Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update may 8-14

Title 42

Title 42 Expiration Puts Americans’ Safety and Health at Risk

Title 42 grants the federal government the ability to quickly expel migrants on public health bases, but President Biden allowed the policy to expire late Thursday night.

In 2022 alone, more than three times the population of North Dakota illegally crossed the southern border. Now, without Title 42, tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more migrants are expected to pour in.

The Biden administration’s immigration policies have created a humanitarian crisis, threatening the safety and sovereignty of the United States.

My message to President Biden: step up, resume border wall construction, stop catch and release, restore Remain-in-Mexico, work with the Mexican government, and enforce the laws.

Under the previous administration, even without Title 42, we did not have this crisis. This catastrophe lies solely on President Biden and his administration, and they need to fix it.

Letter Ahead of Title 42 Expiration Calls on Department of Homeland Security to Act on Border Crisis

I joined Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and several colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas ahead of Title 42 expiring. We requested an update on the status of border wall construction and information on the number of migrants expected to enter the U.S.

The Biden administration has consistently neglected to address the crisis at the southern border. Then, this week, the president made a last-ditch decision to send 1,500 active-duty troops to assist border officials, tasking them with defending nearly 2,000 miles of border territory.

If the administration had decided to spend congressionally-appropriated funds to finish the wall, perhaps the Department would not need troops to assist, and perhaps the crisis would be more manageable.

Terrorists, traffickers, and other bad actors know about our country’s failure to secure the border and they continuously exploit those weaknesses. There is a glaringly simple solution: finish the border wall.

Senators Introduce FEND Off Fentanyl Act

I co-sponsored the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act which aims to combat the nation’s fentanyl crisis by targeting the illegal fentanyl supply chain and stopping chemical suppliers in China from transferring drugs to cartels along the southern border.

The never-ending flow of illegal drugs coming into our country has reached an unprecedented level, and these deadly drugs are taking the lives of Americans every day. Enough is enough.

We must push back against this scourge by cutting off these criminals’ profits.

Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Strictest Power Plant Regulations to Date

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed its most restrictive climate rules for the power sector, which would require coal and many gas-fired plants to capture most of their emissions.

What the Democrats do not understand is they are operating outside the confines of the law and completely ignoring Supreme Court precedent in West Virginia v. EPA, which North Dakota was a party to. They are pushing an unlawful policy and must explain to the American people why they support higher energy costs and lower reliability. It’s not a durable plan.

My message to the administration is simply this: stay within the confines of the law and the Constitution, and withdraw this rule immediately.

Debt Limit Negotiations Begin

Republicans Oppose Raising Debt Limit Without Substantive Spending Reforms

Last week, I joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and 42 of our Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to let him know we will not advance any bill which raises the debt ceiling without substantive spending and budget reforms.

Our economy is in free fall due to unsustainable fiscal policies, and this trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms.

The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a responsible first step in coming to the table with its proposals. It is imperative the President do the same.

Trinity Broadcast Network’s Centerpoint

I joined Joe Gumm on Trinity Broadcast Network’s Centerpoint to discuss the U.S. economic outlook, debt ceiling negotiations, and fiscal responsibility.

We have high inflation. We have high interest rates. We have a repressive regulatory regime. We have high taxation and an appetite for more from the Left. These issues have already led to a 1.1% GDP last quarter, which means we very well may be going into a recession.

It’s not like we’ve avoided economic crisis, and our increasing debt and deficit spending is driving it. Republicans are entirely reasonable to demand we do something on the spending side of this ledger. Markets and our economy will respond favorably to that.

Legislation Looks to End Pandemic-Era Remote Work for Federal Employees

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and I introduced the Stopping Home Office Work’s Unproductive Problems (SHOW UP) Act, which would require all executive agencies to return to their pre-pandemic remote work policies.

Executive agencies have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse for laziness for too long. Our public servants should be doing just that – serving the public.

This bill ensures federal employees come back to the office to do the work American taxpayers expect from them.

Bipartisan LAKES Act Op-Ed in The Forum

I penned an op-ed in The Forum on the Lake Access Keeping Economies Strong (LAKES) Act, legislation I introduced with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and its benefits for outdoor recreation sites in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-managed areas.

When it comes to the management of recreation on federal lands, not all federal agencies play by the same rules. For example, when visitors pay their entrance fee into Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the superintendent is able to retain 80% for projects within the park rather than sending the money back to Washington. But the USACE is unable to retain those recreation fees at their sites. Our bill fixes this discrepancy.

