North Dakota
State Senators:
Kevin Cramer (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2019
Full Name: Kevin John Cramer
Date of Birth: January 21, 1961
Birthplace: Rolette, North Dakota, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Kevin Cramer was born in Rolette, North Dakota, and raised in Kindred, North Dakota. He attended Kindred High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1983. Cramer later obtained a Master of Arts in Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 2003.
Personal Life: Kevin Cramer is married to Kris Cramer, and they have five children. The family resides in Bismarck, North Dakota. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Cramer continues to work towards policies that promote security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans.
Early Career: Before entering politics, Cramer worked in various roles that included public service and private sector positions. He served as the Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party from 1991 to 1993. Cramer also held positions in the North Dakota government, including serving as the State Tourism Director and Economic Development Director. He also served as the Director of the Harold Schafer Leadership Foundation.
Political Career:
- Public Service Commissioner: Cramer was appointed to the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 2003 and served until 2012. During his tenure, he focused on regulatory issues related to energy, telecommunications, and public utilities. Cramer’s work on the commission helped shape North Dakota’s energy policy and infrastructure development.
- U.S. House of Representatives: In 2012, Cramer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing North Dakota’s at-large congressional district. He served three terms from 2013 to 2019. During his time in the House, Cramer focused on energy policy, agriculture, and veterans’ issues. He was a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he advocated for policies that supported North Dakota’s energy sector.
- U.S. Senate: In 2018, Cramer was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator Heidi Heitkamp. He took office on January 3, 2019. As a senator, Cramer continues to advocate for conservative policies, with a focus on energy independence, national security, and economic growth.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Chairman)
Legislative Achievements:
- Energy Policy: Cramer is a strong advocate for the energy industry, particularly fossil fuels. He has supported legislation to promote energy independence, deregulate the energy sector, and advance energy infrastructure projects.
- National Security: Serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cramer focuses on strengthening national defense and supporting military personnel. He advocates for robust defense spending and policies to enhance military readiness.
- Economic Policies: Cramer supports conservative economic principles, including tax reform, reducing government spending, and deregulation. He voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (H.R.1) to lower taxes for individuals and businesses.
- Healthcare: Cramer supports market-based healthcare reforms and has voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He advocates for policies that increase competition and reduce costs in the healthcare system.
- Veterans’ Affairs: Cramer is committed to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation to enhance veterans’ healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Senator Cramer is known for his dedication to energy policy, national security, conservative economic policies, healthcare reform, and veterans’ affairs. His background in public service and experience in the U.S. House of Representatives shape his legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit North Dakotans and the nation.
Committees
Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.
Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.
Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
Voting patterns
Senator Cramer has a voting record that reflects his commitment to conservative economic policies, energy independence, national security, healthcare reform, and veterans’ affairs.
Key Voting Patterns:
Energy Policy:
- Fossil Fuels: Cramer is a strong advocate for the fossil fuel industry. He has supported legislation to promote energy independence, deregulate the energy sector, and advance energy infrastructure projects such as pipelines and drilling.
- Environmental Regulations: Cramer often votes against stringent environmental regulations, favoring policies that reduce regulatory burdens on the energy industry.
National Security and Defense:
- Defense Authorization: Cramer supports robust national defense measures and has consistently voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
- Military Spending: He advocates for increased defense spending to enhance military capabilities and support service members.
Economic Policies:
- Tax Reform: Cramer supports lowering taxes and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” to reduce taxes for individuals and businesses.
- Government Spending: Cramer advocates for reducing government spending and has consistently supported measures to cut federal expenditures and reduce the national debt.
Healthcare:
- Market-Based Reforms: Cramer supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with market-based solutions. He has voted for various measures aimed at increasing competition and reducing costs in the healthcare system.
- Prescription Drug Costs: Cramer has supported efforts to lower prescription drug prices through market competition and increased transparency.
Veterans’ Affairs:
- Veterans’ Services: Cramer is committed to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation like the “VA MISSION Act” to enhance healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for veterans.
Social Issues:
- Conservative Values: Cramer upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has supported legislation to restrict abortion access and protect religious liberties.
Senator Cramer’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence.
