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July 23, 2021

Dear Friend:

 

Hello from Washington! The past week at the Capitol has been filled with votes, committee hearings, and meetings with constituents.

 

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.

 

Sincerely,

 

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Michelle Fischbach

Member of Congress

 

U.S./Canada Border

This week, the Canadian government finally announced that conditional cross-border travel will be allowed for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents beginning on August 9, 2021. After more than 16 long, arduous months, the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be closer—and it is long past the time for these punitive restrictions to meet their end.

 

As I saw firsthand during my visit earlier this month, the closure of the northern border has been particularly devastating for Minnesotans living in the Northwest Angle. Not only has the prolonged border closure affected the ability of Americans to travel, it has also impeded the ability of Americans to earn a living, and I am committed to doing all that I can to help their recovery.

 

Last week, I sent a letter to President Biden urging his Administration to end the land border restrictions on the American side. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed that the Biden Administration decided to extend the border restrictions until at least August 21.

 

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Drought Conditions

Most of Minnesota is in an extreme drought and, as a result, our farmers are facing tremendous hardships. There are reports that herd culling is already being done around the region due to a lack of quality feed, and farmers will soon be forced to make impossible decisions regarding their crops and livestock. I sent a letter to the Biden Administration, asking them to immediately grant an emergency waiver for haying and grazing on CRP lands, but that request was met with silence. If the drought continues to worsen – and if the Administration does not act – the impacts on our entire economy will be far reaching.

 

I have compiled a list of the many federal and state resources available to assist farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses in navigating these challenges and working towards a quick recovery.

 

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Click here to watch my remarks

Meet My Interns

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I want to recognize the summer interns in my D.C. office, Morgan and Val. We’re lucky to have them around—they’re doing a great job serving the people of Minnesota’s 7th District! If you are interested in being an intern in either my Washington, D.C. office or one of my district offices, click here for more information.

Other Notes

  • I am proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation to restore year-round sales of E-15, which benefits the environment, strengthens our rural economy, makes us more energy independent, and brings stability to farmers and biofuels producers across Minnesota.

  • I joined my Republican and Democrat colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee in unanimously passing the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act. The legislation builds on the Republican-led Broadband for Rural America Act to provide increased funding for broadband deployment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture—helping to fuel rural economies and end the digital divide.

  • I signed on to an amicus brief, spearheaded by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold our right under the Second Amendment to conceal carry. As Democrats continue to push radical gun control on law-abiding Americans, I will always stand up for the Constitution.

Coming Up

Next week, the House of Representatives will be in regular session for the duration of the week, where I will take votes, participate in committee hearings, and meet with constituents.

  • Monday: Committee on Rules hearing

  • Tuesday: Committee on Agriculture hearing; Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing

  • Wednesday: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law hearing

  • Thursday: Committee on Agriculture hearing on "21st Century Food Systems: Controlled Environment Agriculture’s Role in Protecting Domestic Food Supply Chains and Infrastructure"
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I visited Rahn's Oil & Propane in Melrose and got a tour of the facility and fuel station. Thanks to State Senator Torrey Westrom for joining me, and thanks to Dave, Lisa, Tim, and Alyssa Rahn for hosting us. A wonderful family business!

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Thank you to the Anderson family for hosting me on their farm near Belgrade for a tour and a discussion on the challenges of the ag labor shortage, how it is affecting rural communities, and how we can address it. Thanks to State Representative Paul Anderson and members of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Producers Council for joining us!

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It was great to have visitors back in my D.C. office! Thanks to State Senator Mark Johnson and his wife, Sky, and State Representative Tim Miller and his wife, Cherie, for stopping by.

 
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fischbach.house.gov

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