Press Releases

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND)are calling on congressional leadership to reevaluate and reform federal energy tax credits to better align with America's goals of energy reliability, affordability, and security. In a letter sent to House and Senate Republican leaders and Commitee Chairs, the two former state utility regulators warn current energy tax policy distorts markets and weakens the electric grid by disproportionately... CONTINUE READING

BISMARCK, N.D. – Over the last couple of years, the U.S. Air Force has begun to rapidly divest legacy airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms without demonstrating how new capabilities can replace them. The rate of investment and divestment leaves the Combatant Commanders accepting greater risk and provides civilian policy makers with less input to make informed decisions or conduct effective missions.   U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), joined by colleagues... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite significant advancements in digital technology, remote notarization has yet to be fully deployed and accepted on an interstate basis. While nearly every state allows for remote electronic notarization, regulations and recognition vary between states. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced their bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bill would permit... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for media resources.*** ANNAPOLIS, M.D. – Each year, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) nominates North Dakotans to the five service academies where they receive a world-class education and begin their careers in the Armed Services. Today, Cramer caught up with two of the Midshipmen he nominated, Midshipman Loren Steinberg and Midshipman Rebecca Van Vleet at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. “What a privilege to have breakfast this morning with North Dakota Midshipmen... 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 discuss the importance of enhancing outreach to better support the mental health of veterans across the nation. During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) questioned Dr. Thomas O’Toole, Acting Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Clinical Services at the Veterans Health Administration, about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio.*** BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota decisively won its Federal Tort Claims Act case against the federal government in a landmark $27.8 million dollar ruling, the first time in history in which a state has prevailed against the federal government in trial. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) released a statement following the ruling: “This ruling is a colossal win for the North Dakota taxpayers who were forced to bear the cost of our federal government’s abdication of its... CONTINUE READING

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Meat and poultry products inspected by state programs are limited to markets within their particular state, even when inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) in introducing the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines. This bill... CONTINUE READING

***Click here to download audio.*** BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced Space Development Agency (SDA) Director Derek Tournear and General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force, will join him in visiting the University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks Air Force Base, and Cavalier Space Force Station. “The buildup of ground-based capabilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the warfighting support offered by Cavalier Space... CONTINUE READING

***Click here for audio*** BISMARCK, N.D.  – Credit scores compiled from loan and payment data are a common indicator of overall consumer financial health. Credit data is typically sourced from car, home, and student loans as well as credit cards and other lines of credit. While most Americans have a variety of data streams, about 26 million Americans are “credit invisible” and lack credit records or repayment history. These scores are essential to securing further lines of credit and impact a... CONTINUE READING