Senator Cramer's Weekly Update march 7-13

Virtual Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Last weekend, I participated in a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

We heard a direct appeal from President Zelensky to do more to aid the freedom-loving people of Ukraine in Vladimir Putin’s war. The United States needs to be doing everything it can from a sanctions standpoint to choke off any capital funding for Putin’s thuggery and aggression.

This is a very real foreign policy, economic, and humanitarian crisis. Let’s stand together, not only in unity, but in prayer as well.

U.S. Bans Russian Energy Imports

On Tuesday, President Biden announced the United States would ban Russian energy imports.

This action is a necessary step for the world. Vladimir Putin's war chest is dependent on revenue that comes from selling energy – some of which he sells to Americans when we have more than enough oil and gas for ourselves and most of the rest of the world.

Oil is a weapon for Putin. It’s about time the Biden Administration recognized this weaponization of energy. This import ban is designed to further cripple Putin’s financial stream to wage war on the freedom-loving people of Ukraine and a host of other mischief.

Burial Equity Bill to be Signed into Law

The Burial Equity for Guards and Reservists Act is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

This is the absolute right thing to do. The brave members of the Reserve and National Guard are heroes who always step up to the plate when duty calls.

This new law will ensure state veterans’ cemeteries will not be punished by Washington bureaucrats if they choose to bury these men and women.

Earlier in the week, my colleagues and I are urged Senate and House leadership to pass our bipartisan bill to ensure all members of Reserve components and the National Guard are eligible to be buried in state veterans’ cemeteries, so long as their service was not terminated under dishonorable conditions.

Our Guard and Reservists selflessly fight and fill the gap wherever and whenever Americans need them. And when they live their last day, a state ought to have the autonomy to choose how they honor their veterans, without the looming threat of the federal government’s financial retaliation.

In an op-ed on the Burial Equity for Guards and Reservists Act, I called on Congress to overcome barriers standing in the way of getting this bill signed into law.

Postal Service Reform Act Passes the Senate

On Tuesday, I voted to pass the Postal Service Reform Act, which will make needed financial and operations reforms to the U.S. Postal Service including codifying into law the mandate to provide six-day mail delivery to all Americans.

The Postal Service Reform Act is vital to ensuring the U.S. Postal Service is properly funded and can reach every American, especially those in rural areas.

In North Dakota, we rely on its essential services to not only communicate with friends, neighbors, and family but conduct business as well.

Vote Against $1.5 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill

On Thursday, I voted against the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill.

The budget process is broken. We are already six months into the fiscal year yet Democrats waited until now to introduce and pass this monstrous $1.5 trillion bill in the span of two days.

While the bill importantly includes parity for national defense funding, aid for Ukraine and NATO allies, and many North Dakota priorities, this 2,700 page bill is a bridge too far.

Op-Ed Highlights Agricultural Implications of Vladimir Putin’s War on Ukraine

I joined Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) on an op-ed highlighting the agricultural implications of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unwarranted war on Ukrainians.

In addition to supporting Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty and holding Russia accountable through economy-crippling sanctions, we must take practical action to mitigate the impact this attack has on the global supply of energy and agriculture commodities.

For American farmers to be able to do what they do best – feed, fuel, and fiber the globe – the American government must do its part by focusing on alleviating supply chain challenges, which will go a long way in decreasing input costs and getting food to consumers around the world.

We know farmers and ranchers are some of our most resilient neighbors. It’s time for the Biden administration to show up for farmers, ranchers, and producers by addressing our supply chain crisis.

Bill Will Ban Oil and Natural Gas Imports from Iran and Venezuela

I helped introduce the Preempting Misguided Appeasement and Financing of Destabilizing Regimes Act, legislation to prohibit the importation of Iranian and Venezuelan crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas into the United States.

The fact that Joe Biden is rumored to be negotiating with Venezuela for crude oil is so offensive. Even worse, he may be willing to give Iran, the world’s largest sponsor of terror, billions of dollars a day by removing sanctions for its oil. It’s hard to believe we would trade one despot in Russia for two despots in Venezuela and Iran.

We can produce more energy here with the gold standard of labor and environmental protections. Our bill would stop this by banning the import of oil and natural gas from Iran and Venezuela.

Armed Services Hearing Highlights Importance of Nuclear Modernization and Cavalier Space Force Station

In a hearing on United States Strategic Command and United States Space Command posture, I discussed the importance of nuclear modernization, especially in light of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unwarranted war against the freedom-loving people of Ukraine.

Modernization is not just important, but critical. There are big modernization requirements we need to authorize like North Dakota’s Cavalier Space Force Station early warning systems.

Press Conference Calls on Biden to Expedite Aid to Ukraine

I delivered remarks at a press conference calling on President Biden to expedite aid to Ukraine.

At every step, our President has been a step behind. Now even when he's done the right thing, he's generally done it late.

It's not much of a deterrent when the assistance you're providing comes after the invasion. It is time to get out in front of it.

