John Hoeven

Today, we secured a first-of-its kind agreement between @UofNorthDakota and @DeptofWar’s Joint Inter Agency Task Force 401 to leverage UND’s expertise and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to develop and evaluate counter-drone tech. UND will serve as the task force's clearinghouse, sorting out the technologies to meet DoW’s needs, and help protect our military and national security.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced Project ATLAS, an unmanned research initiative he worked to fund and establish between the University of North Dakota (UND), NASA, the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG). Project ATLAS is a new DoW initiative to integrate the capabilities of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and incorporate them into daily training, base support and combat operations. UND will work with NASA to conduct experiments to achieve this goal with support from the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG), which will provide access to its range at Camp Grafton. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured nearly $2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 to launch Project ATLAS. Of this, $1 million will support UND and NASA’s operations, while $750,000 will go to the Guard to support activities at Camp Grafton. Hoeven continues working to secure additional funding for the initiative in FY2027. Project ATLAS’s first task is to identify a ground vehicle to use in future experiments. Next week, the DoW will host a joint unmanned ground vehicle demonstration event, known as Groundbreaker, at Camp Grafton, where the capabilities of various vehicles will be evaluated for inclusion in the initiative. Once a vehicle is selected, NASA and UND will develop experiments linking the UGV and UAS with a focus on improving local base security and logistics. Over time, Project ATLAS will take on increasingly complex tasks, building toward the capability for a single operator to use UAS and UGV systems simultaneously, with the aircraft and ground vehicles collaborating autonomously to accomplish a wide range of objectives, such as: Assisting with maintenance operations. Equipment or supply deliveries. Responding to security threats. “Project ATLAS, a new partnership between UND, NASA, the Department of War and the North Dakota National Guard, is the result of all the unmanned capabilities we have developed and serves as a logical next step in the growth of our UAS ecosystem. By combining the capabilities of unmanned aircraft with unmanned ground vehicles, we can meet the logistical and security needs of our military and accelerate our leadership in autonomy, with missions from the ground all the way up into space,” said Hoeven. “Today’s discussion with NASA Administrator Isaacman and General Guetlein fits perfectly with the launch of Project ATLAS. We appreciate their attendance at the UAS Summit, as it provides an opportunity to discover new avenues to leverage our expertise in unmanned technology to meet the defense challenges of tomorrow and keep moving the ball forward on our nation’s drone, counter-drone and space capabilities.” UAS Summit Hoeven made the announcement as part of his remarks at the UAS Summit today in Grand Forks, where the senator was joined by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and General Mike Guetlein, Director of Golden Dome for America (GDA). Hoeven invited Isaacman and Guetlein to the state as part of his efforts to strengthen North Dakota’s role as a leader in drone and counter-drone technology and space operations, building on 20 years of efforts to establish the state as a leader in unmanned technology. The senator emphasized the progress the state has made since kicking off this effort as governor in 2006, when he worked to fund and establish UND’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research, Education and Training. Since that time, Hoeven has worked to bring together federal, state, university, military and commercial partners to advance this emerging sector in North Dakota. Among others, these partners include: The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which was created through legislation Hoeven passed in 2012. The Grand Forks Air Force Base. GrandSKY, a first of its kind UAS business and technology park adjacent to the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Hoeven worked to advance an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) between Grand Forks County and the Air Force to establish GrandSKY. The University of North Dakota. The U.S. Department of War. The Space Development Agency. The Test Resource Management Center. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Earlier this year, Hoeven secured access to the FAA’s unfiltered radar data feed for the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the only non-federal entity to have such access. NASA. Hoeven first partnered the state’s UAS ecosystem with NASA in 2016, when he secured North Dakota’s role in the agency’s unmanned traffic management (UTM) research program. A wide range of businesses, from small startups to international corporations. -###-

Project ATLAS, a new partnership between @UofNorthDakota, @NASA, @DeptofWar and the @NDNationalGuard, is the result of all the unmanned capabilities we have developed in our state and is a logical next step in the growth of our UAS ecosystem. We secured nearly $2 million to launch this initiative, combining unmanned aircraft and ground vehicles to meet our military’s logistical and security needs while advancing our leadership in autonomy. My discussion at the UAS Summit today with @NASAAdmin Isaacman and General Guetlein fits perfectly with the launch of this new initiative.

