Happy New Year!

This past year brought both challenges and blessings for all of us, and I look forward to serving the people of North Dakota every day as their United States Senator. I take the trust you put in me seriously, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in 2022. In the meantime, below is a recap of some of our moments together from this past year.

Rally Supports Life at the North Dakota Capitol

I had the privilege of joining the March for Life rally held on the North Dakota Capitol grounds hosted by the University of Mary. Thank you to all who marched. Because of you and your incredible testimony on this very cold day in North Dakota, we are winning the battle for life.

My Experience on January 6 in the United States Capitol

The United States of America is the greatest country the world has ever known, but we did not live up to that standard on January 6 when the Capitol was stormed by violent rioters.

Thankfully, our nation is better than its worst moments. I shared a few thoughts and memories of my experience in the Capitol that day.

While I don't believe Congress overturning certified Electoral College votes is constitutional, Congress can and should play a role in providing clarity to our constituents and restoring their trust in our elections.

Later that day, I introduced a bill to establish a Bipartisan Advisory Committee charged with examining the integrity of the 2020 November election and making recommendations to state legislatures for improving the security, integrity, and administration of federal elections. The American people deserve sufficient answers for the questions they have about the irregularities and anomalies found in the results in the 2020 election.

North Dakota National Guard Members Deploy to Washington

I had the honor of spending time with the heroic members of the North Dakota National Guard who helped secure the U.S. Capitol during the inauguration. I am grateful for their commitment to serve and protect our democracy.

Joe Biden Sworn in as the 46th President

On January 20, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States with Kamala Harris as his Vice President. I did not vote for him or support his campaign, but he promised to be a President for all Americans. I appreciated his pledge and have worked with him when it is good for North Dakotans.

Second Impeachment Trial Acquits Former President Trump

This was the stupidest week in the Senate in 2021. Instead of carrying on the actual work of the American people, the Senate was bogged down with the impeachment trial of former President Trump. We considered evidence, heard witnesses, and ultimately voted to acquit President Trump of the article of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives for the second time.

The January 6 attacks on the Capitol were appalling, and President Trump's remarks were reckless, but based on the evidence presented in the trial, he did not commit an impeachable offense. Therefore, I voted to acquit former President Trump.

Air Force Chief of Staff Visits Grand Forks Air Force Base

Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Brown, Jr., joined Senator John Hoeven and me at the Grand Forks Air Force Base and the Grand Sky Unmanned Aerial Systems Research and Development Park for a classified briefing and tour. Advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and unmanned aerial systems are the future of Air Force missions.

This visit to Grand Forks by yet another senior military leader demonstrates how North Dakota is well-positioned to lead the way.

Senate Armed Services Committee Announces Subcommittee Assignments

The Senate Armed Services Committee announced my new position as Ranking Member on the Seapower Subcommittee. It is an honor to receive a leadership position on the Committee and I have appreciated helping lead this subcommittee to ensure our Navy and Marine Corps are properly equipped and best positioned for success.

The Seapower Subcommittee plays a pivotal role in empowering the military branches responsible for maintaining our presence at strategically important ports and bodies of water are able to fend off our adversaries.

Weighing in on the Texas Energy Crisis

Freezing temperatures surged energy demand beyond what could be met, and millions of people, including North Dakotans, were without power as a result of a surprise winter storm. This is a real-time example of why we need reliable sources of energy like coal, oil, nuclear, and natural gas. It's a shame the Biden Administration appears hell-bent on weakening these industries, along with the safety, security, and economic benefits that come with them.

I spoke with Rob Port about this issue on his Plain Talk podcast.

Senate Space Force Caucus Convenes First Meeting of 117th Congress

On February 26, I convened the first Senate Space Force Caucus meeting of the 117th Congress. As a Co-Chair of the caucus, I delivered remarks on the importance of the Space Force.

The meeting included presentations from Major General Leah Lauderback, the Space Force's Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and Mr. Brad Edmonson, Chief of Intelligence, Analysis, and Production.

Democrats Use COVID for Taxpayer-funded Liberal Shopping Spree

I voted against the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Reconciliation being used as a legislative vehicle for the Democrats' $1.9 trillion spending package. Deceitfully labeled as COVID-19 relief, this bill was just a socialist wish-list.

The Democrats used a global health pandemic to go on a shopping spree with taxpayer dollars, buying as many items off their liberal wish-list as they could get their hands on. They rushed this horribly flawed bill through Congress using a process designed to completely ignore Republicans, breaking Biden’s promise of unity.

