GRAND FORKS, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp spoke today at a symposium on U.S.-Russia relations that the Wilson Center hosted in North Dakota, making the case for Grand Forks to play a key role in keeping the U.S. safe through a strong, smart Arctic policy. Heitkamp also reinforced the need for robust congressional investigations and independent law enforcement probes into Russian meddling in the U.S. democratic process.

Heitkamp invited two experts from the Wilson Center—former U.S. ambassador to Georgia and Belarus Kenneth Yalowitz, and Kennan Institute Director Matthew Rojansky—to come to North Dakota to host a discussion about the Arctic because of Grand Forks Air Force Base’s potential for Arctic missions. Co-hosted by the University of North Dakota, the talk also featured Dr. Paul Sum, chairman of the UND department of political science and public administration. Students, faculty and administrators from the UND attended, as well as Grand Forks leaders and members of the public.

“Russia may seem like it’s a world away, but as these experts on Russia explained, U.S.-Russia relations impact our lives and security every day—and Grand Forks could be instrumental in maintaining stability in our tense relationship with Russia,” said Heitkamp. “Grand Forks has a phenomenal northern tier Air Force base that is well positioned for future Arctic missions. When I sit down with Air Force leaders, I always mention how perfectly suited Grand Forks and its Global Hawk mission are to missions that would strengthen America’s position as the Arctic opens up. This symposium was also a chance to talk about some of the threats Russia presents. We must hold Russia accountable for trying to interfere in our elections. Every American should want to get to the bottom of what happened. It would play into Russia’s hands to make this a partisan issue. Congress needs to put national security over party politics by committing to serious, thorough investigations of Russian interference in our democratic process.”

After the morning conversation hosted by UND and the Wilson Center, Heitkamp hosted a community meeting bringing together Grand Forks and Air Force leaders with the Wilson Center experts to talk more about Grand Forks and how the base could leverage its strengths to attract an Arctic mission. As the Arctic opens up, Heitkamp is working to bring more attention to the region, highlight its strategic importance to the U.S., and reinforcing the need for increased American leadership in the region.

Heitkamp has long supported strong national security policies that keep American families and North Dakota communities safe—including through critical investments in North Dakota’s Air Force installations. Earlier this month, Heitkamp spoke at a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing assessing sanctions on Russia, where she questioned expert witnesses about how the U.S. can use strong, smart national security policies to counter Russia and keep America safe.

Heitkamp has also worked to reinforce the suitability of Grand Forks and Minot Air Force bases for future Arctic missions given their infrastructure, current missions, and proximity to the Arctic.

Earlier this month, Heitkamp secured a commitment from Heather Wilson, the nominee to serve as secretary of the Air Force, to visit North Dakota’s bases if confirmed so she can see how well-positioned they are for future Arctic missions. In December 2016, Heitkamp also secured a commitment from new U.S. Northern Command leader General Lori Robinson to visit Grand Forks Air Force Base and review its activities. Heitkamp invited General Robinson, who also leads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), so she can see the base’s potential for Arctic missions and its innovation in remotely piloted aircraft operations up close.

Heitkamp has also worked to make sure the U.S. carefully investigates Russian interference in the U.S. democratic process through congressional committees and law enforcement probes.

Last month, Heitkamp joined six other senators in urging the chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs—a committee Heitkamp sits on—to launch a full investigation of Russian interference in the U.S. democratic process. She also called on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to follow U.S. Department of Justice guidance and recuse himself from the law enforcement investigation into Russian interference.

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