North Dakota farmers work hard every day to feed our nation and the world while carrying on a proud agricultural tradition. On #nationalfarmersday we recognize and thank them for all they do for our state and country. https://t.co/YPeKq3T8PM

Great having my friend Senator @JohnBoozman in North Dakota last week! Appreciate his partnership in supporting our farmers and ranchers and advancing agricultural research and innovation. Thanks to Senator Boozman for highlighting our work at @theGrandFarm in his new op-ed for @inforum. https://t.co/SKDkfiwf1P

Proud to join North Dakotans at the ND March for Life event in Bismarck today. Every life has inherent value and deserves to be protected. We’ll continue defending the unborn and advancing policies that give mothers, children, and families the support they need to thrive. https://t.co/fQB8OZ0ePs

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today spoke with and thanked students participating in the annual North Dakota March for Life in Bismarck, ahead of their march to the North Dakota State Capitol. “Every life has inherent value and deserves to be protected. I’m grateful to the North Dakotans who continue to stand up for the unborn and support mothers and families. We’ll continue defending the unborn and advancing policies that give mothers, children and families the support they need to thrive,” said Hoeven. Hoeven continues advocating for pro-life positions in the U.S. Senate, including by cosponsoring the following pro-life legislation this Congress: Life at Conception Act: Legislation recognizing that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being at all stages of life. Unborn Child Support Act: Legislation allowing mothers to receive child support payments while pregnant, beginning at conception. No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act: Legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Legislation Hoeven helped introduce with Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) requiring health care providers to give life-saving care to newborns who survive an abortion attempt. Support and Value Expectant (SAVE) Moms and Babies Act: Legislation to reinstate in-person dispensing requirements to protect against harmful chemical abortion drugs. Hyde Amendment 50th Anniversary Resolution: A resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, recognizing its longstanding prohibition on federal funding for abortions. -###-

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $425,000 to the High Plains Fair Housing Center. The senator worked with HUD officials to release the grant, which is the third year of funding under a Fair Housing Initiatives Program agreement that began in 2023. “This funding will help the High Plains Fair Housing Center continue to serve individuals and families, including veterans and those with disabilities, in the region,” said Hoeven. “Working with High Plains has been one part of our efforts to ensure that North Dakotans have access to safe, affordable and quality housing.” “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Hoeven and his staff for their persistence in helping move this funding forward. This grant allows High Plains Fair Housing Center to continue the work we have been doing across North Dakota—helping people remain safely and stably housed. After months of uncertainty, this funding means we can focus again on what matters most: making sure North Dakotans have somewhere to turn when they experience housing discrimination,” said Michelle Rydz, Executive Director, High Plains Fair Housing Center. This grant is part of Hoeven’s work to improve housing in the state. Additionally, the senator has passed two pieces of legislation to resolve a loan issue that has been outstanding for nearly a decade and enable the Grand Forks Housing Authority (GFHA) to make needed improvements to LaGrave Place, a 66-unit affordable housing project. -###-

Badland Batteries’ new plant in Fargo is another major step forward for North Dakota’s leadership in defense manufacturing. We’ve secured more than $50 million to advance Packet Digital’s battery technology and strengthen domestic production for our military and UAS industry. This investment strengthens American manufacturing, creates high-quality jobs and reduces our dependence on foreign sources for critical technology.

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined North Dakota’s growing leadership in defense manufacturing at the grand opening of Packet Digital’s new Badland Batteries’ manufacturing facility in Fargo. Over the last six years, Hoeven has secured $52.6 million in funding from the U.S. Navy to advance Packet Digital’s work on battery research, development and manufacturing. This new 80,000-square-foot plant will manufacture battery cells for unmanned aircraft systems and other defense and commercial technologies. “Building a strong domestic battery ecosystem is critical to our nation’s economic competitiveness and national security. That’s why we’ve worked over the last six years to secure more than $50 million dollars in federal funding to advance Packet Digital’s efforts in North Dakota. Today, we’re opening the first battery cell plant in the Upper Midwest and the largest UAS-specific cell factory in the nation,” said Hoeven. “Badland Batteries’ investment in North Dakota advances our efforts to strengthen American manufacturing, create high-quality jobs, and reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical technologies. This facility demonstrates how North Dakota continues to lead in innovation and contribute to our nation’s energy and defense priorities.” As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to: Secure continued investment in Packet Digital’s battery development and domestic production work. Strengthen North Dakota’s role in defense through ongoing advanced battery manufacturing. -###-

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, murdering innocent men, women and children — including 46 Americans — and taking hundreds hostage. We remember the lives taken, stand with their families and the people of Israel, and remain committed to fighting antisemitism and defeating terrorism.