Legislation Stops Banks from Discriminating Against Legal Industries

I led my colleagues in introducing the Fair Access to Banking Act, a bill to prevent discrimination by banks and financial service providers against constitutionally-protected industries and law-abiding businesses. The bill builds off the Trump Administration's Fair Access to Financial Services Rule and is co-sponsored by 32 of my colleagues or nearly one-third of the Senate.

Financial service providers do not have the right to circumvent the Constitution or the law to create de-facto bans on legally-compliant businesses like energy producers or firearms manufacturers when they believe it is politically convenient. This legislation makes it illegal to do so and imposes serious consequences on those who choose to violate the law.

The Fair Access to Banking Act is also supported by a wide array of outside groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Independent Petroleum Association of America, National Rifle Association, Kentucky Coal Association, Lignite Energy Council, National Mining Association, Amusement and Music Operators Association, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, and the Day 1 Alliance.

Remarks at the North Dakota House Highlight State-Federal Policies

On March 12, at the invitation of House Speaker Kim Koppelman, I delivered remarks before the North Dakota House of Representatives on American exceptionalism and the intersection of state and federal policies.

I consider it a really high honor to be able to stand in North Dakota’s People’s House and share some thoughts about what I think are great opportunities for our great state and our great nation. The spirit of ingenuity is alive in North Dakota. Together we can achieve great accomplishments in the areas of energy, infrastructure, national security, technology, manufacturing, and of course agriculture, all because of American exceptionalism. And may this time, and our partnership, be not defined as stringent opposition to inevitable progress, but rather of bold solutions developed through collaboration and an understanding that North Dakota’s excellence will always be better than Washington’s mediocrity.

North Dakota National Guard Generals Recognized for their Service and Promotion

I attended a North Dakota National Guard ceremony honoring the service of Brigadier General Todd Branden as he transitioned to retirement and celebrated the promotion of Darrin Anderson as his replacement.

North Dakota's National Guard represents the best of the best, and that starts with the excellent leadership at the top. I am grateful to General Branden for his years of service and thankful to General Anderson for answering the call to serve our country.

Floor Remarks Honor the Life and Service of North Dakota's Last Known WWII 164th Infantry Regiment Member

I delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring the life and service of Douglas Burtell. Mr. Burtell, the last known World War II veteran residing in North Dakota from the 164th Infantry Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard, passed away on April 3. God bless the memory of Douglas Burtell and the brave soldiers of World War II who were “always ready.”

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon Meets on Fair Access Banking Act

JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and I met to discuss my Fair Access to Banking Act and ways to responsibly achieve climate goals in the United States. I look forward to working with him and his peers on these and other mutual goals.

North Dakota Seeks Intervention Status in Dakota Access Pipeline Case

North Dakota sought intervention status in the lawsuit over the Dakota Access Pipeline. I applauded Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem for standing up for North Dakota's sovereign interests after the Justice Department abandoned its previously vigorous defense of the Dakota Access Pipeline on April 9.

Senate Passes the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act

The Senate passed bipartisan legislation I helped introduce, the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021. This bill will ensure North Dakota's small, rural, and tribal communities have access to safe drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs.

New Lineworker Center Will Support Workforce Training

I participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives' new Lineworker Training Center, which will increase educational opportunities and help align workforce skills with the state's economic needs.

As the son of a rural electric lineman, I have seen firsthand how important lineworkers are for North Dakota's communities, and the opportunities available to those who pursue a career in this industry.

Legislation Counters Biden's Nord Stream 2 Actions

Days after Russian hackers successfully attacked an American pipeline, President Biden gave Vladimir Putin his own pipeline. Immediately following this, I led the Protecting Our Wellbeing by Expanding Russian Sanctions (POWERS) Act, legislation to build on recently-passed bipartisan sanctions against Russia. The bill reinstates penalties the Biden Administration waived on Russian entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Williston Rededicates Monument to the Unknown on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day at Riverview Cemetery in Williston, I delivered the rededication address for the Monument to the Unknown, which is believed to be the nation's first official memorial to the fallen, unknown soldier. It was constructed on May 30, 1919, two years before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Federal Judge Allows DAPL to Continue Operating

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Judge James Boasberg ruled against an injunction to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers performs an Environmental Impact Statement on the facility.

