Kevin Cramer

On November 6, 2012, Kevin Cramer was elected to the United States House of Representatives from North Dakota's at-large congressional district. He succeeded Rick Berg. Cramer's election was part of the 2012 general election, where he ran as the Republican candidate. His platform included emphasizing energy development, reducing federal regulation, and supporting agricultural policies that favor North Dakota's economy. Cramer won with significant support from the state's rural and conservative base, beginning his political career in the national legislature.

On September 16, 2013, Congressman Kevin Cramer publicly endorsed the Keystone XL Pipeline project during a congressional hearing. His endorsement was driven by the potential economic benefits and energy security the pipeline promised to deliver to the United States, especially to energy-producing states like North Dakota. Cramer advocated for the pipeline as a means to transport Canadian crude oil to the Gulf Coast refineries safely, emphasizing that it would create jobs, boost the regional economy, and strengthen North American energy independence.

On May 30, 2015, Kevin Cramer addressed the North Dakota GOP Convention, delivering a keynote speech that highlighted his conservative political views and his legislative achievements in the U.S. House of Representatives. He spoke about the importance of reducing federal oversight in favor of state's rights, fostering economic growth through energy independence, and supporting Republican principles at every level of government. Cramer reiterated his commitment to representing North Dakota's interests at the national stage, aligning with the Republican agenda.

In the November 6, 2018, general election, Kevin Cramer was elected to the United States Senate, representing North Dakota. This election marked a significant point in Cramer's career as he moved from the House of Representatives, where he had served since 2013, to the higher responsibilities of a Senator. He ran against Democratic incumbent Heidi Heitkamp and won with a substantial margin. The campaign focused heavily on Cramer's support for President Trump's policies, particularly concerning energy, agriculture, and economic deregulation, topics vital to North Dakotans.

On December 13, 2018, the Congressional Review Act resolution aimed at overturning the FCC's decision to repeal net neutrality rules failed to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kevin Cramer, then a Congressman and incoming U.S. Senator, was among those who opposed restoring the net neutrality regulations. Cramer contended that repealing net neutrality could foster competition among internet service providers and lead to improvements in investment and innovation in internet infrastructure, crucial to supporting rural broadband access in areas like North Dakota.

Kevin Cramer was sworn in as a U.S. Senator from North Dakota on January 3, 2019. His induction into the Senate followed his victory over incumbent Senator Heidi Heitkamp in the 2018 elections. As a Senator, Cramer continued to advocate for issues central to North Dakota, such as energy production, agricultural policies, and economic deregulation. His priorities also included support for President Trump's legislative agenda, notably in areas related to infrastructure development and judicial appointments, reflecting his conservative political stance.

On March 25, 2020, Senator Kevin Cramer introduced legislation designed to provide financial support to the American oil industry amidst the unprecedented oil price crash and economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation aimed to ensure liquidity for companies to maintain operations and retain workers in North Dakota's vital energy sector. Cramer, whose state is one of the leading oil-producing regions, argued that sustaining these companies was crucial for both the state's economy and the country's energy independence.

On March 17, 2021, as the debate over the Senate filibuster intensified, Sen. Kevin Cramer vocally opposed attempts to eliminate or weaken the filibuster. Cramer argued that maintaining the filibuster was crucial to preserving the Senate's role in protecting minority party rights and encouraging bipartisan dialogue. Given the Senate was evenly split, his stance reflected Republicans' broader strategy to prevent Democratic legislative priorities from passing without negotiation. Cramer's comments came during a crucial moment as Democrats deliberated massive legislative packages under consideration.

On June 3, 2021, Senator Kevin Cramer publicly criticized the Biden administration's energy policy during a Senate committee hearing. Expressing concern over what he saw as regulatory overreach and an unfavorable stance towards fossil fuels, Cramer argued that such policies threatened North Dakota's economy, which is heavily dependent on energy production. He called for a balanced approach that would secure energy independence while also investing in green technologies responsibly. His critique aligned with broader Republican disapproval of the administration's approach to climate and energy-related issues.

On February 24, 2022, in response to the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine, Senator Kevin Cramer issued statements condemning the aggression and calling for decisive action by the United States and its allies. Cramer supported the imposition of stringent sanctions on Russia and expressed strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the importance of the U.S. leading a coordinated international response to suppress Russian expansionism. His statements resonated with those in government advocating for robust support of democratic nations under threat.