WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) today highlighted the benefits for North Dakota brought by his seat on three Senate Armed Services Sub-Committees: Airland, Strategic Forces, and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

“Similar to my committee requests, I asked for subcommittees where I could have the greatest impact for North Dakota,” said Senator Cramer. “Each of these subcommittees plays a large role in overseeing programs vital to North Dakota’s military community and our country’s national security. They give North Dakota a voice on issues relating to the Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases, the Cavalier Station, UND research projects, the Army and Air National Guard, and countless others.”

Background

The Airland Sub-Committee oversees the entire U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, giving Senator Cramer direct nexus to North Dakota’s bases in Grand Forks and Minot. The subcommittee also oversees the National Guard. North Dakota has nearly 4,000 Guard soldiers and airmen dispersed across the state in units such as the 188th Air Defense Artillery Unit out of Grand Forks and 119th Air Guard “Happy Hooligan” Wing in Fargo.

The Strategic Forces Sub-Committee has wide jurisdiction over our Nuclear forces, space programs, and missile defenses. Serving on this committee will be of benefit to the ICBM and B-52 Bomber missions at Minot Air Force Base, the space research projects at UND, and the Cavalier Air Station which tracks satellites and monitors potential missile threats. 

Lastly, Emerging Threats and Capabilities Sub-Committee is responsible for programs related to emerging technologies, which includes space research projects that have a nexus to the University of North Dakota and cyber capabilities.

North Dakota’s military is a foundational aspect of our state. Both founded in 1957, the legacy of North Dakota’s Air Force bases is a proud one. The North Dakota Army and Air Guard are critical components to the defense of our country, housing units that have been used for high level missions to protect our country. The United States called on Minot and Grand Forks Air Forces Bases, as well as the Cavalier Air Station during the Cold War and the War on Terror to project power and deter aggression. Senator Cramer’s subcommittees help ensure North Dakota’s military community will continue to be a hub for new innovation and security for our country.

More information can be found on the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services website found here.

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