Sen. Hoeven Perpetuates a Massive Cash Grab With Continued Support of Defective Wall Builder

BISMARCK, ND — Sen. John Hoeven vouched for the experience of Fisher Industries, the North Dakota construction company that has come under fire from President Trump after building a privately funded stretch of southern border wall that is already showing signs of erosion. With support from all three of North Dakota’s congressional representatives, Fisher gained $1.7 billion in government contracts, $400,000 of which is under investigation by the Department of Defense inspector general.

Sen. Hoeven used his office to vouch for the company’s ability to complete the project it has proven it is incapable of completing. In a press release posted to his official taxpayer-funded .gov webpage, he said Fisher has “the right experience” and “will help us to efficiently and effectively build border infrastructure.” He posted pictures to the same .gov page of meeting with Fisher multiple times and has repeatedly supported them in the press.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“It’s time for Sen. Hoeven to show hard-working taxpayers where his loyalties lie. We don’t know whether he knew Fisher was ill-equipped for the job he helped them get. We do know he helped secure $1.7 billion in taxpayer money for a company that built a defective product and has a history of shady business practices he knew about. North Dakotans and all Americans deserve to know their money is spent wisely and without corrupt influence. Sen. Hoeven must rescind his support for Fisher or perpetuate a massive cash grab.” 

In the news

Sen. Kevin Cramer, who received at least $24,000 from Fisher and family members has said little on the matter since the news report about the failing private wall and the president’s attack on the company. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, who received $10,000 from Fisher for his reelection campaign, refused to return the campaign contribution this week.

Background

Fisher Industries, or Fisher Sand & Gravel, Co., is a Dickinson, ND-based company with a long history of “criminal tax evasion, pollution citations, environmental fines, and one previous CEO with child pornography.” C.S. Hagen, High Plains Reader, 1/31/2018

 

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