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) at North Dakota State University (NDSU) with producers, commodity groups and agriculture researchers. Hoeven invited Boozman to the state to hear directly from North Dakota farmers, ranchers, researchers and agri-businesses as the senators continue their efforts to: Advance the implementation of the farm safety net enhancements passed as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTCA), also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), which go into full effect this month. Under this legislation, reference prices for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs were increased by 10 to 20 percent. As a result, North Dakota will receive an estimated $721 million this month in payments for the 2025 crop year under ARC and PLC, according to the Senate Agriculture Committee. The updated reference prices resulted in an estimated increase of $456 million for North Dakota producers in the 2025 crop year, up from the $265 million producers would have received without the WFTCA’s passage. This comes in addition to the improvements to crop insurance affordability from Hoeven’s FARMER Act provisions, which were included in WFTCA. This will provide more than $91 million in additional premium support for North Dakota producers in 2026, according to projections from the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center. Pass the Farm Bill into law and ensure the final legislation includes key wins for agriculture producers from the Senate’s version of the bill. Hoeven and Boozman worked to ensure the Senate’s Farm Bill 2.0: Builds on and further strengthens the WFTCA farm safety net improvements. Supports the development of greater market opportunities for agriculture producers. Authorizes the year-round sale of E15. Working with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to protect domestic sugar producers and push back on foreign nations dumping into the U.S. sugar market. Hoeven led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with 112 members of Congress calling for USTR to take action in support of the American sugarbeet and sugarcane industry and has been working with Ambassador Greer to move the investigation forward. “We made significant enhancements to the farm safety net in the Working Families Tax Cut Act, improving the affordability of crop insurance, strengthening livestock disaster programs and updating the counter-cyclical safety net so it reflects the actual cost of production. This month, those policies come into full effect and deliver meaningful assistance to North Dakota producers, who are set to receive an estimated $721 million from ARC and PLC for the 2025 crop year. In times of market uncertainty and increased input costs, those funds will make a real difference for our farmers,” said Senator Hoeven. “The Senate’s Farm Bill 2.0 builds on that good work and includes more than 100 bipartisan bills to support the long-term success of our farmers and ranchers. We will continue working to move this critical legislation forward and get it passed into law.” “North Dakota farm families helped shape the Working Families Tax Cuts, and because we listened to their priorities, we made sure the law included enhancements to the farm safety net. Farmers will begin receiving those benefits this month, with North Dakota producers expected to receive $721 million in ARC and PLC payments––more than double what they would have received without this law. I’m pleased to continue working with Senator Hoeven to strengthen the future of American agriculture. Together, we’ve developed policies to support our farmers, and we’re not done. We’re committed to advancing Farm Bill 2.0 and securing additional farm assistance before the end of the year,” said Senator Boozman. Additionally, the Senate farm bill includes the following Hoeven-authored provisions: The PACE Act – Increases Farm Service Agency direct and guaranteed loan limits. The BINS Act – Adds fertilizer storage and handling infrastructure as eligible facilities under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program. The SCALE Act – Provides matching grants to support state-led soil health and wildlife habitat programs, like Governor Armstrong’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program. Prairie Dog Management – Provides greater certainty for grazing permittees by preventing prairie dog colonies from expanding beyond reasonable levels. MCOOL – Includes an amendment based on Hoeven-cosponsored legislation that requires mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. Joint Chiefs Program – Reauthorizes the program, which has provided more than $3.2 million for partnerships with private landowners to help improve and restore grasslands in North Dakota. Farm Ownership and Improvement Act – Establishes a pilot program for pre-approval and pre-qualification of FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans. Dry Edible Beans Study – Authorizes USDA to study the potential inclusion of dry edible beans as a Title I commodity. Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) – Clarifies non-adult cattle weight categories by establishing in statute, payment categories for calves weighing less than 400 pounds and 400 pounds or more. Fargo-Moorhead Crop Insurance Fix – Protects producers impacted by operation of the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project by excluding affected years from Actual Production History (APH) calculations. -###-

At @NDSU, with North Dakota producers and @SenateAgGOP Chairman @JohnBoozman to highlight the farm safety net improvements we worked to secure. ND producers are set to receive an estimated $721 million this month under enhanced ARC, PLC reference prices — meaningful assistance that will make a real difference for our farmers and ranchers.

