Sen. Cramer Votes Against Fish and Wildlife Service Nominee

Statement

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued the following statement after voting against Martha Williams, nominee to be the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS):

"The Fish and Wildlife Service's heavy-handed enforcement of Waterfowl Production Area easements has been a focus of mine since coming to Congress because of the blatant abuse of private property rights. In an effort to make meaningful change, I have supported both Trump and Biden Administration nominees, and I have brought them to North Dakota to hear directly from agricultural producers and landowners. Each time, I have appreciated the conversation and have heard the promises to resolve issues. While some progress has been made, North Dakotans feel like they have been strung along by an intransigent bureaucracy.

"I had a good discussion with Ms. Williams and appreciate her commitment to review the enforcement process and appeals; however, after all the interaction North Dakotans have had over the years, my constituents are looking for meaningful change. Until they see action and relief, I am a no vote."

In November, Senator Cramer met with Ms. Williams and questioned her at her nomination hearing before the EPW committee on the history of FWS's enforcement of conservation easements and its impact on North Dakota landowners and producers. Senator Cramer also hosted Assistant Secretary Shannon Estenoz in North Dakota to hear from landowners after voting for her confirmation.

Source