News
Roughrider Roundup – December 20, 2021
Happy Monday!
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We wanted to provide you with a roundup of everything you might have missed from North Dakota’s great Republican leaders this past week. Please share with family and friends!
– Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
Programming Note: We’ll see you in 2022! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Please note ** NDGOP will be closed starting at noon on Thursday, Dec. 23rd-26th for Christmas, and we will also be closed Friday, Dec. 31 for New Years.
North Dakota
NDGOP Holds Successful State Committee Meeting.
“I want to thank the hardworking members of the NDGOP State Committee who took the time before the holidays to form an easy quorum and vote to continue the past tradition of holding a Republican endorsing convention in the spring; add a few additional requirements for candidates seeking the NDGOP’s endorsement at its convention, and continue to consider party resolutions through a modified process,” said Chairman Schafer.
North Dakota’s unemployment rate at 3.2%
KPVI
North Dakota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in November, down from 3.3% in October, according to information from the Labor Market Information Center at Job Service North Dakota (LMIC).
Goehring offers tips for Kentucky aid
The Bismarck Tribune
“The agriculture community always comes together to help each other in times of need,” he said. “If you want to help impacted Kentucky farmers and ranchers, there are several ways to do so.”Money donations may be made to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/
Wardner, a champion for the West, announces retirement
The Williston Herald
“Today we offer our deepest gratitude to Senator Rich Wardner for his more than three decades of service to the people of District 37 in Dickinson and his 10 years as Senate majority leader,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “Senator Wardner continues to demonstrate the qualities of a true statesman who fights for the betterment of all North Dakotans. Wardner is and has been a servant leader within both chambers and also an educator and passionate coach. His dedication to improving infrastructure, especially during the Bakken boom, supporting K-12 career academies, higher education and tribal partnerships, and advocating for those working for the state will have a positive impact for generations to come.”
Longtime North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announces retirement
The Jamestown Sun
Burgum said Friday that Stenehjem is the “epitome of a dedicated public servant,” adding that his “chief concern has always been the safety and well-being of North Dakota citizens.”
State agency food drive competition donates nearly 6,000 items to Bismarck Food Pantry
KX News
A bit of friendly competition between a few state agencies is helping put food on tables this holiday season. For the first year ever, the state Auditor’s Office challenged other departments to see who could collect the most food items. Among the six offices that participated, the Governor’s Office came in first…While the Auditor’s Office didn’t place first, they say they’re happy to contribute what they can. “We were a strong second. The Governor’s Office did a fantastic job, couldn’t be more proud of what they were able to contribute. But I’m also really proud of what the Auditor’s Office did. We were in solid second place,” State Auditor Josh Gallion said.
Water Commission Approves Various Water Projects at December Meeting
Valley Views & News
The largest cost-share approval today was $11.5 million for construction of the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS), South Prairie Reservoir and Hydraulic Control Structure. Progress continues to move forward on several phases of the NAWS project through local, state, and federal cooperative efforts. The state’s total investment in the project is nearly $66 million and is anticipated to be completed in 2030. NAWS is designed to provide water to over 80,000 people in north central North Dakota…The 10-member Water Commission consists of Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and eight members appointed by the governor to serve six-year terms.
Burgum to deliver 2022 State Of State in Fargo
AM 1100 The Flag
Governor Burgum will deliver the address the morning of January 19th in Festival Concert Hall on the campus of North Dakota State University. The speech will also be broadcast on his office’s website.
Burgum, Dohrmann visit North Dakota soldiers serving on the southern border
The Bismarck Tribune
“From the southwest border to our shared northern border with Canada, border security affects every state in the nation, from ensuring the safe and efficient flow of goods and services to stopping illegal immigration and drug and human trafficking,” said Burgum, who serves as commander-in-chief of the state Guard. “We’re deeply grateful to our North Dakota soldiers for doing their part with courage and professionalism to support the efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and secure the southwest border.” Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the Guard’s adjutant general, received briefings from Customs and Guard officials and met with the soldiers.
