United States Senator John Hoeven for North Dakota

Hoeven: Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank Will Help North Dakota Exporters Grow

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today said the Senate’s vote to approve reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank will help U.S. and North Dakota companies better compete in a global marketplace. The measure passed by large bipartisan majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and now goes to President Obama for signature.

The Export-Import Bank supports American jobs and is a critical tool for small business to get the financing they need to export their products. The Ex-Im Bank last year helped to produce more than $41 billion in U.S. exports, supporting approximately 290,000 export-related American jobs. More than 85 percent of Ex-Im Bank’s transactions last year directly supported small businesses.

“North Dakota is a leader in export growth, with more than 300 percent growth over the last decade and 33 percent in 2011 alone,” Hoeven said. “This bill strengthens the bank, and at the same time, provides more accountability to taxpayers.”

The Export-Import Bank’s authorization was set to expire on May 31, 2012, and the bank also faced a lending cap of $100 billion. The measure passed by both chambers of Congress reauthorizes the bank for three years and raises its lending cap to $140 billion by 2014.

The measure was supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufactures and other prominent business groups.

Hoeven Congratulates North Dakota on Becoming Second-Leading Oil Producing State: Highlights Need for More Infrastructure Like Keystone XL

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement on news that North Dakota has become the second-leading oil producing state in the nation:

“Today, congratulations are in order on news that North Dakota in March became the second-leading oil producing state in America, surpassing Alaska a year before experts had predicted we would. At nearly 600,000 barrels of oil a day, our production is now second only to Texas. This increased growth is good news for North Dakota and good news for America, but it also has a real impact on the people of our state who are working so hard to meet the energy needs of the nation.

“While welcome, this growth also highlights the pressing need our state and our country has for vital energy infrastructure like the Keystone XL pipeline. We simply cannot wait four years for approval of a project that is so important in so many ways to our state and the American people.

“North Dakota is waiting to put more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day into the Keystone XL pipeline, which would take up to 500 trucks a day off the roads of western North Dakota. That will reduce wear and tear on our highways, but more importantly, it will make them safer and more drivable for the people who live and work in the area.

“Further, Americans are expected to see fuel prices of $3.80 a gallon throughout the summer driving season. At a time when nearly 14 million Americans are out of work, and millions more have stopped looking, the price of gasoline is more than an inconvenience. It’s a hardship, and we have an obligation to do something about it.

“We can start by approving the Keystone XL pipeline, which will create thousands of jobs, increase the nation’s supply of crude oil by more than 830,000 barrels every day and reduce our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. America needs this energy. America needs these jobs. America needs the Keystone XL pipeline.”

Hoeven Honors North Dakota Peace Officers Kenner and Sleeper in Congressional Record

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today entered the following statement into the Congressional Record honoring the fallen North Dakota Peace Officers Steven Kenner and Bryan Sleeper:

“Mr. President, today, people across our country observe Peace Officers Memorial Day. As we remember all of the fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while upholding justice and protecting our communities, I wish to echo the sentiments of Americans across the country in honoring the lives and exemplary service of all of the men and women who lost their lives this past year, including two North Dakota peace officers, Bismarck Police Sgt. Steven Kenner and Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper.

“Sgt. Steven Kenner served with the Bismarck Police Department for more than 32 years when he was killed in the line of duty on July 8, 2011. Sgt. Kenner was a distinguished and well respected member of the Bismarck Police Department. He also served as a decorated member of the North Dakota National Guard Military Police and founded the business C.A.R., Collision Analysis Reconstruction.

“Colleagues, friends and family knew Sgt. Kenner to be a loving, hardworking and dedicated man who served his state with great pride. He was devoted to mentoring and training his fellow officers, and his extensive knowledge and professionalism garnered the respect and admiration of his colleagues who often referred to Sgt. Kenner as a gentle giant because his stature belied his kind nature and selfless service to others.

“During Sgt. Kenner’s distinguished career, he earned several awards, including the North Dakota Peace Officers Association Lifesaving Award. Sgt. Kenner was also actively involved in his community, serving in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the Missouri Valley Fraternal Order of Police, the national trustee for North Dakota and the Midwest Association of Traffic Accident Investigators. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and children James, Stephen, Kailey, and Tayler.

