			 Hoeven Presses for Trade Assistance to Continue Helping Producers Impacted by Trade Negotiations 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, spoke this week with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney to outline the importance of providing the second half of trade assistance to help producers impacted by trade negotiations. 
I'm encouraged that China is starting to buy soybeans from U.S. producers. At the same time, I called OMB Director Mulvaney and emphasized that it is very important that the USDA continue with the trade assistance payment for our farmers, said Hoeven. We want to see both that assistance, as well as China coming back into the market to buy our agriculture products.
In August, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out the first half of its trade assistance to aid producers while the Administration works to negotiate better trade deals for the nation. Hoeven is encouraging both OMB and USDA to provide the second half of support for farmers.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-president-to-advance-keystone-xl-pipeline-project-in-bicameral-letter,Hoeven Urges President to Advance Keystone XL Pipeline Project in Bicameral Letter,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18
			 Hoeven Urges President to Advance Keystone XL Pipeline Project in Bicameral Letter 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 In 114th Congress, Senator Introduced Legislation Passed by Congress to Approve Pipeline Project
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven and Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) today led a bicameral letter with of 42 Senators and Representatives urging the President to take immediate action to advance construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
The Keystone XL Pipeline is all about upgrading important energy infrastructure to support our economy and create jobs, Hoeven said. In addition to creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in capital investment, the project will also reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil while helping to transport oil more quickly and safely. That's why I urge the President to take any appropriate action to ensure construction on this important project resumes as soon as possible.
In addition to Hoeven and Daines, the letter was signed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), as well as twenty-seven members of the House of Representatives including Congressman Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). The full text of the group's letter can be found here.
In the 114th Congress, Hoeven introduced S.1, legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline on constitutional grounds. The bill passed with bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House, but was then vetoed by President Obama, who had delayed the project for more than seven years. Last March, the Trump Administration approved the permit to build the pipeline, but construction on the project was recently halted by a federal court decision in Montana.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=61EC0FD9-436D-40D9-BBFE-294E4677FD33,Heitkamp Delivers Farewell Speech on Floor of U.S. Senate,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"During Her Six Years in the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has Fought for the Priorities of Rural America, Children, Working Families & Indian Country 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber.
Click here to watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube. Click here to watch her full remarks on Facebook.
Below are excerpts from Heitkamp's U.S. Senate farewell address:
Beating the Odds
In 2000, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My oncologists told me you have a 28 percent chance of living more than ten years. Think about that. So I knew right away that I had a chance to use what time God gave me for good and noble purposes. To try and do the things that I always thought needed to be done in this country. It's an important lesson for all of you. The greatest gift you have is not your bank account. Your greatest gift that you have is the amount of time you have left on this earth and what you do with that time. And I chose for good or for bad to come to the United States Senate.

My family struggled to get by and when you look at it, you think about this, you think about a country where somebody from my background could actually become a United States Senator. I'm a Democrat from a very conservative state, but against all odds, in fact the prediction was only 8 percent, I got elected to the Senate.
A Legacy of Bipartisan Achievement
When you look at the time and the opportunity to rise above partisanship and rancor, I have found so much common ground with so many members of this body. I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to accomplish. I've advocated for Native American communities in my bill to stand up for Native American children, which I did with Lisa [Murkowski] from the very beginning. The first bill I introduced and it was symbolic for me because we have to do better. And I found great partnerships with Lisa not just on this, but on other issues. But I know her heart. And I know that she cares. And when you find people who care the way you care, you can do amazing things.

My legislation to create an Amber Alert with our colleague John McCain in Indian Country became law. We're on our way to passing Savanna's Act, which is going to recognize for the first time the challenge and the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women.
[We passed] bipartisan legislation to help crack down on human trafficking online. We shut down Backpage. We shut down people who were in fact selling children for sex. You think about that. That's a noble act that we took and the challenge continues.
Congress passed my bill to give first responders more training and resources to keep our communities strong and safe.
I've led a successful effort again with my colleague from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, to lift the age-old ban on exporting oil and pairing it with renewables that we did with my other colleagues on this side of the aisle when we looked at enhancing renewable energy. A flaming success on both sides. We are exporting literally millions of barrels of oil resulting in energy independence and helping our allies, but we also are growing our renewable energy industry because of that effort.
I secured a Vet Center in Grand Forks and a CBOC. Might be small to this body, but huge to the veterans it serves.
I got needed funds for flood protection across North Dakota working with Senator Hoeven.
I passed my bill to secure the Northern Border working with Kelly Ayotte.
Legislation I helped to provide relief to community banks with Senator Crapo, Senator Donnelly, Senator Tester, and Senator Warner. Recognizing the challenges, no one thought we could get that done but we did because we believed we could. Think about that.
I worked with the Republicans and Democrats probably the crowning achievement together in terms of bipartisanship to deal with carbon capture. The first major piece of carbon legislation that's been passed since I've been here. I can't speak to other pieces. How did that happen? It happened when Senator Barrasso and Senator Capito and I and, by the way, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse collaborated and said we can't agree on climate, but we will agree on development of technology that will change outcomes. This technology is absolutely essential to tackling problems of carbon emissions in this country. So don't say it can't be done. If you can get Sheldon Whitehouse and Mitch McConnell on a bill that involves carbon and the coal industry, that's a good day here. That's a really good day here.
In six years, I've held over 3,400 meetings in North Dakota, both in Washington and in North Dakota. My office has provided responses to over 204,000 North Dakotans who reached out to me on various issues. And my office has helped over 18,000 North Dakotans with federal agencies getting their V.A. benefits, fixing social security, helping resolve immigrations and much, much more.
Sounding the Alarm on Trade
The administration's trade war not something I have been shy talking about is causing an emergency in rural America. But I think it is going to cascade into a challenge, and it's going to domino into an economic peril for this country. I'm not saying that we don't need to address disparities, inequities in trade agreements I am saying that you don't need a 17th century solution, which is called a tariff, to deal with a 21st century problem.
The Need for Political Courage in Congress
There are many around here on both sides of the aisle who know how to get results. And I encourage them to speak loudly, work clearly, seek compromise, and continue to do great and good works. And I hope more Senators will join them. We also need more political courage in Congress. We need members of Congress who are willing to take tough votes because it's the right thing to do, even if it puts their reelection in jeopardy. We need more members who are not too scared to stand up when someone in their party uses fear and lies to win support.
Challenges on the Horizon
I want to tell you about a Native American principle called seven generations. It urges decision-making in any way to look at how the current decisions that are made in this generation will affect the next seven generations. And to think about how you can look to a much broader purpose. I had a thing I did in my office when people could come in and they would have the issue of the day. I would say, Look up. What is on the horizon? Debt and Deficit, a looming retirement crisis, a crisis in education, a crisis in addiction. Look up. What do we need to do today that seven generations of people will look back and don't worry about a public opinion poll. Because you're making decisions for the next seven generations, and they have to be the right decisions.'
Ending a Culture of Failure
We have to get out of the shared culture of failure believing it can't happen. It can happen. We can do really big and great things when we believe we can, and when we refuse to accept failure, when we refuse to believe that we are somehow limited. No one's tying you, no one's limiting you.
Thank You
I want to just also thank other people. First is the Capitol Police. Some of my best friends here are Capitol Police. Some of the nicest people you're going to meet serve you in the dining room. Some of the greatest people are painting the walls out there. Say Hello. Don't just walk by them. They serve you, and they're proud. They're proud of the work that they do. And so they are wonderful people. And I want to thank them for their friendship. I want to thank so many more who cared about this place.
I also wanted to thank my staff which are all here. Many of them are amazing people, and they're going to go on to do amazing things. I have a thing that I do when I sign things. I say, Go do great and good things.' We've seen that throughout history. Go do great and good things and they will. They are amazing. They've given so much, and I know you all think that you have the best staff. Unfortunately, I do. A lot of them, you know, are available just want to say. So I want them to take what they've learned into their future endeavors. And I want to make sure that the legacy that we leave is a legacy of service, of who we serve, and who we stand for.
Finally, I want to thank my family. My husband, Darwin, who's toiling away in the clinic as we speak. My daughter, Althea, and my son, Nathan. My six brothers and sisters who are fairly famous all across North Dakota. I would like to just say they've been my rock. Finally, I want to thank my mom and dad, because they taught me and my siblings to stand up for what is right. To have our voices heard, and I know they're watching me from above, and I wanted to thank them for raising a rowdy, boisterous, and determined crew who made each other's best friends. My mother and father made us strong.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=61EC0FD9-436D-40D9-BBFE-294E4677FD33,Heitkamp Delivers Farewell Speech on Floor of U.S. Senate,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"During Her Six Years in the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has Fought for the Priorities of Rural America, Children, Working Families & Indian Country 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today delivered her final speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. During the speech, she highlighted her accomplishments in the Senate, the work that still needs to happen on many issues, and a call for bipartisanship and compromise in the chamber.
Click here to watch Heitkamp's full remarks on YouTube. Click here to watch her full remarks on Facebook.
Below are excerpts from Heitkamp's U.S. Senate farewell address:
Beating the Odds
In 2000, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. My oncologists told me you have a 28 percent chance of living more than ten years. Think about that. So I knew right away that I had a chance to use what time God gave me for good and noble purposes. To try and do the things that I always thought needed to be done in this country. It's an important lesson for all of you. The greatest gift you have is not your bank account. Your greatest gift that you have is the amount of time you have left on this earth and what you do with that time. And I chose for good or for bad to come to the United States Senate.

My family struggled to get by and when you look at it, you think about this, you think about a country where somebody from my background could actually become a United States Senator. I'm a Democrat from a very conservative state, but against all odds, in fact the prediction was only 8 percent, I got elected to the Senate.
A Legacy of Bipartisan Achievement
When you look at the time and the opportunity to rise above partisanship and rancor, I have found so much common ground with so many members of this body. I am incredibly proud of what we've been able to accomplish. I've advocated for Native American communities in my bill to stand up for Native American children, which I did with Lisa [Murkowski] from the very beginning. The first bill I introduced and it was symbolic for me because we have to do better. And I found great partnerships with Lisa not just on this, but on other issues. But I know her heart. And I know that she cares. And when you find people who care the way you care, you can do amazing things.

My legislation to create an Amber Alert with our colleague John McCain in Indian Country became law. We're on our way to passing Savanna's Act, which is going to recognize for the first time the challenge and the tragedy of missing and murdered indigenous women.
[We passed] bipartisan legislation to help crack down on human trafficking online. We shut down Backpage. We shut down people who were in fact selling children for sex. You think about that. That's a noble act that we took and the challenge continues.
Congress passed my bill to give first responders more training and resources to keep our communities strong and safe.
I've led a successful effort again with my colleague from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, to lift the age-old ban on exporting oil and pairing it with renewables that we did with my other colleagues on this side of the aisle when we looked at enhancing renewable energy. A flaming success on both sides. We are exporting literally millions of barrels of oil resulting in energy independence and helping our allies, but we also are growing our renewable energy industry because of that effort.
I secured a Vet Center in Grand Forks and a CBOC. Might be small to this body, but huge to the veterans it serves.
I got needed funds for flood protection across North Dakota working with Senator Hoeven.
I passed my bill to secure the Northern Border working with Kelly Ayotte.
Legislation I helped to provide relief to community banks with Senator Crapo, Senator Donnelly, Senator Tester, and Senator Warner. Recognizing the challenges, no one thought we could get that done but we did because we believed we could. Think about that.
I worked with the Republicans and Democrats probably the crowning achievement together in terms of bipartisanship to deal with carbon capture. The first major piece of carbon legislation that's been passed since I've been here. I can't speak to other pieces. How did that happen? It happened when Senator Barrasso and Senator Capito and I and, by the way, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse collaborated and said we can't agree on climate, but we will agree on development of technology that will change outcomes. This technology is absolutely essential to tackling problems of carbon emissions in this country. So don't say it can't be done. If you can get Sheldon Whitehouse and Mitch McConnell on a bill that involves carbon and the coal industry, that's a good day here. That's a really good day here.
In six years, I've held over 3,400 meetings in North Dakota, both in Washington and in North Dakota. My office has provided responses to over 204,000 North Dakotans who reached out to me on various issues. And my office has helped over 18,000 North Dakotans with federal agencies getting their V.A. benefits, fixing social security, helping resolve immigrations and much, much more.
Sounding the Alarm on Trade
The administration's trade war not something I have been shy talking about is causing an emergency in rural America. But I think it is going to cascade into a challenge, and it's going to domino into an economic peril for this country. I'm not saying that we don't need to address disparities, inequities in trade agreements I am saying that you don't need a 17th century solution, which is called a tariff, to deal with a 21st century problem.
The Need for Political Courage in Congress
There are many around here on both sides of the aisle who know how to get results. And I encourage them to speak loudly, work clearly, seek compromise, and continue to do great and good works. And I hope more Senators will join them. We also need more political courage in Congress. We need members of Congress who are willing to take tough votes because it's the right thing to do, even if it puts their reelection in jeopardy. We need more members who are not too scared to stand up when someone in their party uses fear and lies to win support.
Challenges on the Horizon
I want to tell you about a Native American principle called seven generations. It urges decision-making in any way to look at how the current decisions that are made in this generation will affect the next seven generations. And to think about how you can look to a much broader purpose. I had a thing I did in my office when people could come in and they would have the issue of the day. I would say, Look up. What is on the horizon? Debt and Deficit, a looming retirement crisis, a crisis in education, a crisis in addiction. Look up. What do we need to do today that seven generations of people will look back and don't worry about a public opinion poll. Because you're making decisions for the next seven generations, and they have to be the right decisions.'
Ending a Culture of Failure
We have to get out of the shared culture of failure believing it can't happen. It can happen. We can do really big and great things when we believe we can, and when we refuse to accept failure, when we refuse to believe that we are somehow limited. No one's tying you, no one's limiting you.
Thank You
I want to just also thank other people. First is the Capitol Police. Some of my best friends here are Capitol Police. Some of the nicest people you're going to meet serve you in the dining room. Some of the greatest people are painting the walls out there. Say Hello. Don't just walk by them. They serve you, and they're proud. They're proud of the work that they do. And so they are wonderful people. And I want to thank them for their friendship. I want to thank so many more who cared about this place.
I also wanted to thank my staff which are all here. Many of them are amazing people, and they're going to go on to do amazing things. I have a thing that I do when I sign things. I say, Go do great and good things.' We've seen that throughout history. Go do great and good things and they will. They are amazing. They've given so much, and I know you all think that you have the best staff. Unfortunately, I do. A lot of them, you know, are available just want to say. So I want them to take what they've learned into their future endeavors. And I want to make sure that the legacy that we leave is a legacy of service, of who we serve, and who we stand for.
Finally, I want to thank my family. My husband, Darwin, who's toiling away in the clinic as we speak. My daughter, Althea, and my son, Nathan. My six brothers and sisters who are fairly famous all across North Dakota. I would like to just say they've been my rock. Finally, I want to thank my mom and dad, because they taught me and my siblings to stand up for what is right. To have our voices heard, and I know they're watching me from above, and I wanted to thank them for raising a rowdy, boisterous, and determined crew who made each other's best friends. My mother and father made us strong.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-290000-grant-to-expand-all-nations-veterans-cemetery-in-fort-yates,"Hoeven Announces More Than $290,000 Grant to Expand All Nations Veterans Cemetery in Fort Yates",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $290,000 Grant to Expand All Nations Veterans Cemetery in Fort Yates 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a $291,060 grant to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The funds will be used to expand the All Nations Veterans Cemetery in Fort Yates, developing approximately eight acres. Last year, the VA provided a $4.9 million grant to build the cemetery.
Native Americans serve in the military at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group, said Hoeven. We are committed to honoring our veterans and today's funding will ensure that the families of veterans from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and surrounding region have a proper place to remember their loved ones.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-congress-sends-farm-bill-to-the-president,Hoeven: Congress Sends Farm Bill to the President,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18
			 Hoeven: Congress Sends Farm Bill to the President 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Outlines Provisions He Secured to Support ND Producers, including Increased Access to Capital and ARC Improvements
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) today released the following statement after Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill, sending it to the President to be signed into law. The Senate approved the measure yesterday by a vote of 87 to 13 and the House approved the bill today.
Hoeven outlined the importance of good farm policy for the nation's farmers and ranchers, as well as important provisions he secured for North Dakota producers, including:
 
Increased Access to Capital: The bill includes a version of Hoeven's Capital for Farmers and Ranchers Act to provide producers, including beginning farmers, with greater access to the capital necessary to start or grow their operations. The bill increases Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Guaranteed Operation and Ownership Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million, Direct Operating Loans from $300,000 to $400,000 and Direct Ownership Loans from $300,000 to $600,000.
Improvements to ARC and PLC: Hoeven worked to build on strengths in the commodity title from both the Senate and House bills.

The conference agreement includes Hoeven's proposal to reduce ARC disparities from county to county. It also includes an increase to the plug yield in ARC and uses trend adjusted yields under ARC.
The bill updates the PLC program to allow reference prices to increase if commodity prices rise significantly over the years and permits nationwide yield updates. Additionally, farmers will be allowed to make a new election between ARC and PLC in 2019, again in 2021 and annually in the following years.

 
We passed the farm bill with broad, bipartisan support and by building on the strengths of both the Senate and House versions, said Hoeven. We look forward to the President signing the bill into law. This long-term farm bill is important, not just for our farmers and ranchers, but for every American. That is because all of us benefit from the highest quality, lowest cost food supply every day. 

As a member of the farm bill conference committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee, as well as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven also worked to include the following priorities in the final farm bill:
 
Maintaining Crop Insurance:The farm bill maintains strong crop insurance policy.
Sugar Policy:The farm bill maintains strong sugar policy.
Increases for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): The bill increases MAL, a marketing tool that provides producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
Improvements to CRP and Wetland Exemptions:Both Senate and House farm bills make changes to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Maintains Private Property Rights: At Hoeven's urging, a proposal to authorize permanent easements was rejected by the conferees in defense of private property rights of farmers and ranchers. 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Site Visit: Improves the quality of the wetland appeals process by requiring NRCS to conduct a site visit with the participant after an appeal has been filed.
Report on Small Wetlands: Directs the NRCS to report the number of wetland acres in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa that have been delineated and are less than one acre.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Maintains EQIP and the full suite of other conservation programs.

Supports Agricultural Trade: Supports agricultural trade by consolidating and providing strong funding for the Market Access, Foreign Market Development, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Emerging Market Programs.
Ag Research:The final bill maintains strong land-grant formula research funding and includes increased funding for other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs included in the Senate version. For example, the authorization for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is increased from $10 million to $15 million, which benefits research conducted at North Dakota State University.
Maintains the Water Bank Program.
Honey Bee Storage: Includes a Hoeven provision that would allow beekeepers to apply for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which enables successful applicants to obtain low-interest loans for construction of farm storage facilities. The storage of beehives is not currently in the acceptable uses of the program, however the Hoeven language would make temporary refrigerated beehive storage facility eligible for the program.
Opioid Grant Funding for Rural Communities: Includes legislation Hoeven sponsored to help rural communities combat the opioid abuse epidemic. The legislation directs the USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program to give priority to applicants in rural communities that would use the grants for substance abuse education, treatment and prevention efforts.
FARMERS FIRST Act: Includes Hoeven-cosponsored provisions to assist states with establishing helplines, training and support groups as well as reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and a new Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee.
CROPS for Indian Country Act: Hoeven secured key provisions from his bipartisan CROPS for Indian Country Act that will promote agribusiness in Indian Country and strengthen Tribal self-governance for USDA programs, including expanded support for Tribal Colleges and Universities, as well as continuation of the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill also includes a technical fix for names of Tribal Colleges and Universities including Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, ND.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63E7D184-040B-4195-A8D0-E980C46E4A8B,Heitkamp Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today issued the following statement after leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill.
One of my top priorities during my time in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a strong Farm Bill that strengthens support for North Dakota crop and livestock producers. In 2014, I helped write, negotiate, and pass a Farm Bill that did just that and I've been working on the Farm Bill conference committee to make sure the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill reflects the strong, bipartisan bill that was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate earlier this year, said Heitkamp. Fundamentally, this final legislation is the Senate Farm Bill with a few minor tweaks  and it rebuffs many of the purely partisan provisions in the House version. I'm proud that priorities I fought to include  such as programming for young and beginning farmers, trade promotion dollars for Cuba, commonsense fixes to ARC-CO, and the elimination of permanent easements have all been included in the final version of the bill. Particularly during a time of uncertainty in farm country due to the administration's ongoing trade war, it's critical that we get this important piece of legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress to provide much-needed peace of mind for the rural economy, a robust safety net for growers, and expanded not limited access to important global markets for our producers.
Background
Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.
The final 2018 Farm Bill includes many key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota farmers,ranchers, and families, including her fix to the ARC-County program, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, her priority to protect and improve crop insurance, and her proposal to help farmers and ranchers handle the stress of working in an industry as volatile as agriculture.
Provisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:
 
Her bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.
 
 
Her Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.
 

 
Her priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.
 
 
Her amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.
 
 
Her efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.
 
 
Her proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.
 
 
Her reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most or all of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.
 
 
Her provision to support rural Native American communities.Heitkamp successfully included an amendment to establish a permanent Rural Development Tribal Technical Assistance Office to provide technical assistance across all areas of rural development funding. The provision, part of herTribal Food and Housing Security Actto ensure Native American communities are supported in the 2018 Farm Bill, would support rural business and community development, housing, rural infrastructure like electric and telecommunications services, and rural hospitals and health care.
 
 
Her provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B64E4C25-5F0B-4189-B897-76FB2D60D7A3,"Heitkamp Helps U.S. Senate Pass Strong, Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill; Legislation Includes Major Wins Heitkamp Fought for to Support North Dakotas Farm Economy",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today voted with a bipartisan majority to pass the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of the U.S. Senate. The legislation will now head to the U.S. House and will thenif passed proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.
As one of nine senators on the bipartisan Farm Bill Conference Committee, Heitkamp fought to include several provisions to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Among other wins, Heitkamp successfully worked to include her fix to the ARC-County program, her amendment to boost agricultural exports to Cuba, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, and her priority to protect and expand crop insurance.
The North Dakota agricultural economy is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty and one of my top priorities since arriving in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a robust Farm Bill that gives farm and ranch families the peace of mind they need during times like these, said Heitkamp. This final bill largely reflects the strongly bipartisan bill I helped craft and pass in the Senate earlier this year and it rejects many of the partisan provisions found in the House version of the bill. The legislation passed in the Senate today includes major victories I fought to include to strengthen support for North Dakota's crop and livestock producers, including fixes to ARC-County, expanded Tribal Promise Zones, the elimination of permanent easements, and trade promotion resources for U.S.-Cuba trade. Every day I wake up thinking about rural America, and this Farm Bill would give our rural communities additional opportunities for economic growth. Now, it's critical that the House votes to push this bill across the finish line before the close of this Congress.
Earlier this year, Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.
Provisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:
 
Her bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.
 
