News Releases
Hoeven, Conrad Launch 14-Member Missouri River Working Group To Improve Flood Control, River Management
WASHINGTON - Senators John Hoeven, Kent Conrad and senators from 7 other states today convened the first meeting of the "Missouri River Working Group," a cooperative coalition of lawmakers working to improve flood control along the Missouri River and address flood impacts on local communities. The 14-member group is working specifically to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers can adequately fight current flooding throughout the river basin, assess the factors that led to this year's extensi… Continue Reading
07.13.11
Delegation Announces More than $275,000 in Funding to Help Boost North Dakota Manufacturing
Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg announced today that the Dakota Manufacturing Extension Partnership will receive a federal grant totaling more than $275,000 to continue efforts to strengthen and grow manufacturing in North Dakota. "In order to create jobs and revenue in our state, it is important to continue expanding and improving the businesses that call North Dakota home," the delegation said in a joint statement. "The North Dakota MEP does jus… Continue Reading
07.12.11
Hoeven Statement on the Death of Sergeant Kenner
BISMARCK - Senator John Hoeven extended his condolences today to the family and friends of Sergeant Steven Kenner, who was shot and killed July 8 while responding to a domestic disturbance call. "As longtime residents of Bismarck, Mikey and I are deeply saddened by Sergeant Kenner's tragic death. His family, friends and neighbors, and the Bismarck Police Department are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. North Dakota is consistently ranked as one of the safest states in the … Continue Reading
07.08.11
Hoeven, VA Secretary Shinseki Meet With State Vet Leaders
FARGO, N.D. - Senator John Hoeven today hosted U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki in Fargo, where the secretary toured the Gladys Ray Veterans Drop-In Center and met with leadership of North Dakota veteran services organizations. Shinseki is in North Dakota at Sen. Hoeven's request. Earlier this week Shinseki met with Native American Veterans in Bismarck. Hoeven was unable to attend that meeting due to changes in the U.S. Senate's schedule related to debt ceiling negotiations in … Continue Reading
07.08.11
Hoeven Requests USDA Allow Emergency Haying and Grazing for North Dakota Producers Impacted by Flooding
WASHINGTON - In a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senator John Hoeven today requested that the national Farm Service Agency (FSA) permit emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land for North Dakota counties affected by severe flooding as soon as possible. While the USDA awaits data on the level of hay and pasture loss from the state FSA office, the Senator also asked that the agency consider not only the level of precipitation a particu… Continue Reading
07.08.11
Delegation Announces More Than $800,000 in Nursing Grants for North Dakota Universities
Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg announced today that North Dakota State University and University of North Dakota will receive more than $800,000 in federal grants to promote advanced nursing education and to increase diversity in nursing programs. "In order for North Dakota medical facilities to continue providing high quality care to citizens it is important to focus on educating and recruiting the next generation of health care providers," the de… Continue Reading
07.08.11
Hoeven Congratulates Makoti Native Everett Dobrinski For White House Award
WASHINGTON - Senator Hoeven congratulated North Dakota farmer and businessman Everett Dobrinski today for his recognition by the White House as a "Champion of Change." Dobrinski is being honored for his contributions to his state and community. "Everett Dobrinski embodies North Dakota's hardworking spirit," Hoeven said. "Through agribusiness leadership and community engagement, he makes his hometown and the State of North Dakota a better place to live and do business." Dobrinski owns and op… Continue Reading
07.07.11
Hoeven: Control Spending, Promote Pro-Business Environment to Address Debt and Deficit Before Raising Debt Ceiling
WASHINGTON - As the deadline for raising the country's debt ceiling approaches Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to address the need to reduce the nation's debt and deficit. "The United States is the strongest country in the world - in the history of the world - but not for long if we don't solve our debt and deficit crisis," Hoeven said. "It is vital we solve it for our generation - it is vital for future generations as well." Hoeven said the wealth - the econo… Continue Reading
07.06.11
Delegation Announces More Than $1.7 Million for North Dakota Airports
Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg announced today that two airports in North Dakota will receive grants totaling more than $1.7 million for expansion and improvements. "Safe and accessible airports are essential for continued economic growth in our state, especially in western North Dakota with the energy boom " the delegation said in a joint statement. "These are smart investments. By improving and maintaining the quality of the airports in Bismarck… Continue Reading
07.04.11
Statement of Senator John Hoeven on Independence Day 2011
BISMARCK, N.D. - Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in commemoration of our nation's independence: "The Fourth of July is a celebration of our nation's birth, but just as importantly, it is an occasion to reflect on what our nation represents: liberty, justice and opportunity for all. From a small collection of loosely associated colonies, we have become a beacon of unity, strength and hope for millions of freedom-loving people throughout the world. From the many, we have… Continue Reading
07.01.11