Full Name: John Henry Hoeven III
Date of Birth: March 13, 1957
Birthplace: Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
Early Life and Education: John Hoeven was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, and grew up in Minot, North Dakota. He attended Minot High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Dartmouth College in 1979. Hoeven went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1981.
Personal Life: John Hoeven is married to Mical (Mikey) Hoeven, and they have two children. The family resides in Bismarck, North Dakota. Known for his pragmatic approach and dedication to public service, Hoeven continues to work towards policies that foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Americans.
Early Career: After completing his education, Hoeven worked in the banking industry, eventually becoming the president and CEO of the Bank of North Dakota from 1993 to 2000. His leadership at the bank focused on supporting small businesses and economic development within the state.
John Hoeven (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2011
Political Career:
- Governor of North Dakota: In 2000, Hoeven was elected Governor of North Dakota, a position he held from 2001 to 2010. During his tenure, Hoeven focused on economic growth, energy development, and improving the state’s infrastructure. He implemented policies that promoted North Dakota’s energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy, leading to significant economic expansion in the state.
- U.S. Senate: In 2010, Hoeven was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Byron Dorgan. He has been re-elected since and continues to serve as a senator. Hoeven’s work in the Senate has centered on energy policy, agriculture, and national security. He is known for his efforts to promote North Dakota’s energy industry and support for farmers and rural communities.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Committee on Indian Affairs
Legislative Achievements:
- Energy Policy: Hoeven is a strong advocate for an all-of-the-above energy policy, including fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear power. He has supported legislation to promote energy independence, enhance energy infrastructure, and reduce regulatory burdens on the energy sector.
- Agriculture: Serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Hoeven has focused on policies to support farmers and ranchers, including the passage of farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for agriculture.
- Economic Development: Hoeven has worked to promote economic growth and job creation in North Dakota. He supports tax reform, reducing government spending, and deregulation to create a favorable business environment.
- Healthcare: Hoeven advocates for market-based healthcare reforms and has voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He supports policies aimed at increasing competition and reducing costs in the healthcare system.
- National Security: Hoeven supports robust national defense measures and has consistently voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
Senator Hoeven is known for his dedication to energy policy, agriculture, economic development, healthcare reform, and national security. His background in banking and his experience as Governor of North Dakota shape his legislative priorities in the U.S. Senate, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit North Dakotans and the nation.
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.
Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.
Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Indian Affairs: Committee conducts hearings, investigations, and studies to address these issues and to develop and recommend legislation to the Senate that impacts Native American communities.
Voting patterns
Senator Hoeven has a voting record that reflects his commitment to energy policy, agriculture, economic development, healthcare reform, and national security.
Key Voting Patterns:
Energy Policy:
- Fossil Fuels and Energy Independence: Hoeven is a strong advocate for fossil fuels and energy independence. He has supported legislation to promote oil, gas, and coal production, as well as infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL pipeline.
- Regulatory Relief: Hoeven often votes to reduce regulatory burdens on the energy sector, including efforts to roll back environmental regulations that he believes hinder energy production.
Agriculture:
- Farm Bills: Hoeven supports comprehensive farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for farmers and ranchers. He has worked to ensure that these bills include provisions beneficial to North Dakota’s agricultural sector.
- Trade Policies: Hoeven supports trade policies that open up international markets for American agricultural products and protect the interests of U.S. farmers.
Economic Policies:
- Tax Reform: Hoeven supports lowering taxes and reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (H.R.1) to reduce taxes for individuals and businesses.
- Government Spending: Hoeven advocates for fiscal responsibility and has supported measures to cut federal expenditures and reduce the national debt.
Healthcare:
- Market-Based Reforms: Hoeven supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with market-based solutions. He has voted for various measures aimed at increasing competition and reducing costs in the healthcare system.
- Prescription Drug Costs: Hoeven has supported efforts to lower prescription drug prices through market competition and increased transparency.
National Security and Defense:
- Defense Authorization: Hoeven supports robust national defense measures and has consistently voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
- Military Support: Hoeven advocates for policies that enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families, including improved healthcare, housing, and education benefits.
Social Issues:
- Conservative Values: Hoeven upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has supported legislation to restrict abortion access and protect religious liberties.
Senator Hoeven’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues seeks to balance economic growth and energy independence with environmental protection.