Camping fees generated at the East Totten Trail Campground at Lake Audubon should be reinvested there and not require approval from a D.C. bureaucrat. When the decision-making is kept closer to home, we empower the people who know the resources best and hear directly from those who use them.

Remarks to National Marine Manufacturers Association

I delivered remarks at the National Marine Manufacturers Association's annual legislative conference on Wednesday, which focused primarily on impacts the LAKES Act would have for their industry.

Many of us keep unique personal reasons for appreciating our country’s natural waterscapes. As a 14th generation pilgrim whose ancestors came to America on the Mayflower, I like to say boating is in my blood.

On a larger scale, recreational boating is a significant economic driver for the state. It was great to speak with National Marine Manufacturers Association members and thank them for supporting the LAKES Act. Our legislation will address certain challenges they face at the federal level and empower their work.

NTD News Interview Highlights Terrible New Federal Housing Finance Agency Mortgage Rule

Wednesday evening, I joined Steve Lance on NTD News’ Capitol Report to discuss the Federal Housing Finance Agency policy penalizing Americans who responsibly manage their money. The rule, made effective May 1, hikes upfront fees for individuals with credit scores above 680 to subsidize high-risk borrowers.

People who have low credit scores receive beneficial financial treatment for loans, and people with good credit scores have to pay for it. It disincentivizes people from maintaining their credit – the most perverse policy I've seen since forgiving student loan debt.

The very thing the administration could collapse with this rule is the dream of home ownership.

My parents were lower-middle class, but they had good credit ratings because they worked hard and didn't borrow a lot of money. They would literally, in this scenario, be paying or subsidizing people who make two, three, four times as much money.

Resolutions to Reverse Biden Administration Endangered Species Act Rules Pass Senate

Thursday, I voted for two Congressional Review Act resolutions I cosponsored to reverse restrictive Endangered Species Act rulemakings by the Biden administration.

Agencies are gladly imposing additional bureaucratic hurdles for landowners in the name of conservation, yet these rules only preserve and expand executive power.

The first resolution retains the term “habitat,” a definition I supported the establishment of in 2020. By rescinding it, this administration exposed landowners and businesses to burdensome regulations and added uncertainties. Particularly for areas with a federal nexus through permits or funding, a “critical habitat” designation can elicit increased scrutiny, use limitations, and increase costs.

The second resolution rolls back a decision to reclassify the northern long-eared bat as “endangered,” where before it was “threatened.” Local stakeholders will bear the brunt of the rule’s effects, as it will impede their abilities to advance infrastructure and development projects by unnecessarily forcing more into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service backlog.

I am pleased both Congressional Review Act resolutions passed the Senate.

Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing Presses Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nominee

At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, I questioned Jeffery Baran about his time on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as he seeks a third term. His voting record and public comments on environmental justice signal his goals for the Commission could impede the advancement of our nation’s nuclear energy capabilities.

Baran has been the sole dissenter a number of times, including against a development of a more generic Environmental Impact Statement that could help streamline bureaucratic permitting processes, recognizing smaller reactors can have a more generic process.

I'm concerned he’s the one impediment on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is not truly an advocate for safely advancing this important technology to meet our climate and energy security goals.

Strategic Forces Hearing Pushes for PARCS Modernization at Cavalier Space Force Station

I questioned General Glen VanHerck, Commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Vice Admiral Jon Hill, Missile Defense Agency Director, about the need for better ground-based radar capabilities, including Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) modernization at the Cavalier Space Force Station.

Bill Introduced to Improve Federal Joint Employer Rules

I joined Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) in introducing the Save Local Business Act, bicameral legislation which codifies federal standards for joint employers and restores a reasonable definition of “employer” for certainty and stability.

Local businesses in North Dakota and across the country are the backbone of our economy. Yet, for nearly a decade, employers have been subjected to regulatory ping pong of ever-changing employment rules and definitions.

Our bill ends this nonsense by defining what a joint employer is once and for all.

Bipartisan Bill Reintroduced to Improve Control and Clarity on Health Care Decisions

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and I reintroduced our bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access Act. This legislation would allow dentists, optometrists, and ophthalmologists to use the medical labs of their choosing, and provide doctors, patients, and insurers clarity on rates for non-covered dental and vision care.

Doctors need more autonomy within our healthcare system, whether it’s selecting the best materials and lab services for their patient, or by increasing fairness in doctor-insurer agreements.

