December 6, 2021

Dear Friend:

We had quite a week out in D.C.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard opening arguments in the Dobbs v JWHO case, a case that takes into consideration the important question of when a life should be constitutionally protected. The decision could mean a huge step forward to allowing more extensive protections for the unborn after almost 50 years of tragedy under Roe v. Wade. I had the honor of speaking at the Empower Women Promote Life Rally on the Supreme Court steps during opening arguments. It was so encouraging to see so many people turn out to support life.

On Thursday, the Democrats narrowly avoided another government shutdown, kicking the can down the road again. One of Congress's primary responsibilities is to fund the government for the year. This time around, they got it funded through February 18.

This week, we also saw the November jobs report. The Dow Jones estimated the U.S. would add 573,000 jobs in November. We didn't even see half as many jobs added. At a time of year that usually sees a surge in hiring, we are still reeling from the workforce crisis

This Week in Ag

On Tuesday, the Biden Administration missed its statutory deadline the Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) in the Renewable Fuels Standard. Additionally, the EPA is reportedly considering lowering the blending requirement retroactively for 2020. The uncertainty this would create in the marketplace would be bad for farmers, bad for consumers, and bad for the environment. In response, I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing the Defend the Blend Act that would protect biofuels producers from misguided blending cuts.

Virtual Capitol Tours

While in-person tours are still suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can now join online live virtual tours of the U.S. Capitol! Capitol Visitor Center Guides will present information normally delivered during in-person guided tours that has been tailored for online audiences. Participants will view images from the tour route while a Visitor Guide narrates the experience. You will be able to see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and Sanctuary Hall and ask your guide questions using a chat feature. Tours will run about 30 minutes with 15 minutes for Q & A. Tours are designed for all age groups.

Tours are available Monday - Friday at 9:00 AM EST, 11:00 AM EST, 1:00 PM EST, and 3:00 PM EST.

Click here to make a reservation through the Capitol Visitor Center.

Small Business Week Awards 2022

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. These awards recognize achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses and the contributions they have made to their communities and our nation's economy. You can nominate for any of the following categories:

Small Business Person of the Year
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery (and all awards in this category)
Federal Procurement Awards (and all awards in this category)
Awards to SBA Resource Partners (and all awards in this category)
Small Business Investment Company of the Year

For more information, and to make a nomination, please visit the SBA website. Nominations can be submitted electronically by January 11, 2022 and awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards Ceremony in the first week of May 2022. For more information on SBA assistance, click here.

Thank you to the Willmar Cub Foods for talking with me about supply chain issues and the ongoing work force shortage.

Congratulations to Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing on his new election, and the MN 07 resident Carolyn Olson on her election as Vice President. I was honored to speak at their annual meeting.

On Monday, I joined Meeker Cooperative along with State Senator Jeff Howe. It was great hearing from them on their projects, specifically the need for rural broadband.

Coming Up

This week, among other things, I'll be participating in a Rules Committee hearing and a Judiciary Committee Markup on several bills.

As always, my office is open and ready to serve constituents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District! Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can do to help. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Michelle Fischbach

Member of Congress

fischbach.house.gov

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