Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update april 17-23

Resolution Designates April as 'Second Chance Month'

I joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating April as "Second Chance Month." The resolution honors those who work to remove unnecessary barriers preventing formerly incarcerated individuals from becoming productive members of society.

Too often our criminal justice system is focused on punishment instead of redemption. Christian faith teaches us to treat others with dignity and offer forgiveness whenever we can. All life has value, and I hope to instill a message of opportunity for those rehabilitating their life in a positive direction.

Congressmen Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and David Trone (D-MD) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Hearing Addresses U.S. Navy Service Member Treatment

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, I pressed Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro about the force’s treatment of its service members.

When patriots are made to feel like the Navy doesn’t care about them, it’s unacceptable.

My colleagues and I constantly hear assurances from Navy personnel about how they value their people. Yet, our sailors are up against inefficient paperwork processes, barriers to accessing administrative information, and politicized decision-making during their service, all of which impact their lives after service, too.

Hearing Highlights Unfeasibility of Biden Administration’s Push for Widespread Electric Vehicle Adoption

At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, I questioned Andrew Boyle, First Vice Chair of the American Trucking Association, about impacts of the Biden administration’s unprecedented push for widespread electric vehicle adoption, including its ever-stringent proposed vehicle emissions standards.

An accelerated transition to EVs is financially and infrastructurally unfeasible, especially for heavy-duty trucks. Plus, their battery performance in cold weather is horribly unreliable. I just can’t imagine implementing this standard in North Dakota.

The Biden administration is building the cart before the horse. Let's find the supply chain to produce some of these things before we start incentivizing them.

Fire Grants and Safety Act Passes Senate

I joined my Senate colleagues in voting for the Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation to reauthorize the critically important Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program, and the United States Fire Administration.

It funds existing federal grants to further support local departments. Communities across North Dakota use these grants to purchase new equipment and receive vital training.

Remarks at NDAREC Legislative Rally Provide Federal Policy Outlook

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives invited me to deliver remarks at its legislative rally in our nation's capital.

As a former regulator, the chance to advance policies consequential to so many North Dakotans, including our rural electric coops, is one I take seriously. Their work – investing in our communities, forging partnerships to train individuals interested in joining the industry, and keeping the lights on for North Dakota households and businesses – is invaluable.

I discussed the Lower Energy Costs Act, a package the House of Representatives passed to drive domestic production and expand export opportunities. This major piece of legislation, dubbed a symbolic "H.R. 1," signals the growing urgency to bolster U.S. energy security.

I also talked about potential permitting reforms in the Senate, as well as Minnesota’s “Clean by 2040 Plan." From a federal standpoint, it's uncertain whether this state law requiring the transition to 100% carbon-free electricity adheres to the Commerce Clause as established in the U.S. Constitution.

Employee Rights Act Reforms Labor Policies

I joined Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2023, which would reform labor policies to empower workers and better match the needs of today’s economy. The legislation establishes critical safeguards for small business owners and entrepreneurs and preserves the independent contractor model.

This administration's labor policies have burdened small business owners, discouraged people from returning to their jobs, and impeded individuals’ abilities to choose their desired employment paths.

In stark contrast, the Employee Rights Act prioritizes American workers, protects small business ownership, and supports the long-term health of our economy.

Legislation Restores Holocaust Survivors’ Rights

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and I reintroduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act, which would permit unpaid beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to bring civil suits against liable companies, allowing them to recover outstanding claims or otherwise enforce policy rights.

The Holocaust was one of the worst genocides in the history of the world, yet victims’ families and survivors remain unable to benefit from insurance policies taken out decades ago.

This bipartisan, commonsense legislation not only reminds us of the evil inflicted against these people, but it also gives survivors and their beneficiaries the money they are rightfully owed.

Bill to Prevent Ban of Lead Ammo and Tackle on Public Lands

Last week, I joined Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act.

This legislation would prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition or tackle on public lands, unless such action is supported by the best available science and state wildlife and fish agencies.

North Dakota’s sportsmen provide a public service by helping manage wildlife populations. The administration’s onerous rule would only make it more difficult and expensive for them to do so on public lands.

Bill Authorizes Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide

Last week, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and I reintroduced the Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bipartisan legislation would permit the nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations, enabling notaries and signers to complete the process from different physical locations.

In today's digital world, we sign documents online and seamlessly send them around the country with the push of a few buttons. Yet, the notarization process remains stubbornly antiquated.

Our bill will safely and securely bring notaries across the nation into the 21st century.

Letter Supports Fully Funding U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation

I joined my Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), in calling for $500 million to fully fund U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs in the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill.

Support of the U.S.-Israel collaborative defense programs is critical to meeting the United States’ and Israel's national security needs.