 
Her Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.
 

 
Her priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.
 
 
Her amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.
 
 
Her efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.
 
 
Her proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.
 
 
Her reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.
 
 
Her provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63E7D184-040B-4195-A8D0-E980C46E4A8B,Heitkamp Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today issued the following statement after leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill.
One of my top priorities during my time in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a strong Farm Bill that strengthens support for North Dakota crop and livestock producers. In 2014, I helped write, negotiate, and pass a Farm Bill that did just that and I've been working on the Farm Bill conference committee to make sure the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill reflects the strong, bipartisan bill that was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate earlier this year, said Heitkamp. Fundamentally, this final legislation is the Senate Farm Bill with a few minor tweaks  and it rebuffs many of the purely partisan provisions in the House version. I'm proud that priorities I fought to include  such as programming for young and beginning farmers, trade promotion dollars for Cuba, commonsense fixes to ARC-CO, and the elimination of permanent easements have all been included in the final version of the bill. Particularly during a time of uncertainty in farm country due to the administration's ongoing trade war, it's critical that we get this important piece of legislation across the finish line before the end of this Congress to provide much-needed peace of mind for the rural economy, a robust safety net for growers, and expanded not limited access to important global markets for our producers.
Background
Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.
The final 2018 Farm Bill includes many key provisions Heitkamp fought for to support North Dakota farmers,ranchers, and families, including her fix to the ARC-County program, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, her priority to protect and improve crop insurance, and her proposal to help farmers and ranchers handle the stress of working in an industry as volatile as agriculture.
Provisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:
 
Her bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.
 
 
Her Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.
 

 
Her priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.
 
 
Her amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.
 
 
Her efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.
 
 
Her proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.
 
 
Her reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most or all of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.
 
 
Her provision to support rural Native American communities.Heitkamp successfully included an amendment to establish a permanent Rural Development Tribal Technical Assistance Office to provide technical assistance across all areas of rural development funding. The provision, part of herTribal Food and Housing Security Actto ensure Native American communities are supported in the 2018 Farm Bill, would support rural business and community development, housing, rural infrastructure like electric and telecommunications services, and rural hospitals and health care.
 
 
Her provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B64E4C25-5F0B-4189-B897-76FB2D60D7A3,"Heitkamp Helps U.S. Senate Pass Strong, Bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill; Legislation Includes Major Wins Heitkamp Fought for to Support North Dakotas Farm Economy",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final Bill Includes Provisions Heitkamp Pushed for to Support Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, Boost Exports to Cuba, Remove Lifetime Easements, & Fix ARC-CO 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee, today voted with a bipartisan majority to pass the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of the U.S. Senate. The legislation will now head to the U.S. House and will thenif passed proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.
As one of nine senators on the bipartisan Farm Bill Conference Committee, Heitkamp fought to include several provisions to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers. Among other wins, Heitkamp successfully worked to include her fix to the ARC-County program, her amendment to boost agricultural exports to Cuba, her provisions to help young and beginning farmers, and her priority to protect and expand crop insurance.
The North Dakota agricultural economy is experiencing a moment of great uncertainty and one of my top priorities since arriving in the U.S. Senate has been to pass a robust Farm Bill that gives farm and ranch families the peace of mind they need during times like these, said Heitkamp. This final bill largely reflects the strongly bipartisan bill I helped craft and pass in the Senate earlier this year and it rejects many of the partisan provisions found in the House version of the bill. The legislation passed in the Senate today includes major victories I fought to include to strengthen support for North Dakota's crop and livestock producers, including fixes to ARC-County, expanded Tribal Promise Zones, the elimination of permanent easements, and trade promotion resources for U.S.-Cuba trade. Every day I wake up thinking about rural America, and this Farm Bill would give our rural communities additional opportunities for economic growth. Now, it's critical that the House votes to push this bill across the finish line before the close of this Congress.
Earlier this year, Heitkamp helped secure Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a historic margin of 86-11. The Senate Farm Billwas widely praised by North Dakota agriculture leaders. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passeda partisan Farm Billalong party lines in June.
Provisions Heitkamp successfully worked to include in the 2018 Farm Bill:
 
Her bill to fix the ARC-County Program to help farmers when commodity prices fall to damaging levels. Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in October 2017. It specifically responds to concerns from North Dakotans and would direct the Farm Service Agency to use the more widely-available data from the Risk Management Agency as the first choice in yield calculations so that county level data is more accurate and updated, calculate safety net payments so they reflect what's owed to producers in the physical counties where their farms are located, and make payments more accurate. The bill builds on Heitkamp's successful effort from 2015 when she got the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow farmers whose land is across multiple counties to have their ARC-CO payments recalculated so those payments reflect what's owed to them in the physical counties where their farms are located.
 
 
Her Next Generation in Agriculture Act to provide funding and reform programs that help young and beginning farmers and ranchers enter and remain in the industry, build the next generation of farmers, and feed the country and the world.Heitkamp introduced her bipartisan billwith U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year. It would provide permanent funding for beginning farmer and rancher training programs, create a permanent National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator and Agricultural Youth Coordinator at the USDA, direct state USDA offices to designate an employee as the state beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, and establish a next generation agriculture technology challenge competition. The average age of a farmer in North Dakota is 57 years old, according to USDA, and the percentage of new farmers has declined since 1982. Heitkamp's bill would help cultivate the next generation of farmers and support rural economies.
 

 
Her priority to expand export opportunities for North Dakota agriculture producers.With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside the U.S.,Heitkamp has been fighting to protect and expand export promotion programsto help North Dakota farmers sell to the world. She fought to make sure the Farm Bill would expand USDA programs to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.
 
 
Her amendment to boost trade with Cuba.Heitkamp and Boozman successfully included their bipartisan amendmentto allow USDA to use its existing export market development programs to create, expand, and maintain a strong Cuban export market for U.S. agricultural producers and processors at no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. This change in USDA policy would provide some needed relief from low American commodity prices by fostering a new, reliable trade relationship, boosting agricultural export revenue, and increasing export volume for American farmers and ranchers. This builds on Heitkamp's efforts to boost trade with Cuba going back to 2015, when she first introduced legislation to lift the ban on private banks and companies offering credit for agricultural exports to Cuba.
 
 
Her efforts to support a foot and mouth disease vaccine bank.Heitkampfought to secure fundingin the Farm Bill for a new National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program, as well as National Animal and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, with a priority put on foot-and-mouth disease. The threat of disease is a constant threat over a rancher's operations, and the need for a rapid response system is crucial for our food system to be able to address any outbreaks of disease such as foot and mouth. This vaccine bank will help protect North Dakota's livestock industry and our national food system.
 
 
Her proposal to help farmers and ranchers in crisis.Heitkamp secured support for state departments of agriculture, state extension services, and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups, and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. These provisions were included in thebipartisan FARMERS FIRST Act, which Heitkamp helped introduce in April to address the alarming rate of death by suicide among agricultural workers.
 
 
Her reforms to make nutrition assistance more accessible in Indian Country.The Farm Bill includes a provision derived from Heitkamp'sTribal Food and Housing Security Actto help tribes like Spirit Lake provide nutrition assistance to low-income households and children who are at risk of going hungry. This provision waives most of the match requirement for administrative costs to run the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs, which many tribes use to provide healthy, affordable food options to low-income individuals and families. In Fiscal Year 2016, there were 5,661 participants receiving nutrition assistance from the FDPIR on North Dakota tribal lands.
 
 
Her provision to provide greater certainty for the current Tribal Promise Zone designees, including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe.Heitkamp successfully added this provision, which was part of the CROPS for Indian Country Act that she cosponsored, during markup to ensure that four Tribal Promise Zones continue to have access to resources and technical assistance from federal agency partners.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-joins-epa-and-army-corps-in-announcing-regulatory-relief-under-waters-of-the-us-rule,Hoeven Joins EPA and Army Corps in Announcing Regulatory Relief Under Waters of the U.S. Rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18
			 Hoeven Joins EPA and Army Corps in Announcing Regulatory Relief Under Waters of the U.S. Rule 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Worked to Defund WOTUS Implementation in 2016 & 2017, Provide Certainty & Alleviate Burdens on Agriculture Producers, Impacted Industries
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today joined administration officials, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James, as well as leaders from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Manufacturers in announcing new regulatory relief under the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The proposed changes recognize the primary role of states and tribes in managing water resources within their borders and will help ensure the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers do not exceed the authority granted by Congress under the Clean Water Act.
This is the second of two steps established by the executive order the President signed last year to rescind or revise the Obama-era regulation, which was finalized in 2015. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven authored and secured provisions to defund the rule in 2016 and 2017, in an effort to prevent its implementation.
This revised WOTUS rule helps restore the regulatory primacy of states and tribes and provides certainty throughout our economy, including for our farmers and ranchers, said Hoeven. This is especially important in North Dakota and the rest of the prairie pothole region, where the previous administration's rule would have imposed significant burdens on a majority of landowners, just due to the presence of temporary and seasonal standing water. That's why we worked hard to provide this regulatory relief, and we appreciate Acting Administrator Wheeler, Assistant Secretary James, Secretary Zinke and all of our partners in working with us to advance this priority.
Once finalized, the revised WOTUS rule would apply nationwide and replace the patchwork of regulations that came as a result of litigation against the 2015 rule. Specifically, the proposal announced today:
 
Covers only those waters that are physically and meaningfully connected to traditional navigable waters.
Does not apply to short-lived water features that result from rainfall or to wetlands physically separated from navigable waters by, for example, a berm, levee or upland.
Would not include most farm and roadside ditches.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-senate-passage-of-farm-bill-conference-committee-report,Hoeven Statement on Senate Passage of Farm Bill Conference Committee Report,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Senate Passage of Farm Bill Conference Committee Report 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the conference committee's report to the 2018 Farm Bill by a vote of 87 to 13. The bill now goes to the House for final passage.
We were able to get agreement in the Senate, moved our vote up to today and approved the final farm bill with strong bipartisan support, said Hoeven. This is good news for our farmers and ranchers who produce the highest quality, lowest cost food in the world because our five-year farm bill will help them navigate tough times. Good farm policy benefits every American, every day, and our conference committee report incorporates strong provisions to provide our ag producers with the tools they need to succeed.
As a member of the farm bill conference committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee, as well as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to include the following priorities in the final farm bill:
 
Maintaining Crop Insurance:The farm bill maintains strong crop insurance policy.
Improving Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC):Hoeven worked to build on strengths in the commodity title from both the Senate and House bills.

The conference agreement includes Hoeven's proposal to reduce ARC disparities from county to county. It also includes an increase to the plug yield in ARC and uses trend adjusted yields under ARC.
The bill updates the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program to allow reference prices to increase if commodity prices rise significantly over the years and permits nationwide yield updates. Additionally, farmers will be allowed to make a new election between ARC and PLC in 2019, again in 2021 and annually in the following years.

Sugar Policy:The farm bill maintains strong sugar policy.
Increases for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): The bill increases MAL, a marketing tool that provides producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
FSA Guaranteed and Direct Loans:The senator worked to maintain FSA loan increases he included in the Senate bill during conference. It increases Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Guaranteed Operation and Ownership Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million, Direct Operating Loans from $300,000 to $400,000 and Direct Ownership Loans from $300,000 to $600,000.
Improvements to CRP and Wetland Exemptions:Both Senate and House farm bills make changes to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Maintains Private Property Rights: At Hoeven's urging, a proposal to authorize permanent easements was rejected by the conferees in defense of private property rights of farmers and ranchers. 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Site Visit: Improves the quality of the wetland appeals process by requiring NRCS to conduct a site visit with the participant after an appeal has been filed.
Report on Small Wetlands: Directs the NRCS to report the number of wetland acres in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa that have been delineated and are less than one acre.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Maintains EQIP and the full suite of other conservation programs.

Supports Agricultural Trade: Supports agricultural trade by consolidating and providing strong funding for the Market Access, Foreign Market Development, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Emerging Market Programs.
Ag Research:The final bill maintains strong land-grant formula research funding and includes increased funding for other USDA research programs included in the Senate version. For example, the authorization for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is increased from $10 million to $15 million, which benefits research conducted at North Dakota State University.
Maintains the Water Bank Program.
Honey Bee Storage: Includes a Hoeven provision that would allow beekeepers to apply for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which enables successful applicants to obtain low-interest loans for construction of farm storage facilities. The storage of beehives is not currently in the acceptable uses of the program, however the Hoeven language would make temporary refrigerated beehive storage facility eligible for the program.
Opioid Grant Funding for Rural Communities: Includes legislation Hoeven sponsored to help rural communities combat the opioid abuse epidemic. The legislation directs the USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program to give priority to applicants in rural communities that would use the grants for substance abuse education, treatment and prevention efforts.
FARMERS FIRST Act: Includes Hoeven-cosponsored provisions to assist states with establishing helplines, training and support groups as well as reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and a new Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee.
CROPS for Indian Country Act: Hoeven secured key provisions from his bipartisan CROPS for Indian Country Act that will promote agribusiness in Indian Country and strengthen Tribal self-governance for USDA programs, including expanded support for Tribal Colleges and Universities, as well as continuation of the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill also includes a technical fix for names of Tribal Colleges and Universities including Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, ND.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-farm-bill-conference-committee-agreement,Hoeven Statement on Farm Bill Conference Committee Agreement,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Farm Bill Conference Committee Agreement 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) today released the following statement after signing the 2018 Farm Bill conference report, which strengthens the farm safety net and provides important tools to help see North Dakota farmers and ranchers through hard times. Hoeven is a member of the conference committee, the fourth highest ranking majority member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee.
Our producers need the certainty that comes with the passage of a five-year farm bill, Hoeven said. Good farm policy benefits every American, every day, and that's why we we're working to pass the final farm bill before the end of the year. We worked hard with our fellow conferees to find agreement and now we need to pass this legislation as soon as possible. This long-term farm bill provides producers with the tools they need to succeed now and in the coming years. 
Hoeven outlined priorities he worked to include in the final farm bill, including:
 
Maintaining Crop Insurance:The farm bill maintains strong crop insurance policy.
Improving Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC):Hoeven worked to build on strengths in the commodity title from both the Senate and House bills.

The conference agreement includes Hoeven's proposal to reduce ARC disparities from county to county. It also includes an increase to the plug yield in ARC and uses trend adjusted yields under ARC.
The bill updates the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program to allow reference prices to increase if commodity prices rise significantly over the years and permits nationwide yield updates. Additionally, farmers will be allowed to make a new election between ARC and PLC in 2019, again in 2021 and annually in the following years.

Sugar Policy:The farm bill maintains strong sugar policy.
Increases for Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): The bill increases MAL, a marketing tool that provides producers interim financing at harvest time to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows.
FSA Guaranteed and Direct Loans:The senator worked to maintain FSA loan increases he included in the Senate bill during conference. It increases Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Guaranteed Operation and Ownership Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million, Direct Operating Loans from $300,000 to $400,000 and Direct Ownership Loans from $300,000 to $600,000.
Improvements to CRP and Wetland Exemptions:Both Senate and House farm bills make changes to the Conservation Reserve Program.

Maintains Private Property Rights: At Hoeven's urging, a proposal to authorize permanent easements was rejected by the conferees in defense of private property rights of farmers and ranchers. 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Site Visit: Improves the quality of the wetland appeals process by requiring NRCS to conduct a site visit with the participant after an appeal has been filed.
Report on Small Wetlands: Directs the NRCS to report the number of wetland acres in North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa that have been delineated and are less than one acre.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Maintains EQIP and the full suite of other conservation programs.

Supports Agricultural Trade: Supports agricultural trade by consolidating and providing strong funding for the Market Access, Foreign Market Development, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops and the Emerging Market Programs.
Ag Research:The final bill maintains strong land-grant formula research funding and includes increased funding for other USDA research programs included in the Senate version. For example, the authorization for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is increased from $10 million to $15 million, which benefits research conducted at North Dakota State University.
Maintains the Water Bank Program.
Honey Bee Storage: Includes a Hoeven provision that would allow beekeepers to apply for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which enables successful applicants to obtain low-interest loans for construction of farm storage facilities. The storage of beehives is not currently in the acceptable uses of the program, however the Hoeven language would make temporary refrigerated beehive storage facility eligible for the program.
Opioid Grant Funding for Rural Communities: Includes legislation Hoeven sponsored to help rural communities combat the opioid abuse epidemic. The legislation directs the USDA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program to give priority to applicants in rural communities that would use the grants for substance abuse education, treatment and prevention efforts.
FARMERS FIRST Act: Includes Hoeven-cosponsored provisions to assist states with establishing helplines, training and support groups as well as reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) and a new Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee.
CROPS for Indian Country Act: Hoeven secured key provisions from his bipartisan CROPS for Indian Country Act that will promote agribusiness in Indian Country and strengthen Tribal self-governance for USDA programs, including expanded support for Tribal Colleges and Universities, as well as continuation of the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture. The bill also includes a technical fix for names of Tribal Colleges and Universities including Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, ND.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/chairman-hoeven-announces-senate-passage-of-savannas-act,Chairman Hoeven Announces Senate Passage of Savannas Act,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.18
			 Chairman Hoeven Announces Senate Passage of Savanna's Act 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced Senate passage of S. 1942, Savanna's Act. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives.
S. 1942 is named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind from North Dakota, who was tragically murdered in 2017.The bill:
 
Improves tribal access to federal databases that track missing and unidentified persons, specifically American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Requires the Department of Justice to consult with Indian tribes while developing national law enforcement and justice guidelines when responding to cases involving missing and murdered Indians.
Incentivizes federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to incorporate these guidelines into existing processes.
Provides Indian tribes and law enforcement agencies with training and technical assistance relating to the implementation of the guidelines developed under this Act.
Mandates annual reporting to Congress on known statistics relating to missing and murdered Indians in the United States.
 
Savanna's Act will provide Indian tribes with better access to databases that track missing and unidentified persons across the country, said Hoeven. This will help bring greater awareness regarding tragic cases of missing and murdered Indians in the United States.
S. 1942 was introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) on October 5, 2017. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on the bill on October 25, 2017. On November 14, 2018, the Committee held a Business Meeting on the bill and ordered it to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. It will now go to the House for consideration.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-usda-finalizes-regulatory-relief-under-school-meal-program,Hoeven: USDA Finalizes Regulatory Relief Under School Meal Program,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.18
			 Hoeven: USDA Finalizes Regulatory Relief Under School Meal Program 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Secured Commitment from Secretary Perdue to Work with Schools, Nutrition Professionals to Ease Regulations
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a rule providing regulatory relief under the federal Child Nutrition Programs. The rule was initially published last year, after Hoeven secured a commitment from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to work with him, school nutrition professionals and school districts to ease the regulations. Prior to this, Hoeven secured a provision in annual funding legislation passed last year that granted schools greater flexibility in meeting USDA's whole grains and sodium requirements.
Our school nutrition professionals do a tremendous job in providing healthy and nutritious meals that kids will actually eat, said Hoeven. The previous requirements for the federal child nutrition programs set unrealistic, one-size fits-all standards. That's why we worked with Secretary Perdue to advance this flexibility under the final rule, which will empower schools to provide quality meals while still making their budget.
Specifically, the rule finalized today would address requirements for:
 
WHOLE GRAINS:Under the previous regulations, all grains offered with school meals were required to be whole grain rich  down to the croutons on the fresh salad bar. While schools were able to apply for waivers, Hoeven worked to address concerns with the waiver application and provide longer-term flexibility. This rule allows for half of all grains offered to be whole-grain rich, ending the need for the exemption process.
SODIUM: Schools have made great strides in reducing sodium to meet Target 1 sodium levels. However, school nutrition professionals have warned that lower sodium targets will push many healthy options, like low-fat deli sandwiches, soups and salads off the menu, due in part to naturally occurring sodium in foods. In recognition of this, the rule allows schools to remain at Target 1 sodium levels through the 2023-2024 school year, giving schools additional time to meet the Target 2 requirements and adjust to sodium reduction efforts. The final sodium target is eliminated under this rule.
MILK: The rule gives schools the option to serve flavored low-fat milk, in addition to the currently allowed unflavored non-fat and low-fat milk and flavored non-fat milk.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-bill-hoeven-cosponsored-to-improve-broadband-availability-for-precision-agriculture,Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill Hoeven Cosponsored to Improve Broadband Availability for Precision Agriculture,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.18
			 Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill Hoeven Cosponsored to Improve Broadband Availability for Precision Agriculture 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Legislation Builds on Hoeven's Efforts as Ag Appropriations Chairman to Support Investment in Rural Broadband Infrastructure
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the Senate has passed bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to improve broadband availability for precision agriculture.
Precision agriculture reduces input cost and improves yields, said Hoeven. Farmers and ranchers need dependable access to broadband in order to take full advantage of the wide range of these agriculture technology products. Our legislation will help identify gaps in coverage and ensure we enact solutions to address problem areas.
The Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act (S. 2343) requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a task force comprised of public and private sector members to accomplish the following:
 
Identify service gaps for broadband internet access on agricultural land;
Create a comprehensive guide of programs and resources working to expand coverage;
Develop and recommend policies and programs to address the gaps and achieve 95 percent coverage of croplands and ranchlands by 2025.
 
The bill is sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and, in addition to Hoeven, is cosponsored by the following senators: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Angus King (I-Maine).
The legislation is also supported by the Agricultural Broadband Coalition whose members include AGCO, Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, CNH Industrial, CoBank, John Deere, Lindsay Corporation, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Corn Growers, Power and Communication Contractors Association and Trimble.
Additionally, the legislation builds on Hoeven's efforts as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, through which he helped secure $600 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and $425 million in FY2019 to spur investment in broadband for rural and hard-to-serve areas.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE552A51-E9AE-4DAA-A942-14C1DE7D2371,U.S. Senate Passes Heitkamps Savannas Act to Shed Light on Nationwide Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp Named the Legislation in Memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, Who Was Tragically Killed Last Year in North Dakota 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to pass Savanna's Act, a landmark bill she introduced to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women.
On some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.
Named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.
When I introduced this bill last year, I wanted to honor the memory of Savanna and spark a nationwide call to action against the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. For tar too long, this crisis in our Native American communities has been unnoticed, ignored, and unreported, said Heitkamp. Today's unanimous passage of Savanna's Act in the U.S. Senate is a major step in raising awareness about this growing epidemic. By improving tribal access to federal law enforcement databases, we are protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens and putting guidelines in place to potentially save lives. And as we remember the life of Savanna and the unimaginable pain of those eight days of friends and family searching for her, this legislation will help law enforcement agencies better collect and maintain data on those missing and help our criminal justice system take stronger action against those who traffic in exploitation, abuse, and murder. When I first came to the U.S. Senate, one of my top priorities was to build stronger and safer futures for kids across North Dakota's reservationsand earlier this year, I was proud to watch my AMBER Alert in Indian County Act become law. With Savanna's Act moving one step closer to being signed into law, I hope my colleagues will take up this mantle and continue to fight for legislative action that protects all women and children and promotes safety and healing across Indian Country. And the U.S. House should immediately pass my bill.
In October 2017, Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate as she introduced Savanna's Act, where she shared the stories from families of missing and murdered Native women. Click here to watch her full remarks.
And in November 2017, Heitkamp launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.
Last month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs voted to advance Savanna's Act just as a report from the Urban Indian Health Institute found extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it. Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.
Click here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.
Specifically, Savanna's Act would:
 
Improve data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.
 
