Peace Garden News

The Senate Armed Services Committee has announced that U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, will take on the role of Chairman of the Airland Subcommittee for the 119th Congress.

This subcommittee is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, providing Senator Cramer with a direct connection to North Dakota's Air Force bases located in Grand Forks and Minot. Additionally, the subcommittee oversees the National Guard and Reserve. In North Dakota, there are nearly 4,000 Guard soldiers and airmen distributed across various units, including the 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment based in Grand Forks and the 119th Air Wing "Happy Hooligans" situated in Fargo.

Senator Cramer expressed his thoughts on his new position by stating: “You couldn’t exaggerate the importance of the Armed Services Committee’s Airland Subcommittee right now.” He added that it plays a crucial role in ensuring national defense, particularly noting North Dakota's significant contributions through its Air Force and Army capabilities under the subcommittee's jurisdiction. "North Dakota’s B-52 bombers, the RQ-4s, the MQ-9s, the UH-60s, and the UH-72 aircraft are all legacy contributions that are mightily important to our first constitutional responsibility, the common defense of the nation," he remarked. Cramer also emphasized his eagerness to lead this essential subcommittee to ensure servicemembers and the country are well-equipped to tackle pressing threats from adversaries.

Apart from chairing this subcommittee, Senator Cramer will also participate in other Senate Armed Services Subcommittees focusing on Strategic Forces, Readiness, and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Further details can be accessed on the SASC website.