In addition to ballistic missile defense, this $500 million in federal funding will continue critical work on these air defense systems that can help counter hostile unmanned aerial systems. Together, these programs confront the compelling challenges facing both Israel and the United States and represent the enduring friendship of our nations.

Bill to Audit CDC Decision-Making and Messaging Processes

I joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) in reintroducing the Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act, which would require the Government Accountability Office to review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision-making and messaging processes and provide recommendations for improvement.

Inconsistent messaging and guidance from the CDC during the pandemic shook confidence in government institutions. Playing politics with our health is a dangerous public health strategy and cannot be repeated.

This legislation would shine light on how COVID-era decisions were made and establish guidelines to ensure a more transparent and consistent approach in the future.

Farm Bill Interviews

Ag Central Radio Network

Jamie Dickerman with the Ag Central Radio Network interviewed me about the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. We had a productive conversation about strengthening the farm safety net and improving our nutrition programs.

Red River Farm Network

I enjoyed visiting with Whitney Pittman from Red River Farm Network about various policies at the intersection of agriculture and energy. We discussed North Dakota's new soy crushing facilities, pesticide regulations, the Waters of the U.S. rule, debt limit negotiations, and the importance of food and energy supply chains to our national security.

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.

North Dakota Broadband Association

Quality broadband is essential. I am always impressed by the North Dakota Broadband Association's efforts to ensure every corner of our state stays connected.

State Lawmakers and Center for Self Governance

I met with North Dakota District 24 Representative Cole Christensen and the Center for Self Governance to discuss the weaponization of the federal government. Unelected Washington bureaucrats are actively legislating through authority they have not been granted, and we must work to uphold our North Dakota values at the national level.

Close Up Students

I enjoyed meeting with North Dakota Close Up students from Finley-Sharon High School and Hebron High School. They asked great questions about public service and our agriculture industry.

JPMorgan Chase

I appreciated the chance to meet with JPMorgan Chase's Mike Lister and former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez about domestic energy production and the Fair Access to Banking Act.

Global demand for oil and gas is growing. We need the means to produce it with the financial institutions to back it.

Crop Insurance Professionals Association

I had a productive meeting the Crop Insurance Professionals Association about the effects of inflation on administrative and operating costs, as well as ways to incentivize higher crop insurance coverage levels. Thank you for stopping by!

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Representatives from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and I discussed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' wrongful rule on stabilizing braces.

We also talked about my Fair Access to Banking Act, which would prevent financial institutions from discriminating against law-abiding industries.

Shippers Coalition

I met with members of the Shippers Coalition, including Pepsi Co., Cargill, and the National Milk Producers Federation. We discussed supply chain challenges and the efficient movement of freight across our country.

Essentia Health

I enjoyed speaking with North Dakota's Essentia Health officials about their partnership with Devils Lake, Spirit Lake, and Altru, as well as the important role hospitals play in rural communities. Thanks for coming by!

Naftogaz

I appreciated hearing from Naftogaz’s CEO, Oleksiy Chernyshov regarding market opportunities to replace Russian gas.

Grants for North Dakota

Regional Airports Receive Over $11 Million for Infrastructure Improvements

The Federal Aviation Administration awarded a total of $11,118,379 to North Dakota regional airports. The grants will support a range of equipment upgrades, as well as runway and terminal improvements.

• $7,007,500 for Jamestown Regional Airport 
• $980,000 for Minot International Airport 
• $600,000 for Ellendale Airport 
• $528,093 for Linton Municipal Airport Authority
• $459,786 for Kenmare Municipal Airport Authority 
• $448,000 for Gwinner Municipal Airport Authority 
• $300,000 for Mercer County Regional Airport Authority 
• $300,000 for Standing Rock Airport 
• $203,000 for Barnes County Municipal Airport Authority 
• $185,000 for International Peace Garden Airport 
• $72,000 for Watford City Airport Authority 
• $35,000 for Wahpeton Airport Authority 

North Dakota Organizations Receive Over $3.4 Million

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded North Dakota organizations $3,459,057 as follows:

• $1,924,581 to Spectra Health from the Health Center Cluster Program, which supports Community Health Centers in their delivery of comprehensive services.
• $1,055,244 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services from the National and State Tobacco Program, which aims to lower tobacco-connected diseases and deaths.
• $479,232 to the University of North Dakota from the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program, which provides enhanced technology, equipment, and financial resources to eligible organizations.

Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative Receives Over $1 Million for Distribution System Repairs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $1,119,959 to the Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative. These resources will support repairs to its distribution system, which was damaged during a severe winter storm and flooding event from April 22-May 25, 2022.