 
Improve tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.
 
 
Create locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.
 
Click here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.
Background
Heitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:

 
Combating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.
 
 
Calling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.
 
 
Protecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.
 
 
Keeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EE552A51-E9AE-4DAA-A942-14C1DE7D2371,U.S. Senate Passes Heitkamps Savannas Act to Shed Light on Nationwide Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp Named the Legislation in Memory of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, Who Was Tragically Killed Last Year in North Dakota 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to pass Savanna's Act, a landmark bill she introduced to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women.
On some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.
Named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.
When I introduced this bill last year, I wanted to honor the memory of Savanna and spark a nationwide call to action against the growing crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. For tar too long, this crisis in our Native American communities has been unnoticed, ignored, and unreported, said Heitkamp. Today's unanimous passage of Savanna's Act in the U.S. Senate is a major step in raising awareness about this growing epidemic. By improving tribal access to federal law enforcement databases, we are protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens and putting guidelines in place to potentially save lives. And as we remember the life of Savanna and the unimaginable pain of those eight days of friends and family searching for her, this legislation will help law enforcement agencies better collect and maintain data on those missing and help our criminal justice system take stronger action against those who traffic in exploitation, abuse, and murder. When I first came to the U.S. Senate, one of my top priorities was to build stronger and safer futures for kids across North Dakota's reservationsand earlier this year, I was proud to watch my AMBER Alert in Indian County Act become law. With Savanna's Act moving one step closer to being signed into law, I hope my colleagues will take up this mantle and continue to fight for legislative action that protects all women and children and promotes safety and healing across Indian Country. And the U.S. House should immediately pass my bill.
In October 2017, Heitkamp spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate as she introduced Savanna's Act, where she shared the stories from families of missing and murdered Native women. Click here to watch her full remarks.
And in November 2017, Heitkamp launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.
Last month, the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs voted to advance Savanna's Act just as a report from the Urban Indian Health Institute found extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it. Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.
Click here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.
Specifically, Savanna's Act would:
 
Improve data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.
 
 
Improve tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.
 
 
Create locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.
 
Click here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.
Background
Heitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:

 
Combating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.
 
 
Calling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.
 
 
Protecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.
 
 
Keeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-dot-awards-15-million-to-turtle-mountain-for-jack-rabbit-road-reconstruction-project,Hoeven: DOT Awards $15 Million to Turtle Mountain for Jack Rabbit Road Reconstruction Project,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18
			 Hoeven: DOT Awards $15 Million to Turtle Mountain for Jack Rabbit Road Reconstruction Project 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, today spoke with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao who told him that DOT has awarded a $15 million BUILD Grant to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. The funds will be used for the second phase of the Jack Rabbit Road reconstruction project.
BUILD Grants have helped advance important infrastructure projects across North Dakota, including those in Minot, Devils Lake, Fort Berthold and the Turtle Mountain Reservation, Hoeven said. Today's investment by DOT will help the tribe rehabilitate the Jack Rabbit Road corridor and make this road safer for those that use it. Infrastructure supports our businesses and economy, and the BUILD Grant program is an important tool for supporting construction and rehabilitation projects. That is why we are committed to working in the Senate Appropriations Committee to ensure robust support for the BUILD Grant program.
The BUILD Grant program, formerly known as the TIGER Grant program, supports infrastructure projects of national or regional significance. DOT awarded $6 million to the Jack Rabbit Road project in March.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-rma-provides-crop-insurance-flexibility-for-farmers-facing-delayed-harvest,Hoeven: RMA Provides Crop Insurance Flexibility for Farmers Facing Delayed Harvest,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18
			 Hoeven: RMA Provides Crop Insurance Flexibility for Farmers Facing Delayed Harvest 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Urged Agriculture Secretary Perdue & RMA to Issue Guidance to Farmers, Insurance Companies & Loss Adjustors Prior to December 10th Deadline
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is providing flexibility for farmers who have been unable to complete harvest prior to December 10, the end date for insurance policies covering most spring-planted crops, including corn and soybeans. This action comes after Hoeven spoke with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and wrote to the RMA, urging them to issue guidance to farmers, insurance companies and loss adjustors on properly processing delayed crops and filing claims as harvest continues past the deadline. The full text of Hoeven's letter to the RMA can be found here.
Our farmers need to know that their insurance policies will cover them when facing long delays in harvest, said Hoeven. We appreciate Secretary Perdue, Under Secretary Northey and RMA Administrator Barbre for working with us to issue this guidance prior to the December 10th deadline. Doing so provides much-needed certainty for our agriculture producers as they work through bad weather and difficult conditions to bring this year's crop out of the field.
I appreciate Chairman Hoeven's focus on the needs of our farmers and his efforts to get this guidance to them so they can continue to farm even after bad weather hurts their operations, said USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Bill Northey.
Due to excessive moisture and snowy conditions, which have continuously delayed this year's harvest, North Dakota had approximately one million acres of corn and 500,000 acres of soybeans still out for harvest at the end of November, much of which will likely remain in the field when the deadline passes. Farmers should contact their insurance agent to discuss extending the time period for attempting harvest and settling any losses based on harvested production. Under RMA's guidance, approved insurance providers may allow additional time to harvest when the following conditions are met:
 
Farmers give timely notice of loss to their crop insurance agent;
The approved insurance provider determines and documents that the delay in harvest was due to an insured cause of loss;
Farmers demonstrate that harvest was not possible due to insured causes; and
The delay in harvest was not due to a lack of sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest the crop by the end of the insurance period.
 
More information on requesting assistance due to delayed harvest can be found on the RMA's website.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-revised-epa-standards-for-new-coal-generating-power-plants,Hoeven Statement on Revised EPA Standards for New Coal-Generating Power Plants,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Revised EPA Standards for New Coal-Generating Power Plants 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal to replace regulations from the previous administration governing emissions from new, modified and reconstructed coal-fired power plants.
This proposal builds upon our record of providing regulatory relief and certainty, said Hoeven. The previous administration's rule attempted to force standards that were neither technically nor commercially viable. Under these changes, energy producers will be able to continue relying on all of our nation's energy resources and provide affordable and reliable electricity. At the same time, we continue to advance new technologies that will actually empower us to reduce emissions without undermining our nation's energy security.
Hoeven continues to support the development of new technologies to reduce emissions from both traditional and renewable energy sources. To this end, Hoeven worked as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee to secure the following priorities in the Fiscal Year 2019 funding legislation that was recently signed into law:
 
$30 million to support the development of commercial-scale carbon capture technology to be retrofitted on an existing power plant, funding for which the next phase ofProject Tundrawould be eligible.
$25 million to develop supercritical CO2technologies for coal and natural gas plants like theAllam Cycle.
Increased funding for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) carbon capture and storage research programs.
A provision supporting DOE's cooperative agreements with institutions like the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota.
 
The senator also continues working to advance hisCO2 Regulatory Certainty Act,which would ensure developers of CCS projects can use the Section 45Q tax credit, as well as an extension of the Section 45refined coal tax credit.
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		    	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-195-million-in-funding-for-water-infrastructure-projects-in-five-north-dakota-cities,Hoeven Announces More Than $19.5 Million in Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects in Five North Dakota Cities,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $19.5 Million in Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects in Five North Dakota Cities 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded a total of $9,426,307 million in grants and $10,136,000 in loans to five North Dakota cities. The funds are awarded through Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. Details of the funding are as follows:
 
City of New Rockford  $4.526 million grant, $4.734 million loan  The funds will be used to replace water mains, paint the water tower and improve the water treatment plant and storm water infrastructure.
City of Langdon  $2.169 million grant, $2.731 million loan  The funds will be used to update and build new water and sanitary sewer main infrastructure, helping to reduce operating costs.
City of New Salem  $1.613 million grant, $2.084 million loan  The funds will be used to replace water and sewer pipes as well as re-surface roads once the pipe replacement is complete.
City of Dodge  $896,507 grant, $300,000 loan  The funds will be used to support efforts to stabilize and improve the wastewater ponds originally constructed over 60 years ago, making currently inoperable parts of the system functional.
City of Mercer  $221,800 grant, $287,000 loan  The funds will be used to construct a new lift station and repair sewer lines, helping to address a health and sanitary issue identified by the North Dakota Department of Health.
 
Every community, regardless of size, needs quality water and waste infrastructure to support its residents and businesses, said Hoeven. Today's water infrastructure investments upgrade many systems that have continued to operate beyond their expected life cycles. These improvements will improve residents' health and make the water and waste infrastructure in Dodge, New Salem, Mercer, New Rockford and Langdon more efficient.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-increase-federal-funding-for-comprehensive-flood-protection-in-the-red-river-valley,Hoeven Working to Increase Federal Funding for Comprehensive Flood Protection in the Red River Valley,2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.18
			 Hoeven Working to Increase Federal Funding for Comprehensive Flood Protection in the Red River Valley 
			
			FARGO, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today outlined his work to increase funding for comprehensive flood protection in the Red River Valley. This will address the increased costs due to Route B, the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton. The new route and associated delays have added $600 million to the cost of the project, in addition to higher financing costs.
A new funding plan has been requested by the Diversion Authority where the State of North Dakota and the federal government will each bear $300 million of the new costs. Hoeven has been working with administration officials, including Army Corps Chief Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James, Army Corps Deputy Commanding General Scott Spellmon, Army Corps Mississippi Valley Division Commander Maj. Gen. Richard Kaiser and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, to ensure the Army Corps has the authority it needs to provide the increased funding without passing additional legislation.
The Corps has verified to Hoeven that additional Congressional authorization is not required due to the authorization the senator originally secured in the 2014 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), but the public-private partnership (P3) will need to be renegotiated. Accordingly, Hoeven has secured agreement from the Corps to renegotiate its Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) with the local sponsor for the additional funding.
Despite the funding requirements of the new route, the fact remains that the residents of the Fargo-Moorhead region need the certainty and security of comprehensive flood protection, Hoeven said. That's why we've worked hard to secure continued support from the Army Corps to provide increased funding over the coming years. The steps we've taken will help keep this project moving forward and deliver this much-needed flood protection infrastructure for the region. 
As a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to maintain strong support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction account and secure project funding in the coming years. This follows the increased funding Hoeven secured in Fiscal Year 2019 for the Corps' construction efforts, which helped ensure the Corps included $35 million for construction of flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region in its Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 work plan.
In addition, Hoeven secured provisions in this year's WRDA legislation and the FY2019 Energy and Water funding bill, both of which were signed into law this fall, to move forward with flood protection projects.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT
 
Resolves easement issue to enable Route B: Hoeven includedhis provision to resolve easements on land purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. The senator's provision grants the authority needed to implement Route B, the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton.
 
FISCAL YEAR 2019 ENERGY AND WATER FUNDING BILL
 
Increases the Corps' construction accountby $150 million to ensure priorities like flood protection in the Red River Valley continue to receive funding.
Implements the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programto provide states and local governments with low-cost, flexible funding sources when building water infrastructure.

The legislation directs the Corps to complete a detailed plan for implementing WIFIA and provides up to $6 million tosupport WIFIA program implementation. This aligns with Hoeven's legislationto extend the WIFIA program.

Ensures fair treatment of P3projectsand others that use alternative financing methods during the Corps' cost-benefit analysis, including flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

The bill requires the Corps to develop a policy on how it will evaluate P3s and incorporate them into its budget.
Hoeven also helped advance a provision in the Senate-passed Financial Services and General Government funding bill ensuring the Corps can fund P3s.

 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush,Hoeven Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the passing of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush:
We are all saddened to hear of the passing of George H.W. Bush. As a veteran of World War II, Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and President, President Bush was a dedicated public servant and American patriot. Mikey and I extend our deepest condolences and pray for the Bush family as they mourn and honor his remarkable life and legacy.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-holds-roundtable-with-uspto-director-local-researchers-and-business-leaders-to-discuss-securing-intellectual-property-opportunities-in-tech-development,"Hoeven Holds Roundtable with USPTO Director, Local Researchers & Business Leaders to Discuss Securing Intellectual Property, Opportunities in Tech Development",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.18
			 Hoeven Holds Roundtable with USPTO Director, Local Researchers & Business Leaders to Discuss Securing Intellectual Property, Opportunities in Tech Development 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Joins Director Iancu in Presenting Patent to NDSU Researcher Dr. Dean Webster
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today hosted a roundtable with Andrei Iancu, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and local researchers and business leaders. The senator organized the meeting to give Iancu firsthand knowledge about the needs of North Dakota's entrepreneurs and businesses in protecting their intellectual property. The group also discussed opportunities for public and private entities, such as university researchers, startups and established companies, to work together to develop and commercialize technology.
In addition, Hoeven outlined bipartisan legislation that he helped pass and was signed into law last month, the Small Business Innovation Protection Act. The bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the USPTO to develop training for small businesses on the best methods for protecting intellectual property, both domestically and internationally. The training must be accessible through digital means, such as online webinars, as well as through local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and USPTO regional offices.
North Dakota has a brilliant and growing technology sector that regularly produces new innovations to tackle a wide range of challenges, Hoeven said. Our innovators deserve credit for their hard work. Further, patents enable them to recoup the costs of their labor and help preserve the incentive for continued advancement. As we continue expanding as a hub of tech entrepreneurship, we must ensure local businesses have access to the knowledge and skills they need to secure their intellectual property and bring their products to market. This is a key part of our future economic growth, and I appreciate Director Iancu for taking the time to discuss these important issues with local industry leaders and researchers.
Following the roundtable, Hoeven joined Iancu in presenting a patent to Dr. Dean Webster, a researcher from North Dakota State University (NDSU). The patent covers a bio-based polymer developed by Webster's research group to use as a cost-effective and safe resin, coating and adhesive.
Hoeven also hosted Iancu at his annual State of Technology Conference earlier today. Each year, the senator holds the conference with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce to highlight breakthrough technologies and the local innovators creating them. The conference has served as a catalyst for new innovation and investment in the state and is part of the senator's work to position North Dakota as a hub of technology entrepreneurship, the third wave in the state's economic growth.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-marks-retirement-of-cass-county-sheriff-paul-d-laney,Hoeven Marks Retirement of Cass County Sheriff Paul D. Laney,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.18
			 Hoeven Marks Retirement of Cass County Sheriff Paul D. Laney 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Also Highlights Work to Combat Opioid Abuse & Empower Law Enforcement
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  At a retirement celebration today, Senator John Hoeven helped recognize the career of Cass County Sheriff Paul D. Laney and thanked him for his service to the community. The senator also highlighted his own work in the Senate to support law enforcement through comprehensive efforts to combat the opioid abuse crisis by supporting law enforcement, increasing access to treatment and preventing the sale and shipment of illicit synthetic drugs.
Whether through his work in the U.S. Marine Corps, with the Fargo Police Department or as Sheriff of Cass County, Sheriff Laney's career is marked by excellence in service and a devotion to his country and community, Hoeven said. We appreciate his many years of dedicated service, especially as his department serves on the front lines of the opioid abuse epidemic. We worked hard to pass comprehensive legislation to support our law enforcement and combat opioid abuse. We thank Sheriff Laney for his many years of service and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
Last month, the president signed comprehensive legislation to combat the opioid abuse crisis including provisions Hoeven cosponsored to prevent the sale and shipment of illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The legislation also helps empower law enforcement and expands access to substance abuse treatment and recovery support services.
Sheriff Laney was first elected sheriff of Cass County in 2006 and has since been re-elected twice more. He has received numerous accolades for his work including being named National Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff Association and Government Leader of the Year by E911 Institutes. Sheriff Laney also serves on the board of directors for numerous national and state law enforcement and community organizations.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-latest-developments-towards-growing-north-dakotas-tech-sector,Hoeven Outlines Latest Developments Towards Growing North Dakotas Tech Sector,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.18
			 Hoeven Outlines Latest Developments Towards Growing North Dakota's Tech Sector 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Hosts 2018 State of Technology Conference, Highlights His Priorities to Empower Innovation across Industries
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  At his 2018 State of Technology Conference today, Senator John Hoeven outlined the latest developments related to the growth of the technology sector in North Dakota and across the nation. This annual conference, which Hoeven hosts with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, is an important part of his efforts to establish the state as a hub of tech entrepreneurship, the third wave in North Dakota's economic growth. This year's event included keynote addresses from Linda McMahon, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Andrei Iancu, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The focus on empowering entrepreneurship is a nationwide movement, but we do it best here in North Dakota, Hoeven said. Between private investment, the state's pro-growth business climate and our federal efforts, we are positioned to build on the strong trend of growth in our state's tech sector. We are getting there by advancing priorities like tax and regulatory relief, broadband infrastructure and STEM education. Making these investments will drive future innovation, whether it's in our primary industries of agriculture and energy or in new fields like UAS.
During his remarks, the senator highlighted initiatives from both the public and private sector that will empower new innovations across industries. Hoeven's priorities include:
TAX & REGULATORY RELIEF
Hoeven helped pass comprehensive tax relief for businesses and hardworking families and individuals. Further, he has worked to roll back burdensome regulations. These efforts are empowering companies to invest in their operations, while also putting more money in workers' pockets, through both higher wages and lower tax rates.
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS
In order to bolster North Dakota's UAS industry, Hoeven has recently:
 
Secured a five-year extension of the UAS test sites in the FAA reauthorization bill.
Secured the state's role in the FAA's UAS integration pilot program.
Helped introduce andpassthePreventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018.
Advanced the first beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight of a UAS without a chase plane by securing a new certificate of authorization for the state's test site as well as the DASR-11 radar system.
Advocated for the administration to utilize Grand Sky and the Northern Plains UAS test site while hosting Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in North Dakota.
 
COMBINING TECH WITH AG & ENERGY
As a member of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured the following funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019:
 
$30 million for a carbon capture retrofit project at an existing power plant, for which the second phase of Project Tundra is eligible.
$25 million to develop supercritical CO2 technologies for coal and natural gas plants like the Allam Cycle.
 
Hoeven has also cosponsored the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act. This bipartisan bill will help ensure there is adequate broadband connectivity in rural areas to support the adoption of precision agriculture, which will reduce costs and improve yields.
BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE
Through his role as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped secure $600 million in FY2018 and $425 million in FY2019 for a new loan and grant program to spur investment in broadband for rural and hard-to-serve areas. Hoeven has also reintroduced his Move America Act, in addition to introducing a bipartisan bill to coordinate all federal efforts to improve and sustain broadband services in rural areas and maximize the impact of federal funding.
STEM EDUCATION
 Hoeven helped secure the following in FY2019 funding legislation:
 
$1.2 billion for Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants, which can be used by all school districts to support STEM education.
Dedicated STEM funding within the Education Innovation and Research program.
 
CERTAINTY FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Hoeven is cosponsoring the Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act. This bill would make portable benefits more accessible for entrepreneurs and provide greater certainty for them and their families. The senator also joined the recently-formed Entrepreneurship Caucus, which works to address the issues facing the nation's entrepreneurs and small businesses, bolster the creation of startups and increase the capital investment flowing into the U.S.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-president-signing-usmca,Hoeven Statement on President Signing USMCA,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.18
			 Hoeven Statement on President Signing USMCA 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today after the President signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 
Free and fair trade strongly benefits our economy, while also providing much-needed certainty for our agriculture producers and other exporters, said Hoeven. We appreciate the president's work to secure better trade deals for our producers and industries, and look forward to congressional consideration of the USMCA as soon as possible.
Throughout the negotiations with Canada and Mexico, Hoeven met with the President and administration officials to press for better trade deals for the nation, particularly farmers and ranchers, as soon as possible.
Specifically, Hoeven worked to ensure that the agreement:
 
Eliminates Canada's automatic downgrade of imported U.S. wheat to feed grade and ensuring grading standards and services are non-discriminatory.
 
Additionally, the agreement:
 
Expands access to the Canadian market for U.S. poultry, eggs and dairy and eliminating Canada's Class 6 and 7 dairy program.
Requires 75 percent of auto content to be produced in North America in order to be exempt from tariffs, up from 62.5 percent.
Makes needed modernizations on intellectual property, digital trade and financial services.
 
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		    	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-293-million-in-rural-development-loans-for-north-dakota-entities,Hoeven Announces More Than $29.3 Million in Rural Development Loans for North Dakota Entities,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $29.3 Million in Rural Development Loans for North Dakota Entities 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded more than $29.3 million in loans for North Dakota entities. Details of the funding are as follows:
 
Jamestown College Foundation Inc.  $18 million  The funds will be used by the foundation to purchase four buildings from the University of Jamestown.
City of Williston  $8.5 million  The funds will be used to build a fire station and facility support building for the city's new airport.
Jamestown Rural Fire District (JRFD)  $2.8 million  The funds will be used to renovate and add to JRFD's fire hall.
 
The ability to respond quickly and fight fires is vital for our communities, and today's Rural Development loans will help ensure crews in the Jamestown and Williston areas have the training and support services they need to help protect their communities, Hoeven said. The loans will also help the University of Jamestown continue to provide a quality education to its students.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-supports-review-of-new-start-treaty-and-sets-priorities-in-letter-to-president,Hoeven Supports Review of New START Treaty and Sets Priorities in Letter to President,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.18
			 Hoeven Supports Review of New START Treaty and Sets Priorities in Letter to President 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today joined Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and 23 additional senators in sending a letter to President Donald Trump outlining top priorities for the administration's review of the viability of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). The senators wrote to the President that the Treaty's value depends upon a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between the parties to the Treaty.
We remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered, the senators wrote.
In addition to Senators Hoeven and Kyl, the letter is cosigned by 23 U.S. senators: Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).
The full text of the letter is below.
The Honorable Donald J. TrumpPresidentThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Trump:
As you review the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), we respectfully request that you consider the key factors that underpin its viability: The value of the Treaty depends on a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations, and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between the parties to the Treaty.
As to the first point, the Senate declared in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the United States is committed to proceeding with a robust stockpile stewardship program, and to maintaining and modernizing the nuclear weapons production capabilities and capacities that will ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the United States nuclear arsenal at the New START Treaty levels. Regrettably, the infrastructure and weapons capabilities that were pledged at the time the Senate gave its consent to the Treaty have been significantly delayed or reduced in scope. This risks further worsening of asymmetry between the Russian and U.S. nuclear weapon infrastructure capabilities. 
We believe that continued funding of the U.S. strategic modernization program, including for low-yield warhead options, as proposed in your Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), is critical in the face of dangerous international security developments since the New START was ratified.
As to the second point, the Russian Federation is in material breach of its arms control commitments, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by developing, producing, and deploying a ground-launched cruise missile and launcher. As your NPR highlights, Russia has been adopting military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.
Third, in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the Senate called upon the President to pursue an agreement with the Russian Federation that would address the disparity between the tactical nuclear weapons stockpiles of the Russian Federation and of the United Statesin a verifiable manner. We note with regret that despite the best efforts of successive presidential administrations, the Russian Federation has not been amenable to such an agreement.
In fact, Russia has increased the role of nuclear forces and their types and variety since 2010. Russia has even adopted an escalate to deescalate or escalate to win strategy for nuclear employment. The Russian Federation has unveiled new nuclear weapons that are not subject to limitations set forth by the New START, including a new nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered undersea autonomous torpedo. In addition to an extensive nuclear weapons modernization program including all legs of its nuclear triad, the Russian Federation possesses significant advantages in its nuclear weapons production capacity, as your NPR points out.
The New START does not expire until 2021. We urge you to consider the following as a part of the review of the national security interest of the United States and its allies to extend or replace the Treaty:
 
The status of the modernization of U.S. nuclear weapons and associated infrastructure and the risk of instability created by Russia's modernization programs;
The imbalance posed by Russia's nuclear weapons capabilities that are limited by arms control with Russia and those that are not, including so-called non-strategic nuclear weapons (where Russia holds at least a ten-to-one advantage over the United States) and the systems Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled in March of this year;
Russia's systemic abuse of arms control and international norms; and
The possibility of having to deal with more than one peer competitor at a time, which calls into question the limits on U.S. warheads.
 
We remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered.
We look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the review process.
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https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-legislation-enabling-homeowners-around-patterson-lake-and-jamestown-reservoir-to-purchase-lots-headed-to-the-president-to-be-signed-into-law,Hoeven Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots Headed to the President to be Signed Into Law,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.28.18
			 Hoeven Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots Headed to the President to be Signed Into Law 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today announced that his legislation enabling homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots has been approved by Congress and will now go to the President to be signed into law.
The Senate today approved both S.440 and S. 2074 as amended, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and land around the Jamestown Reservoir to the Stutsman County Park Board. Homeowners will then have the opportunity to purchase their land from these local entities.
Homeowners at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir have made investments in their homes and lots, and they deserve the security of owning the land they live on, said Hoeven. This legislation is the result of a collaborative effort by the homeowner associations as well as local, state and federal officials in Dickinson and Jamestown. We look forward to the President signing these bills into law.
The Senate originally passed the legislation in October, however the House of Representatives amended the bills before passing them earlier this month, sending them back to the Senate for final approval. The Senate approved the legislation today, sending it to the President to be signed into law.
Patterson Lake Legislation
Hoeven introduced S.440, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake in February 2017. Specifically, the legislation:
 
Transfers 41 cabin lots, and additional recreation and wildlife management lands, to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. It also transfers a parcel of land, currently being leased, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
Jamestown Reservoir Legislation
After working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown, Hoeven introduced S. 2074 in the Senate in November 2017. The Jamestown Reservoir legislation:
 
Permanently transfers federal lands around Jamestown Reservoir  including 71 permitted exclusive use cabin lots, two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots  to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The BOR would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
The bills are cosponsored by Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=53D6B25D-4726-4B4C-A830-6878D35F407C,Heitkamp Nominates Six ND Students to Military Service Academies,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated six outstanding North Dakota students to the nation's military service academies.
Heitkamp nominated Ian Pytlik of Horace, Ruby Romsland from a North Dakota military family, Spencer Weisgram of West Fargo, Colton Willits of Walhalla, Morgan Adams of Richland County, and London Lambrecht of Bismarck.
North Dakota knows how to honor service to our nation and raise outstanding leaders for our military, Heitkamp said. This impressive group of nominees should be applauded for their desire to serve, and I know they'll represent North Dakota and our nation well.
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:
Ian Pytlik  United States Naval Academy
Ian, from Horace, is active in various athletics, clubs and organizations, including student council, Key Club, hockey, football, baseball, and the Boy Scouts. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project.
Ruby Romsland - United States Military Academy, West Point
Ruby is from a North Dakota military family, and her dad is a Navy Seal. She aspires to attend medical school and continue her family's tradition of military service.
Spencer Weisgram  United States Military Academy, West Point
Spencer, from West Fargo, currently attends Culver Academies in Indiana. Spencer is on Honor Council, plays in the Culver hockey program, and is a member of the Culver Cadet Club and drill team.
Colton Willits  United States Air Force Academy
Colton, from Walhalla, attends North Border Walhalla High School. He serves as Secretary of State and is on the Color Guard for North Dakota Boys State, participated in the North Dakota Leadership Seminar, in on the North Dakota Student Cabinet, National Honor Society, is a church school leader, and plays basketball, track, and served as captain of the varsity football team.
Morgan Adams  United States Air Force Academy
Morgan, from Richland County, is enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard. She graduated from Richland 44 High School where she was involved with varsity softball, rifle team, and FFA. Morgan has begun taking college courses with Community College of the Air Force.
London Lambrecht United States Merchant Marine Academy
London, from Bismarck, is a senior at Shiloh Christian School. She is a member of Student Council, runs varsity track, cross country, and plays basketball.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=53D6B25D-4726-4B4C-A830-6878D35F407C,Heitkamp Nominates Six ND Students to Military Service Academies,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that she nominated six outstanding North Dakota students to the nation's military service academies.
Heitkamp nominated Ian Pytlik of Horace, Ruby Romsland from a North Dakota military family, Spencer Weisgram of West Fargo, Colton Willits of Walhalla, Morgan Adams of Richland County, and London Lambrecht of Bismarck.
North Dakota knows how to honor service to our nation and raise outstanding leaders for our military, Heitkamp said. This impressive group of nominees should be applauded for their desire to serve, and I know they'll represent North Dakota and our nation well.
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:
Ian Pytlik  United States Naval Academy
Ian, from Horace, is a senior at NAME OF HIGH SCHOOL. Ian is active in various athletics, clubs and organizations, including student council, Key Club, hockey, football, baseball, and the Boy Scouts. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project.
Ruby Romsland - United States Military Academy, West Point
Ruby is from a North Dakota military family, and her dad is a Navy Seal. She aspires to attend medical school and continue her family's tradition of military service.
Spencer Weisgram  United States Military Academy, West Point
Spencer, from West Fargo, currently attends Culver Academies in Indiana. Spencer is on Honor Council, plays in the Culver hockey program, and is a member of the Culver Cadet Club and drill team.
Colton Willits  United States Air Force Academy
Colton, from Walhalla, attends North Border Walhalla High School. He has participated in Boys State and the North Dakota Leadership Seminar, and served as captain of the varsity football team.
Morgan Adams  United States Air Force Academy
Morgan, from Richland County, is enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard. She graduated from Richland 44 High School where she was involved with varsity softball, rifle team, and FFA. Morgan has begun taking college courses with Community College of the Air Force.
London Lambrecht United States Merchant Marine Academy
London, from Bismarck, is a senior at Shiloh Christian School. She is a member of Student Council, runs varsity track, cross country, and plays basketball.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-and-udall-laud-senate-passage-of-native-american-heritage-month-resolution,Hoeven and Udall Laud Senate Passage of Native American Heritage Month Resolution,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.18
			 Hoeven and Udall Laud Senate Passage of Native American Heritage Month Resolution 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Tom Udall (D-NM), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, welcomed Senate passage of S. Res 702, a resolution marking November as Native American Heritage Month.
S. Res 702 recognizes November as National Native American Heritage Month and celebrates the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Today the Senate took action to recognize the remarkable legacies and accomplishments of Native Americans, Hoeven said. This resolution designates November as Native American Heritage Month, however it is important that we honor and respect the contributions of Tribes throughout the year.
I am glad to see the Senate pass our resolution to commemorate Native American Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate the indelible mark that Native American arts, languages, cultures, and peoples have left on New Mexico and the United States, Udall said. Native communities have shaped the American experience for hundreds of years, helping to write every chapter of our nation's history. And, in New Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribes and Pueblos, the bedrock of who we are as a state and a people is rooted in the contributions of Native leaders, languages, and traditions.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-agenda-for-2018-state-of-technology-conference,Hoeven Announces Agenda for 2018 State of Technology Conference,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.18
			 Hoeven Announces Agenda for 2018 State of Technology Conference 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Hosting SBA Administrator Linda McMahon, U.S. Patent & Trade Office Director Andrei Iancu
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today announced the agenda for his 2018 State of Technology Conference, which will be held at the Delta Hotel in Fargo on Friday, November 30. The senator holds his annual conference with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce to highlight breakthrough technologies and the local innovators creating them. The conference has served as a catalyst for new innovation and investment in the state and is part of the senator's work to position North Dakota as a hub of technology entrepreneurship, the third wave in the state's economic growth.
We've got a great lineup of speakers for this year's State of Technology Conference, including keynotes from SBA Administrator Linda McMahon and USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, Hoeven said. These two federal agencies provide vital services and support for small businesses across our state, which is especially important as we continue to see growth in our tech sector. We look forward to their insights and to hearing the latest from local startups and established companies on exciting developments in their industries.
This year's conference will feature a keynote address from Linda McMahon, head of the Small Business Administration (SBA). McMahon is joining Hoeven in North Dakota so she can learn firsthand about the broad range of innovative technology developments occurring in the state, which have impacts across industry sectors and around the globe. Further, McMahon's visit will serve as an opportunity for local businesses to benefit from learning directly about the work SBA is undertaking to assist and promote small business growth across the country.
Hoeven is also hosting Andrei Iancu, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO), at the conference to highlight the importance of securing intellectual property and outline opportunities to bring new technologies to market through partnerships between universities and the private sector. The event will be emceed by Eric Piela, the Brand and Buzz Manager at CoSchedule, and will spotlight innovations in medicine, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and energy. A media availability will be held with Hoeven, McMahon, Iancu and the conference speakers at the conclusion of the event.
For more information on the 2018 State of Technology Conference, please visit the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber website or call (218) 233-1100.
The full schedule is as follows:
7:30 a.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. Welcome          Craig Whitney, CEO, The Chamber          Eric Piela, Brand & Buzz Manager, CoSchedule          Event Emcee          Seth Arndorfer, CEO, Dakota Carrier Network          Presenting Sponsor
8:15 a.m. Yossi Saadon, Project and Implementation Lead, Tytocare          Dr. Jennifer Raum, Medical Director for Clinic Services & Service Chair for Internal Medicine, Sanford Health          Core Faculty, UND Internal Medicine Residency Program
8:40 a.m. Andrei Iancu        Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property          Director, USPTO
9:30 a.m.Anthony Molzahn        CEO & Co-Founder, Project Phoenix
9:40 a.m. Zoe Bundy        Young Entrepreneurs Academy Winner          Founder, Brainy Ladies
9:50 a.m. Chris Clark        President, Xcel Energy  MN, SD, ND
10:00 a.m. Governor Doug Burgum
10:45 a.m. TECHND Award Presentation
11:00 a.m.  U.S. Senator John Hoeven
11:20 a.m.  SBA Administrator Linda McMahon
11: 40 a.m. Media Availability
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		    	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-6-million-in-health-and-education-funding-for-north-dakota,Hoeven Announces More Than $6 Million in Health and Education Funding for North Dakota,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.27.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $6 Million in Health and Education Funding for North Dakota 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that more than $6 million in funding for health care and education programs and initiatives has been awarded to entities in North Dakota. Details of the funding are as follows:
Head Start Grants  The funds are awarded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Head Start helps children prepare for learning by providing access to education, health and wellness services for low-income children and families.
 
Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency  $3,222,821  The funds will be used to support Head Start programs in Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties.
TGU School District  $2,267,436  The funds will be used to support Head Start programs in the TGU School District which serves Towner and Granville.
 
Maternal and Child Health Services  The funds are awarded by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
 
North Dakota Department of Health  $434,936
 
Medical Research  The funds are awarded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
 
University of North Dakota (UND)  $107,960  The funds will be used to support clinical research at UND to treat neurological disorders.
 
Today's funding will help families and children better access quality health care and support important medical research at UND, Hoeven said. The funds will also help communities in northern and southeastern North Dakota continue to offer Head Start programs to help children and families live healthier lives.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senator-hoeven-thanksgiving-day-statement-2019,Senator Hoeven Thanksgiving Day Statement 2019,2018-11-22,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.18
			 Senator Hoeven Thanksgiving Day Statement 2019 
			
			BISMARCK, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement to wish North Dakotans a happy Thanksgiving:
America is a truly blessed nation, and as we remember the pursuit of our ancestors to make a more perfect nation, we look on today with thanks and to the future with optimism. North Dakotans work hard and sacrifice throughout the year to provide for themselves, their families and for future generations. Thanksgiving Day allows us the opportunity to gather with loved ones to enjoy our many blessings. From Mikey, me and our entire family, we wish all North Dakotans a happy Thanksgiving.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-army-corps-fy2019-work-plan-provides-35-million-in-construction-funding-for-permanent-flood-protection-in-fargo-moorhead-region,Hoeven: Army Corps FY2019 Work Plan Provides $35 Million in Construction Funding for Permanent Flood Protection In Fargo-Moorhead Region,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.18
			 Hoeven: Army Corps FY2019 Work Plan Provides $35 Million in Construction Funding for Permanent Flood Protection In Fargo-Moorhead Region 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 work plan includes $35 million for construction of flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Energy and Water Development, Hoeven provided increased funding for the Corps' construction account enabling the project to be funded in the Corps' work plan.
Additionally, the Corps' work plan includes $4.2 million for small water projects in Kindred and Center, North Dakota.
This funding comes at a critical time and will help ensure the project's procurement process and construction can move forward, Hoeven said. We worked hard to support the Corps' construction account to ensure the flood protection project in the Red River Valley would receive funding. This funding, along with previous federal appropriations and local contributions will allow the Corp to complete work scheduled for this fiscal year. This includes the inlet structure south of Horace, the control structure on the Wild Rice River as well as additional design work. We'll continue working to move the project forward to provide comprehensive protection for the region. 
Additionally, Hoeven secured provisions in the Water Resources Development Act and the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water funding bill, both of which were signed into law this fall, to move forward with flood protection projects.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT
 
Resolves easement issue to enable Route B: Hoeven includedhis provision to resolve easements on land purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding. The senator's provision grants the authority needed to implement Route B, the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton.
 
FISCAL YEAR 2019 ENERGY AND WATER FUNDING BILL
As a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured the following priorities in the bill:
 
Increases the Corps' construction accountby $150 million to ensure priorities like flood protection in the Red River Valley continue to receive funding.
Implements the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programto provide states and local governments with low-cost, flexible funding sources when building water infrastructure.
 
 

The legislation directs the Corps to complete a detailed plan for implementing WIFIA and provides up to $6 million tosupport WIFIA program implementation. This aligns with Hoeven's legislationto extend the WIFIA program.

Ensures fair treatment of public-private partnership (P3)projectsand others that use alternative financing methods during the Corps' cost-benefit analysis, including flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region.
 
 

The bill requires the Corps to develop a policy on how it will evaluate P3s and incorporate them into its budget.
Hoeven also helped advance a provision in the Senate-passed Financial Services and General Government funding bill ensuring the Corps can fund P3s.

 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-celebrates-designation-of-central-valley-school-in-buxton-as-a-national-blue-ribbon-school,Hoeven Celebrates Designation of Central Valley School in Buxton as a National Blue Ribbon School,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.18
			 Hoeven Celebrates Designation of Central Valley School in Buxton as a National Blue Ribbon School 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Three North Dakota Schools Honored This Year for Excellence in Academic Achievement
			
			 BUXTON, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today joined state and local officials in congratulating the administrators, teachers and students of Central Valley School on being designated as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School. The designation was received in recognition of the school's exemplary high performance.
This award is a testament to the dedication of the school staff, the hard work of the students and the support of the parents and surrounding community, said Hoeven. Our educators are an essential part of shaping our state and nation's future by empowering youth to pursue their passions and lead fulfilling and productive lives. We thank them for all that they do, and we give our best wishes to the students as they continue in their education.
Freedom Elementary in West Fargo and Richland Elementary in Abercrombie were also honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools this year. This is the second year in a row that three North Dakota schools have won the award.
The National Blue Ribbon Program was established in 1982 to recognize the work of the nation's top schools.Since the program's founding, 40 North Dakota schools have been designated as blue ribbon schools, with some being designated more than once.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-nominates-four-students-to-military-academies,Hoeven Nominates Four Students to Military Academies,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.18
			 Hoeven Nominates Four Students to Military Academies 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has nominated four North Dakota students for appointments to the nation's military academies. Hoeven nominated Seth Benson of Sheyenne High School in West Fargo to West Point (USMA); Logan Brown of Century High School in Bismarck to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA); Jeffrey Corcoran of Red River High School in Grand Forks to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA); and Luke Noah of Shanley High School in Fargo to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA).
Seth, Logan, Jeffrey and Luke have distinguished themselves in their studies, extracurricular activities and community service and involvement, said Hoeven. We are impressed that they have chosen to pursue a place at our nation's service academies to cultivate excellence in academics and leadership. It is a privilege to nominate them, and we are confident that they will do an excellent job representing North Dakota during their time at the Air Force, Merchant Marine, Naval and Military academies and in serving our country during their appointments.
Service academies, as part of the application process, require students to be nominated by a member of Congress or the Vice President. Each academy determines final appointments. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and must serve in the military for at least five years following graduation.
Individuals interested in applying for a military academy nomination for academic year 2019-2020 should submit an application by October 2019. Additional information on service academy nominations is available on Senator Hoeven's website.
Information on the students Hoeven nominated for academy appointments follows:
Seth Benson, Fargo  U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
Seth is a senior at Sheyenne High School in West Fargo where he holds a 4.22 GPA and was a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. He is a decorated saxophone band player and is active in sports including cross country, swimming and track. He is an Eagle Scout and is active in his church's youth group. His father is a Lt. Col. in the Minnesota National Guard. Click here for a photo.
Logan Brown, Bismarck  U.S. Air Force Academy
Logan is a senior at Century High School in Bismarck where he holds a 4.16 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society. He participates in band, Science Olympiad and is an all-state soccer player and captain. He volunteers with the Wounded Warrior Project, Special Olympics and United Way. Click here for a photo.
Jeffrey Corcoran, Grand Forks  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Jeffrey is a senior at Grand Forks' Red River High School where he is active on the cross country and track teams. He is a Boy Scout and active in his church. His father is a Lt. Col. in the Army Reserves and his mother is a graduate of West Point. Click here for a photo.
Luke Noah, Fargo  U.S. Naval Academy
Luke is a senior at Shanley High School where he has a 4.03 GPA and is a member of the North Dakota chapter of the National Honor Society. He is an all-state soccer player and is also a member of the swim team. Click here for a photo.
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		    	Next Article
		    
		    
		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-tax-and-regulatory-relief-are-helping-spur-economic-development-,Hoeven: Tax & Regulatory Relief Are Helping Spur Economic Development,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.18
			 Hoeven: Tax & Regulatory Relief Are Helping Spur Economic Development  
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Also Highlights How Tech Entrepreneurship is the Third Wave of Growth in North Dakota's Economy
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today joined Fargo area business and community leaders at the fourth annual 1 Million Cups (1MC) Reunion Fargo to outline how tax and regulatory relief are helping to create a pro-growth business environment to bolster North Dakota's economic growth. Hoeven stressed that these benefits reach across industries, including North Dakota's technology sector, and further drives tech entrepreneurship as the third wave of growth for the state's economy.
We've been working hard to roll back burdensome and growth-hampering regulations and to provide tax relief to help spur our economy and empower entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and create jobs, said Hoeven. We are already seeing the results of our efforts as our economy has posted strong growth, wages have risen and unemployment levels are at record lows. This economic growth is especially reflected in North Dakota's tech economy as our tech entrepreneurs continue to drive this third wave of growth for our state's economy.
As part of his continued efforts to establish the state as a hub of tech entrepreneurship, Hoeven will host Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon at his State of Technology Conference later this month. The annual event, which the senator hosts with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, highlights breakthrough technologies and the local innovators creating them. This year's conference will be held on Friday, November 30 at the Delta Hotel in Fargo.
In addition, to further establish a business climate to help entrepreneurs and businesses succeed, Hoeven is cosponsoring the bipartisan Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act. The legislation would direct the Secretary of Labor to fund and evaluate innovative models for providing benefits to independent workers, including self-employed entrepreneurs, which can move with a worker from job to job.
Hoeven has worked since his time as governor to position North Dakota's technology sector for growth, naming it as one of the state's five targeted industries. Hoeven continues working through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee to build a pro-growth business climate for the state's industries, as well as to work and advocate for the support of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
1MC Fargo is a local chapter of a national series of events to promote small business and entrepreneurship. Approximately 150 individuals and entrepreneurs from the Fargo community participate in 1MC Fargo each week.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-working-to-secure-north-dakotas-role-in-developing-key-uas-technologies-and-applications,Hoeven Working to Secure North Dakota's Role in Developing Key UAS Technologies and Applications,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.21.18
			 Hoeven Working to Secure North Dakota's Role in Developing Key UAS Technologies and Applications 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Outlines Recent Efforts & Legislative Accomplishments in Advancing UAS Industry at Monthly Drone Focus Meetup
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  At the monthly Drone Focus meetup today, Senator John Hoeven outlined his recent efforts to help advance North Dakota's role as a leader of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research, development, training and operations. This includes:
 
Advocating for the administration to utilize the state's UAS expertise.
Safely integrating unmanned aircraft into the national airspace (NAS).
Advancing the development of counter-UAS technology.
Supporting North Dakota's UAS missions.
 
We are putting together all of the pieces to advance North Dakota's UAS industry, Hoeven said. We continue to push the cutting-edge, which we demonstrated with General Atomics' beyond visual line of sight flight earlier this year. We're building on that success by extending the authorization for our test site and securing the state's role in the FAA's integration pilot program. We are also well-positioned to advance the development of counter-UAS technology. We've passed legislation and funding to support these efforts at the DHS, and we continue to urge the department's leadership to make use of Grand Sky and North Dakota's UAS industry in developing this technology. Combining all of these factors with our state's ever-growing UAS missions, we remain a true leader in this dynamic industry.
ADVOCATING FOR NORTH DAKOTA
 
Earlier this year, Hoeven hostedU.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson in the state for the first flight of an unmanned aircraft to go both beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the operator and without a chase plane.
Hoeven brought Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to Grand Sky to see the state's UAS industry firsthand. The senator continues working through his role on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) to ensure the DHS relies on Grand Sky when expanding its UAS border security operations.
 