Conrad, Hoeven Help Lay Groundwork for Flood Recovery Effort
Minot - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven returned home to North Dakota today to get a firsthand look at flood recovery efforts in Minot and brief local leaders on efforts to secure federal disaster assistance. "As the Souris begins to recede, we are beginning to get a real sense of the tremendous devastation this flood caused. The road to recovery will be long. We will face some hurdles along the way. But we will recover. We will rebuild. And we will do it together," Senator Conrad said… Continue Reading
06.30.11
Hoeven: Prevented Plant Decision Step in Right Direction
WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today said USDA's Risk Management Agency's (RMA) decision to extend the eligibility for prevented planting coverage from one in three years to one in four is a step in the right direction. Hoeven has been pressing RMA for more flexible rules that will benefit farmers throughout the state who have suffered losses owing to prolonged flooding. The new rule will be helpful to Devils Lake producers, who have experienced heavy rains for two consecutive years and have… Continue Reading
06.30.11
Congressional Delegation Presses DOT Secretary for Federal Aid for ND's Flooded Transportation System
Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg met today with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to highlight the devastation floodwaters have caused to North Dakota's transportation system and push for federal aid to protect a key rail line threatened by the rising waters of Devils Lake. "North Dakota has been hit and hit hard this year by a series of natural disasters. Our state's transportation infrastructure has been seriously damaged and we will need a… Continue Reading
06.30.11
Hoeven Statement on Confirmation Of Gen. David Petraeus
WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement today upon U.S. Senate approval of General David Petraeus as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency: "Throughout his extensive military career, General Petraeus has proven himself as a leader with a deep dedication to the safety and security of our country. I met with the general this spring in Afghanistan and am confident in his ability to lead our nation's intelligence agency. General Petraeus brings a clear knowle… Continue Reading
06.30.11
Hoeven, Conrad Form Missouri River Working Group to Improve Flood Control Management
WASHINGTON -Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad launched the "Missouri River Working Group" today in an effort to improve flood control along the Missouri River and address the impact for local communities. The new bipartisan group, which is set to convene its first meeting during the week of July 11, 2011, will work together to address issues related to flood control, examine the best ways to protect people and property, and seek solutions to avoid similar flooding in the years to come. Se… Continue Reading
06.30.11
Hoeven Backs Minot Air Force Base Construction Projects
WASHINGTON- Senator John Hoeven today worked to ensure the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act includes the almost $68 million requested by the Air Force for construction projects at Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which passed the funding bill and sent it to the full Senate for approval. The legislation includes $34 million for a B-52 maintenance dock, $11.8 million for a B-52 munitions maintenance f… Continue Reading
06.29.11
Delegaion Welcomes IA Designation For Morton, Renville, McHenry Counties
WASHINGTON - Senators John Hoeven and Kent Conrad and Congressman Rick Berg today welcomed notification by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that Morton, Renville and McHenry counties will now be eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) program. FEMA had earlier approved only Ward and Burleigh counties for IA. The delegation has been working to secure the designation for additional counties. Yesterday they again called on U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and… Continue Reading
06.29.11
Hoeven Speaks In Support Of U.S. Balanced Budget Amendment on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate in support of the Balanced Budget Amendment he is cosponsoring, saying high spending and debt impedes job growth and economic opportunity. Hoeven said 49 states have some form of balanced budget requirement, and 46 states are expected to end their fiscal year with a balanced general fund budget. By contrast, the nation currently has revenues of $2.2 trillion, but expenditures of $3.7 trillion, leaving a $1.5 trillion … Continue Reading
06.28.11
Hoeven: DHS Secretary Napolitano Agrees to Review Additional Counties For Individual Assistance
WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today spoke with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who has agreed to review additional counties for inclusion in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program. Napolitano said she is sending FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino to North Dakota tomorrow to oversee a reevaluation of Morton, Renville and McHenry counties over the course of the week. She said the agency would continue to work on the Devils Lake B… Continue Reading
06.28.11
Hoeven: Hess Corp. $1 Million Donation Puts Flood Recovery Fund-Raising Effort Well Underway
WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today spoke with Hess Corp. CEO and Board Chairman John Hess, who said the company is donating $1 million to North Dakota's flood relief effort. Hess will donate $750,000 to the Minot Area Community Foundation and $250,000 to the North Dakota Community Foundation. Hess Corp. is a major oil and gas company operating in western North Dakota. The Hess donation, combined with an initial $250,000 donation from the Minot Area Community Foundation, means the Minot Are… Continue Reading
