Senator Cramer's Weekly Update February 28-march 6

Senate Passes Resolution to Eliminate Biden’s Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers

I voted to overturn President Biden’s vaccine mandate on health care workers through the Congressional Review Act, the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule.

If signed into law, this resolution would halt Biden’s vaccine mandate for virtually all health care employees and prevent any similar rule from being processed in the future by the federal government.

This was a vote to protect frontline and essential health care workers from President Biden’s overreaching vaccine mandate at a time when we’re facing personnel shortages across the health care field, particularly in rural hospitals and medical centers.

I will keep fighting against these harmful and overbearing federal COVID-19 mandates, which should have never been put in place.

My Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address

My general takeaway from President Biden’s speech is this: he is unserious. He’s not serious about fixing the very real economic crises he created.

In his inaugural address, President Biden called for unity. However, his first year in office only divided us further. He does not understand the urgency of the moment.

This Administration seems intent on weakening what has made us strong by bogging our workers down with arbitrary mandates, limiting the development of our abundant resources, and appeasing the radical voices in their party.

This is what Americans needed to hear: It’s time to change course.

Ahead of the State of the Union, I released a statement on what I wanted to hear from President Biden. We need a plan for the reality of 2022, not a 2050 fantasy.

The very first thing he needed to say was an apology, “I’m sorry for the last year.”

Hearing Presses Transportation Secretary Buttigieg on Flawed Highway Guidance

At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, I pressed U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to rescind the flawed guidance regarding the implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) guidance on funding transportation projects is in complete contradiction with the spirit and letter of the law we passed.

Federalism works. The federal government should yield to the local and state governments as opposed to the other way around.

My advice to my governor, to my state, and to the five state coalition of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho that work together on these policies is to forget the FHWA’s memo. Our five states know exactly what to do in rural America.

Kennedy Space Center Tour

I visited the Kennedy Space Center on Friday and toured University of North Dakota’s Space Studies Department Chair Dr. Pablo de León’s ongoing research and design for spacesuits and space habitats at the Space Life Sciences Lab.

The tour also featured the Artemis I lunar exploration program, the SpaceX hangar, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Veggie Program, and Swamp Works installation, which showcases new tools for deep space exploration.

With our state’s Space Force footprint, Air Force expertise, and world-class university research, North Dakota is leading the way in bolstering America’s dominance in space. It was great to see firsthand our contributions at the Kennedy Space Center towards the future of humanity in space.

NewsNation Now Interview Discusses the State of the Union and Foreign Policy

I joined Adrienne Bankert on NewsNation Now's Morning in America to discuss President Biden’s State of the Union address. President Biden’s expression of support for funding the police and securing our border was heartening to hear.

We also discussed the Biden Administration’s foreign policy, the release of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve, and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on agriculture.

President Biden’s Failing Energy Policy Needs a Change of Course

In a letter to President Joe Biden, my colleagues and I pressed him to change course on his failing energy policy. We outlined 12 specific actions he can announce to unleash domestic energy production and lower skyrocketing energy prices. This would help our European allies be less dependent on Vladimir Putin’s regime for their energy supply, especially in light of the Ukraine crisis.

Our national security, global stability for ourselves and our allies, as well as the prosperity of every American family are on the line.

Bills Introduced to Ban Russian Energy Imports

We must do all we can to squeeze Russia’s energy revenues. It starts with banning Russian energy imports. I introduced legislation with Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to prohibit the importation of Russian crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal.

We also need to send the signal that America can be energy independent and will not help fund Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

We have the natural resources in our backyard necessary to displace Russia’s dirtier product. In the wake of Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine, this is a step we must take for national, energy, and economic security.

I joined Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in introducing the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. This bicameral legislation takes immediate action to encourage increased U.S. production.

North Dakota’s excellence is a road map for American energy independence. We can unleash energy dominance by bringing American energy production back online. This is geopolitical leverage to counter Putin and other adversaries.

I also joined Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) in introducing legislation to ban the U.S. purchase of Russian oil.

Russian oil and gas funds Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Europe. North Dakota and American oil can and should fill the gap.

Banning the importation of petroleum and corresponding products from Russia is common sense and an important move for our nation’s energy, economic, and national security.

Resolution Urges Expulsion of Russia from the United Nations Security Council

On Tuesday, I helped introduce a joint resolution urging the Biden Administration to remove Russia from the United Nations Security Council.

Vladimir Putin’s thuggery and aggression should have consequences at every level. It's high time to remove Russia from the United Nations Security Council if for no other reason than the unwarranted and violent invasion of Ukraine.

Bill Introduced to Sanction Communist China in the Event of Taiwan Invasion

On Wednesday, I joined Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and John Kennedy (R-LA) in introducing the Deterring Communist Chinese Aggression Against Taiwan Through Financial Sanctions Act which would impose devastating financial sanctions on the Chinese government if Communist China invaded or blockaded Taiwan, or attempted to change the status of Taiwan’s governance through use of force.

