Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update October 3-9

Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit Discusses Satellite-UAS Synergies and Innovation

Last week, I spoke at the 16th annual Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks and discussed the synergies between UAS and satellites, the importance of innovation, and the future of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education.

The United States needs to be in a position to move at the speed of China. Just in the last year, its speed has accelerated. The unique UAS ecosystem which has been developed here in northeastern North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and Grand Forks specifically to include the test site at Grand Sky, the University of North Dakota, and all the other players need to keep up with that speed. And they have.

I also participated in a fireside chat with SpaceX Senior Vice President Tim Hughes where we discussed the shared interests between the commercial space and UAS industries, governmental regulation of those efforts, and reusable space launch technologies.

We also watched the successful SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launch Crew 5 to the International Space Station with University of North Dakota students and faculty.

We wrapped up the day with a tour of the Grand Sky Business and Aviation Park where we observed the airfield operations and the capabilities of the facility and its tenant organizations before meeting with the site managers to discuss future growth and partnership opportunities.

Op-Ed Highlights Importance of North Dakota’s Unmanned Aerial System Ecosystem

I penned an op-ed in the Dakota Digital Review on the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) ecosystem in North Dakota and its importance in maintaining and strengthening the United States’ nuclear deterrence capabilities. In light of the increasing threat posed by China, we must have the necessary military technology and capabilities to defend our great country.

If we are going to keep up with China, the U.S. will have to build off North Dakota’s success story. What we are doing will have a substantial effect on how we keep up with China and the rest of the world when it comes to UAS technology. North Dakota is setting the example for how other technologies need to grow.

“Coffee with Cramer” Town Hall Held with Realtors in Bismarck

On Tuesday, I met with the North Dakota Association of Realtors at CENTURY 21 Morrison Reality in Bismarck. We had a productive conversation about the freedom of choice in housing, fluctuating interest rates, burdensome regulations, and my commitment to preserving property rights.

I always appreciate meeting with the real estate community and hearing about the challenges and opportunities they face. North Dakota is a fantastic place to live, and our realtors do a great job of showcasing the beauty and quality of life here in our great state.

Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Holds Annual Awards Banquet

I addressed the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute’s 26th annual awards banquet.

I'm thankful for the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute for hosting the event and the important work it does for transportation in North Dakota. This industry is an important link in the supply chain and we rely on them each day to deliver agriculture products from the field to our tables.

In my opening remarks, I discussed the important transportation research the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute provides for entities across North Dakota, including the North Dakota Department of Transportation. I also highlighted my efforts to preserve highway formula funding and ensure flexibility to best serve the needs of rural states.

Interview Discusses Biden Administration’s Obstacles to Tribal Energy Development

I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss obstacles from the Biden Administration to tribal energy development and sovereignty.

In North Dakota, 23% of the oil produced in the Bakken is on the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation—a sovereign nation experiencing the same thing we all are: the overreach of a federal government who doesn’t want these resources to be mined or developed, even for their Native American friends. These tribal nations are sovereign in how they govern themselves and that same sovereignty extends to their natural resources.

Tribes know what’s best for themselves and what its members need. We hear a lot about justice and equity from the Left, yet here’s a situation where they seem to throw those priorities out the window and replace it with keeping the oil in the ground.

We also discussed reports OPEC+ is considering major production cuts to raise oil prices.

What we ought to do is bring the prices down by producing a lot more right here in the United States of America. Doing so has brought prices down for the consumer, which reduces costs for everything that affects energy.

Senators Demand Biden Administration End Its War on U.S. Oil & Gas

I joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and colleagues in demanding the Biden Administration end its assault on domestic oil and gas production and continue to sell oil and gas leases on federal land and water. The push comes in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s draft proposal for the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, in which the department hinted it might cancel future lease sales for the next five years.

American families are struggling to keep up with rising costs due to inflation, high energy prices, and persistent supply chain issues. It is our obligation to do everything within our power to help ease these burdens and remove this uncertainty for both Americans and our allies.

One of the most effective ways we can lower costs is increase future domestic oil and natural gas production through long-term leasing certainty. The Department of the Interior should help domestic energy production and put American energy consumers first.

Bill Introduced to Help More Veterans Access Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

I introduced a bill to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for veterans seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

The bipartisan REMOVE Copays Act would allow veterans to attain copay-free mental health and substance abuse care through VA and community providers for their first three outpatient visits each year. Currently, many veterans face out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient mental health or substance abuse services when seeking treatment through the VA.

Every veteran was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We should ensure they have access to care they need. Removing copays for veterans for three mental health appointments annually prioritizes both their mental and physical health.

Letter Criticizes Amalgamated Bank for Weaponizing Financial System to Infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment Rights

I joined Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) in sending a letter to Amalgamated Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Priscilla Sims Brown. The letter criticizes the bank’s manipulation of an international rules organization to force U.S. financial services firms to categorize gun purchases—an indefensible attempt to target law-abiding Americans exercising their right to purchase firearms.

Amalgamated Bank is attempting to restrict the Second Amendment rights of Americans by going around the democratic process. You should expect Congressional oversight of your actions.

Weaponizing the financial system to enact far-left political goals is inexcusable. Amalgamated Bank should consider this notice to retain all communications involving its role in International Standards Organization’s categorization scheme, and they should anticipate testifying before Congress in the near future.

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.

Angels in Adoption Honorees

I met with 2022 Angels in Adoption honorees Kevin and Kris Magstadt of Bismarck whom I nominated for this national recognition for their work raising awareness about the challenges and blessings of grandparents adopting grandchildren.

Kevin and Kris Magstadt’s adoption journey demonstrates how adopting their grandchildren has not only changed their family for the better, but has inspired many across North Dakota.

The Magstadts and other adoptive and foster parents know showing children unconditional love and support will leave a lasting impact for generations.

KFYR-TV

I met with KFYR-TV’s Barry Schumaier to discuss the Federal Communication Commission’s classification of multichannel video programming distributors compared to satellite and traditional cable distributors.

Grants for North Dakota

Department of the Interior Awards $1.3 Million for North Dakota Public Parks and Outdoor Recreation Projects

The Department of the Interior awarded $1,250,858.23 to North Dakota from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

• $431,347 to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to develop of a piece of park property adjacent to 26th Street and the Hay Creek Trail to serve as a neighborhood park and trailhead for Hay Creek Trail;
• $148,787 to the Jamestown Parks and Recreation District to update and revise the Lawrence Softball Field at McElroy Park;
• $105,350 to the Hatton-Eielson Public School to renovate the playground area to address surface problems, safety issues, and age-appropriate play;
• $100,000 to the Devils Lake Park Board to develop an accessible building to support outdoor activities;
• $100,000 to the Powers Lake City Board to create a splash pad with many different water features;
• $97,075 to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to replace and improve the playground area at the McQuade Softball Complex;
• $71,500 to Ashley Park District to construct three pickleball courts at the Ashely City Park;
• $51,920 to the City of Coleharbor to install new playground equipment at the Coleharbor City Park;
• $39,200 to the Lincoln Park District to make improvements at Daly Park;
• $38,583 to the Beach School District #3 to install multigenerational handicapped accessible swings at Lincoln Elementary School;
• $37,500 to the Fordville-Lankin Public School #5 to add accessible playground equipment such as a swing and engineered rubber surfacing for the existing playground; and
• $29,593 to the Leeds Park District to repurpose the sand volleyball court to a playground suitable for children ages five and under at the Leeds City Park.

The funds are authorized by Congress through LWCF and the State of North Dakota will further allocate these funds to support local public parks projects, state conservation, and expand outdoor recreation access.