Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update march 27-april 2

Senate Vote Challenges Biden Administration’s Overreaching WOTUS Rule

On Wednesday, I voted for the Congressional Review Act resolution my Republican colleagues and I introduced to overturn the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. It passed the Senate and House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

The Biden administration circumvented the Court, subjecting farmers, ranchers, and business owners to further regulatory ping pong.

This vote is another crucial reminder for the administration to stay within the confines of law and curtail their overreach of our land and waters.

Court Decision on Federal Oil and Gas Lease Sales in North Dakota Restores Rule of Law

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor ordered the Bureau of Land Management to resume quarterly oil and gas lease sales in North Dakota.

Judge Traynor’s decision restores the rule of law and appropriately admonishes the federal government for its ‘multiple unfruitful assurances’ – or lies – to North Dakota about quarterly lease sales.

The court-ordered reporting obligations are a stark warning: bureaucratic doublespeak will not be tolerated. The Biden administration can no longer drag its feet, cancel lease sales, or withdraw lands from oil and gas development.

Attorney General Wrigley was right to bring these matters to the forefront.

Mornings with Maria Interview Covers Quarterly Oil and Gas Lease Sales, Bank Collapses, and Chinese Land Purchases

I joined Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria on Wednesday to discuss the Court decision ordering the Biden administration to resume oil and gas leasing in North Dakota.

Over the last two years, there's only been one required quarterly lease sale on federal lands in North Dakota. Judge Traynor made clear the Bureau of Land Management was in violation of the law and must resume regular leasing. This law is not a suggestion – it’s mandatory.

We also talked about the U.S. Department of Defense’s approach to China-owned entities purchasing U.S. land and regulatory responses to recent bank collapses.

Former President Donald Trump Indicted

On Thursday, a Manhattan grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump.

An indictment is a far cry from a conviction. Considering several prosecutors at both the federal and state level have passed on this case, it seems to be a bit of a stretch, to say the least. We'll let justice take its course and see how this turns out.

Armed Services Hearing Addresses Chinese Investments in the U.S.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, I questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley about the threat of China-owned companies purchasing land near U.S. military facilities. Grand Forks became a flashpoint on this issue when local residents sounded the alarm and pushed back against the Fufeng Group’s attempt to construct a wet-corn milling plant 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Communities across the country should be equipped with adequate cover, information, and coaching to address Chinese land purchases in the United States, as this circumstance is not necessarily unique to Grand Forks.

We need to take on these issues rather than punt them to the CFIUS process, particularly when it comes to the Chinese Communist Party and its involvement, ability, and obvious willingness to do recon in all sorts of ways.

We also discussed offering Ukraine surplus MQ-9s to assist in its fight against Russian aggression.

Seapower Subcommittee Hearing Discusses Defense Budget Request and Naval Readiness

In my opening statement as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, I hammered the Biden administration about its slim Fiscal Year 2024 defense spending request, highlighted the importance of advancing American naval capabilities, and underscored the evolving threat of China.

The administration’s inadequate budget is reflected in the fact the Navy’s fleet size is set to decline to 293 ships and stagnate over the next five years. This decrease in the number of ships alarms me as China is moving to increase the size of its fleet at a breakneck pace.

During witness testimony, I questioned Vice Admiral Scott Conn, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, about ship maintenance. When I asked him if service and undersea fleet readiness rates where up to par, he said they were not.

I also discussed Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment with Lieutenant General Karsten Heckl, U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Award Marks Billionth Dollar Disbursed Through Federal Cemetery Grant Program

Earlier this month, I announced a $1,860,775 grant to expand the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged the award’s significance, as it represents the billionth dollar the National Cemetery Administration has disbursed through its Veterans Cemetery Grant Program.

Improving access to burial and memorial benefits not only pays tribute to America’s heroes, but it allows family and friends to visit their loved ones.

I can think of no better place than North Dakota’s Veterans Cemetery to help hit this milestone.

Resolution to End COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration Passes Senate

I voted to end the COVID-19 national emergency declaration. The Biden administration is hiding behind a so-called national emergency to ram through unrelated, illegal policies like student loan forgiveness.

It’s time to stop pretending our country is in the same place it was three years ago. The Senate’s passage of this resolution makes clear what should already be obvious: COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic, and this administration is out-of-touch with the American people.

Legislation Holds COVID-19 Benefits Scammers Accountable

Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and I introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act to hold accountable individuals who improperly obtained federal COVID-19 unemployment insurance. This legislation would extend the statute of limitations for overpayments to allow the government additional time to prosecute fraud cases.

In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the federal government authorized extraordinary levels of financial relief for Americans during an unprecedented time. Unfortunately, bad actors sought to take advantage of these benefits, committed fraud, and ultimately cheated taxpayers out of their hard-earned money.

