Senator Cramer’s Weekly Update August 1-7

Vote Opposes Democrats’ Inflation Enhancement Act

On Sunday, I voted against the Democrats’ $700 billion reckless tax and spending bill, the Inflation Enhancement Act, which passed the Senate on a party-line vote.

The United States is experiencing a recession and, instead of taking active steps to fix the economic crisis, the Biden Administration and Democrats are doubling down on the dumb policies that created this mess.

Acting alone, Senate Democrats’ reckless bill raises taxes, mandates new regulations, and institutes price hikes, all of which will only worsen inflation. This bill is fiscally irresponsible, needlessly bureaucratic, and damaging to every sector of the American economy from energy to agriculture to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. It’s going to put a dent in every American’s bottom line while hiring 80,000 IRS agents to make it as painful as possible. Democrats must be held accountable for single-handedly passing the Inflation Enhancement Act.

Senate Ratifies Treaty for Finland and Sweden Accession into NATO

I voted to support Senate ratification of the Protocols for Finland and Sweden accession into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Wednesday.

Vladimir Putin is still waging an unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine, which has rightfully revived concerns of a Russian invasion from neighboring countries – especially those with a history of neutrality during the Cold War.

Adding Finland and Sweden to NATO will strengthen our shared opposition to Russian aggression, while bolstering the alliance, providing crucial military and diplomatic capabilities and helping address European security challenges.

This swift ratification demonstrates the Senate’s strong support for Sweden and Finland’s applications for NATO membership. I encourage our NATO allies to do the same.

Vote Supports Repeal of Biden’s Onerous National Environmental Policy Act Rules

I voted to repeal the Biden Administration’s new regulation, which reversed common sense permitting reforms implemented by the Trump Administration and further bogs down the federal permitting process and delays vital infrastructure projects.

In the midst of an economic recession with record-high inflation, the last thing we need is more bureaucratic red tape shutting down infrastructure projects or significantly increasing the cost of doing business. It’s a serious problem these days when it takes longer to secure permits than build the project itself.

Repealing the Biden Administration’s NEPA rule will be a boost for American workers, critical infrastructure projects across the country, and a boon to everyone who drives over pot-hole ridden streets.

Letter Presses Department of Interior to Implement Permitting Reform for Oil and Natural Gas Infrastructure to Reduce Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions

On Friday, I led 16 colleagues in a letter urging Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland to implement provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure law which streamlined permitting for oil and natural gas infrastructure.

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) gave the Biden Administration authority to categorically exclude certain energy-related infrastructure projects from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on public and applicable Indian lands to prevent wasteful venting or flaring of natural gas. As Democrats and the Biden Administration push for punitive taxes and regulations on methane from oil and gas production, this section of IIJA is an available tool, currently unused by DOI, to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions on federal lands.

To date, we have not seen any substantive evidence of federal land managers utilizing the permitting efficiencies at your disposal. Rather than pursuing a punitive approach, federal land managers should use NEPA authorities like this to work with producers in a collaborative manner.

We respectfully request an update on DOI’s implementation of the categorical exclusion under NEPA for issuance of a sundry notice or right-of-way for oil, natural gas, and produced water gathering lines and associated field compression or pumping units to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions on federal and applicable tribal lands.

Bill Introduced to Create Western Water Committee

I introduced a bill with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to establish a Western Water Cooperative Committee which would ensure U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects in Western States are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws.

North Dakotan and Western water issues are often the result of the Army Corps overrunning state authority. Our bill creates the Western Water Cooperative Committee to provide our states with a new avenue for input and cooperation with Army Corps leadership.

This increased communication and transparency will help bring about the cooperative model Congress envisioned between states and the Army Corps, ultimately bringing about better policies, water management, and recreational opportunities for the West.

Statement on the Death of al Qaeda Terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri

This week, a successful U.S. counterterrorism mission killed al Qaeda terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri.

This strike is a testament to the strength of U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These capabilities, in which North Dakota plays a critical role, keep Americans safe and hold terrorists accountable.

I’m grateful to the intelligence, counterterrorism, and military professionals who executed this mission and thank President Biden for approving the strike. I will continue to support ISR capabilities and work to enhance them to ensure the world is a better and safer place for all.

Senators Support Speaker Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan

On Tuesday, I joined Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and 24 of our colleagues in issuing a joint statement in support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stopping in Taiwan during her diplomatic trip to Asia.

We support Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan. For decades, members of the United States Congress, including previous Speakers of the House, have traveled to Taiwan.

This travel is consistent with the United States’ One China policy to which we are committed. We are also committed now, more than ever, to all elements of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Banking Hearing Highlights Detrimental Impacts of Democrat Obstacles to American Energy Development

I discussed the devastating economic and environmental impacts of stifling American energy production during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Thursday.

According to data from the National Energy Technology Laboratory at the Department of Energy, Vladimir Putin’s natural gas emits about 50% more greenhouse gas emissions than American natural gas.

