Senator Cramer's Weekly Update March 28-April 3

Meeting with U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

On Wednesday morning, I exercised my constitutional duty as a Senator to review President Biden's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. While I am concerned about many of the issues raised during her hearing, I took the time to discuss her views and record on limited government, cooperative federalism, and state and private property rights.

Waters of the U.S., the Clean Air Act, the Clean Power Plan, and Delaware Riverkeeper Network v. the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are all currently in front of the Supreme Court. All of them deal with the federal government reaching into states’ rights without the authority to do it.

She is obviously very bright and more than intellectually, academically, and experientially qualified. However, I worry that her judicial philosophy is far to the left of anyone else on the court.

Family Research Council Award Recognizes 100% Pro-Life and Pro-Family Voting Record

I was honored to receive Family Research Council's True Blue Award recognizing my 100% voting record on pro-life, pro-family, and pro-freedom issues.

When elected officials focus on the core values of faith, family, and freedom, we legislate better for Americans and our communities.

Classified Briefing and Meeting with Ukraine Parliament Members

On Wednesday, our bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus met with Ambassador Markarova and members of the Ukrainian Parliament to hear directly about their needs. Their message to Congress is clear: they need U.S. support in defense of freedom! They need fighter jets, but the Biden Administration won’t step up.

As one of the Members of Parliament said to us, “Freedom must be armed.” She said “Be brave, be courageous, and be fast.” I think we are courageous and I think we are brave, but we’re not very fast. That has been a problem.

I also received a classified briefing on Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine from members of the intelligence community. We were able to get an update on the status of certain weapons systems, how close they are in getting to the Ukrainians, and current opportunities as Russia withdraws from the Kyiv-area and repositions their troops in other areas.

Letter Presses White House to Clarify U.S. Mission in Ukraine and Provide Answers on Lethal Aid

I joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in requesting answers from National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on the specifics, speed, and supply of lethal aid provided to Ukraine. Our letter pushes the Biden Administration for clarity on what they have provided to Ukraine thus far and what more America and our allies can provide to Ukraine to win the war.

The U.S. mission in Ukraine must go beyond ensuring the country merely has the means to defend itself against Russian aggression. The strategy must deliver Ukraine the weapons necessary to protect its homeland, counter the Russian forces' advance, and give the Ukrainian people the ability to win this war.

Success cannot be a Russian-occupied Ukraine - it must be a free, independent, and sovereign Ukraine. Authoritarianism cannot prevail in this conflict. Defending freedom in Ukraine is defending freedom everywhere.

Senators Call on the Biden Administration to Implement the “American Energy, Jobs & Climate Plan”

I joined Senators Dan Sullivan and Cynthia Lummis in urging the President to implement our “American Energy, Jobs and Climate Plan.” The Biden Administration’s intention to work with the European Union to help reduce reliance on Russian natural gas is a welcome move, but they also must commit to reversing anti-American energy policies.

The Administration is finally beginning to understand energy security is both national security and economic security, but if they are serious about real change they must work with my colleagues and me on our “American Energy, Jobs & Climate Plan.” It offers realistic and achievable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, create millions of jobs, and provide energy security to America and our allies.

Let’s avoid unilaterally disarming our own economy and losing ourselves to a 2050 fantasy.

Bipartisan Letter Calls on Biden Administration and European Commission to Link Trade Deals with Climate Considerations

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and I called on President Joe Biden to work with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to consider trade policies that reduce global emissions and strengthen geopolitical alliances. This letter comes on the heels of the announcement last Friday to ramp up efforts to displace Russian natural gas exports to Europe amidst Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unwarranted violent assault on Ukraine.

Putin’s aggression against Ukraine, other partners in Europe, and elsewhere around the world underscores the strategic importance of blunting the Kremlin’s malign influence and ability to use critical energy supply as a weapon.

As we look to the future, the United States, the European Union, and our other allies have an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership in reducing reliance on Russian fuels while promoting cleaner energy production. To be successful, we must focus on the long-term opportunity to bolster our trade relationships with nations who prioritize clean, innovative energy sources.