One wind farm granted lighting waiver while North Dakota regulators reject extensions for others
The Bismarck Tribune
A wind farm near intercontinental ballistic missile silos in central North Dakota will not have to install a system to keep the lights atop its turbines from blinking all night…Commissioners denied two other companies’ requests for more time to comply with the end-of-year deadline spelled out in North Dakota’s law surrounding the light mitigation systems. The PSC has yet to make a decision in two other cases…Commissioners denied the companies’ requests, saying that 10 wind farms had already managed to comply with the year-end deadline, which they had known about since the law passed in 2017. “I find it disappointing given a four-year window that these companies chose so long to wait to get the ball rolling,” Commissioner Randy Christmann said.
Hydrogen hub, Coal Creek projects among those recommended for state funding
The Bismarck Tribune
Proposals to establish a hydrogen hub in North Dakota and to retrofit Coal Creek Station with a carbon capture system are among the projects recommended for funding assistance via a new arm of state government focused on clean energy…The three-member Industrial Commission, chaired by Gov. Doug Burgum, will have the final say over which projects receive funding. The commission is expected to make those decisions when it meets on Monday. Future funding rounds slated for 2022 are meant to allocate $17 million in remaining grant dollars and $115 million in loans.
Specialty crop grant applications
Tioga Tribune
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced that applications are now being accepted for 2022 Specialty Crop Grants. “We encourage organizations, institutions and individuals to submit proposals on their own or in partnerships,” said North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) will distribute the funds through a competitive grant process.
North Dakota attorney general warns of recent gift card scams
The Dickinson Press
North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is warning residents to be mindful of fraud during the holiday season after a recent spate of gift card scams racked up tens of thousands of dollars. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division reported that it received nine reports of gift card fraud totaling $45,000 over the last two weeks. Stenehjem advised residents to buy gift cards only as presents for family or friends, noting “gift cards are a favorite tool of scam artists.”
Washington, D.C.
Sen. Marshall’s effort to limit consequences of military vaccine mandate passes Congress
American Military News
Marshall was able to add language to the National Defense Authorization Act — the bill that funds the military — to say that people fired from the military for refusing the vaccine must be honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions…“We’re just taking that worst case scenario off the table,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, who cosponsored the amendment. “That relieves the commanders, it relieves the Department of Defense, it relieves even the joint chiefs of staff from making a different decision. And they should be relieved with that relief.”
Hoeven and Tester Press USDA to Expedite Disaster Help
KFGO
“Our producers are still facing challenges from this year’s severe drought, and need to know what to expect from this disaster assistance and when it will become available as they plan for next year,” said Hoeven. “We encouraged Under Secretary Bonnie to get this relief out to our farmers and ranchers as quickly as possible to help them recover and maintain their operations following a tremendously challenging year.”
Wardner, a champion for the West, announces retirement
The Williston Herald
“Rich Wardner is the best. He is the true gentlemen of North Dakota’s legislative history and we are better off because of his servant leadership to our great state. With an educator’s and coach’s heart, he gives being a Senator a good name,” Sen. Kevin Cramer said. Sen. John Hoeven said Wardner’s efforts have left North Dakota a better state. “He has been an educator, coach and farmer – truly a range of experience that touches many central aspects of our state” Hoeven said. “Through his decades of service, hard work and leadership, he has helped shape our state for the better.”
Biden’s China ambassador confirmed after passage of Uyghur forced-labor bill lifts Rubio hold
The Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to China was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday after a top Republican senator agreed to drop his hold on the nomination and allow a vote following the passage of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act…Despite allowing a vote to move forward on Burns, Rubio still opposed him and voted against his nomination on Thursday, along with Republican Sens….John Hoeven[.]
Cyber Workforce Bill Clears Senate
NextGov
“Our legislation will help retain our existing cyber-workforce while also boosting collaboration between agencies to ensure our nation is better equipped to deal with threats,” said Hoeven, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Committee. “Given the increase in cyber threats and the growing complexity of these attacks, it’s vital our federal workforce has the knowledge and skills to fight back.”
