Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update November 7-20

Remarks Delivered at Basin Electric Annual Meeting

I delivered remarks at Basin Electric’s Annual Meeting on November 10, highlighting its leadership in North Dakota’s all-the-above energy portfolio and my vision for an America first energy and climate agenda in the 118th Congress.

I also emphasized how America’s natural resources and ingenuity propel U.S. energy production and eliminate the need to rely on our adversaries. We have this incredible blessing of natural resources in the United States and the opportunity to lead in energy production.

We are the innovators of the world and we have a capitalist system which incentivizes it. Our adversaries are not only polluters, they’re human rights and labor violators.

If we have a coalition of like-minded nations with the same values, we won’t have to apologize for our exceptionalism, we can take advantage of it. The world will be safer. The air will be cleaner. The climate will be better. And we’ll all be better for it. And cooperatives like Basin will be a big partner in that.

Vote Opposes Respect for Marriage Act

I voted in opposition to the Respect for Marriage Act on Wednesday, November 16.

This vote is the first step leading to the normalization of religious discrimination, and it’s a bridge too far.

Some will argue the Respect for Marriage Act is simply an attempt to codify the right to same-sex marriage—which is already a Constitutional right and is not in jeopardy. The bill goes far beyond this purpose and threatens religious liberty by creating a private right of action, which allows not only the government but also any person to initiate a lawsuit against any party in violation of this statute. This will supercharge attacks on religious people and organizations. It enables activists to sue faith-based organizations in an attempt to force them to abandon their deeply-held beliefs about marriage. It also subjects business owners to more litigation and threatens the tax-exempt status of faith-based nonprofits and entities who hold to the traditional view of marriage.

While the legislation does not necessarily mandate a violation of religious liberties, it does not sufficiently protect them, leading to potential damages to those liberties. For example, a church would not be forced to solemnize a same-sex marriage; however, its position as a tax-exempt institution would be jeopardized. The Respect for Marriage Act opens up religious institutions and non-profits to senseless litigation challenging the First Amendment liberties enshrined in our Constitution.

I wish the federal government never got involved in the marriage business in the first place. Marriage is instituted by God and enforced by His church, it should have stayed that way.

Religious institutions and social service organizations like adoption and foster placement agencies provide vital services in our communities and are inherently protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, yet this legislation puts them at risk. The bill does not provide any meaningful or additional benefits to same-sex marriages which do not already exist as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell—the law of the land. However, the bill significantly increases the risk of litigation and legal threats designed to drive faith-based organizations out of business.

Hearing Examines Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Implementation

Opening Statement

My opening remarks at a Senate Environment and Public Works hearing on implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law highlighted its many wins for North Dakota and the ways to maximize the bill’s benefits going forward. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a worthwhile investment in hard infrastructure and shows a good recognition of rural state's needs.

Specific to North Dakota, the bill authorizes over $2 billion in funding for our roads and highways and will allow North Dakota to move our transportation system forward in significant ways.

However, this law can only be successful if it’s being implemented the way Congress intended and we need to hold the Administration accountable to do so.

Introduction of Cass County Engineer

It was a privilege to introduce Cass County Engineer Jason Benson to the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure to testify on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

I love bringing North Dakotans to Washington to share their insight, expertise, and critique. Strong local communities serve as the backbone of our state and I’m glad the committee could hear Jason’s input as a local leader working on the ground every day.

Q & A Highlights Opportunities for Bridge Replacement

Cass County Engineer Jason Benson testified the county expects to replace over 41 major bridge structures in the next 20 years. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes new funding opportunities, namely the Bridge Formula Program and Bridge Investment Program, to help states and localities improve their bridge infrastructure.

As tough as our roads are, our bridges create a very significant challenge and safety risk. I asked the panel of witnesses to share their expertise on local transportation challenges and experiences with the implementation of the new bridge programs included in the law.

Statement on North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Gerald VandeWalle’s Retirement

Supreme Court Justice Gerald “Gerry” VandeWalle has led a remarkable life of public service and dedication to North Dakota. Our great state has benefited from his wisdom and candor as he sought to uphold the law with impartiality in every decision he made.

Gerry’s got great judgement, great demeanor, and a great personality. He is an outstanding citizen and the sweetest guy in the world.

Kris and I join North Dakota in thanking Justice VandeWalle for his commitment to serving our state and wish him well in retirement.

Bloomberg Government Article Highlights Productive Partnership and Effective Governance of the Environment and Public Works Committee

Bloomberg Government published an article highlighting the productive partnerships and effective governance of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The article highlights legislative feats from the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which I lead alongside Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), including authorization bills for surface transportation and drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that laid the groundwork for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the biannual Water Resources Development Act.

The panel oversees “sensitive” and “emotionally charged” issues. The portfolio includes climate change, air quality, and clean water, as well as jurisdiction over agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I’m glad to lead a committee known for its collaborative atmosphere with a track record of passing legislation that’s propelled by friendly and productive partnership.

