Senator Cramer's Weekly Update january 31-February 6

Honoring North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem

We honor the life and legacy of Wayne Stenehjem. North Dakota and our nation lost a true patriot who fought for the cause of states’ rights and the U.S. Constitution.

He dedicated his life to public service and our state is a much better place because of him. His work in the courtroom and on North Dakota’s Industrial Commission was monumental in positioning the state to be an energy powerhouse while being a steward of the environment.

In the context of eternity, our life is the snap of a finger, but in the context of history, Wayne’s contributions are massive and longstanding. He leaves behind an incredible legacy as the state’s longest-serving attorney general. God bless his memory and may his family and loved ones be at peace.

What’s On Your Mind: Wayne Stenehjem Tribute Show

On Monday, I joined Scott Hennen on What’s On Your Mind to honor the life and service of North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.

Questioning Federal Reserve Nominee on Extreme Climate Finance Views at Banking Hearing

I questioned Sarah Bloom Raskin, nominee to be Vice Chairman for Supervision and a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, at a Senate Banking Committee hearing. I asked about her extreme views on climate finance and her attempts to explain away those disagreements.

"You did not confine your advice or opinions to simply the Main Street Lending Program. There was no strategic ambiguity whatsoever in your statements. I have great concern about your position and the increased power you want to give to the Federal Reserve as it relates to allocating capital away from legal commerce."

Fight to Stop Resurrection of Obama WOTUS Overreach

I joined Senator John Thune (R-SD) and the entire Senate Republican Conference in urging the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend the pending rulemaking to redefine the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act, specifically waters of the United States. They should wait until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration of Sackett v. EPA, a case that is expected to have major implications on the Clean Water Act's scope and enforcement.

Proceeding with the rulemaking at this time, despite the pending litigation and potentially influential ruling, will only deepen uncertainty within the regulated community.

Bill to Provide Health Care for Toxic-Exposed Veterans Unanimously Passes Out of Veterans Affairs Committee

The bipartisan Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

Our history is defined by those who put their lives on the line to protect and defend the United States. We will never be able to adequately repay them for their sacrifices, but we can do our best to take care of them.

This legislation offers post-9/11 combat veterans, including those suffering from conditions caused by toxic exposures such as burn pits, access to Department of Veterans Affairs health care. Burn pits were used to incinerate all sorts of waste, hazardous material, and chemicals at military sites throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, exposing our service members to toxic substances.

Letter Questions Department of Homeland Security Secretary Regarding Flying Illegal Immigrants Around the Country

I joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and our colleagues on a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the movement of dangerous illegal immigrants from the border for release into law-abiding American communities.

We are alarmed by the reports of mass release of criminal illegal immigrants into our communities under the cover of darkness. The American people deserve answers to why their taxpayer dollars are being used to fly illegal immigrants across the country to be released into our backyards. Public safety and national security are on the line.

Bill Provides Tax Relief for Pregnant Moms

I joined Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, which allows pregnant moms to claim the Child Tax Credit for their unborn children.

Our bill provides a tax credit for expectant mothers to help offset the costs associated with bringing a child into this world. This allows families to start off with their best foot forward because we know providing for these babies begins the second a mother learns she’s expecting.

Bill Improves Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act

I am a co-sponsor of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to improve timely access to quality care for seniors under Medicare Advantage.

This legislation helps ensure health care is intentionally focused on each patient's needs, not on burdensome or unnecessary paperwork.

Our common-sense bill cuts the red tape to provide seniors in North Dakota with quality care in a timely manner.

Office of Management and Budget Director Nominee Introduced at Budget Hearing

I introduced Shalanda Young, nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget, at the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday. I highlighted her work as Deputy Director, as well as her wit and our friendship.

What impresses me is not just her understanding of the legislative process, but her respect for the institution, which makes everyone better at their jobs.

Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to German Chancellor

I met with Jens Ploetner, Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. We discussed the situation in Ukraine and our disagreements on how to provide them support in the face of Russian aggression. We also talked about energy security and Nord Stream 2.

U.S. Commissioner on the International Joint Commission

It was great to see my friend and fellow North Dakotan Lance Yohe, U.S. Commissioner on the International Joint Commission, who advocates for North Dakota’s water priorities with Canada. Thanks for the update on the commission’s work and being a leader on boundary water issues.

Grants for North Dakota

Mayville State University Awarded $1 Million in Head Start Funds

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1,089,740 to Mayville State University.

These funds come through the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. They promote school readiness for young children and toddlers from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development as well as early learning, health, and family well-being.

FEMA Awards $2 Million to North Dakota Department of Health

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $2,036,047 to the North Dakota Department of Health.

The funds come from the Disaster Relief Fund as authorized under the Stafford Act and will go toward helping reimburse the costs of North Dakota’s efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.