“Last year, North Dakota also mourned Deputy Sheriff Bryan Sleeper who died in the line of duty on September 28, 2011. A lifelong North Dakotan, Deputy Sleeper graduated from the University of Mary in 1997, and worked at the North Dakota State Penitentiary and the Bismarck Rural Fire Department before beginning his distinguished career with the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department in 2007.

“Deputy Sleeper was an active member of his community, and his involvement – like his job – aimed to improve the wellbeing of his fellow citizens. He earned his EMT certification and taught CPR and first aid at St. Alexius Medical Center and the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department. He was also was a volunteer firefighter, member of the West Dakota SWAT team and the vice-president of the Fraternal Order of Police Missouri Valley Lodge #3 for Bismarck. At the Sheriff’s Department, he organized enforcement events including a blood drive and Christmas shopping event for children. Recognitions include the North Dakota Peace Officers Association Lifesaving Award.

“Deputy Sleeper was a hardworking, ambitious and energetic man whose kind heart and engaging personality quickly endeared him to the people he met. An athlete and outdoors enthusiast, Deputy Sleeper was a natural leader and committed family man and friend. He is survived by his wife Lana; children Branden, Jeremy and Heather; and grandson Hunter.

“This past week, North Dakotans added the names of Steven Kenner and Bryan Sleeper to the North Dakota Peace Officer Memorial located on the east side of the North Dakota State Capitol. This memorial now bears the names of 61 brave men. These North Dakota peace officers, like the other officers from across our country who have been killed in the line of duty, have earned our unyielding gratitude for their service and heroism. These brave men and women keep our communities safe and secure, and it is fitting and right that we should pay tribute to these heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Mikey and I extend our deepest sympathy to the families of all our fallen officers, especially the families of Sgt. Kenner and Deputy Sleeper. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, and we pray that they will take comfort in knowing that their loved ones served their state and fellow citizens with great honor and pride.”

Hoeven: Hope Village Helping Rebuild Minot Area

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined local, state and Hope Village officials in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of Hope Village, a newly created, first of its kind, volunteer center designed to coordinate and maximize volunteer efforts in the Minot area.

“Today’s event showcases the character and resolve of the citizens of the Minot area as well as the willingness of good Samaritans from across the state and country to help with our flood recovery efforts. Our friends and good neighbors from Canada have also volunteered,” Hoeven said. “While last summer’s flooding has severely impacted the Souris Valley region, it has not diminished the spirit of the community. Together, we have seen neighbors helping neighbors and witnessed wonderful acts of kindness from people at home and across the country. Hope Village is a tremendous example of how the Minot area is committed to successfully rebuilding, and we are grateful to the many people who have made this project a reality.”

Hope Village will serve as a central hub for individuals and organizations traveling to the Minot area to volunteer to help with ongoing flood recovery efforts. In addition to providing volunteers with basic accommodations such as housing and meals, Hope Village will better organize volunteers, provide tools and equipment, and serve as a central management location for the City of Minot, Ward County, and several faith-based organizations.

Since last month’s opening, Hope Village has helped increase the number of volunteers able to travel to the Minot area. In this timeframe, more than 1,000 volunteers, hailing from 26 states and three Canadian provinces, have provided more than 13,200 hours of service.

Hoeven Marks Keel Laying Ceremony for USS North Dakota

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

NORTH KINGSTON, R.I. – Senator Hoeven today joined US Navy officials and North Dakota residents to celebrate the keel laying of the USS North Dakota, a Virginia-class nuclear submarine currently under construction and named for the state.

The laying of the keel is an important milestone in the shipbuilding process, and a ceremony is historically held to mark the occasion. In keeping with Navy tradition, today’s ceremony invited the ship’s sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of Bismarck-native retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, to have her initials welded into a section of the ship’s hull. The Fowlers are part of a larger group of North Dakotans, many of whom attended today’s ceremony, who comprise the USS North Dakota Committee. This Committee, led by its chairman Judge Robert Wefald, has long worked to name a ship to honor the service and sacrifice of North Dakota military servicemembers and veterans. In the summer of 2008, then governor Hoeven, the congressional delegation and members of the Committee met with Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter to secure the designation of a Virginia-class submarine as the USS North Dakota.