Once again, reason prevailed over political pressure in our effort to keep the Dakota Access Pipeline up and running. Judge Boasberg's ruling was a win for states' rights, energy independence, and the American people's pocketbooks.

Legislator of the Year Award Recognizes My Efforts to Protect the Firearms Industry

The National Shooting Sports Foundation presented me with the Legislator of the Year award for my work protecting the firearms industry, an award I was honored to receive.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Visits North Dakota

On June 3, I hosted Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan in North Dakota. We convened a listening session where leaders in the state's energy and agricultural communities were able to share their insights with the Administrator on a variety of policy decisions before the agency.

His visit concluded with a walking tour of downtown Mandan where we learned about redevelopment efforts, including the use of a Brownfields assessment grant the EPA awarded to the city.

Rainbow Energy Center to Purchase Coal Creek Station from Great River Energy

On June 30, Rainbow Energy Center announced it agreed to purchase the Coal Creek Station from Great River Energy. This is excellent news and a prime example of what can be done with North Dakota entrepreneurs and innovation.

Rainbow Energy Center plans on focusing on carbon capture utilization and storage technologies, which I’ve worked to support and advance on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Grand Forks Air Force Base Swears in New Commander at Change of Command Ceremony

I attended a Change of Command ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base, where Colonel Cameron Pringle formally relinquished command of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to Colonel Timothy Curry.

319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base Fields New E-11 Mission

The U.S. Air Force announced the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks will provide command and control support for the Air Force’s E-11 Battlefield Airborne Control Node aircraft mission.

Bringing the E-11 under the jurisdiction of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at the Grand Forks Air Force Base is an acknowledgment of the incredible leadership at the base, a recognition of how critical the base is to the nation’s defense, and a reminder of how the base is responsible for much more than what can be physically seen there. This move helps solidify the base’s long-term success and stability in Grand Forks.

North Dakota Guardsmen Deploy to Southern Border

Governor Doug Burgum announced the North Dakota National Guard deployed 125 Guard members to help U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents secure the southern border.

The problems at the southern border are a threat to all Americans that must be addressed, but President Biden and his administration have still failed to fix the crisis he caused. North Dakota’s Guard members are the best the country has to offer.

North Dakota Petroleum Council Board Meets in Medora

At a North Dakota Petroleum Council board meeting in Medora, I spoke with oil producers and service companies about my efforts in Congress to combat discrimination by financial services providers against American energy as well as the need to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act regulatory process.

Cavalier Air Force Station Officially Becomes Part of Space Force

Effective July 30, Cavalier Air Force Station officially became part of the U.S. Space Force. Cavalier is now able to use its capabilities to effectively monitor our adversaries’ space activities and ensure we keep our country safe.

Fargo Air Show Features Navy Pilots

Fargo native Commander Brian Kesselring was home with his U.S. Navy Blue Angels for the Fargo Air Show. Oakes native Vice Admiral Stuart Munsch also attended along with USS North Dakota Commander Robert Edmondson and other crew members. I enjoyed seeing our U.S. Navy fly!

Senate Begins Work on Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

The Senate voted to begin considering a bipartisan infrastructure package built on the legislation we produced at the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.

I announced my support for the process, which was built on bipartisan bills unanimously passed through the Senate EPW and Energy and Natural Resources Committees. I know it’s not sexy to get along, but a lot more of it happens than you might think.

Bill Requires Voter ID Laws in States with Vaccine Passports Mandates

In August, I introduced legislation requiring states where there are vaccine passport mandates to also enact voter identification laws. If states feel the need to make residents verify a piece of information as private as their vaccination status just to return to normalcy, then they should have no problem requiring people to prove they are who they say they are when they go to vote.

Senate Democrats Push Budget Resolution for $4 Trillion Spending Spree through the Senate via Procedural Vote

In the middle of the night on August 10, Senate Democrats passed a purely partisan budget resolution aimed at growing federal government spending. It dramatically expands the federal bureaucracy, raises the cost of living, and lowers the value of Americans’ hard-earned income.

Senate Votes to Prohibit a Ban on Fracking

I led an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Resolution prohibiting the Biden Administration from banning hydraulic fracturing. It passed with bipartisan support, despite 42 Democrats voting against it.

