North Dakota Technology Sector Capabilities Highlighted at Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit

On Thursday, I spoke at the 15th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. I highlighted North Dakota’s technology sector capabilities and the need for technology innovation to keep up with our competitors, specifically China. We have a lot of great ideas here in North Dakota when developed will help us compete with our adversaries.

Innovative technology is no longer what we need to excel, it is now what we need to survive in the face of competition from our adversaries. America must continue to move at the speed of China.

Western Caucus Agriculture Mini Summit

The Western Caucus Agriculture Mini Summit was held Friday and I joined to discuss the importance of states’ rights, Waters of the United States rule, and federal agriculture policy. Private property, individual and states’ rights are priorities for North Dakotans. A one-size-fits-all federal approach to our agriculture and water is not reasonable, not workable, and not appropriate.

We also responded to questions regarding the farm bill, conservation, and reconciliation. Events like this summit are crucial to the conversation specific to our state’s agriculture and water priorities.

Service Dogs for America Site Tour

I was glad to accept an invite to tour the Service Dogs for America site in Jud, North Dakota, following the passage of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act. The visit demonstrated the value of my bipartisan legislation to expand access to service dogs for veterans.

Service dogs have changed, and even saved, the lives of many veterans with mobility impairments. It was eye-opening to see how these service dogs are trained up to serve our veterans.

Service Dogs for America is the only Assistance Dogs International accredited program that does not have a wait list for medically approved applicants to receive their service dog. This means as soon as the applicants are medically approved, they can select their training dates. The industry standard wait list is estimated to be two to five years with other programs.

U.S. Eases Restrictions on the Entry at Canada Border

The Biden Administration announced Wednesday that vaccinated Canadians can cross the border for non-essential travel beginning in November.

After months of urging the Biden Administration to reopen the border with Canada, I am glad to finally see some positive movement. A closed border hurts our economy and puts unnecessary restraints on our communities. I urge President Biden to focus his attention more on fixing the crisis at our southern border and less on implementing harmful restrictions on North Dakotans.

North Dakota General Contractors Meeting

On Wednesday evening, I attended the North Dakota Association of General Contractors Regional Fall Meeting in Fargo. I spoke on the bipartisan infrastructure bill’s future, why it benefits North Dakotans, and how it has no connection to Democrats’ big government spending bill.

Grants for North Dakota

The Department of Justice Awards Funds for Local Crime Prevention in North Dakota

The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the following five grants totaling $161,220:

• $71,327 to the County of Cass
• $31,800 to the City of Bismarck
• $22,251 to the City of Grand Forks
• $18,032 to the City of Minot
• $17,810 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Awards $9.5 Million to Improve Water Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development awarded the following funding totaling $9,584,936:

• $4,934,000 loan and $1,650,936 grant to the City of Rugby to replace a portion of the City of Rugby's water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer lines
• $2,000,000 grant to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians to install new water supply and sewer system pipes for the residents
• $553,000 loan and $447,000 grant to the City of Hunter to finance upgrades to a water tower and various water system maintenance items.

$2 Million to Support Individuals with Disabilities in North Dakota

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2,166,613 to the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

The funds will be used for the Money Follows the Person grant program, which supports community inclusion of individuals with disabilities.