Letter Calls for Biden and NATO Allies to Expedite Aircraft and Defense Systems to Ukraine

I joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and 39 Senate Republican colleagues in calling on President Biden to work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems, as well as additional support capabilities, to Ukraine. This comes after the Defense Department’s decision to reject Poland’s plans to provide MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.

While we commend the lethal aid that your Administration has sent to Ukraine thus far, we strongly disagree with your decision to delay and deny Poland the option to transfer fighter jets to Ukraine.

Letter Pushes to End Federal COVID Travel Restrictions and Mask Mandates

I joined Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and 30 Senate colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the Administration to lift travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We called for an end to pre-departure testing requirements for travel to the U.S. and the federal mask mandate for travel.

Letter Pushes Biden Administration to Prioritize E15 Fuel and Utilize American Agriculture as an Energy Solution

On Wednesday, I joined Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in urging President Biden to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel in order to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign sources of energy.

We emphasized American biofuels as a clean and reliable energy solution to help drive down fuel costs for consumers who are facing record-high prices at the pump.

We must deny Russia’s economic lifeblood of energy dominance. This will require tapping every accessible contribution of American energy technology.

American biofuels are one such readily available energy solution that offers consumers affordable and cleaner options at the pump.

Letter Calls for Pause on Biden’s Financial Regulatory Efforts that Threaten America’s Energy Security

I joined my Senate Banking Committee Republican colleagues in calling on President Biden and his Administration to pause all financial regulatory efforts targeting America’s energy security as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlights the problem with the United States and our allies buying Russian energy. The request comes as reports indicate the Securities and Exchange Commission plans to propose its climate risk rule as early as next week.

Federal financial agencies’ efforts to develop regulations that some intend to use for limiting U.S. energy producers’ access to credit and capital could cause potential damaging effects to national security.

Those actions would begin to curtail the supply of domestic energy, leading to higher costs for American households and making our country and allies more vulnerable to the consequences of Russian aggression.

Letter Urges Deadline Extension for Provider Relief Fund Spending and Repayment and Flexibility for Hospitals

In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, my colleagues and I urged the Administration to give hospitals the flexibility they need to use Provider Relief Funds (PRF) to cover future or current costs, especially as the health care workforce continues to face staffing shortages.

After two years of non-stop demands on doctors, nurses, and other health workers, they are exhausted and we are seeing the number of hospital staffed beds declining, risking patient safety.

In response to the resulting workforce shortages, hospitals have had to hire temporary nurses and respiratory therapists from staffing agencies, which can more than double labor costs. Hospitals need flexibility in their PRF payment use to better offset the cost of staffing.

Naval Education Task Force Meeting

North Dakota University System Chancellor Dr. Mark Hagerott chaired a Naval Education Task Force’s meeting with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

North Dakota’s excellence in research and education can play a critical role in our Navy’s preparedness.

I am grateful for Dr. Hagerott’s leadership and service in chairing the Naval Education Task Force as it reviews the Department’s Naval University System. As a North Dakotan and Navy veteran, he understands the need to outpace competition from our adversaries to bolster our national security.

People’s Convoy

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and I met with North Dakotans participating in The People’s Convoy and hear about their fight for freedom.

They’re absolutely right: the overbearing mandates of Biden Administration agencies are wrong and they should listen to the people they serve.

Xcel Energy

It was great to meet Xcel Energy CEO Bob Frenzel to discuss its utility service in North Dakota. I appreciate Xcel’s investment in the state and look forward to working together as North Dakota grows.

Energy Council

I discussed the urgent need to unleash America’s energy resources with The Energy Council, which includes four North Dakota state legislators. I stand ready to work with state governments to advance sound policy which bolsters our national security and reduces our dependence on dirtier, foreign sources of energy.

North Dakota Bankers Association

I met with the North Dakota Bankers Association to talk about key legislation and the regulatory challenges facing North Dakota’s banking community, President Biden's radical Federal Reserve nominees, and my “Bully Pulpit” series, which hosts business leaders in North Dakota to hear directly from constituents.

North Dakota District Export Council

I joined the North Dakota District Export Council on a call to discuss the next steps for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the bill and address the supply chain crisis.

CorVent Medical

I talked with CorVent Medical executives, an innovative ventilator design and manufacturing company who formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, about their business model and the importance of American-made products.

North Dakota 4H Bee Pollinator Ambassadors

Had a fun conversation with North Dakota 4H Bee Pollinator Ambassadors about energy and agriculture prices, important bills I’m working on, and building consensus in Congress. Thanks for your curiosity!

Grants for North Dakota

Bismarck Municipal Airport Awarded $800,000

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration awarded $800,000 to the City of Bismarck for the Bismarck Municipal Airport.

This money will fund a project to construct a 320-foot access road, which will provide additional access to the corporate general aviation hangar area.

Coal Country Community Health Center Awarded $2 Million

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2,062,737 to the Coal Country Community Health Center in Beulah, North Dakota.