UND Becomes First University to Partner with Space Force

In a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony with the University of North Dakota (UND) and the U.S. Space Force, UND became the first school to sign a partnership agreement with the U.S. Space Force through its University Partnership Program. I joined UND and Space Force leaders in Grand Forks for the signing.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Plug and Remediate Nation’s Orphaned Wells

As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Revive Economic Growth and Reclaim Orphaned Wells (REGROW) Act passed the Senate. This is a bipartisan bill Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and I introduced to plug and remediate the nation’s orphaned wells.

Seattle Visit Includes Naval Installations Tours

I visited Naval Submarine Base Bangor and Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport in Seattle, Washington, to receive classified briefings and tour critical undersea platforms. A strong Navy is crucial to our economic and national security and global trade.

American Service Members Die in Afghanistan

In August, we saw the heartbreaking effects of Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. My heart is broken for those injured and the 13 lives lost in the terrorist attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Kris and I continue to pray for their families and loved ones, including the heroic Marines and Navy medic who knew the risks they faced yet still stepped forward to put their lives on the line to help evacuation efforts. Their deaths were a tragedy, and it did not have to be this way.

I also signed onto a bicameral letter urging President Biden to outline his plan following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

ND National Guard Holds Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies in Fargo

I attended a groundbreaking ceremony at Fargo Air National Guard Base for the North Dakota Air National Guard’s new Consolidated Operations Center. The center will be used by the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” to operate the MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled remotely by the Airmen in Fargo.

I also participated in a tour and ribbon cutting at the North Dakota Air National Guard’s Fargo Readiness Center.

Nation Observes the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Twenty years ago, the United States experienced one of the darkest moments in its history. Terrorists hijacked four airplanes with the intent of killing Americans and attacking symbols of democracy and the freedoms we hold dear.

While we lament the loss of life and promise to never forget that fateful day, we take solace in knowing the terrorists’ efforts to destroy the American way of life were unsuccessful.

I delivered remarks and attended a remembrance ceremony hosted by the North Dakota National Guard at the Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terror in Bismarck. The memorial commemorates the 29 service members from North Dakota who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror, 14 of whom served in the National Guard.

Shortly after I was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, I discussed the loss of Tyler Orgaard, a Bismarck native killed in the line of duty. Not a day goes by where I don't think about Tyler.

Searching for Answers Following President Biden’s Failed Withdrawal from Afghanistan

President Biden’s withdrawal was a complete failure. He said we'd leave no American behind, but hundreds of our citizens and billions in U.S. military equipment are still in Afghanistan while the Taliban is in control, ISIS-K runs rampant, our allies feel angry and betrayed, and 13 American soldiers lost their lives.

Joining my Senate Republican colleagues, we demanded information from Biden on the crisis created by his withdrawal from Afghanistan. We asked for answers to specific questions on Americans and allies who were left behind, and on the vetting process for evacuees who are being brought to the United States.

Interior Assistant Secretary Visits North Dakota to Learn About Waterfowl Production Area Easements

I hosted Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz to discuss how to improve Fish Wildlife Service’s enforcement of Waterfowl Production Area easements in North Dakota in her first official visit as Assistant Secretary.

Landowners and agriculture producers in North Dakota have struggled with the Fish and Wildlife Service’s rigidity and heavy-handed enforcement of their conservation easements for a long time. The agency has infringed on our property rights and hurt our farmers’ production. While we made some progress with the Trump Administration by creating new maps and the first-ever appeals process, the bureaucracy has remained intransigent.

Goldman Sachs CEO Visits Bismarck for First Installment of “The Bully Pulpit”

I hosted Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon at the University of Mary to meet with business school students and participate in a town hall with stakeholders from the energy and financial industries.

The town hall was the first installment of my new speaker series “The Bully Pulpit,” where I host a variety of influential public and business leaders in North Dakota to hear from constituents and share their expertise in a format designed for constructive discussions.

Veterans Advisory Board Meets in Fargo

I convened my Veterans Advisory Board in Fargo, where I provided an update on efforts in Congress involving veterans and active-duty service members and received feedback on the efficacy of veteran services and care in North Dakota. I am grateful for their input, both on what’s happening in Congress and our state.

Grand Farm Hosts Autonomous Nation Conference

I delivered opening remarks at the Autonomous Nation Conference at Grand Farm near Horace and participated in a panel discussion with autonomous industry leaders.

Defending and expanding our digital infrastructure is key to protecting the United States and continuing American leadership on the world stage in the 21st century. As Grand Farm moves forward with its extraordinary efforts to create a fully autonomous farm, it presents an opportunity to bring together private, state, and federal partners to make North Dakota a global hub for the autonomous industry and its cutting-edge technologies.

