Legislation Includes Several of Senator Cramer’s Priorities

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement regarding Congress passing appropriations bills today to fund the government:

“I am glad we finally ditched short-term Continuing Resolutions and have returned to complete appropriations bills. I am not pleased with everything included in today’s deal, especially the extension of the wind production tax credit which was supposed to phase out. However, this package prioritizes our most fundamental constitutional duty to provide for our national defense, and it supports the people who keep our country safe and free. It also advances important domestic policies and greatly benefits North Dakota. I thank Senate leaders for including several of our priorities, and I look forward to the President signing it.”

Senator Cramer’s priorities found in today’s appropriations package include:

  • The longest Export-Import Bank reauthorization in history, an issue Senator Cramer first introduced in July.
  • The renaming of “Sullys Hill” National Game Preserve in North Dakota to “White Horse Hill,” which Senator Cramer first introduced in July.
  • Full defense funding to accompany this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which Senator Cramer helped pass earlier this month.
  • The Affordable Insulin Approvals Now Act, which Senator Cramer introduced in July.
  • Continued funding for border wall construction without placing limits on the President’s transfer authority.
  • Increased funding for more Customs and Border Protections (CBP) law enforcement officers.
  • President Trump’s Title X regulations, which have virtually eliminated federal funds being given to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
  • Full repeal of the three main Obamacare taxes: Cadillac Tax, Medical Device Tax and Health Insurance Tax. Senator Cramer cosponsored all three repeal provisions. 
  • The Manufactured Housing Modernization Act, which Senator Cramer first introduced in June.
  • The Protecting Access to Biosimilars Act, which Senator Cramer cosponsored in May.
  • ELD exemption for livestock and insects.
  • Extension of the short line railroad track maintenance tax credit.
  • Protection for electric cooperatives’ tax-exempt status with the inclusion of the RURAL Act, which Senator Cramer cosponsored in May.

Click here for more information from the Senate Appropriations Committee on the bills passed by Congress today.

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