Northrop Grumman To Repurpose EQ-4Bs as Range Hawks
Aviation International News
One of the drivers behind the SkyRange program is North Dakota Senator John Hoeven. “With divestment of the Global Hawk Block 20s, we’ve worked to secure a real opportunity to leverage the expertise we’ve built at Grand Sky and repurpose these aircraft to support hypersonic missile testing,” he said. “Doing so will save the armed forces time and money in developing these new missiles, as the new Range Hawks will be much more efficient than the current ship-based test range and support additional options for conducting tests.” Hoeven is continuing to make the case for bringing the Air Force’s RQ-4B Block 30s to Grand Sky after they have been retired from service, which is likely to happen in the coming year or two. This plan could cement the facility’s position as the hub of TRMC’s SkyRange program.
Legislation authorizes nuclear modernization programs at Minot AFB
The Minot Daily News
Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, said, “The NDAA is about showing our support for the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to defend our nation. At the same time, it shows strength to our adversaries by authorizing important programs for our national defense. That includes ensuring we continue to modernize our nuclear forces, which is critical for the missions at Minot Air Force Base, support our Global Hawk mission at Grand Fork Air Force Base, as well as authorizing important projects and priorities for our National Guard. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, we’ll continue working to fund these national security priorities.” The legislation passed the House on Dec. 8. “Support for our military is important to the security of our nation and of North Dakota,” said Congressman Kelly Armstrong. “The 2022 NDAA provides critical funds for a strong defense and a pay raise for the men and women in our armed forces. I am pleased that the final bill is bipartisan, as supporting our troops should be.”
Senators request vaccine mandate exemption for cross-border truckers
Land Line
Fourteen U.S. senators want truck drivers from the United States and Canada to cross the border without being subject to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. [T]he letter was signed by:…Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D…Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
Navy Awards $2.5 Million for Research to Improve Solar Cells & Military Asset Mobility at NDSU
The Valley City Times Record
Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Office of Naval Research (ONR) has awarded $2.5 million to Dr. Philip Boudjouk at North Dakota State University (NDSU) to develop silicon-based materials for use in solar cells. The goal of the project is to create cells that can produce electricity in low-light conditions, including in moonlight, cloud cover, indoors and underwater. This would support greater mobility for military assets and provide flexibility to a variety of missions, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations. At the same time, the research seeks to develop methods for producing new silicon alloys at lower temperatures than required for existing technologies, allowing solar cells to be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost.
GOPers slam State Dept. for letting Nigeria off religious freedom hook
New York Post
Seven Republican senators urged the Biden administration Monday to restore Nigeria to a State Department list of countries that systematically violate the religious freedom of their citizens after it was removed last month.“Religious people in Nigeria face severe persecution at the hands of radical terrorist groups and even their own government,” read the letter, which was signed by…Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.
Legislation Introduced to Protect U.S. Sheep Producers from Harmful Imports
Northern Ag Network
The legislation introduced by Rep. Pfluger in the House and Senator Barrasso in the Senate will provide the domestic sheep and lamb industry the information we need to assess the potential impacts of increasing exports and inform this conversation going forward.” Sen. Barrasso’s legislation is cosponsored by…Kevin Cramer, John Hoeven[.]
GOP reps rip Disney over ‘deplorable’ scrubbing of ‘Simpsons’ China episode
New York Post
A group of Republican lawmakers have demanded that Disney’s CEO explain why an episode of “The Simpsons” that includes a joke about the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed from the Hong Kong version of the Disney+ streaming service…In addition to Duncan, the letter was signed by…Kelly Armstrong (R-ND)[.]
