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March 21, 2022

Dear Friend:

 

Over the weekend, Congress and America suffered the loss of Dean of the House, Don Young from Alaska. Mr. Young was a legend and he will be truly missed. My prayers are with his family and the people of Alaska he so loved and served faithfully for nearly 50 years.

 

Last week, Congress heard an address from Ukraine's President Zelensky. The tragic war happening in Ukraine is still top of mind for me, as I'm sure it is for you. We continue to work for find new ways to help Ukraine as they defend themselves from Putin's horrifying attack on their country. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish so far - suspending trade and energy imports from Russia and supplying military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. My colleagues and I will continue to find new ways to support the Ukrainian people.

 

If you or someone you know is being directly impacted by the conflict, here are a few resources that may be helpful:

The Rules Committee also held a debate on the House Floor to discuss arbitration. You can see my full opening remarks here. During the debate, I urged my colleagues to take up the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, legislation I have cosponsored. Since President Biden took office, energy prices have been skyrocketing and my colleagues implore House Democrats to reverse this trend by becoming energy independent, like we were just a few years ago. You can see those remarks here.

Additionally, last week, 5 months into fiscal year 2022, Congress finally funded the government. I was proud to support funding Ukraine relief and funding to ensure out national defense, but I could not vote support the $750 billion in discretionary spending largely focused on progressive pipedreams. Our country is on a disastrous budgetary path, and these spending levels would only exacerbate the unacceptable national debt.

 

Updates in Ag

Recently, the House Ag Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (CEEC) had a hearing with USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development, Hon. Xochitl Torres Small. We had a good discussion on rural development as it pertains to the review of the Farm Bill. I'm very glad we've started these hearings to review what worked well and what didn't in the 2018 Farm Bill and be sure the 2023 bill is the most effective it can be. 

You can watch my opening remarks here and my questions for the undersecretary here. I was particularly interested in hearing about progress that's been made on broadband deployment and biofuels as an economic generator for rural communities. 

In the News

In case you missed it: earlier this month, I spoke with Blois Olson about President Biden's first State of the Union and ways congress can be more effective. You can listen to the full interview here.

Congressional Art Competition

High school students are invited to participate in the annual Congressional Art Challenge! The competition is open to all public, private, charter, and home school students grades 9-12. Winning submissions from each congressional district will be displayed for one year in a tunnel to the U.S. Capitol, where it will be viewed by thousands of visitors, tourists, and Members of Congress.

The deadline for submission is Monday, May 2, 2022. For more information, please visit my website. Good luck!

Tips for Tax Filing Season

Tax season is upon us! The Internal Revenue Service shared this information to remind us all about several key items to keep in mind when filing federal income tax returns this year. I hope you find this helpful!

 

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.  

iSSNRC Now Available in Minnesota

Internet Social Security Number Replacement Cards (iSSNRC) are now available for Minnesotans! U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of Minnesota can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. They must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver's license.

For more questions, and to submit a request, please visit the Social Security Administration website.

 

 

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Earlier this month, I met with the Potato Growers to discuss trade policy, and workforce issues facing the industry.

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My staff met with Students United to discuss their ideas for how Congress can help improve the education system.

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The HealthWORKS Coalition, a group that millions of workers and their families depend on for the plans and benefits they provide, came to my office to discuss over-the-counter COVID-19 testing and pension issues.

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I has a good conversation with Allina Health's President and CEO, Lisa Shannon, to discuss their updates, Covid response, and their efforts to better serve the people in their system.

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The American Sheep Industry came to my office to discuss mandator price reporting, the importation of lamb, and the upcoming Farm Bill. I appreciated their input as we begin improving upon the 2018 Farm Bill for 2023.

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Students from Glencoe came out to my office as part of a trip with Close-Up, an organization that engages students nationwide in the democratic process.

Coming Up...

This week, I am in Minnesota meeting with constituents before I join the Republican Issues Conference, where we will discuss how we want to manage the issues facing the country this year.


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 week and happy first day of Spring!

 

Sincerely,

 

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Michelle Fischbach

Member of  Congress

 

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