If we did nothing but displace Russia’s natural gas with America’s, we’d be doing a lot for workers, a lot for our country, and a lot for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly, there is a cost for climate change overreaction. Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) talked about the awful CEOs of American companies that are making record profits, but if the price signals coming from the Biden Administration and from liberals in charge of this place were different, those profits would instead be investments in creating jobs and cleaner energy here in the United States.

I also highlighted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulating outside of its jurisdictional authority, which only cedes market power to adversaries like China and Russia, and the major difference in labor standards between the United States and countries like China and Russia.

Banking Hearing Discusses the Costly Impact of Government Regulation on Rent

Recent studies found that regulations account for over 40% of multifamily development costs. I discussed the impact of these government regulations on rental costs during a hearing on today’s housing market.

We struggle to find the balance. Every time we try to solve a problem, we incentivize one side or the other and all that happens is costs escalate. We need to strike the right balance and allow the markets to work.

Kudlow Interview Discusses Problematic Environmental Protection Agency Provisions in Inflation Enhancement Act

I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss problematic provisions related to the Environmental Protection Agency in Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree affectionately known as the Inflation Enhancement Act. I rang the alarm on new authorities tucked into the bill text in addition to its $700 billion price tag and the inflationary impact it will have on all Americans.

Between now and Election Day, we have to hold these people to account. That’s what we’re going to do when we have the vote-a-rama, when we offer amendments, when we force the debate, when we require Democrats to explain themselves on this stuff. But it’s also why Chuck Schumer did this so quickly. It’s why they want to get this done before the weekend is over because they don’t want Democrats to go home before they vote on this because they’re going to get an earful when they do.

There’s a whole host of other appropriations that give the EPA new authorities. There’s a section on electricity generation and use.

What does use mean? Does it mean they want to require you to cut your showers shorter—at least the warm water? Does it mean they want to require you to use a certain light bulb to buy a new expensive appliance, to regulate the thermostat in your house? What are these requirements?

We ought to be very concerned by this power grab as well as obviously the spending.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Increases Payments for Acute Care Hospitals in New Rule

After urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider payment updates for acute care hospitals to account for the increase in expenses from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain crisis, and record-high inflation, I’m pleased to see the agency heed our calls.

The final rule increases payments to better reflect the cost of providing hospital care today. These inpatient and long-term care facilities are critical to providing quality health care, especially in rural states like North Dakota.

The FY 2023 final rule for the inpatient prospective payment system provided an increase in adjusting payments to 4.1%.

Bill Empowers Parents to Solve the Learning Loss Crisis

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and I introduced the Raising Expectations with Child Opportunity Vouchers for Educational Recovery (RECOVER) Act to empower parents to solve the learning loss crisis facing today’s students.

Schools received hundreds of millions of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic and a massive portion remains unspent as children across the country struggle to catch up in school.

The RECOVER Act gives this money back to parents and empowers them to make the best decisions for their child’s education and future.

Legislation Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration and Asylum Abuse

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and I introduced legislation to improve the integrity of our asylum system by deterring illegal immigrants who would attempt to abuse our asylum system.

With the massive influx of illegal immigrants flooding our southern border, asylum cases have skyrocketed and overwhelmed our immigration system.

While they make faulty claims and take advantage of our broken asylum system, they live without citizenship in the United States. The Asylum Integrity Act gives a clear and concise definition of who qualifies for asylum and bars immigration benefits for frivolous and disingenuous asylum claims.

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.

Sanford Health Pharmacy Leadership

It was great to meet with Sanford Health Pharmacy Leadership, who were in town for their 340B Health conference.

We had a good discussion on drug pricing, the 340B program, and health care across North Dakota.

Genovac

I spoke with Brian Walters of Genovac, a Fargo-based antibody discovery research company, about its advanced technology, its growing relationship with the Department of Defense, and its efforts to bring and retain top medical research talent in North Dakota.

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

I had a wonderful time meeting with members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Adopting my son has been one of the greatest joys in my life. It was great to discuss initiatives to better our foster care and adoption system and provide safety for all children.

Grants for North Dakota

Department of Health and Human Services Awards $4.6 Million to North Dakota Department of Health and Schools

The Department of Health and Human Services awarded the following three grants totaling $4,590,868:

• $3,230,446 to Mayville State University for Head Start projects
• $1,071,922 to the North Dakota Department of Health for a cooperative agreement under the Hospital Preparedness program
• $288,500 to the University of North Dakota for the Model State-Supported Area Education Centers

Department of Transportation Awards $2.2 Million to North Dakota State University

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s awarded $2,225,000 to the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute of North Dakota State University under the Tribal Technical Assistance Program.

The grant will provide services including training, technical assistance, and technology transfer for American Indian Tribal governments in a cooperative effort with the Federal Highway Administration and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Department of Transportation Receives $1.45 Million for Advanced Transportation Technologies Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $1,449,000 to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Program.

This grant supports the development of model deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and infrastructure return on investment.