Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
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BISMARCK — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Committees on Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC), delivered remarks at the Officer and Enlisted Associations of the North Dakota National Guard Annual Conference. He expressed his appreciation for the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) and provided an overview of pertinent policy priorities.
“Our National Guard stands on the shoulders of those who earned our freedom in the first place – those who fought in the Revolutionary War,” said Senator Cramer. “Freedom is not something maintained without diligence, and I thank our Guard members for their unwavering service.”
In his remarks, Senator Cramer discussed legislative opportunities to support the NDNG, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) preparation, and his capacities on SASC and SVAC. He also addressed the importance of extending TRICARE Reserve Select coverage for all Reserve and National Guard members.
Background:
Senator Cramer’s Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, which was signed into law last Congress, ensures state veterans’ cemeteries can bury Reservists and National Guard members, while maintaining eligibility for federal grants. As a result, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) earlier this month awarded North Dakota $1,860,775 to expand the state veterans cemetery in Mandan. In 2022, Senator Cramer wrote an op-ed underscoring the urgency of the bill.
Additionally, he talked about the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act, which would enhance education benefits for the National Guard and Reserves by redefining training calculations. It passed SVAC last year, and Senator Cramer looks forward to advancing it this Congress.
Finally, Senator Cramer highlighted NDNG’s unique position and mission. He referenced a recent SASC hearing which recognized the National Guard’s space talents and the potential to bring Members into the U.S. Space Force fold.