Press Releases

***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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) advanced Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be the next U.S. Secretary of Defense today. President Donald Trump first announced the selection of Hegseth for Defense Secretary in November, and Hegseth testified before SASC last week during his confirmation hearing. Hegseth’s nomination will now head to the Senate floor for full consideration. If confirmed, he would oversee a U.S. Department of Defense of over 3 million people and a yearly... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) attended the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump today. This marks the beginning of Trump’s second administration as the 47th President of the United States. During the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Trump recited the presidential oath of office with Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts. Cramer issued the following statement after attending the inauguration... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced members of his staff will hold mobile office hours in Washburn and Center on Thursday, January 30. “Since it’s not always possible for people to travel to my in-state offices, these mobile office opportunities help bring the services we offer closer to the constituents who need them,” said Cramer. “Having members of my staff in Washburn and Center will give North Dakotans more chances to explore solutions to the problems they face... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***  WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing today to consider the nomination of Lee Zeldin to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If confirmed, Zeldin would be at the forefront of President Donald Trump’s promises to roll back energy and environmental regulations to unleash American energy development and production. Zeldin served in the Army from 2003 to... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – While Medicare has covered some chiropractic services since 1972, outdated provisions require beneficiaries to seek diagnostic tests elsewhere and then return to the chiropractor for covered care.   U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, which would expand Medicare coverage of chiropractic services to ensure patients enrolled in the program can access care as a non-drug alternative for... CONTINUE READING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $3.2 million grant to Grand Forks to accommodate the expansion of a soybean processing facility and allow for new industrial development in the area. This award will be matched with $798,342 in local funds. “North Dakota is an agriculture powerhouse, and our commodities rely on infrastructure networks to get our products to market,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “This project adds value to the Grand Forks... CONTINUE READING