Press Releases

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – In November 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. Congress has never granted the Department of Transportation this authority.  Shortly after the rule was finalized, attorneys general from 21 states, including North Dakota,... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) awarded a contract of $10,097,097 to BCSS, LLC to fund the excavation, replacement and repaving of the existing Highway 75 intersection in support of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Flood Risk Management Project. These funds were provided by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) helped craft and shepherd through Congress. The USACE received $437 million in funding under the BIL... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior today by a vote of 79 to 18.  U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after voting in favor of Burgum’s nomination: “Doug Burgum is tailor-made for the Secretary of the Interior,” said Cramer. “North Dakota embodies Teddy Roosevelt’s multiple use doctrine for public lands, balancing energy development, ranching, conservation, and recreation on some... 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 consider the nomination of Dan Driscoll to be the 26th Secretary of the Army. Driscoll, who was nominated by President Donald Trump in December, is a businessman, Army veteran, and Yale Law School graduate. In this position, Driscoll would have the primary responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the U.S. Army. Among other duties, he would be tasked... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Senate confirmed Lee Zeldin to serve as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator by a vote of 56 to 42 today. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of Zeldin’s nomination. “Lee is primed and ready to slash the mountains of backwards regulations at the EPA to restore primacy of states and common sense,” said Cramer. “I look... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Each week, nearly 47 million Americans rely on AM radio to deliver updates on news, sports, weather, and emergency alerts. Despite this, several car manufacturers proposed removing AM radio in their newer vehicles.  U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation aims to address critical public safety and communication challenges by ensuring... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing today to examine and discuss the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program. Veterans and advocates appeared before the committee to highlight their experiences and the ongoing challenges veterans face when accessing care from VA direct care system and community providers. In a rural state like North Dakota, with limited VA providers and... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Defense (DOD) has faced criticism for its slow and cumbersome acquisition system, which has hampered the timely delivery of advanced technologies to the warfighters. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to discuss the use of defense innovation and acquisition reform to address longstanding challenges in the DOD’s procurement processes. Members of the committee heard testimony from... CONTINUE READING

Click here for audio. Click here for video. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee announced U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) will serve as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure  (T&I) Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. Cramer previously served as Ranking Member of the subcommittee from 2021 to 2024. The T&I Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects and management,... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a vote of 59 to 34, the United States Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) voted in support of her nomination. Noem and Cramer served in the U.S. House of Representatives together for three terms. The South Dakota Governor asked Cramer to serve as her Senate “Sherpa,” helping her navigate the confirmation process. “Kristi Noem is tough and determined, and the right person to implement... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense by a vote of 51 to 50 today. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after voting in favor of Hegseth’s nomination: “Pete is a change agent and leader for a new generation. He will play a pivotal role in protecting our country and implementing President Trump’s agenda to restore our military’s strength and mission. Pete... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) announced U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) will serve as Chairman of the Airland Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. The subcommittee oversees the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, giving Cramer direct nexus to North Dakota’s Air Force bases in Grand Forks and Minot. The subcommittee also oversees the National Guard and Reserve. North Dakota has nearly 4,000 Guard soldiers and airmen dispersed across the state in units such as the 188th... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress established the Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program in 1976 to provide monetary benefits to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who become permanently disabled or pass away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. While the program recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-related cancers, it does not cover first responders who lose their lives due to other service-related... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pro-life members of Congress like U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have long recognized the importance of providing additional support for pregnant mothers. In recent sessions of Congress, Cramer has co-sponsored legislation to expand child support payments for expectant mothers, implement tax credits, and create a clearinghouse for pregnancy and post-partum resources. In honor of the annual March for Life in Washington, Cramer and U.S.... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Banking) Committee advanced Scott Turner’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today. President Donald Trump first announced the selection of Turner for HUD Secretary in November, and Turner testified before the Senate Banking Committee last week during his confirmation hearing. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Banking Committee, met with Turner... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee advanced Lee Zeldin’s nomination to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today in a bipartisan vote. President Donald Trump first announced the selection of Zeldin for EPA Administrator in November, and Zeldin testified before EPW last week during his confirmation hearing. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned Zeldin on Waters of the United States... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) advanced the nomination of Doug Collins to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs today by a vote of 18 to 1. Collins was first nominated for the position by President Trump in November, and will oversee the Department of Veterans Affairs in its mission to provide the healthcare benefits earned by United States veterans. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) served in the House of Representatives with Collins for six years.... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For America’s veterans, President Donald Trump’s second administration couldn’t have come quickly enough. For the last four years, the men and women who wore the uniform in defense of this nation have been coping with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adrift from their top priorities: quality local health care options, timely access, and accountability across the department. President Trump’s VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins served in the House of Representatives with... CONTINUE READING

Cramer Introduces the Nominee ***Click here for media resources.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing today to discuss the nomination of Doug Collins to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If confirmed, Collins will oversee the VA in its mission to provide the healthcare and benefits earned by millions of veterans of the United States Armed Forces. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) served in the House of... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate passed the Laken Riley Act today by a bipartisan vote of 64 to 35. Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) in reintroducing the legislation.  Upon implementation, the Laken Riley Act would require the detention of illegal immigrants charged with property-related crimes and provide states with the tools to hold federal... CONTINUE READING