Trip to the Southern Border Exposes Bad Policies

I visited the U.S.-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas, to observe the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security operations along the southwest border.

Our Customs and Border Protection agents are frustrated by the policies of the Biden Administration, which have made it very difficult for them to do their job. The agents are extremely compassionate men and women who have been unfairly demonized and vilified. This agency deserves our respect and thanks for the work they do to protect our great nation.

During the visit, I joined a nighttime ride-along tour of the Rio Grande Valley with a Border Patrol agent. I was briefed on the processing facilities as well as the border wall. The trip concluded with a helicopter tour from the McAllen Air and Marine branch.

North Dakota Technology Sector Capabilities Highlighted at Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit

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.

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

Service Dogs for America Supports Veterans

I toured 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.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Congress Passes Infrastructure Package: Includes $413.5 Billion for Road, Bridge, and Highway Projects

This bill is the right thing to do for North Dakota and our country, as it confronts the inflation and supply chain problems facing every American.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is fully paid for and makes long-overdue investments in the roads and bridges every American uses. It is a $1.2 trillion bill with $550 billion in new spending over the next five years.

News Conference Highlights Infrastructure Wins for North Dakota

I joined North Dakota Department of Transportation Director Bill Panos, Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Executive Vice President Russ Hanson, and Greater North Dakota Chamber President and CEO Arik Spencer to highlight how the bill will benefit our state through permitting reform, grant programs for rural communities, increased funding and flexibility for North Dakota’s Department of Transportation, energy initiatives, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and more.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $2 billion for North Dakota’s roads, bridges, and highways, which is a 50% increase above current levels over the next five years, $213 million to improve and upgrade North Dakota’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, at least $100 million to expand broadband access in the state, and $94 million for North Dakota airports over five years.

Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps Leaders Attend WOTUS Listening Session in Bismarck

I hosted Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox and Acting-Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham in Bismarck for a Waters of the U.S. listening session, where they heard firsthand from agriculture producers, landowners, and stakeholders who deal with this regulation.

North Dakotans live and work in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region and have long been subjected to the regulatory ping pong of Waters of the U.S. regulations. It was never the intent of the Clean Water Act to override states and North Dakota’s leadership against the 2015 rule proves the limits of the federal government. It shouldn’t be this hard to identify what is navigable water and what is not. I’m grateful the EPA upheld its commitment to hold an in-person listening session in North Dakota to hear from agriculture producers, landowners, and stakeholders.

Bank of America CEO Moynihan Joins My Bully Pulpit Town Hall

I hosted Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan at North Dakota State University for a moderated discussion and town hall on climate solutions as the second installment of my speaker series, “The Bully Pulpit.”

We discussed North Dakota’s leadership in research and innovative climate solutions, as well as current carbon capture utilization and storage projects across the state.

Any opportunity to showcase the exceptionalism and commonsense of North Dakota to business leaders is a win in my book. I’m grateful Mr. Moynihan took the time to come to Fargo to participate in my ‘Bully Pulpit’ series and learn more about the advancement of carbon capture technology and our innovative energy leadership.

Basin Electric Annual Meeting Remarks Highlight Carbon Capture Technology

I delivered remarks at the Basin Electric Annual Meeting highlighting carbon capture technology.

North Dakota is leading the way in the development of clean, reliable energy by investing and applying carbon capture utilization and storage technologies to lignite, oil, and ethanol facilities. Basin Electric has been a wonderful partner in expanding access to affordable, reliable, and responsible energy, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Award Recognizes Support of Construction Industry

I was honored to receive the Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors. This award recognizes exemplary legislators and their strong support for the American construction industry.

The businesses represented by the Associated Builders and Contractors, which are locally-owned companies, are the heartbeat of North Dakota. They are entrepreneurs building the homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure that make up our communities.

Senate Passes the National Defense Authorization Act

On December 15, we passed the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I secured funding authorization and language for missions both directly and indirectly benefiting North Dakota’s military community. This year’s bill fully funds nuclear modernization efforts, supports efforts to develop increased intelligence capabilities, grows the Space Force, and authorizes a litany of North Dakota-specific military projects.