DISTRICT 47 RE-ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rep. Lawrence R. (Larry) Klemin [pron. Kle-meen] and Sen. Michael A. Dwyer announce that they will run for re-election in 2022 to represent District 47 in the House of Representatives and the Senate in the North Dakota Legislature. Klemin, who has represented District 47 since 1998, served as the Speaker of the House during the 2019 Session and chaired the House Judiciary Committee during the 2021 Session. Klemin has also been a member of the House Political Subdivisions Committee and was previously Chairman of that committee. Klemin is also currently Chairman of the North Dakota Commission on Uniform State Laws, a Commissioner on the National Uniform Law Commission, and a member of the North Dakota Commission on Juvenile Justice. During the interim between the Sessions, Klemin serves on the Government Administration Committee and the interim Judiciary Committee. Klemin is a lawyer with the Bismarck law
firm of Schweigert, Klemin & McBride, P.C. Dwyer, first elected in 2018, served as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was also on the Senate Transportation Committee in his first term. In the recent Special Session, Dwyer was appointed to the Joint Technical Corrections Committee, which heard many of the bills considered by the Legislature. During the interim between the Sessions, Dwyer serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Water Topics Overview Committee. Dwyer and his son are partners in the Dwyer Law Office. Dwyer coached varsity boys basketball for many years at Shiloh Christian School.
Dwyer and Klemin have strong pro-life voting records and were both named Chamber Champions for business by the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce for supporting private business during the 2021 Session.
“We look forward to continuing to represent the great people of District 47 when we are re-elected,” they stated in making their announcement, “and continuing to work for those Republican policies which make Bismarck and North Dakota one of the best places to live, work, and raise families.” Chet Pollert, House Majority Leader, stated “Representative Larry Klemin is extremely effective and highly respected in our Chamber. His thorough knowledge of the law is valuable in making sure the laws we pass are clear and consistent with our conservative principles.” Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader, also praised Dwyer. “We are fortunate to have Mike Dwyer in the Senate” stated Wardner. “He has been an effective advocate for conservative principles, and his coaching, education, business, and law experience are very helpful.”
Dwyer and Klemin express gratitude for the work and many years of service of retiring Representative George Keiser. George has been a mentor, colleague, friend, and a devoted public servant. We wish him well. The legislative endorsing convention for the District 47 Republican Party will be held on February 23, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at Century High School. More information later.
Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin
lklemin@bis.midco.net
(701) 471-5802
Sen. Michael A. Dwyer
mdwyer@ndwaterlaw.com
(701) 400-6075
Karl Lembke, District Chairman
lembkekarl@gmail.com
(701) 391-3405
NDGOP Thanks Stenehjem for “Exemplary” Public Service
BISMARCK – Today, Perrie Schafer, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party (“NDGOP”) issued the following statement in response to the announcement of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s retirement:
NDGOP Reports “Productive Discussions” from December State Committee Meeting
Roughrider Roundup – December 13, 2021
Happy Monday!
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We wanted to provide you with a roundup of everything you might have missed from North Dakota’s great Republican leaders this past week. Please share with family and friends!
– Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
North Dakota
ND gov. slams Biden’s ‘overreaching, unlawful’ vaccine mandates
Fox Business
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum argues federally mandates vaccines are counterproductive because they only create more resistance. He also weighs in on how Biden’s energy policies are impacting jobs.
Burgum urges federal government to reinstate oil-and-gas leases
The Center Square
Burgum, who is in Coronado, Calif., attending the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) winter meeting, met with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and asked her to direct the Bureau of Land Management to stop delaying the lease auctions, according to a news release.
Minn-Dak beet co-op steps up with $44 per ton net payment
Agriculture Week
North Dakota Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, a Republican, addressed the co-op members, saying his administration is working to prevent negative impacts of “federal overreach” in the Biden administration. Among the concerns are “overreaching vaccine mandates on private business,” he said, and a re-energization of the Waters of the United States.
North Dakota Mill and Elevator Posts Profit
Feed and Grain
The company’s operations provided more than $250.76 million to the region’s economy and another $581.8 million in secondary economic activity, bringing the total economic impact to more than $883.5 million, according to the audit report of the North Dakota State Mill and Elevator by North Dakota State Auditor Josh Gallion for the year ended June 30, 2021.
