Press Releases

***Click here to download audio.*** BISMARCK – Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S. Anniken Krutnes will visit North Dakota this week for the first time to celebrate the rich history shared by North Dakota and Norway, and the strong partnership that has proven integral to both the U.S. and the Nordic country. Senator Cramer will host Ambassador Krutnes in Fargo on Friday, May 31, with events showcasing the state’s Norwegian heritage and economic strength, while advancing discussions regarding defense... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a contract announcement of $23,893,746.95 to PWS, Incorporated for construction of the Southern Embankment Reach SE-4, in support of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Flood Risk Management Project. Construction on this project is expected to be completed on September 30, 2027. The funding for this contract was delivered by the fully paid-for 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and follows the Army Corps’ contract announcement of $23 million to R.J.... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK – Thousands of Americans struggling with rare and life-threatening diseases are stuck waiting for new cures to make their way through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) arduous approval process. This unfair delay often leaves patients with terminal or untreatable diagnosis with no options. But by creating conditional pathways to expedite treatment options, barriers to timely care can be safely reduced for those who cannot afford to wait. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK — Last month, North Dakota was joined by Montana, Texas, and Wyoming in filing a lawsuit in North Dakota Federal District Court challenging a rule finalized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which establishes a new royalty on flared gas, institutes monthly limits on allowable flaring, and adds new application requirements for operators regarding their ability to capture natural gas before obtaining a drilling permit. The states filed for preliminary injunction today in an effort to... CONTINUE READING

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the award of $2,404,467 in discretionary funding for Head Start and Early Head Start projects in North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following programs and initiatives: $1,308,890 to Community Action Partnership, located in Dickinson. $1,095,577 to Community Action Region VI, located in Jamestown. The funds will support Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These programs promote early childhood learning,... CONTINUE READING

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) awarded several new contracts on Tuesday, including a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling of $60,184,023 to United Crane and Excavation Inc., located in Grand Forks, N.D. The contract provides a streamlined means to complete a broad range of maintenance, repair, design, and paving projects at Grand Forks Air Force Base. The projects are expected to be completed by May 27, 2029. CONTINUE READING

ICYMI: Sen. Cramer Op-Ed: America Needs Transmission BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) penned an op-ed in the Washington Times discussing the need for increased transmission capacity and permitting reform for all linear infrastructure. He highlighted the debate over cost allocation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s recently finalized regulation, which co-opts “citizens into paying for green states’ renewable energy transmission projects they do not need and will not... CONTINUE READING

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $6,699,135 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. This grant will be used for the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program, which supports community inclusion of individuals with disabilities. CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON — In the wake of record illegal border crossings at the U.S. southern border, fostered by the Biden administration’s disastrous immigration policies, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) refiled legislation that had already failed with bipartisan opposition. The U.S. Senate voted against taking up the legislation by a vote of 43-50 today. A nearly identical bill failed in February by a vote of 49-50.  After voting against taking up the bill, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)... CONTINUE READING

Water Resources Development Act, National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization, GSA Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act, and FASTA Reform Act ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee marked up and passed four of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer’s (R-ND) bills during today’s committee meeting. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the General Services Administration Disposal Process Tribal Parity Act, the Federal... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download audio.*** WASHINGTON – News outlets across North Dakota have been negatively impacted by surging postal rates and deteriorating service by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This has resulted in financial hardships for newspapers and other media outlets, as well as loss of timely access to local news and information for citizens, especially in rural areas. USPS recently announced another round of rate increases for news outlets, which will take effect in July, while... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON – The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing today to hear testimony on the Department of Defense’s space-related activities in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2025 and the Future Years Defense Program. During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who was instrumental in the creation of the Space Force, questioned the witnesses on how to ensure entities like... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) announced a FY 2024 award of $27,447,361 for tribes in North Dakota to improve and strengthen water infrastructure. This funding was provided by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, helped craft and negotiate. “From improving water intake systems to rebuilding storage tanks,... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK – Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S., Anniken Krutnes, will visit North Dakota later this month at the invitation of Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to celebrate the rich history shared by North Dakota and Norway, and the strong partnership that has proven integral to both the U.S. and the Nordic country. The Senator will host Ambassador Krutnes in Fargo on May 31. In addition to Fargo, the Ambassador will also visit other North Dakota communities.“I look forward to welcoming Ambassador Krutnes... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON – The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) announced the award of $254,625 to tribes in North Dakota through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. The award will be distributed to the following projects in North Dakota: $167,875 to Spirit Lake Tribe for the construction of an outdoor recreation support building $86,750 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians for the development of Heritage Park Since 1965, the NPS has provided more than... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced its final “Engaged in the Business” rule, establishing an unlawful reinterpretation of what classifies a firearms dealer under federal law. Upon implementation, this burdensome and costly rule would infringe upon the Second Amendment freedoms of lawful gun-owning Americans and firearms dealers.U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in cosponsoring a... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download audio*** WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act today. The bill expands access to benefits for the families of first responders who pass away from cancer caused by carcinogen exposure throughout their service. This bipartisan legislation, which was first introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) last year, would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing today on the posture of the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2025 and the Future Years Defense Program. During the hearing, members heard testimony from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith. U.S. Senator Kevin... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced the award of $933,513 to the North Dakota Council on the Arts. This award will support art programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the agency’s NEA-approved strategic plan. CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) announced its Fiscal Year 2024 work plan, which allocates more than $27 million to support infrastructure projects, operations, and maintenance across the state of North Dakota.   The FY 24 work plan specifically includes $2,850,000 for the City of Mott’s Water and Sewer System Improvement Project under the Army Corps Section 594 Program. “The 594 program uniquely benefits local communities across our state, which is why I prioritized... CONTINUE READING