Today, I joined Ideal Aerosmith in Grand Forks to mark the expansion of its headquarters in North Dakota. This means more good jobs, more high-tech investment, and an even stronger role for our state in UAS and national defense. We secured $6M in FY26 for the company’s UAS development work and are working to bring UAS manufacturing to Grand Forks.

WHEATLAND, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award $5 million to support the second phase of Grand Farm’s Innovation Campus. The funding will be used to construct an Indoor AgTech Test Track, which will enable the year-round testing, validation and commercialization of agricultural equipment, autonomous systems, robotics, implements and other AgTech. Hoeven worked with the EDA to advance Grand Farm’s project and spoke with EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary Ben Page last week to secure the award’s approval. Grand Farm will also use the funding to acquire a tracked tractor and a high-clearance sprayer for use in field operations, research trials and cold-weather demonstration plots. The project is currently in the design phase, with the building expected to be 15,000 sq. ft., providing a wide area for the testing of large, full-size agricultural machinery throughout the year. Hoeven stressed that this facility and equipment will give producers confidence when investing in new autonomous technologies, as they have been proven to work in real-world conditions, ultimately strengthening the resilience of the U.S. food supply chain. The track, along with the broader phase II expansion, supports Grand Farm’s role as the National Program Manager and first proving ground under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech (NPG-Ag). “With this $5 million in funding and today’s groundbreaking, we’re entering a new phase in Grand Farm’s history by providing a massive expansion of facilities and equipment so its work as an AgTech proving ground can continue on a year-round basis,” said Hoeven “The Indoor Test Track will be a central piece of Grand Farm’s cold-weather testing and demonstration work, giving their partner companies the support needed to prove these technologies can operate in severe, real-world conditions. On top of that, they are building a new Field Operations Facility, have nearly quadrupled their acreage and have even more ambitious plans in the works. Today is a marker showing that North Dakota has real momentum in AgTech.” This funding comes as part of a planned $33.7 million expansion of the Innovation Campus. To date, Grand Farm has secured $12 million in funding for the initiative, including the $5 million federal grant and $7 million in state funding. In addition to the indoor track, the phase II expansion includes: The construction of a new 8,500 sq. ft. Field Operations Facility, which Hoeven helped break ground on today. Increasing the campus footprint by 450 acres, up to a total of 590 acres. The installation of the BenchBot test platform, which was developed through the cooperative agreement with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) that Hoeven worked to establish and fund. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has secured a total of $11 million for the cooperative agreement to date. This includes $2 million of additional funding provided this year to create an ARS work site at Grand Farm. BenchBot is an autonomous, rail-based imaging system that will be used to support Grand Farm’s work as a proving ground to research weed control. Developing a Center for Electromagnetic Resilience and Autonomous Systems. Securing AGCO as an anchor tenant. The company will operate the Precision Technology Institute – North Dakota (PTI – ND) from Grand Farm. Enhancements to the existing Innovation Shop and improvements to infrastructure and accessibility across the campus. A rendering of Grand Farm’s Field Operations Facility. -###-

North Dakota and Wyoming share a proud energy legacy – and now a football rivalry! Looking forward to the first Battle of the Basins as @NDSUFootball takes on @wyo_football today in Fargo #GOBISON

Great to welcome the Joraanstad family of Fargo to DC this week. Jake and Maribeth showed incredible perseverance throughout their six-year journey to bring their daughters home from Haiti. Congratulations on being recognized as 2026 Angels in Adoption honorees! https://t.co/JRgmZ5unCP

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced his guests for the 2026 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Summit in Grand Forks, including: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. General Michael Guetlein, Director of Golden Dome for America. Hoeven invited Isaacman and Guetlein to the state as part of his efforts to advance North Dakota’s role as a leader in drone and counter-drone technology and space operations. The senator will hold a fireside chat at the summit with his two guests on the morning of Tuesday, October 13. Hoeven, Isaacman and Guetlein will then tour the University of North Dakota’s (UND) space facilities, including its simulated space habitat and space suit lab. That afternoon, they will meet with UND researchers and leaders and hold a Q&A session with university students. “North Dakota is a global leader in unmanned technology, and we are leveraging our unique UAS ecosystem to grow our state’s role in the development of counter-drone technology and the next generation of space operations. I appreciate Administrator Isaacman and General Guetlein for accepting my invitation to this year’s UAS Summit, where we will discuss these efforts and outline how our state will help ensure the U.S. is prepared to meet the defense challenges of tomorrow,” said Hoeven. -###-