No bill this size is ever perfect, but this legislation provides critical support for the defense of our nation, takes care of our troops and their families, and prioritizes nuclear modernization to keep pace with our adversaries. I helped craft this bill in the Senate Armed Services Committee to ensure we stay the land of the free because of the brave.

Vote Overturns President Biden’s Vaccine Mandate on Private Businesses

I voted to overturn President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private businesses through the Congressional Review Act, the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule. The bipartisan resolution protects personal liberties, our economy, and – above all else – the Constitution and personal privacy. It passed by a bipartisan vote of 52-48.

The Constitution does not allow Joe Biden to impose this COVID-19 vaccine mandate on private businesses. It is a blatant and obvious overreach of the federal government – and the good news is the courts agree.

Floor Speech Highlights “12 Biden Blunders of Christmas”

In honor of the holiday season, I took stock of the first year of the reign of Biden, Schumer, and Pelosi in a speech on the Senate floor.

In my remarks, I outlined 12 blunders by the Biden Administration in 2021, including:

• Repeated claims of a “free” nearly $5 trillion big government socialist agenda
• Joe Biden hiding from the press and not taking questions
• The Biden Administration’s plan to give $450,000 settlements for illegal immigrants
• Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm’s saying the U.S. doesn’t have the moral authority to call out China on energy production and emissions
• The crisis at the southern border and a taxpayer-built border wall around Biden’s Delaware beach mansion
• The disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan
• Consistent confusion and alarm in regards to Biden’s comments about Taiwan

Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Burial Equity, VA Insurance Bills

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted to move two bills I co-sponsored to the Senate floor for full Senate consideration.

The first one is the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, which ensures guardsmen and reservists have equal burial rights in state veterans’ cemeteries, like the one we have south of Mandan. Guardsmen and reservists sign up to risk their lives to protect the liberties we enjoy every single day in this great country.

The second bill is the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, which authorizes a raise in Veterans Affairs life insurance to account for inflation. This is the first raise in over 15 years, and inflation is still very much on the rise in our country.

Both of these bills will support veterans in North Dakota and across the country. It’s the very least we can do after the sacrifices they make for us.

Vote Opposes Raising the Debt Ceiling

I voted against the Democrats' bill to increase the debt ceiling. We received terrible economic numbers in December with inflation hitting nearly 7%, the highest in 40 years.

Amidst a background of Biden’s supply chain crisis and skyrocketing prices everywhere, the last thing Democrats should be doing is increasing the debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion to pay for even more inflationary spending.

Voting no on raising the debt ceiling without structural reforms to deal with underlying problems was an easy decision. Their spending is completely out-of-control and I refused to be party to this reckless and irresponsible behavior.

Statement on Passing of Kansas Senator Bob Dole

Following the passing of former Kansas Senator Bob Dole on December 5, I was honored to attend memorials commemorating his lifetime of public service.

He was one of the most influential leaders of my life. His legacy is seen throughout the world and especially in America’s Midwest. Before North Dakota had a Republican Senator, we considered Bob Dole one of ours. He was a hero to millions, including me. May we mourn his death and celebrate his contributions through a life well-lived.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Sunflower Crop Insurance Expansion

At my request, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency announced it will be allowing sunflower enterprise and optional units to be insured by type under the sunflower crop insurance system.

As we have seen in recent years, producers frequently face unpredictable weather and growing conditions. Crop insurance provides much-needed certainty and making this change improves the risk management tools available to sunflower producers.

Amicus Brief Supports Petitioners in Pending Clean Air Act Supreme Court Case

I joined U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), 46 Senate colleagues, and 44 House members on an amicus curiae brief filed in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the petitioners, including the state of North Dakota, in the pending case West Virginia, et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Environmental Protection Agency acted outside its congressionally-directed authority by issuing significantly overreaching rules—namely the Clean Power Plan—to attempt to transform the nation’s power sector through emissions regulations under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

Air Force Secretary Visits Minot Air Force Base

I joined Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on his visit to Minot Air Force Base. We toured the 54th Helicopter Squadron, missile alert facility, and 91st Missile Wing “Rough Riders.” We also met with the Airmen of Minot Air Force Base and thanked them for their dedication and service, particularly during this holiday season.

As the home to two of the three legs of the nuclear triad, Minot is a critical piece to our nation’s nuclear deterrent policy. Visits like these are a great chance to advocate for the base, meet the hardworking airmen, and emphasize the need to be moving at the speed of China to advance nuclear modernization and support intelligence capabilities.