UAS INTEGRATION
 
Hoeven secured an extension through 2023 of the UAS test sites, including the Northern Plains test site in North Dakota, in the recently-passed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.
The senator also joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to announce that North Dakota wasselectedas one of ten sites to participate in the FAA's UAS integration pilot program.
General Atomics first BVLOS flight was possible due to two key items Hoeven secured in recent years, including an updated certificate of authorization for the test site from the FAA and upgrades to the DASR-11 radar system at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and a similar system in Fargo.
Through his role on the Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven provided $4 million for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 to support the development of unmanned traffic management (UTM), in cooperation with NASA. NASA previously relied on North Dakota to test and evaluate UTM technology.
 
COUNTER-UAS DEVELOPMENT
 
Hoeven helped introduce and pass the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation that protects important facilities from security risks posed by unmanned aircraft. Further, it directs the DHS to conduct research and test technology to address emerging threats stemming from the potential misuse of UAS.
The senator secured $13 million for counter-UAS in FY2019 funding legislation, while also directing the DHS to report on its funding needs in this area for the next five years.
 
NORTH DAKOTA'S MISSIONS
 
Hoeven is advancing measures allowing both the National Guard and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) touse private contractors, like those at Grand Sky, to train their UAS pilots. Hoeven's National Guard measure wassigned into lawlast year, and his CBP provision is included in the Senate's FY2019 funding legislation.
The senator secured $100 million in the FY2019 funding legislation to provide for the purchase of an additional Global Hawk aircraft to carry the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload in Grand Forks.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-continuing-efforts-to-expand-rural-broadband-support-growth-of-north-dakotas-tech-sector,"Hoeven Continuing Efforts to Expand Rural Broadband, Support Growth of North Dakotas Tech Sector",2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.18
			 Hoeven Continuing Efforts to Expand Rural Broadband, Support Growth of North Dakota's Tech Sector 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Marks Grand Opening of Midco Data Center in Fargo
			
			 FARGO, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today helped celebrate the grand opening of Midco's Tier III data center. The $12 million facility will provide secure data storage for a wide variety of businesses, including the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry in the Red River Valley. Further, the center will serve as an important piece of infrastructure to help attract companies to North Dakota from around the country.
North Dakota has seen tremendous growth in its tech sector, and supporting technology entrepreneurship remains a top priority, said Hoeven. We need IT infrastructure, like this data center, in order to meet the demands of modern industry. For instance, conducting inspections with UAS, whether it's for crops, electrical lines or wind towers, produces a large amount of data. We need to have the capacity to move that data through local networks, regardless of where the operations are taking place. That's why we've worked hard to expand our investments in rural broadband. These efforts will help ensure our state can continue compete with anyone, anywhere in the world.
The new data center dovetails with Hoeven's efforts to promote robust investment in information technology infrastructure in North Dakota. To this end, the senator has worked to advance the following priorities:
Expanding USDA Rural Broadband Programs
Through his role as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven helped secure $600 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 for a new loan and grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to spur investment in broadband for rural and hard-to-serve areas. Further, he worked to ensure the Senate's FY2019 Agriculture-FDA funding legislation, which the chamber recently passed, continues strong support for this and other rural broadband programs.
Providing Flexible Funding Sources for Infrastructure
Hoeven has also reintroduced his Move America Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to help grow and repair the country's infrastructure. Qualified projects include roads, bridges, transit, ports, rail, airports, water and sewer facilities and rural broadband.
Coordinating Federal Rural Broadband Efforts
In addition, Hoeven has introduced a bipartisan bill to create an Office of Rural Broadband at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that all federal agencies with jurisdiction over rural broadband work together. This will help coordinate efforts to improve and sustain broadband services in rural areas and maximize the impact of federal funding.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-outlines-efforts-to-make-farm-bill-conservation-title-more-farmer-friendly-support-voluntary-conservation-programs,"Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Make Farm Bill Conservation Title More Farmer-Friendly, Support Voluntary Conservation Programs",2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.20.18
			 Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Make Farm Bill Conservation Title More Farmer-Friendly, Support Voluntary Conservation Programs 
			
			BISMARCK, N.D.  At the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts annual meeting today, Senator John Hoeven outlined his efforts to make the farm bill conservation programs more farmer-friendly. This includes improving programs at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Hoeven is advancing this goal both as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and as a member of the Senate-House farm bill conference committee, where he is working to pass a strong farm bill into law as soon as possible.
Our farmers and ranchers have the greatest interest in maintaining their land, which they continue to demonstrate through their good stewardship, said Hoeven. The conservation programs under the farm bill should give our agriculture producers the tools they need to succeed, rather than impose unworkable mandates. That's why we're working to enhance voluntary programs like CRP, EQIP and CSP and, at the same time, provide relief from NRCS's wetlands regulations. These efforts will help ensure soil and water quality for generations to come, while also helping farmers to maintain and grow their operations.
 Among other things, Hoeven is working to ensure the final version the farm bill:
 
Provides Relief from NRCS Wetlands Regulations  Both the Senate and House farm bills contain language related to defining minimal effects exemptions and mitigation banking. Hoeven hosted the NRCS Acting Chief and Under Secretary Bill Northey, who oversees NRCS, in North Dakota to help advance these priorities.
Maintains the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)  EQIP and CSP are voluntary programs under NRCS that provide financial and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices on their land.
Expands Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Acreage  CRP, which is administered by the FSA, allows farmers to set aside environmentally sensitive land and encourage plant species that improve soil health in exchange for yearly rental payments.
Supports Agriculture Research  Both the Senate and House farm bills maintain strong land-grant formula research funding. This supports the work of institutions like North Dakota State University and the North Dakota Extension Service, which conduct research on innovative conservation practices for preserving and reclaiming land and water.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senator-hoeven-statement-on-air-ambulance-crash,Senator Hoeven Statement on Air Ambulance Crash,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.19.18
			 Senator Hoeven Statement on Air Ambulance Crash 
			
			BISMARCK, N.D.  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after a plane operated by Metro Area Ambulance crashed northwest of Mandan on Sunday evening, killing the three individuals on board:
Mikey and I are deeply saddened to hear of the air ambulance crash last night near Mandan. Those on board were committed to serving others and providing life-saving medical care. We extend our condolences to their families and loved ones.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-nps-director-nominee-commits-to-help-advance-theodore-roosevelt-presidential-library,Hoeven: NPS Director Nominee Commits to Help Advance Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.18
			 Hoeven: NPS Director Nominee Commits to Help Advance Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Also Outlined the Restore Our Parks Act, Urged Nominee to Address Park Maintenance Backlog
			
			 WASHINGTON  At a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven secured a commitment from Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela, the nominee to serve as Director of the National Park Service (NPS), to help advance the development of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation is currently planning the construction of the library and museum, to be located in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The facility will include more than 50,000 digitized documents and other archives from the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University (DSU).
This week's hearing follows a commitment Hoeven secured from National Park Foundation President Will Shafroth to work on moving the effort forward. Further, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke expressed support for the project during his visit to the state earlier this year.
The Theodore Roosevelt Center has done a tremendous job in preserving President Roosevelt's documents and making them available online, said Hoeven. By establishing a presidential library and museum, we can further capture the legacy of this president as well as the impact western North Dakota had on his life. Doing so would benefit residents and visitors, and I appreciate Mr. Vela's commitment to support the project. I look forward to continuing to work with all of our local stakeholders and federal partners in moving forward on building this facility.
In addition, Hoeven urged Vela to resolve the NPS's maintenance backlog. The senator outlined legislation he cosponsored, the Restore Our Parks Act, to help address this priority, which includes an estimated $52 million for deferred maintenance in North Dakota.
This bipartisan legislation would use 50 percent of the excess revenues from energy development on federal lands to establish a NPS Legacy Restoration Fund. These revenues are already owed to the federal government, would require no new taxes and would not impact revenues that go to the states for mineral and energy development on federal lands.
Further, the bill would authorize the NPS Director and Interior Secretary to accept cash or in-kind donations to the restoration fund to encourage relevant public-private partnerships. An expected $6.5 billion would accrue to the fund over a five-year period.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-presses-air-guard-to-provide-tuition-assistance-benefits,Hoeven Presses Air Guard to Provide Tuition Assistance Benefits,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.18
			 Hoeven Presses Air Guard to Provide Tuition Assistance Benefits 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today pressed the Air National Guard to provide federal tuition assistance similar to benefits provided by the Army Guard. This is part of the senator's efforts to ensure that Guard members have access to educational benefits to meet their needs after cost increases forced the North Dakota National Guard to modify its tuition assistance program. 
Currently, National Guard forces that deploy become eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits. While the Army National Guard provides a tuition assistance benefit separate from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Air National Guard does not provide comparable tuition assistance.
Guard members often use post-9/11 GI bill benefits to pay for their education, and members of the Army National Guard also have access to Federal Tuition Assistance to pay for school. Unfortunately, to date, the Air National Guard does not provide a similar tuition benefit for its airmen. North Dakota seeks to cover costs not covered by federal benefits, but the disparity between the Army and Air Guard education benefits creates a strain on the state's tuition assistance program, Hoeven wrote in a letter to Lieutenant General L. Scott Rice, Director of the Air National Guard.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Lieutenant General Rice:
The North Dakota Air National Guard performs critical national missions and also plays an important role in communities around the state. We want the best individuals to serve in the National Guard and, as you know, educational benefits are one of the best ways to attract and develop an outstanding Air Guard team. The state of North Dakota is discussing how it can best support the educational needs of our Guard members, and I want to make sure federal programs are aligned to match this effort.
Guard members often use post-9/11 GI bill benefits to pay for their education, and members of the Army National Guard also have access to Federal Tuition Assistance to pay for school. Unfortunately, to date, the Air National Guard does not provide a similar tuition benefit for its airmen. North Dakota seeks to cover costs not covered by federal benefits, but the disparity between the Army and Air Guard education benefits creates a strain on the state's tuition assistance program.
I understand that the Air National Guard is currently reviewing its policies on federal tuition assistance. I want to encourage completion of that review as soon as possible. I also request that you provide a briefing to my staff when the review is complete so that I can understand the costs involved in matching the Army National Guard's federal tuition assistance program as well as any statutory impediments to providing this educational benefit.
I hope that we can combine efforts at the state level with updated policies at the federal level to provide robust educational benefits to members of the Air National Guard. I stand ready to assist you in this effort. As always, thank you for your service to the nation and your commitment to our airmen and their families.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C9E2737-4D92-4CAA-A651-425DA2EEFB03,Heitkamps Savannas Act Advances in Senate Committee as New Report Sheds Light on Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today voted to advance Savanna's Act, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp's legislation to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women. Today's hearing comes as a new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute finds extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it.
Named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.
When I introduced Savanna's Act, one of the main goals was to raise the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women to a national level and begin the conversation of how to address it. Today's passage of Savanna's Act in the Indian Affairs Committee is another important step forward, and a sign that this issue is closer to gaining the attention it deserves, Heitkamp said. Not only will the bill help make sure law enforcement has guidelines in place to respond to cases of those who go missing or are murdered, but it will also encourage law enforcement agencies to submit data on those cases annually to the Department of Justice. I was proud to help pass the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act into law earlier this year to help protect Native children, and through Savanna's Act and the #NotInvisible campaign the effort to give these issues the attention they deserve will continue.
Also today, Heitkamp helped introduce a Senate resolution designating this November as National Native American Heritage Month. Last November, Heitkamp she launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.
Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference today in Washington. She was joined by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with advocates for Native women and families. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.
On some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.
Click here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.
Specifically, Savanna's Act would:
 
Improve data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.
 
 
Improve tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.
 
 
Create locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.
 
Click here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.
Background
Heitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:

 
Combating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.
 
 
Calling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.
 
 
Protecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.
 
 
Keeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5C9E2737-4D92-4CAA-A651-425DA2EEFB03,Heitkamps Savannas Act Advances in Senate Committee as New Report Sheds Light on Epidemic of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs today voted to advance Savanna's Act, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp's legislation to help address the epidemic of missing and murdered Native American women. Today's hearing comes as a new report from the Urban Indian Health Institute finds extensive underreporting and shortcomings in understanding the crisis, reinforcing the need for urgency and broadened awareness to address it.
Named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was abducted and tragically killed last year in Fargo, Savanna's Act builds on a bill Heitkamp and former U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) introduced and got signed into law to expand Amber alert warnings in Indian Country  where such alerts often do not exist  to help stop abductions. The Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Savanna's Act after Heitkamp introduced it last fall.
When I introduced Savanna's Act, one of the main goals was to raise the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women to a national level and begin the conversation of how to address it. Today's passage of Savanna's Act in the Indian Affairs Committee is another important step forward, and a sign that this issue is closer to gaining the attention it deserves, Heitkamp said. Not only will the bill help make sure law enforcement has guidelines in place to respond to cases of those who go missing or are murdered, but it will also encourage law enforcement agencies to submit data on those cases annually to the Department of Justice. I was proud to help pass the AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act into law earlier this year to help protect Native children, and through Savanna's Act and the #NotInvisible campaign the effort to give these issues the attention they deserve will continue.
Also today, Heitkamp helped introduce a Senate resolution designating this November as National Native American Heritage Month. Last November, Heitkamp she launched a social media campaign using #NotInvisible to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and bring it out of the shadows.
Heitkamp helped unveil the Urban Indian Health Institute report at a press conference today in Washington. She was joined by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Jon Tester (D-MT), along with advocates for Native women and families. The report revealed significant challenges in collecting data on the total number of missing or murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives residing off-reservation and outside rural villages.
On some reservations, Native women are murdered at ten times the national average, and 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. In 2016, North Dakota had 125 reported cases of missing Native women according to the National Crime Information Center, but numbers are likely much higher as cases are often under reported and data isn't officially collected.
Click here for statements of support for Savanna's Act from United Tribes of North Dakota, National Congress of American Indians, and other tribal chairmen and leaders across North Dakota.
Specifically, Savanna's Act would:
 
Improve data on tribal victims by requiring the Department of Justice to: provide training to law enforcement agencies to record tribal enrollment information or affiliation in crime information databases; raise awareness about the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, including conducting specific outreach to Tribes; and annually report known statistics on missing and murdered Native Americans and recommendations on how to improve data collection.
 
 
Improve tribal access to crime information databases by requiring the Attorney General to consult and solicit recommendations from Tribes on improved access to local, regional, state, and federal crime information databases and criminal justice information systems during the annual consultations mandated under the Violence Against Women Act.
 
 
Create locally developed guidelines for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans.
 
Click here for a fact sheet on the legislation. Last year, Heitkamp also launched a website with key resources and information on missing and murdered indigenous women, including offering steps to take if you know or suspect a person has gone missing by force.
Background
Heitkamp has long worked to stop violence, exploitation, and trafficking of Native women and children by:

 
Combating human trafficking in Indian Country. Heitkamp held an initial Senate hearing in September 2013 on stopping human trafficking with a focus on Indian Country. She has worked closely with Cindy McCain, a global leader in the effort to stop human trafficking. McCain testified at a Senate hearing earlier this month on human trafficking in Indian Country and highlighted Heitkamp's work on the issue. In 2015, Heitkamp brought Cindy McCain to Fort Berthold, to talk about how to combat human trafficking. In September, Heitkamp called for federal agencies and organizations to provide specific training on human trafficking to federal government employees in Indian Country. Heitkamp also played a key role in passing bipartisan legislation in 2015 to fight human trafficking, and introduced multiple other bills on the issue.
 
 
Calling for a permanent federal law enforcement presence in Indian Country. When she served as North Dakota's Attorney General and now as a U.S. senator, Heitkamp has worked to raise awareness about the need for a permanent federal law enforcement presence across Indian Country. In 2016, she brought then-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey to Fort Berthold to press him on the issue. Just a few weeks ago, Heitkamp spoke with the current FBI director about law enforcement challenges in Indian Country and pressed the agency to make these issues a priority.
 
 
Protecting Native women from violence. In the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp has built on her work as North Dakota's Attorney General to combat domestic violence. The first bill she cosponsored was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which she then played a major role in passing in 2013. Heitkamp worked to include a key provision in the bill to address the continuing crisis of violence against women in tribal communities. The provision strengthens the existing programs and provides tribal governments the force they need to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators who commit these crimes on tribal land.
 
 
Keeping communities strong and safe. Through herStrong & Safe Communities Initiative, which Heitkamplaunchedin September 2014, she has worked to address the emerging challenges in North Dakota as a result of the state's population boom, including crime, exploitation, and trafficking issues in Indian Country.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-convenes-legislative-hearing-to-receive-testimony-on-three-bills,Hoeven Convenes Legislative Hearing to Receive Testimony on Three Bills,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.18
			 Hoeven Convenes Legislative Hearing to Receive Testimony on Three Bills 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today convened a legislative hearing to receive testimony on the following three pieces of legislation: S. 2788, A bill to repeal the Act entitled An Act to confer jurisdiction on the State of North Dakota over offenses committed by or against Indians on the Devils Lake Indian Reservation, H.R. 2606, the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018, and H.R. 4032, the Gila River Indian Community Federal Rights-of-Way, Easements and Boundary Clarification Act.
Today the committee received testimony from Administration and Tribal officials on three Tribal jurisdiction and lands bills, said Hoeven. The testimony provided today indicated how each of these bills will assist the individual Tribes affected.
 
S. 2788 repeals an outdated federal statute that authorizes the State of North Dakota to prosecute certain crimes committed on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
H.R. 2606 repeals certain provisions in Federal law regarding the restricted lands of members of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma.
H.R. 4032 confirms undocumented Federal rights-of-way or easements on the Gila River Indian Reservation, clarifies the northern boundary of the Gila River Indian Community's Reservation, and takes certain land located in Maricopa County and Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Gila River Indian Community.
 
The committee received testimony from:
 
MR. DARRYL LACOUNTE, Acting Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, DC
THE HONORABLE JAMES FLOYD, Principal Chief, Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, Okmulgee, OK
THE HONORABLE DOUGLAS YANKTON, SR., Vice Chairman, Spirit Lake Tribe, Fort Totten, ND
THE HONORABLE BARNEY ENOS, JR., Councilman, Gila River Indian Community, Sacaton, AZ
 
For witness testimony and video of the hearing click here.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-cramer-house-passes-legislation-to-enable-homeowners-around-patterson-lake-and-jamestown-reservoir-to-purchase-lots,"Hoeven, Cramer: House Passes Legislation to Enable Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots",2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.14.18
			 Hoeven, Cramer: House Passes Legislation to Enable Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved S.440 and S. 2074, legislation Senator Hoeven introduced to enable homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots. The Senate passed the legislation in October, however the House of Representatives amended the legislation so it will now go back to the Senate for additional consideration. Congressman Cramer introduced companion bills in the House of Representatives.
Specifically, the bills transfer lots at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and land around the Jamestown Reservoir to the Stutsman County Park Board. Homeowners will then have the opportunity to purchase their land from these local entities.
We've worked with the homeowner associations as well as local, state and federal officials in Dickinson and Jamestown to advance legislation that provides homeowners at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir with the ability to purchase the land that they have developed and made their homes, said Hoeven. The House has now passed the bills for both Jamestown and Dickinson, but because they amended the bills, the legislation will need to come back to the Senate for further consideration and we'll need to pass them again. This is another step in the process, but there's more work to do. 
I am pleased to work with Senator Hoeven, the Patterson Lake Homeowners Association, and the Jamestown Reservoir Cabin Owners Association to put this land into the hands of local owners where it belongs, said Cramer. I appreciate the House Natural Resources Committee favorably reporting my companion bills early this year and I look forward to these bills reaching the President this Congress to be enacted into law. 
Patterson Lake Legislation
Hoeven introduced S.440, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake in February 2017. Specifically, the legislation:
 
Transfers 41 cabin lots, and additional recreation and wildlife management lands, to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. It also transfers a parcel of land, currently being leased, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
Jamestown Reservoir Legislation
After working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown, Hoeven introduced S. 2074 in the Senate in November 2017. The Jamestown Reservoir legislation:
 
Permanently transfers federal lands around Jamestown Reservoir  including 71 permitted exclusive use cabin lots, two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots  to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.
Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The BOR would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-hoeven-house-passes-legislation-to-enable-homeowners-around,"CRAMER, HOEVEN: HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO ENABLE HOMEOWNERS AROUND PATTERSON LAKE & JAMESTOWN RESERVOIR TO PURCHASE LOTS",2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contacts:
Kami Capener (Hoeven) (202) 224-2551
Dana Stancavage (Cramer) (202) 225-2611
***Click here for Hoeven video. Click here for Hoeven audio.***
*** Click here for Cramer audio.***

CRAMER, HOEVEN: HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO ENABLE HOMEOWNERS AROUND PATTERSON LAKE & JAMESTOWN RESERVOIR TO PURCHASE LOTS
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senator John Hoeven and Congressman Kevin Cramer today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved S.440 and S. 2074, legislation Senator Hoeven introduced to enable homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots. The Senate passed the legislation in October, however the House of Representatives amended the legislation so it will now go back to the Senate for additional consideration. Congressman Cramer introduced companion bills in the House of Representatives.
Specifically, the bills transfer lots at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and land around the Jamestown Reservoir to the Stutsman County Park Board. Homeowners will then have the opportunity to purchase their land from these local entities.
We've worked with the homeowner associations as well as local, state and federal officials in Dickinson and Jamestown to advance legislation that provides homeowners at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir with the ability to purchase the land that they have developed and made their homes, said Hoeven. The House has now passed the bills for both Jamestown and Dickinson, but because they amended the bills, the legislation will need to come back to the Senate for further consideration and we'll need to pass them again. This is another step in the process, but there's more work to do.
I am pleased to work with Senator Hoeven, the Patterson Lake Homeowners Association, and the Jamestown Reservoir Cabin Owners Association to put this land into the hands of local owners where it belongs, said Cramer. I appreciate the House Natural Resources Committee favorably reporting my companion bills early this year and I look forward to these bills reaching the President this Congress to be enacted into law.
Patterson Lake Legislation
 Hoeven introduced S.440, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake in February 2017. Specifically, the legislation:
 Transfers 41 cabin lots, and additional recreation and wildlife management lands, to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. It also transfers a parcel of land, currently being leased, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
	Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 Jamestown Reservoir Legislation
After working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown, Hoeven introduced S. 2074 in the Senate in November 2017. The Jamestown Reservoir legislation:
 Permanently transfers federal lands around Jamestown Reservoir  including 71 permitted exclusive use cabin lots, two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots  to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost.
	Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The BOR would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-28-million-usda-grant-for-fiber-optic-infrastructure-in-morton-county,Hoeven Announces More Than $2.8 Million USDA Grant for Fiber Optic Infrastructure in Morton County,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $2.8 Million USDA Grant for Fiber Optic Infrastructure in Morton County 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded a $2,828,547 grant to BEK Communications Cooperative (BEK). The funds, provided through USDA's Community Connect Grants program, will be used to install new fiber optic infrastructure to provide businesses and residents with high quality broadband services. Earlier this year, the senator sent a letter to USDA in support of BEK's application.
BEK has already constructed over 250 miles of fiber optics in Morton County, and today's investment will build on the cooperative's efforts to provide high quality broadband services to residents and businesses in Morton County, said Hoeven. This fiber optic infrastructure can bring access to additional economic and educational opportunities, improved health care, public safety assistance and more.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-2018-veterans-day-statement,CRAMER 2018 VETERANS DAY STATEMENT,2018-11-11,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day. Cramer will also speak at a Veterans Day event in Bismarck on Sunday. 

