Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement after voting to confirm Michael Connor as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. In his role, Mr. Connor will oversee the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline. He was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 92-5.
“After conversations with him and his committee hearing, it is clear Mr. Connor understands what North Dakota, and other western states, need when it comes to states’ water rights. He also publicly committed to keep political bias out of the decision making process as it relates to DAPL. After the riots and protests in 2016, our state knows better than most how devastating the impacts of Washington’s interference can be. I take Mr. Connor at his word when he says he understands the importance of his role and I appreciate his depth of experience with these issues. For these reasons I decided to vote for his confirmation today, and I look forward to working with him down the road.”