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after joining his fellow Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR) members in approving the Guaranteeing Reliability through the Interconnection of Dispatchable (GRID) Power Act, legislation he introduced to help remove delays in the development of new baseload power generation projects that would improve the reliability of the electrical grid. Hoeven introduced the legislation with Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) to address lengthy delays in the interconnection queue that can prevent new dispatchable power generation from coming online. Specifically, the bill would: Following rulemaking from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), authorize regional grid operators to give priority consideration for baseload generation projects seeking an interconnection agreement. The interconnection queue is where proposed projects wait before grid operators begin conducting their feasibility and system impact studies. As of 2023, the median wait time was five years for an interconnection agreement, significantly delaying the construction of critical projects. FERC would be required to initiate rulemaking to establish this process within 90 days of the bill’s enactment and finalize the rule within 180 days. Establish a timeline of 60 days for FERC to act on baseload generation projects given priority consideration by grid operators. Timely approval of projects would help address the gap in reliable power generation created by Biden administration rules like the Clean Power Plan 2.0, which accelerated the retirement of American baseload power plants. “We need the ability to bring new baseload power online to meet growing electricity demand and ensure the reliability of our grid,” said Hoeven. “Our GRID Power Act helps cut through lengthy delays in the interconnection process so we can build the reliable dispatchable power generation our nation needs. With today’s committee approval, we are one step closer to advancing this importance legislation through the Senate.” -###-

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after voting for the Stop Insider Trading Act, legislation he is cosponsoring that would help prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers and enact SAVE America Act provisions requiring voters to provide photo identification when voting in federal elections. “These two priorities have strong support from the American people, and we should pass this legislation,” said Hoeven. “This bill builds on the current law to prevent conflicts of interest for lawmakers, and at the same time, it puts in place common sense SAVE America Act provisions to require voters to show identification when voting in a federal election. It is unfortunate that Democrats are again blocking these priorities.” Stock Trading Prohibitions Prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing securities or derivatives of publicly traded companies, while the Member is in federal service. Members who violate the prohibition are subject to a fine of $2,000 or 10% of the transaction value, whichever is greater, along with any net gain realized from the transaction. SAVE America Voter ID Requirements Requires voters to present valid physical photo identification to receive a ballot in federal elections. Accepted IDs include state driver’s license, state-issued photo ID card, U.S. passports, military or veterans’ ID, and Tribal ID. Voters voting by mail are required to either (1) submit a copy of a valid photo ID, or (2) provide last four digits of their Social Security number with an affidavit explaining why they cannot obtain ID, or (3) submit a notarized statement attesting that the individual has personally marked the ballot. -###-

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation he is cosponsoring to protect families and small businesses from paying higher energy costs to support new data center development. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved the legislation in a strong bipartisan vote of 417-3. “American families shouldn’t have to pay higher energy costs if a data center is built in their community,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation would protect consumers from these rate increases resulting from data center construction. Instead of passing on higher energy costs to families and small businesses, the Ratepayer Protection Act will help ensure that the data center is responsible for paying for the infrastructure upgrades as well as fixed costs as a result of their demand for energy. This legislation passed the House with almost unanimous support, and we’ll continue working to get Senate Democrats on board with this common-sense legislation.” Specifically, the Ratepayer Protection Act: Creates a standard for State utility commissions to enforce for large-load data centers drawing more than 100 MW of power to pay the full cost of the electricity needed to serve them. Requires large loads to provide financial assurances before grid upgrades are made. Guarantees cost recovery if a large load exits its power supply contract early. -###-

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that he has secured $5.5 million for Project ULTRA to set up a testbed at Grand Sky to develop and expand testing of drone and counter-drone technologies. Today’s funding will enable Project ULTRA to: Establish a counter-UAS (cUAS) testbed, including: Integrating cUAS technology with air traffic management systems. Conducting live and simulated UAS attack scenarios. Expand unmanned logistics flights, including: Continuing cargo flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station, which started under the project’s second Task Order. The addition of logistics flights from Grand Forks Air Force Base to Camp Grafton. Live flights under the Task Order will begin in the first half of 2027. This is the fourth Task Order awarded to the project since Hoeven first funded and established the UAS initiative through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, with the senator having secured a total of $16.4 million for the project to date. Hoeven also continues working to fund future Task Orders, which is made possible due to his efforts to increase Project ULTRA’s project ceiling to $100 million, up from $18 million. “Task Order 4 is a critical milestone for not only Project ULTRA but our efforts to advance North Dakota as a leader in counter-drone technology development. This $5.5 million award will enable the creation of a cUAS testbed, where private sector partners can work to integrate their technology with air traffic management systems. That’s an essential step for making this technology work in the real world, so we can effectively protect against the misuse of drones. We’re already testing unmanned cargo and logistics flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier and now we’ll be able to add flights between the base and Camp Grafton, a priority that will enhance the effectiveness and flexibility of military operations in all sorts of environments around the globe,” said Hoeven. -###-