“This is a banner day for the State of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “We are honored to have this new submarine named for our state. It will serve as a fitting and lasting tribute to the many North Dakotans who have so honorably served our country. We are also grateful to the many individuals who have worked so hard to make this project a reality. Their efforts will ensure that this submarine bearing our state name will play a proud role in the largest – and greatest – battle fleet in the world.”

Virginia-class submarines are next-generation nuclear attack submarines designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. The submarines incorporate latest technological advancements, including sophisticated surveillance capabilities and a built-in reactor plant that will fuel the submarine throughout the duration of its estimated 33-year service life expectancy.

The USS North Dakota is slated to be fully assembled in 2013 and commissioned in 2014. To date, this is the second ship named in honor of North Dakota. The first, the Delaware-class USS North Dakota, operated from 1910 to 1923.

Hoeven Meets with Lt. Gen. James Kowalski to Address Ongoing Priorities For Minot Air Force Base

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven met late Wednesday with Lt. General James Kowalski, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, for an update on projects and enhancements underway on the Minot Air Force Base. The Air Force Global Strike Command is charged with providing combat ready forces to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations, and Minot Air Force Base falls under the jurisdiction of the Command.

“Our men and women at Minot Air Force Base do a tremendous job not only defending our nation but also helping when needed on the civil side, as they did during the city’s severe flooding last year,” Hoeven said. “We need to ensure that they have all the tools and equipment they need to defend our nation and our people, both now and well into the future.”

The senator and general discussed technical and infrastructure upgrades to the Minot Air Force Base’s B-52 Bomber and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) missions. The base hosts 150 Minuteman III missiles and two squadrons of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers. As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Hoeven worked to pass legislation in December for projects to enhance the base’s two missions.

B-52 MISSION

General Kowalski said the base is making good progress on a project to modify B-52 aircraft to carry smart weapons internally in its bomb bay, rather than on the wing, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and range.

In addition, implementation of the full Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) program is also moving ahead. CONECT will give the B-52 greater satellite communications capabilities, improve the aircraft’s ability to use mission and target data and allow the B-52 to change missions and re-target weapons systems during flight.

MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER PROJECTS

Also underway at the base are construction of a new B-52 maintenance dock, B-52 munitions maintenance facility and a 168-room dormitory. In addition to the new B-52 facilities, a new 168-room dormitory is also moving ahead. Renovations to the runway and a new control tower are also progressing well, Kowalski said.

ICBM MISSION

Hoeven again expressed strong support for a robust nuclear weapons capability through maintaining all three “legs” of the “nuclear triad,” including land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and nuclear-capable heavy bomber jets.

The Air Force Global Strike Command’s six wings control the nation’s entire inventory of Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, B-2 and B-52 bomber aircraft.

Hoeven Makes the Case for Keystone Pipeline, Coal Ash Provisions in Final Highway Bill

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Bipartisan Measures Should be Included on their Merits, Senator Says...

Hoeven, Conrad Oppose Corps Plan to Charge for Surplus Water on Lake Sakakawea

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

There Will Be No Storage Charge While Public Provides Input, Senators Say...

Hoeven Statement on TransCanada's Reapplication for Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

President Obama Needs to Work with Congress...

Hoeven: Alliance, Aux Sable Working on Pipeline Project to Capture More Natural Gas, Reduce Flaring in North Dakota

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today said Alliance Pipeline is making progress on a new natural gas pipeline to connect the Tioga gas plant and surrounding wells to the Alliance mainline near Sherwood, North Dakota. The new system, the Tioga Lateral, will help to reduce flaring in the state and has an initial design capacity of approximately 120,000 Mcf/day. The liquids-rich natural gas will be shipped onward to the Aux Sable Liquids Products gas processing plant in Illinois and an Alliance gas marketing hub.

“This new pipeline project is important infrastructure that will help North Dakota to produce more energy, with better environmental stewardship,” said Hoeven. “Our producers will be able to reduce flaring and move more natural gas to market. This investment in energy infrastructure is a win-win for the economy, for job growth and the environment.”

Hoeven met with Stephen Wuori, Enbridge, Inc. President of Liquids Pipelines, to review the project. The approximately 79-mile pipeline is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2013, subject to regulatory and other required approvals. Alliance Pipeline is jointly owned by Enbridge Inc. and Veresen Inc. Enbridge, Veresen and Williams Partners are owners of Aux Sable.

Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy Committee, thanked Enbridge and other partners of the Alliance Pipeline and Aux Sable for establishing innovative gas processing and distribution strategies in North Dakota that create value-added markets for North Dakota natural gas and natural gas liquids, while reducing the effects of flaring on the environment.

In 2007 and 2009, then-Governor Hoeven signed into law legislation that incentivized investment to capture natural gas. According to the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, from 2006 to 2011, natural gas processing companies will have more than tripled their ability to turn North Dakota’s valuable natural gas resources into a safe and clean energy source for America.

Hoeven Brings NRCS Chief to ND to Find Fair, Workable Guidelines for Designating Wetlands on Farms and Ranches

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WEST FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today met with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White and leaders of North Dakota’s agriculture and commodity groups to discuss fair and workable guidelines for designating wetlands on North Dakota farms and ranches. Hoeven invited White to North Dakota to receive input from the state’s agriculture leaders on a regional policy for wetlands determinations.

Producers have shared concerns with Senator Hoeven that implementation of wetlands compliance laws have been unclear and inconsistent. Producers are concerned that the rules are being applied differently from state to state and that heavy precipitation during recent years throughout much of the state is resulting in wetlands being incorrectly designated.

The group discussed potential solutions to address these concerns and to provide consistent and fair guidelines for determining wetlands. These proposals include:

Using a 30-year history of wetland mapping as a baseline for establishing normal conditions on farmlands. This baseline could use precipitation data from 1970-2000, spanning the 15 years before and after the 1985 conservation compliance requirements were established, with high and low precipitation years discarded to represent a reasonable average.
Allowing the use of historic maps from 1985 to the mid-1990’s to get a more realistic portrait of North Dakota wetlands.

“We’re encouraged that the NRCS is working toward a more consistent and sensible set of rules for wetland designations, and I appreciate Chief White meeting with representatives from our state’s agriculture and commodity groups today,” Hoeven said. “Our producers need reasonable designations that reflect long-term conditions on their farms and ranches. They want to be able to improve their land with good stewardship practices, but they also need reasonable designations that allow them to maintain productive farmland when appropriate.”

Hoeven encouraged Chief White to incorporate feedback from today’s meeting as the agency continues working on a regional policy, which must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Agriculture before being issued.

Hoeven also provided the state’s agriculture leaders with an update on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s 2012 Farm Bill. The legislation, which was approved by the committee last Thursday, finds savings of $23 billion while providing critical risk management tools for producers and investing in farmers’ futures with strong energy and research titles.

Hoeven Honors Deploying Guard Members, Families at Send-Off Ceremony

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the community in honoring members of a Williston-based North Dakota National Guard unit deploying soon for a mission in Afghanistan. Hoeven commended the soldiers and their families for their service to the country and thanked them for their sacrifices at a send-off ceremony at the Bismarck Civic Center.

“The members of the 818th Engineer Company deserve our thanks and praise,” Hoeven said. “These soldiers represent the best of our state, and we know they will show skill and honor as they begin their mission in Afghanistan. We are proud of their service. We support their mission. And we look forward to welcoming each of these soldiers home when they have completed their work.”

Nearly 100 members of the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), which is based in Williston with a detachment in Hazen, will deploy on a year-long mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The soldiers will train first at Fort Bliss, Texas, before continuing their service in Afghanistan.

Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.

Hoeven Congratulates Ed Schafer on Service to State and Nation

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

USDA Unveils Schafer Portrait in Washington, D.C....

Walter Reed Memorial Hospital

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

April 2012- Senator Hoeven joins Mayor Dan Stenvold of Park River, N.D. to present handmade walking sticks, made by Dennis and Phyllis Enger of Park River, to U.S. service members including Marine Cpl. Tyler Southern at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Hoeven: Senate Agriculture Bill Provides Both Good Support For Farmers and Deficit Reduction

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today said the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s 2012 Farm Bill has the safety net farmers and ranchers need to continue feeding and fueling our nation, while saving $23 billion to help address the country’s budget deficit. The measure was passed out of committee today by a vote of 16 to 5.

