Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the final days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Clean Air Act waivers for a number of California electric vehicle (EV) mandates. These waivers would allow California to force a shift to EVs by 2035, imposing unrealistic standards on automakers and restricting consumer choice for millions of Americans. California set the strictest levels in the nation, requiring all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty... CONTINUE READING

Legislation streamlines health care access and creates new pathway for rural veterans within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital WASHINGTON, D.C. – Many of America’s veterans live in rural or highly rural areas and face major challenges to accessing quality and timely health care. To improve access to local rural care options, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. The... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Established in 1959, the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is tasked with promoting better understanding and cooperation between Canadian parliamentarians and U.S. members of Congress. The association is comprised of nearly 90 members and serves as a forum to discuss key bilateral and multilateral issues impacting both countries. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is the newest member of the group. Cramer’s appointment as co-chair of the Senate delegation is a... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, established nearly two decades ago, was created to make it safer and easier for students who walk or bike to school. In addition to providing safety education to children and caregivers, it also funds infrastructure improvements including sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have SRTS programs which serve millions of students across the nation. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ed Markey (D-MA)... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States and Canada share three oceans and the world’s longest border. About 400,000 people and more than $2.5 billion worth of goods and services move across the U.S.-Canada border each day. The relationship between the two countries fosters one of the most significant bilateral trading relationships in the world. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), co-chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus,... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. faces evolving and pressing threats, missile defense plays an essential role in deterring and defeating adversary missiles and other threats against the nation. Days after his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the nation. Today, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, joined U.S. Senator Dan... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing today to review the posture of the Department of the Air Force, which encompasses both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Members heard testimony from Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chair of the SASC... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For babies and toddlers, diapers are essential for their health and well-being. However, nearly half of U.S. families with young children struggle to provide enough diapers to keep them clean, dry, and healthy, according to a report from the National Diaper Bank Network.  To assist low-income and middle-class families in addressing diaper needs, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan End Diaper Need Act. The legislation would... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after the passing of North Dakota Representative Cindy Schreiber-Beck, who represented District 25 for over a decade. “Cindy was an effective legislator because she combined the qualities of intellect, experience, compassion and common sense. She was a trusted leader and servant, and will be greatly missed. I pray God will bless her memory.” CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK, N.D. - On President Trump’s “Liberation Day” last month, he argued non-tariff trade barriers are often more damaging to America’s competitiveness than actual tariffs imposed by foreign governments. He rightly called out unfair practices like currency manipulation, export subsidies, and intellectual property theft. But one often-overlooked offense stands out: lax environmental standards, enforcement, and compliance. In his remarks, the President blasted other countries for accusing... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of$5,844,554 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for projects at several airports across North Dakota. The funding will be distributed to the following: $2,491,667 for the Bismarck Municipal Airport to expand the existing General Aviation Apron by adding 5,340 square yards to meet FAA standards and to reconstruct 8,090 square yards of the existing General... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – Each year, roughly 90% of federal highway program dollars are distributed to states through a set formula. This approach provides funding certainty for all 50 states nationwide, rather than solely funneling money toward population hubs. Funds delivered via formula are allocated to state Departments of Transportation (DOT) across different accounts such as the National Highway Performance Program, Surface Transportation Block... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – After two years of delay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed approval of North Dakota’s Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) Permit Program. States are authorized to apply for primacy to operate their own permit programs as long as such programs meet federal baseline standards. CCRs consist of solid byproducts from coal-based power plants, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization solids... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, leadership at the University of North Dakota (UND) and the Space Development Agency (SDA) officially signed an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA), showcasing the pivotal role the university and Grand Forks play in space development and the security of the nation. During a recent visit to Grand Forks with U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), SDA Director Dr. Derek Tournear announced the then-pending partnership agreement. Cramer, Chair of the Senate Armed Services... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two thirds of Americans with vision benefits receive coverage from one of two Vision Benefits Managers (VBMs). As a result, VBMs often own frame and lens manufacturers while also controlling the labs an optometrist can use. To combat the potential for anti-competitive behavior and lower costs for patients and doctors, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced the Vision Lab Choice Act. The bill prohibits insurance plans from... CONTINUE READING

Modernization of regulations will strengthen local journalism, enhance public interest, and ensure broadcasters can compete in a digital age BISMARCK, N.D. – Despite the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) making modest adjustments to its broadcast ownership rules, the regulations remain nearly the same as they were in the 1990s. The minimal changes implemented since then fail to account for the rise of digital platforms, social media, streaming services, and smartphones. Local broadcasters... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States civilian defense and national security workforce is experiencing shortages in crucial areas, particularly cybersecurity. To address these shortages and improve recruiting for the defense industrial base, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), to introduce the Defense Workforce Integration Act.  This bipartisan... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced their bipartisan Appraisal Industry Improvement Act to improve access to housing in rural communities. This legislation comes as rural housing markets experience a shortage of trained appraisers and an aging appraiser workforce. Two thirds of appraisers are older than 51, while only 13% are younger than 35. These dynamics contribute to worker shortages, resulting in delays for appraisals and extending the... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) today about the future of the VA. The department is tasked with providing and delivering the health care and benefits earned by millions of veterans of the United States Armed Forces. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) started his questioning by emphasizing how there is a health care labor... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pro-life members of Congress like U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have long recognized the importance of providing strong support for pregnant mothers. To honor moms across the country ahead of Mother’s Day, Cramer joined U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in introducing their More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act. The bill provides resources and support for women in the earliest stages of motherhood, including prenatal, postpartum, and early... CONTINUE READING