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today announced that the Senate approved the Protect College Sports Act (PCSA), bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to improve fairness and stability in college athletics. The Senate passed the legislation in a strong 77-22 vote, sending the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration. “It’s become the Wild, Wild West in college sports with unlimited transfers and more and more programs being eliminated,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation is designed to improve fairness and restore stability to college athletics. The bill treats student athletes fairly – whether they’re one of the few who will go pro, or one of the 500,000 other student athletes competing while earning their degree. The Senate passed this legislation with a big, bipartisan vote and we’re hopeful the House will do the same,” said Hoeven. Hoeven has been working to build support for the legislation including at press conferences with: The Presidents and Athletic Directors of North Dakota State University (NDSU) and University of North Dakota (UND). College sports leaders and athletes from across the country, including former NDSU head football coach Craig Bohl and Adam Dugger, a current NDSU track and field student athlete. The PCSA, which was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), seeks to address issues created by the patchwork of state laws and court cases regulating college athletics. A settlement reached in 2025 under House v. NCAA allows schools to pay student athletes directly, which has put schools with fewer financial resources at a competitive disadvantage and encouraged gaming of the transfer portal. It also pressures schools to channel more funding into football and basketball, reducing resources available for students who participate in other sports programs. Accordingly, the legislation would: Better protect and benefit student athletes by: Preventing deceptive practices by agents or schools. Protecting students’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. Ensuring pro athletes can’t compete in college sports. Helping preserve support for women’s and Olympic sports. Level the playing field in college sports across all schools by: Limiting what schools can pay athletes. Preventing player- or coach-poaching. Curbing excessive transfers. Stopping Super League consolidation. Secure access for local broadcasters to ensure a free option for fans to watch games. Improve Fairness for Student Athletes Protect NIL rights by ensuring students can enter into NIL agreements and retain agents without losing scholarships or institutional support. Stop fraudulent agents and deceptive contracts by establishing a registry of certified agents and allowing sanctions against agents that exploit student athletes. Create uniform, enforceable eligibility rules for college athletes, including: Setting a cap of 5 years of playing time starting from the time of enrollment or the academic year following a student’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first. Loss of eligibility for participation in professional sports and poor academic performance, among other issues. Create new funding incentives and revenue streams to preserve support for women’s and Olympic sports. Require Division I schools to cover out-of-pocket medical costs for sports-related injuries and require all athletic programs to follow health and safety standards. Restore Fair Competition for Schools Limit compensation for student athletes and create enforceable standards on recruitment, tampering and NIL disclosures. Prevent player- and coach-poaching by: Allowing sanctions against agents that facilitate player poaching or recruit tampering. Prohibiting football coaches from quitting mid-season to be hired by another program. Curbing excessive transfers. Student athletes are guaranteed one transfer as an undergraduate without losing eligibility with certain exceptions. Stop Super League consolidation by: Prohibiting conferences with more than $700 million in revenue from consolidating with or acquiring other conferences. Limiting conference expansion to 20 entities. Allow schools to voluntarily pool media rights across conference lines. The bill also requires at least one free local broadcast option for football and basketball games in the local market of each participating school to preserve fan access to games. -###-

At the @NDStockmen convention, I outlined our work to advance key priorities for livestock producers in the Farm Bill. We’re working to build on improvements to livestock disaster programs like LIP, ELAP and LFP, while advancing better prairie dog management to protect grazers and adjacent private lands.

The Senate passed my bipartisan John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, named in honor of a UND aviation student who tragically took his own life in 2021. The bill updates the FAA’s medical certification process so pilots and air traffic controllers can seek mental health care without risking their careers. I appreciate @SenDuckworth for partnering with me on this legislation and her Aviation Medication Transparency Act. Together, these bills will make a real difference for the well-being of pilots and air traffic controllers. https://t.co/Oi1hKNlCW2