Our bipartisan legislation looks to protect consumers and allow doctors to provide high-quality care to their patients.

Bipartisan Senators Introduce National American Indian Veterans Charter Bill

I joined Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans. Last Congress, the bill passed the Senate unanimously.

Serving in the armed forces at higher rates than any other demographic, Native American veterans have honorably answered the call and defended our nation in every war since the American revolution.

All U.S. veterans deserve the benefits they earned. A Congressional Charter recognizes the National American Indian Veterans dedication to attaining much-needed assistance, care, and resources for our Native American heroes.

Bill Backs Law Enforcement Officers

I joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 38 of our Republican colleagues in reintroducing the Back the Blue Act, legislation to increase penalties for criminals who intentionally target law enforcement officers. The bill would also provide resources for their protection.

Liberal "Defund the Police" policies have left too many law enforcement officers on the receiving end of deliberate, targeted violence while they risk their own safety to protect our communities. This must be met with strict penalties to deter this senseless violence.

Stakeholders include the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, among others.

Letter Warns Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulatory Agenda Hurts Small Businesses

I joined my Banking Committee colleagues and Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-SC) in sending a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler regarding the agency’s rulemakings for small and emerging businesses.

Specifically, we raised concerns the volume, complexity, and interconnections of recent regulations will undermine U.S. capital markets and make it more difficult for Americans to launch, grow, and maintain their businesses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission currently has over fifty items on its regulatory agenda, many of which will drastically change the operation, structure, and efficiency of U.S. capital markets.

Legislation to Modernize and Improve Banking Security Regulations

I reintroduced the Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), with whom I serve on the Banking Committee. Our bipartisan bill would define states’ authorities to examine third-party Technology Service Providers, improve information sharing and oversight mechanisms, and reduce regulatory inefficiencies.

This legislation would establish needed clarity for state and federal regulators, and in doing so, enhance data security for every American who invests earnings or keeps them in a bank.

Financial institution partnerships with Technology Service Providers have become standard practice, and our laws need to catch up.

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.

U.S. Oil and Gas Association

I sat down with North Dakota Petroleum Council's Ron Ness and the U.S. Oil and Gas Association to discuss permitting reform.

We talked about the RESTART Act, permitting legislation I helped draft in the Environment and Public Works Committee alongside Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and our colleagues. This is the best foot forward in the battle to get critical energy and infrastructure projects approved.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman’s presence in North Dakota brings innovation and excitement to the region! It was great to meet with CEO Kathy Warden.

North Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association

I met with the North Dakota Petroleum Marketers to discuss my bicameral letter to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting it withdraw its proposed rule imposing increased regulations on vapor emissions from small gasoline bulk tanks.

The proposal will lead to higher fuel costs or the elimination of intermediate gasoline storage, which could dangerously impact regular service provision, and during emergencies, leave entire communities vulnerable.

American Land Title Association

Thanks to members of American Land Title Association for stopping by to discuss the important role the title industry plays in North Dakota, as well as my SECURE Notarization Act, which would allow for a safe and convenient remote online notarization process.

NORPAC

Israel and the United States have had a mutually beneficial relationship for 75 years. It was great to meet with NORPAC to discuss this important partnership, security assistance, and bad actors in the Middle East.

Mandaree Students

I spoke with students from Mandaree about the beauty of our nation’s capital, working for North Dakotans in the Senate, and issues impacting our tribal communities. They asked great questions!

Pfizer

I spoke with Pfizer’s Chief Global Supply Officer about domestic production, our supply chain, and workforce needs.

CTIA

I had a conversation with CTIA CEO Meredith Attwell Baker about 5G, spectrum sharing, and the importance of keeping Americans connected.

Cargill

Cargill plays a pivotal role in North Dakota’s economy. I thank them for sitting down with me to discuss ongoing rail service challenges and the potential for expansion at the Wahpeton facility.

Grants for North Dakota

National Science Foundation Announces Nearly $1 Million to University of North Dakota

The National Science Foundation awarded $992,699 to the University of North Dakota through its Regional Innovation Engines program. The funding was distributed to 43 other teams at universities, nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations across the United States.

Congratulations to UND for receiving this monumental award. This is another feather in the cap of our state’s growing leadership in autonomous systems.

Partnering with northern states and the Tribal Nations Research Group is an incredible opportunity to show off North Dakota’s excellence in science and technology.