Op-Ed: The Legacy of Artemis and North Dakota in Space

Early in the morning on November 16, the Artemis I rocket launched into space. This is the next step to returning humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. This mission will build the foundation for further exploration of the Moon, as well as lay the groundwork for sending astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.

I released a column following the Artemis I launch highlighting its legacy and North Dakota’s strong support for space. Our nation would not have achieved this monumental milestone without North Dakota’s critical contributions from North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota’s Space Studies Department, Cavalier Space Force Station, and Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The triumph of the Artemis I launch is a testament to American exceptionalism, as well as to the boundless ingenuity of the human race at large. Like the Apollo program, it unifies us all and inspires the next generation of space explorers, aerospace researchers, engineers, and scientists.

I am proud of North Dakota’s military, educational, and technical know-how for all things related to space, and I look forward to helping further our state’s leadership in all aspects of space.

USDA Announces Additional Emergency Relief for Agriculture Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing to roll out Phase II of the Emergency Relief Program, which helps producers offset the impacts of weather disasters in 2020 and 2021. I encourage producers to gather the necessary paperwork now so they can work with the Farm Service Agency office when the process begins.

I appreciate the work of Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in spearheading the creation of the Emergency Relief Program, and thank USDA for heeding our previous concerns and improving the program since its initial release. I look forward to reviewing the forthcoming regulations to ensure producers are adequately covered for their losses.

Letter Calls Out Federal Agencies’ Failure to Produce Permitting Report Required by Infrastructure Law

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and I sent a letter to the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, questioning whether they would produce a report outlining options to improve the federal mineral permitting process within the timeframe required by federal law. In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Departments were required to complete the report within one year of enactment, but have failed to adhere to that statutory deadline.

This report would help us address serious deficiencies in the federal permitting process, yet DOI and USDA have outwardly paid little attention to them.

Kudlow

Interview Calls for Return to Regular Order in Senate

I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss the importance of regular order following the midterm elections.

If you don’t institutionalize discipline, you have none, and that’s what we’re seeing right now. We have committees for a reason. Those who are leading need to make the commitment that they’re willing to start the process on January 3, and plow through with regular order.

Interview Highlights Importance of Nuclear Energy and Permitting

In another interview with Larry Kudlow, we discussed the importance of nuclear energy and the role of energy in national and economic security.

Nuclear is the cleanest form of electric generation that exists, yet the hypocritical Left doesn’t want it or any other technological innovation. It’s the perfect fuel, particularly today with small modular reactors and the ability to deploy and dispatch them.

I’ve been concerned that our acquiescence of nuclear energy and fuel to overseas adversaries is one of the greatest mistakes we’ve made in recent history. In doing so, we’ve limited our resources to build nuclear weapons. We need to change this and focus on deterrence, and our deterrent is built by our ability to be on offense. We need to do all the above on the missile and the weapons front. All of this is interconnected and has a national, energy, and economic security component.

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.

Reception for North Dakota National Guard

Our North Dakota National Guard and Fargo Air Guard deserve to have their amazing legacy celebrated! I'm glad I could join community members in committing to support them into the future.

Our military bases receive strong community support, encouraging them to keep going. Thanks for all you do!

North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General

I had a great conversation with North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General Al Dohrmann about priorities in the National Defense Authorization Act, access to health care and behavioral health resources, and the impressive selflessness and strength of our Guard members.

United Launch Alliance

It was great to meet with the United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno to discuss the future of launch capabilities, deterrence in space, and its partnership with the Space Force.

Bayer

I visited with Bayer CEO Werner Baumann about federal pesticide regulations, foreign trade barriers affecting agriculture, and its continued development of innovative products which feed and clothe our world.

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

It was great to meet with five National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors members from North Dakota to talk about changes in National Flood Insurance calculations under Risk Rating 2.0 and the Postal Service Reform Act, which passed earlier this year.

Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber

Thank you to the military and business leaders from the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber for joining me to discuss the Fargo Air Guard contribution to the community, workforce challenges, my EAGLE Act, and the importance of efficient permitting for local projects.

Bruce Gjovig and Dick McConn

I met with North Dakotans Bruce Gjovig and Dick McConn to hear their perspectives on our military, energy policy, and international relations.

We also discussed the strategic importance of deterrence and innovation for national security.

Grants for North Dakota

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Success Story: North Dakota Receives $5 Million for Broadband Planning

North Dakota received a $5 million grant from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for state broadband planning.

The state will use this initial funding to expand high-speed internet access through planning and pre-deployment activities under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.

The funds will support the states development of a Five-Year Action Plan for connecting North Dakota’s residents with reliable broadband service and addressing the broadband availability gap.

Department of Health and Human Services Awards $2.1 Million to Fargo’s Family Healthcare Center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2,190,195 to the Family Healthcare Center in Fargo. This award is continuing funding from a previously approved project entitled, “Health Center Cluster.”

Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency Awarded $1 Million in Head Start Funds

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1,042,799 to Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency.

The funds come through the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which 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.