“Good farm policy benefits every single American in this country,” Hoeven said. “The bill we passed out of committee today will strengthen our farm sector and support North Dakota priorities, while saving dollars and helping to reduce the nation’s deficit. The bill includes a strong farm safety net, cutting-edge research and ag-based energy initiatives that will help our producers continue to provide the lowest cost, highest quality food, fiber and fuel in the world.”

Senator Hoeven worked on the Agriculture Committee to advance the following North Dakota priorities:

A strong farm safety net that enhances crop insurance and, which is the number-one priority for farmers and ranchers.
A farm level shallow loss program, which is critical to states, like North Dakota, with large counties. Senator Hoeven worked with Senators Conrad and Baucus to improve the regional equity of farm programs to ensure they work for North Dakota farmers who face exposure to yield losses. This bipartisan amendment, which was adopted by the full committee, provides producers the option for either farm level or county level coverage.
Continuation of the no-cost sugar program.
Continuation of livestock assistance programs for ranchers.
Along with Senators Conrad and Lugar, Hoeven cosponsored and helped secure an energy amendment that provides $800 million for renewable energy projects that advance cellulosic ethanol and blender pumps.
Senator Hoeven helped secure the Terminal Lakes Assistance program authorizing a voluntary land purchase program that helps landowners impacted by flooding in the Devils Lake Basin.
The bill includes key North Dakota research critical to land grant universities like North Dakota State University.

Hoeven: Tony Clark Approved by Senate Energy Committee for FERC Appointment

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Clark Nomination Goes to Full Senate for Confirmation...

Hoeven Discusses Keystone Pipeline, Energy Infrastructure with Stuart Varney

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

On April 25, Sen. John Hoeven joins Stuart Varney to discusss his appointment to the conference committee charged with reconciling the Senate and House versions of the surface transportation reauthorization bill. The House version includes two key provisions Hoeven introduced in the Senate: the Keystone XL pipeline bill and the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act, which will recycle coal ash.

Hoeven Statement on Passage of the 21st Century Postal Service Act

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after passage this afternoon of the 21^st Century Postal Service Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 62 to 37:

“This afternoon the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill that will help solve the financial challenges facing the United States Postal Service. It will ensure that universal service continues for the American people, while encouraging innovation and more market-based practices. It will also reduce the Postal Service’s cost of operating by $98 billion to help move the organization toward solvency so that it can continue to serve the citizens and businesses of our country.

“This bill will enable the Postal Service make much needed changes to remain solvent in a way that works for North Dakota and other rural parts of our country by retaining universal service for rural America as well as urban areas.

“Based on the overnight delivery standard required in the legislation, we believe Minot will retain its processing facility. Also, the Devils Lake processing center will be further evaluated, and the Grand Forks processing center will continue to operate. In addition, the legislation retains rural post offices for one year and provides that a rural post office cannot be closed unless there is adequate provision made for similar services.

“Today, the U.S. Senate met a challenge together with bipartisan cooperation. It offered a solution to a problem incorporating ideas and suggestions from both sides of the aisle that will help to ensure that the people of our country have reliable postal services.”

Delegation Makes the Case for North Dakota as a UAS Test Range Site

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Selection as Training Ground Would Cement State as National Hub for UAS Development, Delegation says...

Hoeven Meets with Director of Indian Health Services to Address Health and Social Service Issues for Spirit Lake Nation

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today met with Director of Indian Health Services (IHS) Dr. Yvette Roubideaux to address concerns surrounding social services for the Spirit Lake Nation. The actions come following a letter of concern from Michael R. Tilus, PsyD, MP, Director of Behavioral Health at the Spirit Lake Health Center to Sue Settle, Chief of the Division of Human Services for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Dr. Roubideaux indicated that she and officials of the Bureau of Indian Affairs are working with the Spirit Lake Tribal Council to ensure its social service programs are properly managed to avoid putting children and families at risk. She said the tribe has hired a new director and that the issues are being addressed. Dr. Roubideaux also assured the senator that IHS will continue to make child welfare referrals to tribal social services, as required by law.

“We want to ensure that the people, and especially the children, of the Spirit Lake Nation are receiving good care,” Hoeven said. “I urged Dr. Roubideaux to ensure that cases are handled properly and children are being kept safe. We’re also working to contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal agencies that oversee these programs to make sure that they are also doing all they can to ensure the health and safety of the people of the Spirit Lake Nation.”

The IHS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Hoeven serves on U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.