We also expressed concerns about the consequences of the European Commission’s work to implement a carbon border adjustment mechanism. We are concerned that unilateral action could lead to discrimination against U.S. businesses driving a wedge where there should be a bond.

President Biden Announces Plan to Release 180 Million Barrels of Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Last week, President Biden announced plans to release one million barrels per day of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next six months.

Another massive release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is political gimmickry at its worst.

The last time President Biden released oil from the SPR, gas prices temporarily dropped a mere two cents, but more importantly the Biden Administration’s bad energy policy is not a national emergency.

They would rather negotiate with despots and terrorists and deplete our emergency stockpiles instead of producing American oil, which comes with good-paying American jobs and wealth creation. The Biden Administration has been wrong at every single step and he is doubling down.

European Command and Transportation Command Issues Discussed at Senate Armed Services Hearing

In light of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, I asked U.S. European Command Commander General Tod Wolters about the American military presence in Europe at a hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee. The number of U.S. troops permanently stationed in Europe is near historic lows given recent drawdowns in EUCOM.

I stressed the importance of Agile Combat Employment to ensure we can adequately respond to threats across the globe. I then turned to U.S. Transportation Command Commander General Jacqueline Van Ovost to discuss the whole-of-government approach in her role, the Navy’s shipbuilding requirements, and cooperation with Pacific partners on ports and navigability.

Interview Discusses Ukraine, American Energy Production

I joined Meet the Press Daily with Chuck Todd to discuss the latest on Ukraine and Russia, given my recent meetings with members of the Ukrainian Parliament and classified briefing with the intelligence community. We also discussed the Biden Administration’s regulatory obstacles to American energy development and the media’s obsession with President Trump.

I get the sense we’re prepared to slow down defeat for the Ukrainians, but I don't see that we have a policy to help them win right now. The Ukrainians need a better surface air to missile systems. But a lot of this is less contingent on the “what” and more on “how fast.” That’s the real frustration: the lack of certainty of how soon they can get these weapons systems.

Interview with Larry Kudlow Discusses Biden’s Plan to Release Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

I joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss President Biden’s decision to release 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

We have the technology, the know-how, and the resource to do all of this. Releasing one million barrels a day out of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for six months only further disincentivizes the producers – who are the real heroes that could help bring supply up and price back down.

Newsmax Interview Discusses Gas Prices and Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Last week, I joined Eric Bolling The Balance on Newsmax to discuss soaring gas prices and President Biden’s plan to release 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Places like North Dakota are a strategic reserve. [If you] just allow the innovators and entrepreneurs to drill it and produce it, you’ll bring the supply up and the price down without having to tap into what’s supposed to be an emergency reserve in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

We should save the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for emergencies and use the untapped reserves of the Bakken, Permian, and other major oil-producing areas in the United States. We can do that with some regulatory relief and the right capital signals.

Bill Addresses Shortage of Mental Health Providers in Schools

On Monday, I joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN), and Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing new bipartisan legislation, the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act. This bill addresses the shortage of mental health providers in schools by authorizing the Department of Education to partner with higher education institutions to help cover a portion of students’ cost of attendance for relevant graduate programs.

Our children are the future, and their mental well-being is vital for their academic achievement. In North Dakota, there’s approximately one school psychologist per 1,692 students. Students deserve a safe and supportive learning environment.

This bill would address the current shortage of school-based mental health providers to ensure students have access to resources to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Letter Urges Secretary Blinken to End Commission of Inquiry on the Israeli Palestinian Conflict

I joined a bipartisan group of senators urging the Biden Administration to prioritize reversing the United Nations Human Rights Council’s discriminatory and unwarranted treatment of Israel by leading a multinational effort to end the Commission of Inquiry on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This Commission is unfair, unwarranted, and singles out Israel, further fueling anti-Semitism. We should redirect resources from wasteful and biased investigations into Israel and focus on human rights crises around the world.