Today, Americans reflect on the freedom won by the brave men and women who have stood for it and those who still fight to protect it. I speak on behalf of many when I say thank you to our veterans and their families who are true patriots, sacrificing time apart for our great nation. Our appreciation cannot be shown enough for the courage and commitment to serve displayed by our military. As Members of Congress, it is our job to make sure our vets are taken care of when they come home and have the resources they need. I encourage you to show your support and appreciation for veterans today, and every day, and thank them for their service. 


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senator-hoeven-statement-marking-100th-anniversary-of-signing-of-armistice-ending-world-war-i-and-honoring-veterans,Senator Hoeven Statement Marking 100th Anniversary of Signing of Armistice Ending World War I and Honoring Veterans,2018-11-11,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.11.18
			 Senator Hoeven Statement Marking 100th Anniversary of Signing of Armistice Ending World War I and Honoring Veterans 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, today issued the following statement to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending World War I and in observance of Veterans Day.
Our nation would not be free were it not for our courageous veterans who have risked their lives to preserve our liberty and way of life. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, reminding us of the origins of Veterans Day and how men and women have for generations answered the call to serve our country. Today, we commemorate our veterans and honor their legacies.
The gratitude we owe our veterans extends beyond Veterans Day celebrations. This summer, I joined the president as he signed the VA MISSION Act, which improves on the Veterans Choice Program and gives veterans more options near their home communities when seeking health care. We cannot show enough gratitude to our veterans, but in this and other ways, we can honor their bravery and service. Our veterans are the greatest in the world, and it is because of their efforts that America is the greatest nation the world has ever known.
Senator Hoeven continues to work to advance legislation and initiatives to help veterans in North Dakota and throughout the country. Some of those efforts include:
 
VA MISSION Act  The senator joined the president earlier this year as he signed the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act. The bill improves on the Veterans Choice Program and includes key provisions from Hoeven legislation to increase veterans' access to long-term care options in their home communities.
Veterans Choice Program and Veterans Care Coordination Initiative  In 2016, Senator Hoeven worked to implement the Veterans Care Coordination initiative at the Fargo VA Health Center, which has helped to significantly reduce wait times for North Dakota veterans in coordinating their health care services through the Veterans Choice Program. Hoeven recently urged TriWest, the nationwide third party administrator for the Veterans Choice Program, to maintain the Veterans Care Coordination initiative at the Fargo VA.
Strong Funding to Support Veterans and Increase Health Care Options Closer to Home  In the Fiscal Year 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, Senator Hoeven worked to include funding to support veterans and provide quality health care options closer to home.
Expanded Flight-Training Programs for Veterans  Senator Hoeven introduced the American Aviator Act, bipartisan legislation to support flight-training services to assist veterans who want to become commercial airline pilots.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-public-schedule-23,CRAMER ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SCHEDULE,2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Dana.Stancavage@mail.house.gov 
WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer announced his public schedule for Nov. 10  11. All times are local. 

Saturday, November 10
North Dakota Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting
*Open Press
5:50  9:00 PM
Ramkota Inn
Bismarck

Sunday, November 11
Annual Veterans Day observance at the North Dakota Heritage Center
*Open Press
9:45  11:00 AM
Russell Reid Auditorium
612 E Boulevard Ave
Bismarck
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-874-million-in-funding-for-north-dakota-energy-cooperatives,Hoeven Announces Nearly $87.4 Million in Funding for North Dakota Energy Cooperatives,2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.18
			 Hoeven Announces Nearly $87.4 Million in Funding for North Dakota Energy Cooperatives 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved two loans totaling nearly $87.4 million for Minnkota Power Cooperative and Grand Electric Cooperative. Details of the funding are as follows:
 
Minnkota Power Cooperative  $67,396,000  The funding will be used to make generation and transmission improvements.
Grand Electric Cooperative  $20,000,000  The funding will be used to build 24 new miles and improve 156 miles of distribution and transmission line, and make other system improvements, including $70,000 in smart gird technologies.
 
Electric cooperatives provide residents throughout our state, especially in our rural areas, with reliable and affordable electricity, said Hoeven. Today's investments will help ensure North Dakotans will continue to have access to the electricity they need to power and heat their homes and businesses.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-to-serve-as-honorary-member-of-national-native-american-veterans-memorial-committee,Hoeven to Serve as Honorary Member of National Native American Veterans Memorial Committee,2018-11-08,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.08.18
			 Hoeven to Serve as Honorary Member of National Native American Veterans Memorial Committee 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that he will serve as an Honorary Member of the National Native American Veterans Memorial Committee.
I am honored that the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) has offered me the opportunity to serve as an Honorary Member of the National Native American Veterans Memorial Committee, Hoeven said. Native Americans enlist in the armed services at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group and have bravely served our country for nearly two and a half centuries. I am proud to be a part of recognizing their sacrifice, especially those tribal veterans from my home state of North Dakota.
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is building a National Native American Veterans Memorial to honor the long and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the United States Armed Forces. In June , the final Memorial design was selected. The selected design was submitted by Harvey Pratt, a Marine Corps veteran and member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The NMAI looks to break ground on the Memorial in September of 2019 and hold a Memorial Dedication on Veterans Day 2020.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-administration-reimposing-all-sanctions-on-iran,Hoeven Statement on Administration Reimposing All Sanctions on Iran,2018-11-03,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.03.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Administration Reimposing All Sanctions on Iran 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the administration announced that it would reinstate all sanctions on Iran that were lifted as part of the nuclear deal, which the president decertified earlier this year. This includes sanctions on Iran's core industries, such as its energy, financial and transportation sectors.
Iran has long been a force of destabilization, violence and terrorism in the region, and the previous administration's nuclear deal only emboldened these efforts. All the while, the deal would not have prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, as it lacked sufficient means to ensure compliance. Halting Iran's nuclear ambitions is vital to our national security and that of our allies. These sanctions will help pressure the regime to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and limit its ability sponsor terrorism.
""In addition to reinstituting these sanctions, I urge the administration to limit the use of any sanctions waivers for countries that seek to purchase Iranian oil. The administration should also consider further limits on Iran's ability to access the international financial system, including suspending its ability to use international financial messaging services that connect its banks with the global banking system.""
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-reinstating-sanctions-on-iran,CRAMER STATEMENT ON REINSTATING SANCTIONS ON IRAN,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement on the Trump Administration's announcement today to reimpose sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal: 

Today's announcement is the latest effort by the Trump Administration to correct one of the worst policies implemented by the Obama Administration and Senate Democrats, and reaffirms the United States' commitment to stand up to aggressive regimes who knowingly support acts of terrorism. I am pleased the Trump Administration will reinforce sanctions on Iranian oil, a decision which will promote greater U.S. exports. These sanctions will put pressure on Iran's economy, which was only emboldened by the disastrous nuclear agreement under President Obama. 


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-introduces-resolution-designating-november-3rd-as-national-bison-day,Hoeven Introduces Resolution Designating November 3rd as National Bison Day,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.02.18
			 Hoeven Introduces Resolution Designating November 3rd as National Bison Day 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Led Efforts to Designate Bison as National Mammal
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate November 3rd as National Bison Day. The resolution celebrates America's national mammal, the North American bison, and its significance in United States' history.
We worked hard to designate the bison as our national mammal to commemorate its unique and incredible place in American history and culture, said Senator Hoeven. Bison are strong, proud and free, and an important spiritual symbol for many Native Americans. They are a true American icon with an incredible story. The bison was once nearly wiped out, but through our nation's first great conservation effort, they flourish today throughout the United States and North America. This resolution designates November 3 as National Bison Day and commemorates all that the bison means to our nation.
 Hoeven introduced the bipartisan National Bison Legacy Act which was signed into law in 2016. The legislation designated the bison as the United States' national mammal and recognized its significance in American history.
The resolution is cosponsored by the following Senators: Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Read the full resolution here.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-statement-on-epa-proposed-rule-to-exempt-livestock-producers-from,CRAMER STATEMENT ON EPA PROPOSED RULE TO EXEMPT LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS FROM EMERGENCY EMISSIONS REPORTING,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Kevin Cramer issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rule to exempt livestock producers from reporting animal waste emissions under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) report requirements: 

I am pleased by the commonsense action taken by EPA under President Trump to lift the burden off many of our agriculture producers in North Dakota. By cutting the red tape of regulations, livestock producers don't have to worry about another regulation irrelevant to them. And, we restore the focus of the reporting requirements on the emergency situations for which they were intended. 

Cramer was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 5275 to provide a statutory exemption from certain CERCLA notice requirements and penalties for releases of hazardous substances from animal waste at farms. He also signed a letter urging language in the FY2018 omnibus appropriations bill to reaffirm the intent of CERCLA, which was adopted in the final bill. 


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-epas-proposed-rule-to-protect-farmers-and-ranchers-from-livestock-emissions-reporting,Hoeven Statement on EPAs Proposed Rule to Protect Farmers and Ranchers from Livestock Emissions Reporting,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.30.18
			 Hoeven Statement on EPA's Proposed Rule to Protect Farmers and Ranchers from Livestock Emissions Reporting 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Urged EPA Administrator to Provide Permanent Solution for Reporting Requirements, Cosponsored Legislation to Exempt Ag Producers
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to exempt agricultural producers from burdensome reporting requirements for animal waste emissions.
Hoeven has been pressing the EPA to find a permanent solution to provide certainty and prevent the agency's rule from negatively impacting farmers and ranchers. The senator also helped introduce the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act, bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) that would protect farmers, ranchers and livestock markets from burdensome EPA reporting requirements for livestock emissions.
Imposing reporting requirements for livestock emissions from animals in a pasture doesn't make sense and only leads to higher costs for both producers and consumers. That is why we've been pressing EPA to find a solution to provide certainty and to help ensure that farmers and ranchers are able to maintain their operations, said Hoeven. This proposed rule will help provide much needed certainty for producers and is common sense. 
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Emergency Response and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the release of hazardous substances into the air over certain thresholds must comply with requirements. These requirements were not intended to affect animal agriculture and instead were meant to address industrial pollution, chemical plant explosions and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
The EPA previously provided exemptions to these rules for agriculture producers, except for confined animal feeding operations, as there is no accepted method for accurately measuring the release of substances like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia from animal waste in a pasture. However, the courts ruled last year that the agency did not have the authority to grant the exemption and agriculture producers must begin reporting emissions. Farmers are already exempted from CERCLA reporting as a result of the August 1, 2018 final rule. Today's proposed rule amends EPCRA reporting requirements to exempt farmers from reporting requirements for animal waste.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-statement-on-passing-of-former-north-dakota-legislator-rae-ann-kelsch,Hoeven Statement on Passing of Former North Dakota Legislator Rae Ann Kelsch,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.30.18
			 Hoeven Statement on Passing of Former North Dakota Legislator Rae Ann Kelsch 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the passing of former state Representative Rae Ann Kelsch, who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1991 to 2012.
Mikey and I are truly saddened to hear of Rae Ann's passing. She was not only a friend and colleague, but a true leader on education issues in the state of North Dakota. As governor, I worked with Rae Ann as she led education efforts in the North Dakota House of Representatives and served as a champion for North Dakota's teachers, students and schools. She will be deeply missed. Mikey and I pray for Rae Ann and her family, and send our sincerest condolences to them.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E14D1C10-3365-4036-9AF8-0235A310719B,New USDA Data Show No U.S. Soybean Exports to China Last Week; Exports Down 97% This Marketing Year,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Data released today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the administration's trade war is creating an increasingly critical situation for U.S. soybean growers, with zero exports to China last week in what is typically the peak season for shipments. During the same week last year, the U.S. exported 1.74 million metric tons of soybeans to China. About 70 percent of North Dakota soybeans are typically exported to Asia, primarily China.
U.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1, total 201,685 metric tons, compared to 6.4 million metric tons at this time last year, a 97 percent decrease. According to reports this week, in response to the trade war, China is moving to cut U.S. soybeans out of their market, shifting their supply chain to U.S. competitors like Brazil and cutting soybeans out of animal feed.
These numbers are staggering and unprecedented since North Dakota farmers have spent decades developing the Chinese market for their soybeans. The loss of the Chinese market due to the administration's trade war is an unfolding disaster for North Dakota soybean farmers, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers work hard all season and take huge financial risks to get their crops from seed to the combine. But instead of a payday, they're facing financial hardship and uncertainty as they struggle to store their beans. It's time for the administration to realize that there are no winners in a trade war. 
The decline in U.S. soybean exports to China is illustrated in the following graph:
Weekly Exports of U.S. Soybeans to China
Source: USDA/FAS/Export Sales Reporting, 10/25/2018
As North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving unsold beans occupying grain elevators and bins rather than heading overseas.
The trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. According to Wilson, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel. In some areas of North Dakota cash bids for soybeans have fallen below $7 per bushel, as North Dakota grain buyers struggle to find markets for refugee soybeans that don't really have a home anymore due to the trade war.
Soybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:

While some markets like the European Union increasing their purchases of U.S. soybeans, it's not nearly enough to make up for the decline of the Chinese market. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.
Soybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed USDA for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Earlier this year Heitkamp brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E14D1C10-3365-4036-9AF8-0235A310719B,New USDA Data Show No U.S. Soybean Exports to China Last Week; Exports Down 97% This Marketing Year,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Data released today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the administration's trade war is creating an increasingly critical situation for U.S. soybean growers, with zero exports to China last week in what is typically the peak season for shipments. During the same week last year, the U.S. exported 1.74 million metric tons of soybeans to China. About 70 percent of North Dakota soybeans are typically exported to Asia, primarily China.
U.S. soybean exports to China this marketing year, which began September 1, total 201,685 metric tons, compared to 6.4 million metric tons at this time last year, a 97 percent decrease. According to reports this week, in response to the trade war, China is moving to cut U.S. soybeans out of their market, shifting their supply chain to U.S. competitors like Brazil and cutting soybeans out of animal feed.
These numbers are staggering and unprecedented since North Dakota farmers have spent decades developing the Chinese market for their soybeans. The loss of the Chinese market due to the administration's trade war is an unfolding disaster for North Dakota soybean farmers, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers work hard all season and take huge financial risks to get their crops from seed to the combine. But instead of a payday, they're facing financial hardship and uncertainty as they struggle to store their beans. It's time for the administration to realize that there are no winners in a trade war. 
The decline in U.S. soybean exports to China is illustrated in the following graph:
Weekly Exports of U.S. Soybeans to China
Source: USDA/FAS/Export Sales Reporting, 10/25/2018
As North Dakota farmers struggle to find a market for this year's crop, reports show that the administration's trade war is continuing to worsen the outlook for North Dakota soybean farmers. As CNBC recently reported, farmers are having trouble finding a place for this year's crop, leaving unsold beans occupying grain elevators and bins rather than heading overseas.
The trade war's impact could have negative consequences on the ag economy for up to five years, according to William Wilson with NDSU. According to Wilson, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current $7 per bushel. In some areas of North Dakota cash bids for soybeans have fallen below $7 per bushel, as North Dakota grain buyers struggle to find markets for refugee soybeans that don't really have a home anymore due to the trade war.
Soybeans are an important part of North Dakota's ag economy. For example:

While some markets like the European Union increasing their purchases of U.S. soybeans, it's not nearly enough to make up for the decline of the Chinese market. North Dakota's infrastructure is best positioned to export beans to China, making it harder and more costly for North Dakota farmers to sell their soybeans to other parts of the world.
Soybeans are particularly hard to store, especially if grain bins are not an option for a farmer. NDSU recently released resources and helpful tips on soybean storage for farmers tackling soybean storage for the first time.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed USDA for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Earlier this year Heitkamp brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-announces-more-than-1-million-in-grants-to-support-education-and-extension-work-at-nd-tribal-land-grant-colleges,Hoeven Announces More Than $1 Million in Grants to Support Education and Extension Work at ND Tribal Land-Grant Colleges,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.25.18
			 Hoeven Announces More Than $1 Million in Grants to Support Education and Extension Work at ND Tribal Land-Grant Colleges 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today announced that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided more than $1 million in grant funding to support extension and education services at North Dakota tribal land-grant colleges. The funding is awarded through the Tribal College Extension Program (TCEP) and Tribal College Extension-Special Emphasis Program (TCEP-SE)
These USDA grants provide tribal colleges with resources to provide education and outreach programs to meet needs in their communities. That includes initiatives like community gardens and farmers markets as well as extension programs that teach nutrition, food safety and life skills, said Hoeven. 
 
Cankdeska Cikana Community College: $125,000
Fort Berthold Community College: $200,000
Fort Berthold Community College: $125,000
Sitting Bull College: $125,000
Sitting Bull College: $200,000
Turtle Mountain Community College: $125,000
United Tribes Technical College: $125,000
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-recognizes-former-ag-secretary-ed-schafer-at-ceremony-renaming,CRAMER RECOGNIZES FORMER AG SECRETARY ED SCHAFER AT CEREMONY RENAMING USDA-ARS RESEARCH CENTER IN HIS HONOR,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"USDA ARS Administrator and Acting Deputy Under Secretary REE Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Secretary Ed Schafer, Congressman Kevin Cramer 

FARGO, N.D.  Congressman Kevin Cramer joined other state and federal officials in honoring former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer in a ceremony renaming the Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center at North Dakota State University the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center.
Cramer introduced H.R. 2154, authorizing the name change, which was passed by the House of Representatives on May 17, 2017 and the Senate on March 14, 2017. It was signed into law by President Trump on March 27.
Schafer was U.S. Agriculture Secretary from 2008 to 2009 and NorthDakota Governor from 1992 to 2000. Cramer praised him for his contributions to agriculture in North Dakota and the state, and for appreciating how public policy impacts people.
There is no one more deserving of recognition for his work and commitment to our state and agriculture than Ed, said Cramer. He is a role model to me, and many others, living his life as example for how we all should serve. I look forward to all the work the Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center will continue to do to advance agriculture.
Also speaking at the ceremony was USDA Agricultural Research Service Administrator and Acting Deputy Under Secretary Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, who said, The Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center will serve as a permanent reminder that, as citizens and as stewards of the public trust, we have a shared responsibility to improve the health and welfare of everyone in this country.
In his remarks, Schafer spoke about the importance of North Dakotans taking leadership roles in agriculture and rural America.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4A464AB8-4596-4094-8F8E-4B40A41FA0FF,"Heitkamp: With Exports Plummeting, ND Edible Bean Growers Need Relief from Trade War",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp Urging Administration to Address Agriculture Issues in Talks with EU Over New Free Trade Agreement  
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the administration to push the European Union (EU) to drop retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like edible beans as they move forward with negotiations for a new free trade agreement.
The EU declared that it doesn't intend to address agriculture in any new trade agreement as long as the administration's tariffs on EU goods, imposed in June, are in place. After the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from the EU, the EU enacted retaliatory tariffs that are hurting North Dakota farmers like edible bean producers  a predictable consequence of the administration's trade war. North Dakota farmers suffering losses may have to decrease production due to the trade war's impact on their markets.
The administration's trade war isn't just hurting soybean farmers  retaliatory tariffs are putting North Dakota edible bean producers at risk and decreasing their exports, a bad sign for our weakening farm economy, Heitkamp said. As the administration begins the process of negotiating a new trade agreement with the EU, they must do so in a way that addresses the concerns of agriculture and protects American workers. With farmers already looking with concern toward 2019, there's no time to waste  we need these issues addressed quickly to protect our farmers, markets for our goods, and the rural communities that rely on a strong ag economy.
Heitkamp pointed to data showing a 23 percent decrease in edible bean exports to the EU this year compared to 2017. North Dakota farmers grew 35 percent of total U.S. edible bean production in 2017, and lead the nation in the production of navy and pinto beans, underscoring how vulnerable North Dakota farmers are to the downturn in agriculture caused by the trade war. Last year, the value of U.S. edible bean exports to the EU was $170.6 million.
Click here to read Heitkamp's letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62F4D3AA-26BF-483F-9A33-4A026E87B40D,"President Signs into Law Comprehensive Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Combat Childhood Trauma, Fight Addiction Crisis in Rural America",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation she helped pass to address the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic in North Dakota and across the country. The comprehensive bill includes several of Heitkamp's provisions that will help mitigate the detrimental effects exposure to trauma, like a parent's drug abuse, can have on children.
Traumatic experiences such as those related to addiction can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can negatively impact children throughout their lives, especially in rural or underserved areas. Young people who experiencefour or moretraumatic eventsarethree times more at riskof heart disease or lung cancer, while those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare30 times more likelyto attempt suicide.
Heitkamp's trauma-related provisions in the opioid law will establish a task force to identify the best ways to combat trauma, boost awareness about the prevalence of trauma, give North Dakota schools the mental health resources they need, and address shortages of trauma-informed workers in rural America.
As more North Dakota families are devastated by the scourge of addiction, we need to dramatically increase our support for prevention, treatment, and first responder effortsand this bill is a major step in that fight, said Heitkamp. As part of a full-court press against this public health crisis, I've long pushed for legislation that addresses the impacts of childhood exposure to trauma, because we have far too many kids who could be scarred for life due to this epidemic. With this bipartisan bill now signed into law, my provisions will help promote successful interventions and boost the mental and behavioral health workforce in Indian Country and rural areas. By putting more kids and families on the road to recovery and improved mental health, we are building stronger and safer communities long into the future.
Over the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deathsincreased by nearly 400 percentfrom 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupledamong 18-25 year olds.
To help address these rising rates of overdose deaths, the bill includes Heitkamp's provisions to improve the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grant program, which she proposedin legislation she introduced earlier this year. The legislation will increase flexibility for local communities to address the addiction crisis, enable tribes to apply directly for grants, and create a tribal set-aside.
The provisions from Heitkamp'sTrauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Actshe fought to include in the law will help combat the crisis and boost access to trauma-informed treatment by:
 
Establishing an interagency task force to identify best practices.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant tribal agency professionals will work to identify a set of best practices that improve capacity and coordination for the identification, referral, and support of children and families that have experienced or at risk of experiencing trauma.
 
 
Understanding the prevalence of trauma.Data collection and reporting by states will be expanded to include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in behavioral health surveys.
 
 
Increasing funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.Funding will provide technical assistance, direct services to communities, and will support evaluations and dissemination of best practices in trauma-informed care for children and families.
 
 
Integrating mental health practices in schools.Grants will link educational agencies with mental health systems to increase student access to evidence-based trauma support services to help prevent and mitigate trauma that children and youth experience due to substance abuse.
 
 
Addressing workforce shortages.Health professionals in the National Health Service Corps will be able to provide behavioral and mental health services in schools or other community-based settings. Additionally, trauma-informed training will be included as part of graduate education and training programs.
 