Burgum to visit North Dakota National Guard soldiers at U.S.-Mexico border next week
AM 1100 The Flag
While on site, Burgum will receive briefings from North Dakota National Guard officials and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and visit with members of the Bismarck-based multi-role bridge unit as they support U.S. Customs and Border Protection in ongoing efforts to secure the border. The mobilization was requested by the U.S. Army through the National Guard Bureau and is a continuation of the southern border military mission that began in 2018.
Girls Who Code conclude six-week program with special graduation
Wahpeton Daily News
“Learning more about coding, computer science and other technology will give our students a greater opportunity to thrive in today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s economy while also addressing our state’s significant need for a workforce equipped with 21st-century skills,” North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said. “Hour of Code is made possible by the dedicated teachers, administrators and volunteers who are committed to ensuring that students of all ages are equipped with the digital skills they need to succeed, and we are grateful for their work.”
ND Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem in D.C. for annual conference
KFYR
Stenehjem says he is finding the meeting helpful in terms of initiatives for the state of North Dakota. One of the topics of conversation is vaccine mandates. Stenehjem has joined other states in suing the federal government over the policy. “This is a stretch beyond anything that has ever been attempted before, and I think that at some point you have to stand up and say, no matter how beneficial the result might be. The federal government does not have that authority,” said Stenehjem.
After court ruling, UND employees won’t be required to get coronavirus vaccinations
Grand Forks Herald
According to a release from North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, the mandate would have applied to any employee who works on federal contracts, even if the work they did was unrelated to the contract. Stenehjem represented the state in a multi-state lawsuit against the contractor mandate, which was being heard in the Eastern District Court in Missouri.
Cost-share program deadline extended for ranchers
The Journal and Tioga Tribune
The deadline for applications has been extended until Jan. 21, 2022. “We encourage producers to first seek assistance from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program (ELAP),” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said.
Federal judge blocks another Biden vaccine mandate
KVRR
“The Biden administration has yet again exceeded its authority in apparent disregard of the Constitution and the rule of law,” North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said. Stenehjem noted that with Tuesday’s order, federal courts have now blocked the three most invasive federal vaccine mandates. “I will continue to work with Attorneys General across the nation to protect the citizens of North Dakota from federal overreach.”
Department of Agriculture announces Coyote Catalog program
KX News
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Game and Fish Department to help producers who have some unwanted guests on their property. The Coyote Catalog is meant to bring landowners together with hunters to benefit both sides, providing sport for hunters while keeping coyotes away from livestock. “They’re attacking lambs during lambing season, during calving season, they’re harassing cows out there. This is a great opportunity for those landowners, for those livestock owners,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
Burgum: Honor the legacy of those who died at Pearl Harbor, fly flags at half-staff today
KX News
“Eight decades after the ‘date which will live in infamy,’ we continue to honor the legacy of those service members who paid the ultimate price for our freedom at Pearl Harbor,” Burgum said. “In the words of Navy Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, ‘They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.’ Today, and every day, we share our eternal gratitude for the heroes of Pearl Harbor and all of our military veterans and current service members who served and continue to serve our nation with courage and honor in the name of liberty and justice for all.”
Washington, D.C.
MonDak Congressional delegation unites over Brazilian beef imports
Williston Herald
Brazilian beef continues to be a sizzling topic on Capitol Hill. A bipartisan letter with the full support of the MonDak’s Congressional delegation has just gone out to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging the agency to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil. The letter includes Republican Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, as well as Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven of North Dakota, and Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana.
