Updates in Ag

Last week, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing to examine price discrepancies, transparency, and alleged unfair practices in cattle markets. I was glad to introduce President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and resident of Minnesota's 7th District, Mr. Don Schiefelbein and ask him questions on issues facing the cattle industry.

It was great to get his perspective on price discovery and market manipulation issues. Like him, I do not believe the answer is more mandates from the federal government. That's why I'm on the frontlines of providing more competition and transparency in cattle markets, cosponsoring the Butcher Block Act, which would create a standalone loan and grant program for new meat processors, and the Cattle Contract Library Act, which would provide important price and marketing data for producers as they negotiate down the supply chain. One of the programs for a Cattle Contract Library was signed into law as part of the most recent omnibus spending legislation and awaits full implementation.

Congressional Western Caucus in Texas

I recently got to tour West Texas with the Congressional Western Caucus. I always learn so much from these trips and have a great time in the process. It was so kind of Congressmen Pfluger and Arrington to show me around their corner of this great country. 

Social Security Administration Reopening Most Offices to the Public

On April 7, the Social Security Administration (SSA) resumed in-office services by both walk-in and appointment for the first time since March 2020 and about 98% of its more than 1,200 field offices.

The SSA strongly encourages the public to schedule an appointment before heading to an office. Walk-in visitors are warned to expect delays, large crowds, and long waits.

Scheduling an Appointment
You can schedule or modify an appointment by calling the SSA’s National 800 number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or by contacting their local field office using the SSA’s online field office locator application. 

Additional Information
Additional, up to date information on the SSA’s reopening and how the public can get help from Social Security, is available here. 

Thank you, Minnesota Milk Producers, for coming out and for talking with me about trade priorities, labor, and other issues your producers are facing.

I got to talk to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology about their 2022 priorities. Their association represents almost 60,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists across the country!

Thank you to the Minnesota Pork Producers for coming to discuss issues like African Swine Fever and workforce and labor issues that are important to your producers.

It’s always great catching up with the National Beer Wholesalers Association
and hearing about ways Congress can be supportive, particularly when it comes to workforce recruitment and retention.

It was great getting a visit from the Ada School and Marshall County Central! Big thanks to Close Up for putting together such a great D.C. trip for students.

I had a discussion with Compeer Financial to discuss how they support farmers at the beginning of their careers. Thanks for coming by!

I had a great conversation with the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill as it relates to crop insurance.

Thanks to the Minnesota State Fire Department Association for talking with me about FEMA grant funding and the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance program – and for everything you do to represent all the fire departments in Minnesota!

It was good having SFM – Minnesota’s leading workers’ comp coverage provider – come by my office to hear more about their role in providing stability to MN businesses an support for workers injured on the job.

I got to take a tour of Foltz Trucking and hear from the Minnesota Truckers Association about their concerns like supply chain and workforce issues - thanks for having me!

Thanks for reading!

fischbach.house.gov

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