The situation in Ukraine is the very real consequence of weak leadership and a lack of a true deterrence for Russia. Taiwan is a friend, good trading partner, and beacon of freedom and democracy.

Our bill threatens crippling financial sanctions as a deterrence to China trying to follow in Putin’s footsteps as it relates to Taiwan.

Continental Resources Announces Investment in Summit Carbon Solutions Pipeline Project

Continental Resources announced a $250 million investment in Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project at an ethanol plant in Casselton, North Dakota. It stands to become the largest carbon capture pipeline in the world.

Our state shows energy development and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive.

Congratulations to Summit Carbon Solutions, Continental Resources, and North Dakota on leading the nation in the development of carbon capture and utilization solutions. Once again North Dakota’s excellence and ingenuity are surpassing the mediocrity of federal bureaucracy.

Letter Questions Need for Additional $30 Billion in COVID-19 Relief

Recent news reports indicate the Administration is poised to request an additional $30 billion from Congress for its response to COVID-19.

I joined Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and 32 of my Republican colleagues in a letter to President Biden requesting an accounting of how the federal government has allocated trillions in taxpayer funds to combat the pandemic. Specific answers to these questions are vital before Congress considers additional COVID-19 funding requests from the White House.

Before we would consider supporting an additional $30 billion for COVID-19 relief, Congress must receive a full accounting of how the government has already spent the first $6 trillion.

Vote Opposes Abortion On Demand Until Birth Act

I voted against Democrats’ Abortion On Demand Until Birth Act.

The right to life is our most precious and fundamental right and this right begins at conception. It is unconscionable and feckless for Democrats to legislate unlimited on-demand abortions through all nine months of pregnancy.

Abortion is not about health care and neither is this bill.

I will always stand for the sanctity of life, give a voice to the voiceless, and protect the unborn.

Amicus Brief Supports Coach Kennedy, Free Speech and Religious Expression

I joined a group of 53 bicameral members of Congress to file a brief at the Supreme Court in support of Coach Joe Kennedy in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. The Supreme Court is reviewing the Ninth Circuit’s decision that allowed Coach Kennedy to be fired for silently kneeling and praying after school football games once the players had left the field.

This case is about far more than a coach kneeling on a football field to pray. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling imperils the most basic forms of individual religious expression by each of the public school teachers and coaches within its jurisdiction. The effect is alarming.

If left uncorrected, this ruling threatens a paralyzing effect nationwide for all public employees.

Concerns Continue Regarding Sarah Bloom Raskin’s Nomination

Every Senate Banking Republican joined together in a letter to President Biden highlighting our concerns regarding the nomination process that has unfolded for Ms. Sarah Bloom Raskin, Biden’s selection for the vacant Vice-Chair of Supervision position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

On February 15, 2022, my colleagues and I denied the Banking committee a quorum due to Ms. Raskin’s continuous failure to produce forthright answers to questions posed by committee members.

Without greater insight into Ms. Raskin’s past activities, we cannot, in good faith, support the advancement of her nomination process.

North Dakota Department of Transportation

It’s always a great time visiting with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. I’m encouraged by Director Panos’ vision and leadership. We discussed the bipartisan infrastructure law and I look forward to helping make sure implementation works for North Dakota.

Basin Electric

Good to see new Basin Electric CEO Todd Telesz.

He joins a great North Dakota company and I look forward to working with him to provide reliable, affordable electricity.

North Dakota Broadcasters Association

I’m always pleased to meet with members of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association to talk about industry issues and the important service our broadcasters provide for our communities across the state.

Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command

I had a great conversation with General Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, regarding support through the next National Defense Authorization Act.

We also talked about the future of rapid delivery of troops and military equipment to make sure we have the right capabilities in the right places.

Disabled American Veterans

I am thankful for the Disabled American Veterans representatives who stopped by to discuss funding to properly support our veterans and ways to better implement the Caregivers Bill, which recognizes the important role caregivers play in serving our veterans.

National American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain

It was a pleasure having Alice Delzer, National American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain, visit to discuss our shared love of God and how we can better support our veterans.

Former Ukraine Naftogaz CEO

I met with former Naftogaz CEO and Ukrainian Andriy Kobolyev to discuss imposing real costs on Russia’s energy economy.

I agree, we must ban all energy imports from Russia, enact sanctions, and U.S. energy companies in Russia should leave. It is past time to cripple Putin.

Member of the European Parliament

I discussed the European Union’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism with Mohammed Chahim. Modern nations must work together on trade standards so our producers and manufacturers are rewarded for the good work they already do.

Grant for North Dakota

Interior Approves $2.8 Million to Reclaim and Repurpose Abandoned Coal Mines in North Dakota

The U.S. Department of the Interior made $2,829,000 available to North Dakota to reclaim and repurpose abandoned coal mines.