Heitkamp has long been a leader in drawing attention and proposing solutions to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts. In August,Heitkamp met with several grandparentswho have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies. During their discussion, she discussed with the families the impact of$20 million in federal funding she helped secureto support family caretakers of vulnerable children.
Last month, Heitkamp held a roundtable discussionon combating the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.
And as a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Heitkamp earlier this week participated in a hearing on combatting the trafficking of illegal fentanyl from China. The hearing included testimony from administration officials, including from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to discuss the development and implementation of new strategies to crack down on fentanyl produced in China and shipped to the United States.
As part of herStrong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota over the past few years on combating opioid and other substance abuse. These have included meetings inBismarck,Grand Forks,Minot, Fargo, Jamestown, Dickinson,and Hazen.
Background
Since fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.
Heitkamp has worked to combat North Dakota's opioid abuse crisis through intervention and treatment, including by introducing a bill called theLifeBOAT Actto provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.Additionally, she helpedpass legislationin 2016, which became law, which offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.
And Heitkamp has consistently fought to prioritize robust, direct funding to tribal communities as they address the drug abuse and addiction crisis in Indian Country. In March 2018,Heitkamp participated in a hearingin the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on combating the opioid addiction epidemic in Indian Country. While grilling a U.S. Department of Justice official, Heitkamp stressed the serious need for more federal law enforcement agents on reservations to provide quality criminal investigations and crack down on illegal narcotics trafficking.Click hereto see the full video from the hearing.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4A464AB8-4596-4094-8F8E-4B40A41FA0FF,"Heitkamp: With Exports Plummeting, ND Edible Bean Growers Need Relief from Trade War",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Heitkamp Urging Administration to Address Agriculture Issues in Talks with EU Over New Free Trade Agreement  
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today urged the administration to push the European Union (EU) to drop retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products like edible beans as they move forward with negotiations for a new free trade agreement.
The EU declared that it doesn't intend to address agriculture in any new trade agreement as long as the administration's tariffs on EU goods, imposed in June, are in place. After the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports from the EU, the EU enacted retaliatory tariffs that are hurting North Dakota farmers like edible bean producers  a predictable consequence of the administration's trade war. North Dakota farmers suffering losses may have to decrease production due to the trade war's impact on their markets.
The administration's trade war isn't just hurting soybean farmers  retaliatory tariffs are putting North Dakota edible bean producers at risk and decreasing their exports, a bad sign for our weakening farm economy, Heitkamp said. As the administration begins the process of negotiating a new trade agreement with the EU, they must do so in a way that addresses the concerns of agriculture and protects American workers. With farmers already looking with concern toward 2019, there's no time to waste  we need these issues addressed quickly to protect our farmers, markets for our goods, and the rural communities that rely on a strong ag economy.
Heitkamp pointed to data showing a 23 percent decrease in edible bean exports to the EU this year compared to 2017. North Dakota farmers grew 35 percent of total U.S. edible bean production in 2017, and lead the nation in the production of navy and pinto beans, underscoring how vulnerable North Dakota farmers are to the downturn in agriculture caused by the trade war. Last year, the value of U.S. edible bean exports to the EU was $170.6 million.
Click here to read Heitkamp's letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=62F4D3AA-26BF-483F-9A33-4A026E87B40D,"President Signs into Law Comprehensive Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Combat Childhood Trauma, Fight Addiction Crisis in Rural America",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the President signed into law bipartisan legislation she helped pass to address the opioid and methamphetamine epidemic in North Dakota and across the country. The comprehensive bill includes several of Heitkamp's provisions that will help mitigate the detrimental effects exposure to trauma, like a parent's drug abuse, can have on children.
Traumatic experiences such as those related to addiction can lead to severe health and behavioral complications that can negatively impact children throughout their lives, especially in rural or underserved areas. Young people who experiencefour or moretraumatic eventsarethree times more at riskof heart disease or lung cancer, while those who experiencesix or moretraumatic eventsare30 times more likelyto attempt suicide.
Heitkamp's trauma-related provisions in the opioid law will establish a task force to identify the best ways to combat trauma, boost awareness about the prevalence of trauma, give North Dakota schools the mental health resources they need, and address shortages of trauma-informed workers in rural America.
As more North Dakota families are devastated by the scourge of addiction, we need to dramatically increase our support for prevention, treatment, and first responder effortsand this bill is a major step in that fight, said Heitkamp. As part of a full-court press against this public health crisis, I've long pushed for legislation that addresses the impacts of childhood exposure to trauma, because we have far too many kids who could be scarred for life due to this epidemic. With this bipartisan bill now signed into law, my provisions will help promote successful interventions and boost the mental and behavioral health workforce in Indian Country and rural areas. By putting more kids and families on the road to recovery and improved mental health, we are building stronger and safer communities long into the future.
Over the past few years, drug abuse and drug-related deaths have steeply risen across rural America. In North Dakota,drug-related deathsincreased by nearly 400 percentfrom 2013 to 2016. And from 1999 to 2015,opioid deaths in rural America quadrupledamong 18-25 year olds.
To help address these rising rates of overdose deaths, the bill includes Heitkamp's provisions to improve the Opioid State Targeted Response (STR) grant program, which she proposedin legislation she introduced earlier this year. The legislation will increase flexibility for local communities to address the addiction crisis, enable tribes to apply directly for grants, and create a tribal set-aside.
The provisions from Heitkamp'sTrauma-Informed Care for Children and Families Actshe fought to include in the law will help combat the crisis and boost access to trauma-informed treatment by:
 
Establishing an interagency task force to identify best practices.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, and relevant tribal agency professionals will work to identify a set of best practices that improve capacity and coordination for the identification, referral, and support of children and families that have experienced or at risk of experiencing trauma.
 
 
Understanding the prevalence of trauma.Data collection and reporting by states will be expanded to include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in behavioral health surveys.
 
 
Increasing funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.Funding will provide technical assistance, direct services to communities, and will support evaluations and dissemination of best practices in trauma-informed care for children and families.
 
 
Integrating mental health practices in schools.Grants will link educational agencies with mental health systems to increase student access to evidence-based trauma support services to help prevent and mitigate trauma that children and youth experience due to substance abuse.
 
 
Addressing workforce shortages.Health professionals in the National Health Service Corps will be able to provide behavioral and mental health services in schools or other community-based settings. Additionally, trauma-informed training will be included as part of graduate education and training programs.
 
Heitkamp has long been a leader in drawing attention and proposing solutions to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts. In August,Heitkamp met with several grandparentswho have adopted or are fostering their grandkids as a result of suicide, substance abuse, and other circumstances that leave the children's biological parents unable to care for them a setup known as grandfamilies. During their discussion, she discussed with the families the impact of$20 million in federal funding she helped secureto support family caretakers of vulnerable children.
Last month, Heitkamp held a roundtable discussionon combating the substance abuse and addiction crisis in North Dakota with community leaders, law enforcement officers, and health care professionals. Howard G. Buffett a philanthropist, county sheriff, and businessman joined Heitkamp to share his views on the negative effects of the opioid epidemic, particularly those he has witnessed during his time as a rural law enforcement official in Macon County, Illinois.
And as a member of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, Heitkamp earlier this week participated in a hearing on combatting the trafficking of illegal fentanyl from China. The hearing included testimony from administration officials, including from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to discuss the development and implementation of new strategies to crack down on fentanyl produced in China and shipped to the United States.
As part of herStrong and Safe Communities Initiative, Heitkamp has held discussions across North Dakota over the past few years on combating opioid and other substance abuse. These have included meetings inBismarck,Grand Forks,Minot, Fargo, Jamestown, Dickinson,and Hazen.
Background
Since fighting North Dakota's methamphetamine crisis as the state's attorney general in the 1990s, Heitkamp has been working to stem the tide of addiction, abuse, and illegal drug trafficking in the state's rural communities.
Heitkamp has worked to combat North Dakota's opioid abuse crisis through intervention and treatment, including by introducing a bill called theLifeBOAT Actto provide more federal resources to address the epidemic. She alsointroduced a billto expand a critical federal grant program to provide $12 billion over five years for local organizations to treat drug abuse and addiction while preventing further overdoses.Additionally, she helpedpass legislationin 2016, which became law, which offers community-based prevention and treatment resources to combat opioid abuse.
And Heitkamp has consistently fought to prioritize robust, direct funding to tribal communities as they address the drug abuse and addiction crisis in Indian Country. In March 2018,Heitkamp participated in a hearingin the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on combating the opioid addiction epidemic in Indian Country. While grilling a U.S. Department of Justice official, Heitkamp stressed the serious need for more federal law enforcement agents on reservations to provide quality criminal investigations and crack down on illegal narcotics trafficking.Click hereto see the full video from the hearing.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-president-signs-into-law-comprehensive-legislation-to-combat-opioid-abuse-with-provisions-hoeven-advanced-to-prevent-sale-and-shipment-of-illicit-synthetic-drugs,Hoeven: President Signs into Law Comprehensive Legislation to Combat Opioid Abuse with Provisions Hoeven Advanced to Prevent Sale & Shipment of Illicit Synthetic Drugs,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.24.18
			 Hoeven: President Signs into Law Comprehensive Legislation to Combat Opioid Abuse with Provisions Hoeven Advanced to Prevent Sale & Shipment of Illicit Synthetic Drugs 
			
			WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed into law comprehensive legislation to combat the opioid abuse crisis that includes provisions the senator cosponsored to prevent the sale and shipment of illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
We appreciate the President signing into law this legislation to help combat opioid abuse and provide additional tools to help families and communities impacted by addiction. This legislation is comprehensive and supports prevention, treatment, recovery and law enforcement efforts. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions we worked to advance to prevent the sale and shipment of dangerous drugs like fentanyl.
Hoeven worked to include language in the legislation that aligns with the goals of his Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, which closes a loophole that enables bad actors to circumvent the law to sell and distribute illicit synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as not for human consumption. The language derives from the Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances (SALTS) Act, of which Hoeven is a cosponsor, and which was included in the bill signed into law today.
The senator also cosponsored the Synthetic Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, which is included in this legislation. This provision requires shipments from foreign countries sent through the U.S. Postal Service to provide electronic data. This will empower Customs and Border Protection to better target potential illegal substances like fentanyl and prevent it from being shipped into the country.
Additionally, the legislation signed into law today:
 
Reauthorizes state grants authorized in the 21st Century Cures Act, with a five percent set-aside for tribes.
Reauthorizes the following programs through 2023: the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program, the Department of Justice Drug Court Program and the Drug Free Communities Program.
Funds training for staff at Community Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics on dispensing medications for treatment of an opioid use disorder.
Increases flexibility for the National Institutes of Health to research non-addictive pain medication.
Provides treatment and recovery support services for individuals with a substance use disorder.
 Allows for 6-year loan repayment agreements with substance use disorder treatment professionals that work in mental health professional shortage areas or counties that have been hardest hit by drug overdose.
Increases access to medication-assisted treatment.
 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-president-trump-signs-infrastructure-bill-advancing-safe-water,CRAMER: PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS INFRASTRUCTURE BILL ADVANCING SAFE WATER ACT AND CORPS REFORM,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"FARGO, N.D.  Congressman Kevin Cramer praised President Trump for signing S. 3021, the America's Infrastructure Act of 2018 today, which incorporates H.R. 8, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018.

S. 3021, passed by a bipartisan and bicameral Congress in September, includes the WRDA's authorization of Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) activities and builds on previous Corps reform efforts enacted in past two sessions of Congress. 

This bipartisan legislation continues efforts I've worked on to support investments in our nation's water infrastructure, from flood control to helping communities improve their water systems and improving regulatory reviews, said Cramer. 

The bill incorporates H.R. 3387, the first reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act since 1996, which was handled by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which Cramer is a member. It authorizes almost $4.4 billion over three years for the state drinking water revolving loan fund program, aid to states and utilities with compliance and asset management, updates to antiterrorism and resilience measures at public water systems, and improves transparency for consumers about the quality of their drinking water. Also included is an Indian reservation drinking water program directing 10 projects in the Upper Missouri River Basin to improve water quality, pressure, or services at Indian reservations in North Dakota.

It reauthorizes the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program with some improvements for state loan funds, removes some Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) land use restrictions for the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project, and institutes easement review timelines for accessing Missouri River water at Lake Sakakawea and Oahe.

The new law requires a study on the Corps' economic and budgetary analyses that determine where project funding is directed. Cramer said this study is important for advancing public-private partnerships, such as the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project. It also includes a provision to relieve FEMA open space deed restrictions for the purposes of constructing the Diversion Project.

The law includes policy to help access Missouri River water through Corps property by establishing a process and timelines for water intake easements. This includes 120 days for the Corps to make a determination on a complete easement application. Cramer helped institute the prohibition on water storage fees at Garrison and Oahe reservoirs in the 2014 WRDA, and this law extends it for an additional two years. It also includes a study of the future of the Corps, including transferring functions to other federal agencies. 

The America's Infrastructure Act streamlines the burdensome regulatory approval process for hydropower, including bills previously passed in the House: H.R. 2880, the Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act; H.R. 2872, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act; H.R. 2786, to Amend the Federal Power Act with Respect to the Criteria and Process to Qualify as a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility; as well as key provisions from H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act. 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A725A64E-01D9-4631-896E-39AC413ED24B,"President Signs Bipartisan Water Resources Bill into Law, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Support Devils Lake Flood Protection & FM Diversion",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill Includes Support for FM Diversion, Heitkamp's Legislation to Help Small and Rural Water Systems Meet Federal Wastewater Rules 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law a comprehensive water infrastructure bill that includes several provisions she fought for, including strengthened support for critical water projects in Devils Lake, Fargo, and across rural North Dakota.
The bipartisan legislation includes Heitkamp's provision to provide federal funding for long-term maintenance and operation costs related to the permanent levee protecting the City of Devils Lake and the surrounding area from flood waters.Additionally, the bill includes a provision that provides authority to build flood protections on several deed-restricted properties as part of the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project.
North Dakota is no stranger to devastating floods, and families in the Lake Region and the Red River Valley are rightfully concerned about the life-threatening dangers they could face from the next major flood event. That's why we need to advance smart, cost-effective, and permanent flood protection that keeps our communities strong and safe, said Heitkamp. As President Trump signs this bipartisan water infrastructure bill into law today, we are another step closer to making sure the federal government pays its fair share to operate and maintain the Devils Lake Embankment a critical component of the area's resiliency against flooding. And this bill also includes an amendment I fought to include, which would allow the Fargo-Moorhead area to overcome burdensome federal restrictions, build important infrastructure, and sufficiently protect homes and businesses in the region. I'll keep fighting to strengthen our defenses against flooding and to keep our rural water clean, because all North Dakotans deserve that peace of mind.
From 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake rose more than 30 feet and quadrupled in size, underscoring the urgent need to maintain the levee protecting the city. Under Heitkamp's provision, the federal government could cover up to 100 percent of the embankment's associated operations and maintenance costs, preventing the city from needing to use local tax dollars to fund all necessary upkeep costs. Her legislative fix will also help pay for future repairs, such as the replacement of aging water pumps along the embankment.
In February, Heitkamp wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee urging them to prioritize long-term maintenance costs of the Devils Lake levee in the upcoming water resources bill. Heitkamp requested that the federal government assist the community in covering the extraordinary burden of long-term maintenance, particularly as the project built under emergency conditions and is now permanent.
Thebipartisanbillalso includes Heitkamp's provision to allow the construction of flood protections on several deed-restricted properties in the Fargo area. Due to recent changes made to the FM Diversion Project following the work of the Governors' Task Force, it was determined that several properties that were otherwise deed-restricted now were necessary to construct the project. Heitkamp's fix is broad enough to cover other Fargo properties needed for permanent protections that are currently deed-restricted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the potential sites of future levees.
Heitkamp crafted and fought for this provision following discussions with Fargo-Moorhead community leaders, who strongly advocated for this proposed authority. Heitkamp has also held calls this month with Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works R.D. James, the top civilian official overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding funding for the diversion project in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2018 work plan.
And the2018 Water Resources Development Act also includes provisions from Heitkamp's bill to fund training and assistance to improve wastewater treatment in small and rural communities. Heitkamp's provision would provide up to $25 million a year over five years to provide wastewater technical assistance to community water systems serving small, rural, and tribal communities.
Heitkamp introduced theSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actlast yearwith U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).The bipartisan bill builds on theirlegislation that was signed into lawto make sure rural towns have federal assistance to offset the cost of complying with federal rules under the Clean Water Act.
Background
Heitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists the Fargo area in recovering from past flooding, while also helping protect communities throughout North Dakota, like Devils Lake, from future floods.
In July 2018, Heitkamp convened Ramsey Country officials and Devils Lake community leaders to discuss ongoing flood protection efforts in the Lake Region, and she also highlighted her provision to fund maintenance and operation costs of the Devils Lake embankment.
In April 2017, Heitkamp joined Fargo leaders, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, and the Army Corps tocelebrate the groundbreakingof the F-M Diversion. The Army Corpsawarded its first construction contract for the diversion in2016 after Heitkampsuccessfully secured federal support fromOMB and Army Corps leaders fora Fargo construction start, in addition to critical federal funding.
In October 2016, Heitkampmet with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protectionsthe area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. In July 2016, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for theFargo-Moorhead diversion.
Heitkamp has also consistently worked with FEMA to resolve issues impacting North Dakota flood protection infrastructure. In April,Heitkamp announced that the FEMA officially stated that Valley City can maintain its floodwall. The decision from FEMA was the result of a fix Heitkamp wrote andsuccessfully includedin the funding bill Congress passed in March 2018 that allowed Valley City to keep in place the existing floodwall.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAF394C1-C530-490C-BF23-1E4AB251EAA4,"New Report: 21,000 U.S. Wind Energy Jobs at Risk from Administrations Trade War",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the risk to jobs and economic growth in North Dakota's wind energy industry posed by the administration's trade war.
Wind energy is part of North Dakota's all-of-the-above energy success story  but that success is at risk by the administration's trade war, Heitkamp said. Rising input costs are hurting manufacturers and putting future wind projects in doubt, which is bad news for workers in manufacturing and trucking. The trade war could stifle the serious growth our state has seen in wind energy development and jobs after Congress passed a deal I negotiated in 2015 to provide a long-term extension of a tax credit to support wind energy, providing needed certain for producers and workers. And North Dakota farmers and ranchers who benefit from lease payments  especially at a time of reduced commodity prices and uncertainty due to the trade war  could also feel the pain if the trade war continues and new projects are delayed or cancelled.
Steel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for manufacturers, clouding the outlook for the wind energy industry. According to a recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) report, the administration's trade war has put up to 25 percent of future U.S. wind projects at risk. Nationwide, 21,000 jobs in the industry are at risk from the trade war. In North Dakota, nearly 3,000 jobs are supported by the industry, according to the report.
According to a recent report in Bloomberg, the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and parts like blades, gearboxes, and crank shafts will ultimately lead to higher energy costs for consumers.
Heitkamp helped negotiate a long-term extension of federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy in 2015 as part of her successful effort to build a bipartisan coalition around her plan to lift the ban on exporting domestic oil. That effort boosted wind energy development jobs across the state in the past several years, and in August, AWEA presented Heitkamp with the Wind Champion Award at Geronimo's wind farm near Courtenay.
North Dakota was the No. 1 state in the nation in 2017 for wind energy jobs per capita. This translates into thousands of wind jobs in North Dakota that support families and powers businesses that is critical to growing the economy.
The trade war is having a ripple effect across the economy, according to the AWEA report, threatening jobs in manufacturing and trucking industries, and putting farmers and ranchers who rely on lease payments at risk.
The administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the oil and gas industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. CNBC recently reported that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.
Heitkamp is helping to lead a bipartisan effort to reverse the tariffs that put the wind energy industry at risk. She joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the steel and aluminum tariffs.
Heitkamp has a long record of supporting North Dakota's energy workers, including wind. In August, Heitkamp spoke at the groundbreaking of Excel Energy's Foxtail Wind Farm near Ellendale. In April 2017, she visited LM Wind in Grand Forks to reinforce the importance of supporting wind energy development. In July 2016, she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Energy's Border Wind Farm. In April 2015, Heitkamp toured Fargo's 70-year-old Ulteig Engineers to discuss the direly needed build-out of North Dakota's energy infrastructure with a particular focus on providing certainty to wind energy industry workers. In January 2014, Heitkamp toured Iberdrola Wind Farm near Rugby and in May 2013, Heitkamp attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bison Wind Energy Center near New Salem. She also visited an Otter Tail Power Company and NextEra Energy Resources wind farm near Edgeley in October 2014.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A725A64E-01D9-4631-896E-39AC413ED24B,"President Signs Bipartisan Water Resources Bill into Law, Includes Heitkamps Provisions to Support Devils Lake Flood Protection & FM Diversion",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill Includes Support for FM Diversion, Heitkamp's Legislation to Help Small and Rural Water Systems Meet Federal Wastewater Rules 
	
	
		
		WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that the president signed into law a comprehensive water infrastructure bill that includes several provisions she fought for, including strengthened support for critical water projects in Devils Lake, Fargo, and across rural North Dakota.
The bipartisan legislation includes Heitkamp's provision to provide federal funding for long-term maintenance and operation costs related to the permanent levee protecting the City of Devils Lake and the surrounding area from flood waters.Additionally, the bill includes a provision that provides authority to build flood protections on several deed-restricted properties as part of the construction of the Fargo-Moorhead (FM) Area Diversion Project.
North Dakota is no stranger to devastating floods, and families in the Lake Region and the Red River Valley are rightfully concerned about the life-threatening dangers they could face from the next major flood event. That's why we need to advance smart, cost-effective, and permanent flood protection that keeps our communities strong and safe, said Heitkamp. As President Trump signs this bipartisan water infrastructure bill into law today, we are another step closer to making sure the federal government pays its fair share to operate and maintain the Devils Lake Embankment a critical component of the area's resiliency against flooding. And this bill also includes an amendment I fought to include, which would allow the Fargo-Moorhead area to overcome burdensome federal restrictions, build important infrastructure, and sufficiently protect homes and businesses in the region. I'll keep fighting to strengthen our defenses against flooding and to keep our rural water clean, because all North Dakotans deserve that peace of mind.
From 1993 to 2011, Devils Lake rose more than 30 feet and quadrupled in size, underscoring the urgent need to maintain the levee protecting the city. Under Heitkamp's provision, the federal government could cover up to 100 percent of the embankment's associated operations and maintenance costs, preventing the city from needing to use local tax dollars to fund all necessary upkeep costs. Her legislative fix will also help pay for future repairs, such as the replacement of aging water pumps along the embankment.
In February, Heitkamp wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee urging them to prioritize long-term maintenance costs of the Devils Lake levee in the upcoming water resources bill. Heitkamp requested that the federal government assist the community in covering the extraordinary burden of long-term maintenance, particularly as the project built under emergency conditions and is now permanent.
Thebipartisanbillalso includes Heitkamp's provision to allow the construction of flood protections on several deed-restricted properties in the Fargo area. Due to recent changes made to the FM Diversion Project following the work of the Governors' Task Force, it was determined that several properties that were otherwise deed-restricted now were necessary to construct the project. Heitkamp's fix is broad enough to cover other Fargo properties needed for permanent protections that are currently deed-restricted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the potential sites of future levees.
Heitkamp crafted and fought for this provision following discussions with Fargo-Moorhead community leaders, who strongly advocated for this proposed authority. Heitkamp has also held calls this month with Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works R.D. James, the top civilian official overseeing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding funding for the diversion project in the Corps' Fiscal Year 2018 work plan.
And the2018 Water Resources Development Act also includes provisions from Heitkamp's bill to fund training and assistance to improve wastewater treatment in small and rural communities. Heitkamp's provision would provide up to $25 million a year over five years to provide wastewater technical assistance to community water systems serving small, rural, and tribal communities.
Heitkamp introduced theSmall and Rural Community Clean Water Technical Assistance Actlast yearwith U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).The bipartisan bill builds on theirlegislation that was signed into lawto make sure rural towns have federal assistance to offset the cost of complying with federal rules under the Clean Water Act.
Background
Heitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists the Fargo area in recovering from past flooding, while also helping protect communities throughout North Dakota, like Devils Lake, from future floods.
In July 2018, Heitkamp convened Ramsey Country officials and Devils Lake community leaders to discuss ongoing flood protection efforts in the Lake Region, and she also highlighted her provision to fund maintenance and operation costs of the Devils Lake embankment.
In April 2017, Heitkamp joined Fargo leaders, the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority, and the Army Corps tocelebrate the groundbreakingof the F-M Diversion. The Army Corpsawarded its first construction contract for the diversion in2016 after Heitkampsuccessfully secured federal support fromOMB and Army Corps leaders fora Fargo construction start, in addition to critical federal funding.
In October 2016, Heitkampmet with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protectionsthe area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support. In July 2016, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for theFargo-Moorhead diversion.
Heitkamp has also consistently worked with FEMA to resolve issues impacting North Dakota flood protection infrastructure. In April,Heitkamp announced that the FEMA officially stated that Valley City can maintain its floodwall. The decision from FEMA was the result of a fix Heitkamp wrote andsuccessfully includedin the funding bill Congress passed in March 2018 that allowed Valley City to keep in place the existing floodwall.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAF394C1-C530-490C-BF23-1E4AB251EAA4,"New Report: 21,000 U.S. Wind Energy Jobs at Risk from Administrations Trade War",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on the risk to jobs and economic growth in North Dakota's wind energy industry posed by the administration's trade war.
Wind energy is part of North Dakota's all-of-the-above energy success story  but that success is at risk by the administration's trade war, Heitkamp said. Rising input costs are hurting manufacturers and putting future wind projects in doubt, which is bad news for workers in manufacturing and trucking. The trade war could stifle the serious growth our state has seen in wind energy development and jobs after Congress passed a deal I negotiated in 2015 to provide a long-term extension of a tax credit to support wind energy, providing needed certain for producers and workers. And North Dakota farmers and ranchers who benefit from lease payments  especially at a time of reduced commodity prices and uncertainty due to the trade war  could also feel the pain if the trade war continues and new projects are delayed or cancelled.
Steel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for manufacturers, clouding the outlook for the wind energy industry. According to a recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) report, the administration's trade war has put up to 25 percent of future U.S. wind projects at risk. Nationwide, 21,000 jobs in the industry are at risk from the trade war. In North Dakota, nearly 3,000 jobs are supported by the industry, according to the report.
According to a recent report in Bloomberg, the tariffs on steel, aluminum, and parts like blades, gearboxes, and crank shafts will ultimately lead to higher energy costs for consumers.
Heitkamp helped negotiate a long-term extension of federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy in 2015 as part of her successful effort to build a bipartisan coalition around her plan to lift the ban on exporting domestic oil. That effort boosted wind energy development jobs across the state in the past several years, and in August, AWEA presented Heitkamp with the Wind Champion Award at Geronimo's wind farm near Courtenay.
North Dakota was the No. 1 state in the nation in 2017 for wind energy jobs per capita. This translates into thousands of wind jobs in North Dakota that support families and powers businesses that is critical to growing the economy.
The trade war is having a ripple effect across the economy, according to the AWEA report, threatening jobs in manufacturing and trucking industries, and putting farmers and ranchers who rely on lease payments at risk.
The administration's tariffs on aluminum and steel arealso having negative ripple effects across the oil and gas industry, which relies on machinery and equipment produced in countries singled out for tariffs, raising costs for U.S. producers. CNBC recently reported that China, the second largest buyer of U.S. crude, completely stopped importing U.S. oil in August, a bad sign for oil producing regions like the Bakken. Tariffs have also depressed the price of crude oil, threatening prosperity in regions that depend on a robust energy industry.
Heitkamp is helping to lead a bipartisan effort to reverse the tariffs that put the wind energy industry at risk. She joined U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) to introduce bipartisan legislation that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated for national security reasons, like the steel and aluminum tariffs. Heitkamp also cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona to nullify the steel and aluminum tariffs.
Heitkamp has a long record of supporting North Dakota's energy workers, including wind. In August, Heitkamp spoke at the groundbreaking of Excel Energy's Foxtail Wind Farm near Ellendale. In April 2017, she visited LM Wind in Grand Forks to reinforce the importance of supporting wind energy development. In July 2016, she attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Xcel Energy's Border Wind Farm. In April 2015, Heitkamp toured Fargo's 70-year-old Ulteig Engineers to discuss the direly needed build-out of North Dakota's energy infrastructure with a particular focus on providing certainty to wind energy industry workers. In January 2014, Heitkamp toured Iberdrola Wind Farm near Rugby and in May 2013, Heitkamp attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bison Wind Energy Center near New Salem. She also visited an Otter Tail Power Company and NextEra Energy Resources wind farm near Edgeley in October 2014.
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of this administration, she has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico.
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-provisions-to-resolve-easements-in-red-river-valley-and-prohibit-surplus-water-fees-on-missouri-river-signed-into-law,Hoeven Provisions to Resolve Easements in Red River Valley & Prohibit Surplus Water Fees on Missouri River Signed Into Law,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.23.18
			 Hoeven Provisions to Resolve Easements in Red River Valley & Prohibit Surplus Water Fees on Missouri River Signed Into Law 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Working to Secure Construction Funding for Fargo-Moorhead Flood Protection in Corps' FY2019 Work Plan
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the president signed into law the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, also referred to as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The legislation includes a Hoeven-sponsored provision to resolve easements on land purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding in the Red River Valley and allow construction of comprehensive flood protection for the region. The senator's provision grants the authority needed to implement Route B, the changes recommended by the joint task force convened by Governors Doug Burgum and Mark Dayton.
In addition, the bill includes a two-year extension of a provision Hoeven secured in the 2014 WRDA bill prohibiting the Army Corps from charging storage fees for water drawn from the Missouri River. Hoeven initially introduced his legislation as a standalone bill, the States' Water Rights Act, prior to its inclusion in WRDA. With this extension, Hoeven's provision prevents the Corps from charging fees for using water from the Missouri River reservoirs through 2026.
These easements in the Red River Valley threatened to stall our flood protection efforts and impose unnecessary costs on the project's construction, Hoeven said. We worked hard to include this fix in WRDA and pass it into law, allowing construction along the new route to move forward. With this priority complete, we will continue working with the Corps to secure funding in the next work plan and advance flexible financial tools, like WIFIA, to help reduce local costs.
Earlier this month, Hoeven outlined his easement provision, as well as measures he secured in the recently-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Energy and Water funding bill, for leaders from the Fargo-Moorhead region and MG Scott Spellmon, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This comes as part of Hoeven's efforts to secure funding for the construction of the region's flood protection project in the Corps' FY2019 work plan.
To this end, Hoeven worked as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee to ensure the funding legislation:
 
Increases the Corps' construction accountby $150 million to ensure priorities like flood protection in the Red River Valley continue to receive funding.
Implements the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Programto provide states and local governments with low-cost, flexible funding sources when building water infrastructure.

The legislation directs the Corps to complete a detailed plan for implementing WIFIA and provides up to $6 million tosupport WIFIA program implementation. This aligns with Hoeven's legislationto extend the WIFIA program.

Ensures fair treatment of public-private partnership (P3)projectsand others that use alternative financing methods during the Corps' cost-benefit analysis, including flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead region.

The bill requires the Corps to develop a policy on how it will evaluate P3s and incorporate them into its budget.
Hoeven also helped advance a provision in the Senate-passed Financial Services and General Government funding bill ensuring the Corps can fund P3s.

 
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-urges-third-party-administrator-triwest-to-continue-veterans-care-coordination-initiative-at-fargo-va,Hoeven Urges Third Party Administrator TriWest to Continue Veterans Care Coordination Initiative at Fargo VA,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,John Hoeven,H001061,www.hoeven.senate.gov,,,legacy,"10.23.18
			 Hoeven Urges Third Party Administrator TriWest to Continue Veterans Care Coordination Initiative at Fargo VA 
			
				
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
			
		
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
        
				 Senator Worked with VA to Create Initiative to Reduce Wait Times under Veterans Choice Program
			
			 WASHINGTON  Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (VA), today urged David McIntyre, the President and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to maintain the Veterans Care Coordination initiative at the Fargo VA Health Care System. Hoeven worked to establish the initiative in 2016 to address long wait times for veterans seeking appointments under the Veterans Choice Program by allowing them to coordinate all of their health care through the Fargo VA, rather than Health Net, the administrator for the program at that time. The initiative also placed a Health Net representative at the Fargo VA to improve provider reimbursements and reduce denial of veterans' claims. Due to its success, the initiative was extended to additional VA facilities around the nation.
The VA recently announced that TriWest was selected to serve as the nationwide third party administrator for the Veterans Choice Program. Accordingly, Hoeven is pressing TriWest to continue the Veterans Care Coordination initiative and further expand it to areas of the country where veterans are still facing unacceptable wait times for appointments with community providers. The full text of Hoeven's letter to McIntyre can be found here.
Our veterans deserve access to timely health care appointments, whether through the VA or with community providers, said Hoeven. That's why we need to continue the success of our Veterans Care Coordination initiative, which is exactly what we're urging TriWest to do. This will help provide certainty for our veterans who rely on local medical services and cannot afford or risk travelling long distances to reach a VA facility. Moreover, maintaining our initiative in Fargo will help provide a smooth transition for veterans as the implementation of the VA MISSION Act progresses and we move to the next phase of the Veterans Choice Program.
Today's letter comes as part of Hoeven's continued efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act. To this end, the senator is working with local stakeholders and veterans in North Dakota as well as administration officials, including VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, to ensure the law achieves the intent of Congress and provides veterans with better access to health care closer to home.
This includes the provisions Hoeven secured in the VA MISSION Act that allow the VA to enter into provider agreements with qualified long-term care facilities. Hoeven's measure will provide relief from expensive federal contracting requirements and enable more long-term care providers to accept veteran patients.
Further, Hoeven secured a provision in the Fiscal Year 2019 funding legislation that stresses the importance ofprompt payment and ensuring timely reimbursementfor non-VA providers. The measure also directs the VA to facilitate the completion of any outstanding claims for payment.
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E8153147-3E1B-40B2-A981-3694709279A6,Administrations Trade War Already Dampening Farm Forecast for 2019 Growing Season,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on new reports that the administration's trade war is already dampening prospects for North Dakota farmers in 2019, as commodity prices slump and access to the critical Chinese market for important crops like soybeans has been essentially cut off.
According to an article from Politico this morning, The Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service has estimated that 2018 net farm income will be $9.8 billion, or 13 percent, lower than the year before. Adjusting for inflation, farm income is barely above the lowest level since 2002. If current trends continue, some agriculture economists predict that farm income will fall again in 2019.
There's no such thing as short term pain for farmers in a trade war, and new predictions for 2019 are very worrying for our ag economy and the communities that depend on this vital industry, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers spent decades building a market for soybeans in China, and they're seeing it evaporate before their eyes because of the administration's shortsighted trade policies. We can't be silent in the face of this self-inflicted wound to North Dakota's largest industries, and I'll keep fighting smart trade policies that protect workers and expand markets for the goods we proudly grow and produce for the world.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently predicted that the pullback in U.S. soybean sales to China appears likely to continue well into 2018/19 as China shifts its purchases to U.S. competitors like Brazil. North Dakota had been exporting nearly 70 percent of its soybeans to Asia, primarily China, but U.S. growers have effectively been shut out of the world's largest soy market in China since those retaliatory tariffs went into effect in July, according to a recent report in Politico.
According to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis recently reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current price around $8 a bushel. 
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E8153147-3E1B-40B2-A981-3694709279A6,Administrations Trade War Already Dampening Farm Forecast for 2019 Growing Season,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement on new reports that the administration's trade war is already dampening prospects for North Dakota farmers in 2019, as commodity prices slump and access to the critical Chinese market for important crops like soybeans has been essentially cut off.
According to an article from Politico this morning, The Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service has estimated that 2018 net farm income will be $9.8 billion, or 13 percent, lower than the year before. Adjusting for inflation, farm income is barely above the lowest level since 2002. If current trends continue, some agriculture economists predict that farm income will fall again in 2019.
There's no such thing as short term pain for farmers in a trade war, and new predictions for 2019 are very worrying for our ag economy and the communities that depend on this vital industry, Heitkamp said. North Dakota farmers spent decades building a market for soybeans in China, and they're seeing it evaporate before their eyes because of the administration's shortsighted trade policies. We can't be silent in the face of this self-inflicted wound to North Dakota's largest industries, and I'll keep fighting smart trade policies that protect workers and expand markets for the goods we proudly grow and produce for the world.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently predicted that the pullback in U.S. soybean sales to China appears likely to continue well into 2018/19 as China shifts its purchases to U.S. competitors like Brazil. North Dakota had been exporting nearly 70 percent of its soybeans to Asia, primarily China, but U.S. growers have effectively been shut out of the world's largest soy market in China since those retaliatory tariffs went into effect in July, according to a recent report in Politico.
According to a North Dakota State University professor's analysis recently reported in Agweek, without the trade war with China, soybean prices would be near $13 instead of the current price around $8 a bushel. 
Background:
Heitkamp has been proactively fighting for smart trade policies to protect North Dakota's economy. From the beginning of the NAFTA renegotiation, she has pushed for a quick resolution to the talks in a way that strengthens U.S. agriculture and preserves market access to North Dakota's top two trading partners. She has taken action by:
 
Pressing top officials since the beginning of this administration to protect and expand markets for North Dakota goods. Heitkamp has met with the U.S. Agriculture Secretary (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), U.S Commerce Secretary, and many other top U.S. administration officials  many of them several times  to explain that the U.S. needs smart trade policies to allow our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to reach new markets  not tariffs, uncertainty with NAFTA, or hostility toward our top trading partners. Heitkamp recently pushed for improvements to the aid package for farmers suffering from slumping commodity prices and an uncertain future for this season's crop. In February 2017, when she first met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, when he was a nominee for the position, the bulk of their conversation focused on trade. Heitkamp recently pushed Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, on the impact of the administration's trade war on the U.S. economy. Powell agreed that imposing tariffs over a sustained period time is the wrong thing to do for the economy.
 
 
Engaging with North Dakota's critical trading partners like Canada and Mexico. In frequent meetings and phone calls with the Mexican and Canadian Ambassadors to the U.S., Heitkamp has worked to protect the trade relationships that keep North Dakotas export-dependent economy thriving. She recently coordinated a meeting between North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the Mexican ambassador to help maintain their trade relationship amid the uncertainty caused by the administration's trade war and NAFTA renegotiation.
 

 
Introducing legislation to help farmers and ranchers recover losses they face because of the administration's trade war. In July, Heitkamp introduced legislation that would make Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) available  at no additional cost to the existing TAA program  to farmers and producers whose exports are hurt by retaliatory tariffs caused by the administration's trade policies. She also introduced a bill to direct funds the government is collecting from tariffs on imported goods toward trade promotion assistance to help open new markets for farmers and ranchers hurt by the trade war.
 
 
Gaining input from North Dakotans. Heitkamp has regularly met with folks from North Dakota impacted by trade, including recent meetings in Washington with North Dakota growers of soybeans, corn, barley, and other commodities, as well as manufacturers and small business owners. She has held a series of meetings across the state to gain input from North Dakotans in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. And she recently launched a web survey to gain input from North Dakotans to help inform how she can best push back on the administration's actions on trade.
 

 
Raising concerns about impacts of retaliatory tariffs on the manufacturing industry. Heitkamp recently toured WCCO Belting, Inc. in Wahpeton and heard firsthand the concerns the North Dakota manufacturer has about trade wars and its ability to export its goods. Over half of WCCO's sales are to international customers, making trade an essential part of its business model.
 
 
Speaking out against tariffs and uncertainty regarding NAFTA that would put the state's economy at risk. Heitkamp has met with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers across North Dakota to talk about the need for smart trade policies that support North Dakota. She penned op-eds in March 2017 and again in April 2018 making the case. In February, she also did an episode on her podcast, The Hotdish, about NAFTA and the importance of trade for agriculture. For the episode, she interviewed the former U.S. agricultural trade negotiator and a North Dakota barley farmer. Heitkamp recently brought a group of North Dakota agriculture leaders to the Mexican Embassy in Washington to talk about the importance of NAFTA and reinforce their commitment to a strong relationship with their customers in Mexico
 
 
Pressing for analysis about the impact of the administration's trade policies on small businesses. Heitkamp recently called on the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy to analyze the impact of the administration's tariff policies on American small businesses. Small businesses represent nearly 99 percent of all businesses in North Dakota, and support nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the state, according to SBA.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D69EBD64-D560-4FBD-8D6F-97FDEB8F7FC6,Heitkamp: Administrations Proposed Cuts to USDA Put Crop Insurance at Risk,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced he'd seek to cut the agency's budget by five percent, despite a farm economy at risk from the administration's trade war.
The administration has proposed steep cuts to crop insurance in recent budgets, an indication that USDA may look to cut safety net programs to achieve the five percent cut. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, fought against those proposed cuts, which received bipartisan criticism.
With a trade war threatening farm country and an anemic bailout package that doesn't take into account North Dakota's needs and geography, it's shameful to consider throwing our farmers yet another wrench of uncertainty, Heitkamp said. If past budgets from this administration are any indication of what they'll cut, then crop insurance is at risk, which should worry everyone. It's not only bad policy, it sends the wrong message to the farmers who are already bearing the brunt of the administration's reckless trade war. USDA needs to respect rural America and reject these harmful and unnecessary cuts.
Earlier this year, Heitkamp spoke out against the administration's proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year, which would have reduced the average premium subsidy for crop insurance from 62 percent to 48 percent and put an income cap on commodity, conservation, and crop insurance subsidies.
Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the2014 Farm Bill, which strengthened crop insurance while reducing the deficit by $23 billion and providing five years of certainty for farmers.When crop insurance faced dramatic cuts as part of a budget deal 2015, Heitkamp worked with members of the Agriculture Committee to reverse the cuts and helped pass a bipartisan fix to protect crop insurance and other agricultural programs.
Heitkamp fought to protect crop insurance in the Senate's bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, and successfully included her provisions to improve other safety net programs like ARC-County.
A member of the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp is pushing to get a bipartisan bill to the president's desk as soon as possible to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D69EBD64-D560-4FBD-8D6F-97FDEB8F7FC6,Heitkamp: Administrations Proposed Cuts to USDA Put Crop Insurance at Risk,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Democrat,House,ND,Heidi Heitkamp,H001069,www.heitkamp.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced he'd seek to cut the agency's budget by five percent, despite a farm economy at risk from the administration's trade war.
The administration has proposed steep cuts to crop insurance in recent budgets, an indication that USDA may look to cut safety net programs to achieve the five percent cut. Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, fought against those proposed cuts, which received bipartisan criticism.
With a trade war threatening farm country and an anemic bailout package that doesn't take into account North Dakota's needs and geography, it's shameful to consider throwing our farmers yet another wrench of uncertainty, Heitkamp said. If past budgets from this administration are any indication of what they'll cut, then crop insurance is at risk, which should worry everyone. It's not only bad policy, it sends the wrong message to the farmers who are already bearing the brunt of the administration's reckless trade war. USDA needs to respect rural America and reject these harmful and unnecessary cuts.
Earlier this year, Heitkamp spoke out against the administration's proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year, which would have reduced the average premium subsidy for crop insurance from 62 percent to 48 percent and put an income cap on commodity, conservation, and crop insurance subsidies.
Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the2014 Farm Bill, which strengthened crop insurance while reducing the deficit by $23 billion and providing five years of certainty for farmers.When crop insurance faced dramatic cuts as part of a budget deal 2015, Heitkamp worked with members of the Agriculture Committee to reverse the cuts and helped pass a bipartisan fix to protect crop insurance and other agricultural programs.
Heitkamp fought to protect crop insurance in the Senate's bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, and successfully included her provisions to improve other safety net programs like ARC-County.
A member of the Farm Bill conference committee, Heitkamp is pushing to get a bipartisan bill to the president's desk as soon as possible to support North Dakota farmers and ranchers.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cramer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cramer-announces-public-schedule-22,CRAMER ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SCHEDULE,2018-10-18,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,ND,Kevin Cramer,C001096,cramer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Contact: Dana.Stancavage@mail.house.gov 
WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kevin Cramer announced his public schedule for Oct. 22 - 25. All times are local. 
Monday, October 22
Minot Joint Service Club Meeting
*Open Press
12:00 PM  1:00 PM
Grand Hotel
Minot

Tuesday, October 23
USDA Agricultural Research Service Renaming Ceremony Honoring Former Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer 
*Open Press
10:00 AM  11:30 AM
Red River Valley Agricultural Research Center
1605 Albrecht Blvd N
Fargo

Microsoft Campus Visit and Employee Townhall 
*Open Press
1:00 PM  3:00 PM
4550 42nd St S
Fargo

North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association Meeting
*Open Press
4:00 PM  5:00 PM
Marriott Delta
Fargo

Wednesday, October 24

Talk Radio Town Hall with Scott Hennen
550 KFYR AM
1100 WZFG AM
1090 KTGO AM
1460 KLTC AM
9:05 AM
Listen Link

Talk Radio Town Hall with Rob Port
970 WDAY AM   
	1:30 PM
Listen Link

Thursday, October 25
Talk Radio Town Hall with Jarrod Thomas
1310 KNOX AM
10:05 AM
Listen Link

Talk Radio Town Hall with Rick Jensen
KHND 1470 AM
10:40 AM
Listen Link

North Dakota School Boards Association Annual Convention 
*Open Press
4:00 PM  4:10 PM
Ramkota Hotel
800 S 3rd St
Bismarck

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z