Resolution Introduced to Maintain Undivided Jerusalem Embassy

I cosponsored a concurrent resolution reaffirming Congress’s position that the United States should be represented by a single diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.

Congress opposes the establishment of a new Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem. The presence of a United States diplomatic mission devoted to a non-state actor in Israel’s sovereign capital would be an affront to the territorial integrity of a long-standing United States partner and ally.

Admiral Michael Gilday

I met with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday and discussed the recently released budget, force priorities, and the status of our allied partnerships.

I look forward to continuing to support the Navy in meeting the China and Russia threat.

General Jay Raymond

It was great to see U.S. Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations for an update on our impressive Guardians and ongoing projects.

I’m also glad to hear General Raymond will be back in North Dakota visiting Cavalier Space Force Station!

Fair Access to Banking Coalition

Law-abiding businesses are entitled to equal access to capital. I had a productive conversation with the Fair Access to Banking Coalition on the need for financial institutions to make decisions based on data, not politics. Thanks for your support of the Fair Access to Banking Act!

Ingalls Shipbuilding

As Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, it was great to speak with Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson about the U.S. Navy industrial base and progress on advanced destroyer ships.

It's imperative we provide our military with the resources it need.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District

I met with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Commander Col. Karl Jansen to discuss water levels across the state and receive an update on important projects, including the progress being made on the Fargo Moorhead Diversion Project and Mouse River Flood Protection Project in Minot.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwest District

I discussed water supply, low-water boat ramp access, and states' rights issues with Northwest District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commander Col. Geoff Van Epps. I also received updates on the Dakota Access Pipeline easement and the Snake Creek Embankment.

Open lines of communication with North Dakotans are critical to our cooperation.

Lise Kruse

It was good to see North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Lise Kruse to discuss her important work as well as legislation I'm working on to better help the banking community in North Dakota.

L3Harris

I spoke with folks from L3Harris regarding work they are doing with the U.S. Navy’s underwater training ranges and unmanned maritime systems.

Clean Fuels Alliance

I discussed the state of the biodiesel industry with staff from Clean Fuels Alliance America.

It was great to hear about the additional market opportunities North Dakota's soybean crushing projects will generate for producers.

Close Up

Nearly 200 North Dakota students visited our nation’s capital this week with Close Up. I enjoyed every question ranging from support for law enforcement, our education system, veterans, and biodiesel to how many suits I own. Stay curious!

LaMoure High School and Litchville-Marion High School

Thanks to the students from LaMoure High School and Litchville-Marion High School for your time! I enjoyed discussing our three branches of government, how they work together, and my recent meeting with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Grants for North Dakota

Infrastructure Law Success Stories: $51.5 Million in New Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for North Dakota Water Resources Projects

The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allocate North Dakota $51,550,000 in funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

This new funding for North Dakota water resources projects is another win from the bipartisan infrastructure law. These dollars are critical in expanding clean water access to rural areas, protecting our state from future floods, and repairing existing infrastructure.

Funding includes:

• $51 million for the Garrison-Diversion Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program to support efforts associated with the Fort Berthold User Expansion, as well as construction efforts to support service in Northeast Segment Areas 3 and 4, the Spirit Lake West Service Area and the Bear Soldier Service Area
• $475,000 for Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea to design and construct the Williston Levee Station and develop plans and specifications for the Williston Levee Auxiliary Tieback
• $75,000 for Lake Ashtabula and the Baldhill Dam to repair the Baldhill Dam Spare Actuator.

$750 Million Available from U.S. Department of Agriculture for Livestock Owners Impacted by Drought or Wildfire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will start sending livestock disaster assistance payments through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program to ranchers impacted by drought or wildfire. ELRP includes approximately $750 million.

All affected producers should familiarize themselves with the details of the programs and work with their FSA office to receive assistance.

Impact Dakota Receives $708,000 from NIST for Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded $708,200 to the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership Inc., or Impact Dakota.

This investment through the NIST MEP Emergency Assistance Program will be used to provide manufacturing extension services to North Dakota’s small and medium-sized manufacturers.