Coalition proposes new passenger train through southern North Dakota
Inforum
An informal group is hoping to formalize its organization to restore a passenger rail line from Minnesota through southern North Dakota and into Montana in the coming months. With new federal dollars under the Build Back Better transportation infrastructure bill, they’re hopeful that the dream of bringing back the rail line that would eventually reach the west coast will become a reality. Jason Stuart, vice chairman of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority that is helping spearhead the coalition, said this time is different as it’s a coordinated effort. Already, dozens of counties and cities along the proposed route have signed on to the coalition. Stuart, of Glendive, Montana, said North Dakota’s two senators, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, have signed a letter in support of forming an official working group on the project.
Exclusive: Republicans say WHO pandered to China by skipping ‘xi’ in COVID names
The Washington Times
But GOP Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso of Wyoming, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota expressed their doubts, citing in the letter exceptions to the “rule”…“In light of these two discrepancies, it seems the standard for naming viruses is arbitrarily based on names that are most beneficial to favored members of the WHO, particularly China,” said the letter. “Indeed, the arbitrary nature of the naming policy only further underlines concerns that the WHO kowtows to the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping that were brought to the surface after the WHO and China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic began in Wuhan.”
Pelosi: Inflation numbers ‘only add urgency’ to pass Biden agenda
The Washington Examiner
Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota called the report “a scary indicator of Joe Biden’s soaring inflation.” “This is a de facto tax, chipping away at family’s paychecks and eating the savings of hardworking American families,” Cramer said. “Build Back Broke would only make it worse!”
As Pentagon calls for industry innovation, top acquisition nominees remain stalled
Yahoo News
North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer is awaiting multibillion-dollar decisions about replacing or overhauling intercontinental ballistic missiles based in his state, which will affect defense firms, local jobs and defense strategy for years to come. He said Schumer shares some responsibility for the delays. “I get frustrated about it, and to the point it starts affecting national security, I get concerned about it,” Cramer, who sits on the SASC with Hawley, said of the holds. “We cannot move at the speed of China without people who can say yes to really important questions, and that frustrates me.”
Senate passes deal clearing way to raise debt ceiling
Yahoo News
“I will not green light [Democrats’] big government socialist agenda, which we know adds billions if not trillions of dollars to our national debt,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said in a statement after voting against advancing the bill. Cramer accused Democrats of “holding farmers, ranchers, patients, and health care providers hostage” by including the measures to avoid Medicare cuts.
GOP Senators Slam Build Back Better Bill
One America News Network
“This is absolutely the wrong way to go. People need to understand exactly what’s in this bill, understand these gimmicks and know this is not what we need for our economy and our country. We need to get back to them pro-growth policies,” said Hoeven. Hoeven also said Democrat policies are discouraging people from going back into the work force.
North Dakota tribal groups receive funding for head start programs
Grand Forks Herald
According to a Tuesday, Dec. 7, release from Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., the Cankdeska Cikana Community College will receive nearly $1.4 million in funding, while the Three Affiliated Tribes will receive more than $1.2 million. The funds come through the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, which promote school readiness for young children and toddlers from low-income families. The programs work to enhance children’s cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as early learning, health and family well-being.
GOP senators say they believe House will take up anti-vaccine mandate bill, force Biden veto
Fox News
“We’re gonna pass this Congressional Review Act on a bipartisan basis in the Senate sending a very clear message that this is an overreach by the Biden administration and we need to stop it,” Sen. John Hoeven R-N.D., said in a press conference with other Republicans. “And I think in the House, there a very good chance that they will get enough people to sign on to this, to actually force a vote,” Hoeven added. “Now, we understand that, that when that goes to the administration the president may well veto it. But we’ve sent a very clear bipartisan message on behalf of the people that this mandate needs to be stopped.”
Senate Republicans introduce bill to crack down on Palestine ‘martyr payments’
The Washington Times
Senate Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on foreign banks that knowingly facilitate “martyr payments” by the Palestinian Authority to families of terrorists. The proposal underscores the GOP’s effort to double down on pro-Israel policies as Democrats increasingly side with Palestinians in the Middle East conflict…[T]the bill introduced Monday has 11 Republican cosponsors, including…Kevin Cramer of North Dakota[.]