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.
North Dakota Joins Brief Supporting the Texas Election Lawsuit
I was glad to see North Dakota join an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit brought by the state of Texas regarding the election results in certain states where questions remain. People deserve to know their votes are not being stolen by bad actors. I hoped the Supreme Court would hear the case and help restore trust in our elections, but unfortunately the Justices denied this request on Friday night.
I discussed this lawsuit and President Trump's ongoing legal efforts on Thursday with Morgan Benth on KFYR.
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.
Bipartisan Legislation Would Maximize the Utility of the Carbon Capture Tax Credit
I joined my colleagues in introducing the 45Q Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Tax Credit Amendments Act of 2020, bipartisan legislation to make targeted changes designed to maximize the utility of the carbon capture tax credit.
North Dakota is leading the way in the development of clean, reliable energy by investing and applying carbon capture and use technologies to our lignite, oil, and ethanol facilities. Our bill would allow our innovators to get the most out of the tax credits we created, incentivizing further investments and ultimately lowering emissions.
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.
Contact Me
As recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our in-state offices are taking precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our staff members are available by phone or email and are taking in-person meetings by appointment only.
Bismarck
328 Federal Building
220 East Rosser Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-699-7020
Grand Forks
114 Federal Building
102 North 4th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-699-7030
Minot
105 Federal Building
100 First Street SW
Minot, ND 58701
701-837-6141
Fargo
306 Federal Building
657 Second Avenue N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-232-5094
Williston
125 Main Street
Suite #217
Williston, ND 58801
701 441-7230
Washington, D.C.
400 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-2043
Weekly Radio and TV Schedule
RADIO
What's On Your Mind with Scott Hennen
Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. central
KFYR 550 AM - Bismarck
1100 The Flag - Fargo
KLTC 1460 AM - Dickinson
KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga
The Jarrod Thomas Show
Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. central
KNOX 1310 AM - Grand Forks
Rick Jensen
Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. central
KHND 1470 AM - Harvey
Jay Thomas
Every other Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. central
WDAY 970 AM – Fargo
TELEVISION
Chris Berg - Point of View
6:30 p.m. central (Semi-Monthly)
Valley News Live - Fargo
Photo credit: North Dakota Tourism and the Office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer
Credits:
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