Congress Passes the NDAA

As it has 60 years in a row, Congress passed legislation on Friday to fulfill our most foundational obligation of providing for the defense of our nation.

This year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) strengthens our military, supports our troops, enhances national security, and contains several North Dakota priorities. I am honored to have helped write this legislation and grateful we were able to pass it with overwhelming support. President Trump should expand his incredible success in rebuilding our military and sign it without reservation.

Delivering Remarks at North Dakota Water Convention

On Wednesday I delivered remarks at the North Dakota Water Convention, a joint meeting with the North Dakota Water Users Association, Water Resource District Association, and Irrigation Association.

When it comes to water policy, the federal bureaucracy has no business imposing its mediocrity on North Dakota's excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss what we've been able to accomplish, what the road ahead will look like, and the importance of prioritizing cooperative federalism.

Joining Point of View with Chris Berg

On Thursday I joined Chris Berg on Point of View to discuss the latest on COVID-19 relief negotiations, the year-end spending bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, the election, and more. Watch our conversation below.

Introducing Legislation to Stop Medicare Physician Payment Cuts

I joined Senator John Boozman (R-AR) in introducing the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020, which would prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021, and ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years.

Health care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can't afford these cuts, and we can't afford to lose their services. Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they've displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line.

Introducing Bill Enhancing Coordination with Israel and Middle East Allies

I joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) in introducing the Israel CENTCOM Reclassification Act, a bill to require the Department of Defense to conduct a study, in consultation with the Israeli government, on transferring Israel from the United States European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Transferring Israel from EUCOM to CENTCOM would be an acknowledgement of the new dynamics in the Middle East, reflecting the newfound peace and stability made possible by the historic Abraham Accords President Trump secured this year.

Grants for North Dakota

HHS Awards Nearly $1.4 Million in Head Start Funds to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start awarded $1,389,726 to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness for young children and toddlers from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development as well as early learning, health, and family well-being.

HHS Awards $1.3 Million for Head Start Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office Administration for Children and Families Office of Head Start awarded $1,381,489 to Cankdeska Cikana Community College.

HHS Awards over $1 Million in North Dakota for Childhood Development Projects

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded the following two grants totaling $1,290,925:

• $1,165,925 from the Office of Head Start to Community Action Partnership for Head Start programs to promote school readiness for young children and toddlers from low-income families.
• $125,000 from the Centers for Disease Control to the city of Bismarck for Drug Free Communities support programs to reduce 30-day alcohol and marijuana use by 3 percent for Bismarck area middle and high school students.