Senate Votes to Repeal 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force

Last week, I voted to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq. Congress has the ability to respond militarily to America’s threats, but each authorization for it should directly relate to today’s threats.

Repealing these Iraq War Authorizations rescinds the President’s blank check to bypass Congress. It’s time we take back our constitutional authority to declare war.

Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act Upholds Rule of Law

I cosponsored Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, which ensures local law enforcement units are able to coordinate with federal immigration authorities, while restricting sanctuary cities’ eligibility for federal grants.

Sanctuary cities should not be able to skirt federal immigration laws while receiving federal funding. We cannot condone lawlessness for the sake of political expediency. It’s time to secure our borders and ensure those who bravely protect our communities have adequate resources to do so.

BLM's Proposed Public Lands Rule Violates the Law

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed a new Public Lands Rule which undermines the law’s multiple-use requirement for public lands.

As we have seen in North Dakota, the Biden administration has a bad habit of violating the law and blatantly asserting power it does not have. Congress did not grant additional statutory authority to the Executive Branch, yet it is proposing a totally new standard for BLM public lands.

This proposal would hamper the multiple use mandate ranchers, miners, and energy producers rely on by locking up acres under the guise of conservation

Legislation Introduced to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

I joined Senator John Thune (R-SD) in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the federal estate tax, otherwise known as the “death tax.”

The last thing anyone needs after a loved one passes is a mammoth tax bill from Washington.

Getting rid of the death tax would give people peace of mind, protect small businesses and farms, and keep family legacies alive.

Legislation Establishes English as Official Language of the United States

Senator JD Vance (R-OH) and I introduced the English Language Unity Act to establish English as the official language of the United States.

The Founding Fathers used English to write the bedrock documents that still make up the basis of our governing system. Fast forward to today, as we craft modern laws, programs, and policies, English is the go-to language for communication with the American people. Establishing it as our national language is long overdue.

Rail Companies Issue Status Reports on Grain Car Backlog

I announced BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway publicly filed weekly grain backlog status updates as required by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. A summary of the reporting data specific to North Dakota for the last 10 weeks is below.

Commander of U.S. Transportation Command

I spoke with General Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, regarding tanker security, sealift recapitalization, and infrastructure.

U.S. Army Corps Northwestern Division Commander

It was great to meet with U.S. Army Corps Northwestern Division Commander Brigadier General Van Epps to discuss the Army Corp's implementation of the 2022 Water Resources Development Act and the Snake Creek Embankment.

Rancher from Stanley

It was good to meet with Ryan Taylor, as well as rancher Dustin Roise from Stanley and his daughter Katy, to talk about Farm Bill priorities and improving land through responsible, productive use.

Independent Petroleum Association of America

Thanks to the Independent Petroleum Association of America for coming by to discuss next steps on the Lower Energy Costs Act, America First trade policies, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s flawed methane rule.

TransUnion

Ahead of their testimony at a Senate Banking Committee hearing next month, I met with members of TransUnion for a conversation about the important role credit reporting agencies play in the financial ecosystem.

Cuban Ambassador

I appreciated meeting Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera and thank her for stopping by to discuss the U.S. and Cuba’s agriculture and trade issues.

National Electrical Contractors Association

I’m glad to have met with members of the National Electrical Contractors Association's Dakota chapter to discuss support for permitting reform, improvements for airport and water infrastructure, and how the bipartisan infrastructure law is helping accelerate their projects.

I also gifted them Dick Armey's incredible memoir Leader. In the book he talks about his time as a rural electric lineman and how that experience built his persistent spirit.

Close Up Students

I met with nearly 100 students from across North Dakota who visited our nation’s capital with the Close Up program.

They asked great policy questions and were curious about the advantages of representing a small, yet resilient state like North Dakota in Congress.

Window and Door Manufacturers Association

I had a productive conversation with Cardinal Glass Industries and Marvin Windows and Doors. We talked about tax priorities, energy efficiency, and the companies’ mark on North Dakota industry.

Grants for North Dakota

Infrastructure Law Success Story: North Dakota Airports Receive $2.8 Million

The Federal Aviation Administration awarded North Dakota airports $2,859,925 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These resources will enhance opportunities to connect people and businesses, improve operational efficiencies, and better ensure the safety of passengers and employees.

The Airport Infrastructure Grant Program will administer the funds as follows:

• $2,030,725 for the Dickinson Municipal Airport Authority to expand its runways and make various repairs
• $304,000 for the Tioga Municipal Airport to replace the lighting system and electrical vault on Taxiway A
• $235,200 for the Adams County Airport Authority to construct a 140-foot taxi lane connecting an existing parking area to a hangar area
• $145,000 for the Bowman Municipal Airport to support the partial construction of an 8,000 square foot steel hangar
• $145,000 for the Stanley Municipal Airport to update the airport master plan narrative report and layout plan

These five western North Dakota airports are critical links for their citizens and the services they rely on.