Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach

Four years after Dobbs, Congress should stop punishing pregnancy centers

Thu, 169 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

Pregnancy centers have been helping women and men face unplanned pregnancies and new parenthood for nearly 60 years. Today, there are nearly 3,000 of these centers across the country providing pregnancy-related resources and support, typically at no cost. These centers commonly offer pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI and STD testing, material assistance such as diapers and baby clothes, referrals for additional medical care and community resources, educational classes, and after-abortion recovery care. Anyone on either side of the abortion issue should be able to get behind these nonpolitical services, and Congress must do all it can to protect its women. Despite their life-saving efforts, pregnancy centers have been the target of attacks for many years. These attacks only increased since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Since Roe was overturned, abortion-rights legislators have introduced several bills to intimidate and regulate pregnancy centers, which could ultimately force them to close. These bills range from accusing pregnancy centers of false and “deceptive advertising,” banning abortion pill reversal, requiring licensing and certifications, terminating funding, and ordering studies to investigate pregnancy centers. The Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act would chill pregnancy centers’ First Amendment freedoms by empowering the Federal Trade Commission to punish centers for “deceptive advertising” if accused of “misrepresenting” contraceptive or abortive-related services and the employment of licensed medical professionals. The bill accuses pregnancy centers of engaging in deception and imposes a harsh penalty with a fine of up to $100,000 or 50% of the preceding year’s revenue. This bill not only singles out pregnancy centers but would likely cause centers to shutter their doors, leaving women facing unplanned pregnancies without the financial, emotional, and material support needed in their time of crisis. Similar to the SAD Act, the Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025 emphasizes expanded access to abortion while insinuating that pregnancy centers engage in “deceptive advertising.” The bill directs the secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct “a public health education, awareness and outreach campaign” with information on how to access abortion services, including obtaining the abortion pill, and how to differentiate abortion clinics from pregnancy centers. It also prohibits the secretary from promoting “misinformation” on abortion pill reversal and from promoting abstinence until marriage. While the aforesaid bills seek to punish the life-saving work of pregnancy centers, other proposals aim to amplify their work. A new pregnancy center tax credit that rewards and incentivizes individuals to support life-affirming work is a first meaningful step toward strengthening families and protecting the lives of preborn children. In 2024 alone, 2,775 pregnancy centers nationwide provided services totaling over $452 million, providing crucial support to mothers who may otherwise choose abortion due to their financial situation. Because pregnancy centers are primarily funded through voluntary donations from individuals and businesses, policies that create tax incentives for such contributions are vital to the centers’ continued work. Although some states offer pregnancy centers funding through grants, these often come with strings attached and bureaucratic red tape. These grants can also be taken away at the whim of the state legislature. For example, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) terminated the state’s contract after nearly 30 years with Real Alternatives, an organization that administered Pennsylvania’s Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services program. The Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act was introduced last year by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and would maximize the effectiveness of pregnancy centers. It prohibits federal, state, and local governments from discriminating or retaliating against pregnancy centers because they do not participate in or promote abortion due to their anti-abortion mission. STATE DEPARTMENT EXPOSES ‘BIRTH TOURISM’ SCHEMES: ‘A US VISA IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT’ This bill clarifies that states can make Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds and other federal grants available to support the work of pregnancy centers without interference. It also grants pregnancy centers a private right of action to challenge discriminatory actions or retaliation. For decades, pregnancy centers have dedicated themselves to aiding women in crisis by providing essential support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Rather than targeting and punishing the good work of these centers, lawmakers should enact legislation that allows women, children, and families to receive help with compassion and excellence. Women are better served when their options and access to services are expanded — not reduced.

Original Article

Rep. Fischbach, Minnesota GOP Delegation Call for Walz & Ellison Resignation Over Fraud Involvement

Thu, 162 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) sent a letter along with Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison, calling for their immediate resignations from office over the findings of a new House Oversight Committee report outlining that both state officials have known about the rampant fraud in Minnesota since 2019. The report also exposed that both officials silenced and punished whistleblowers for trying to sound the alarm.

"The House Oversight Committee's report strips away any doubt that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison not only turned a blind eye to the fraud, they actively protected it. Since 2019, they have silenced and intimidated whistleblowers who tried to sound alarms," said Rep. Fischbach. "Their negligence has turned Minnesota into a playground for criminals. If Walz & Ellison have any respect left for the Minnesotans they betrayed, they will resign immediately."

“If these allegations are true, Tim Walz or Keith Ellison should leave office in handcuffs. At the very least, they should resign from office in disgrace. Public officials need to be held accountable for allowing billions of taxpayer dollars to be stolen from Minnesotan and American taxpayers. We’ve had enough,” said Congressman Tom Emmer.

“The House Oversight Committee’s bombshell report concludes that Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison knew about the rampant fraud in Minnesota since 2019 and failed to act, allowing billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen. Their inaction seriously betrayed the trust of Minnesota’s taxpayers," said Rep. Stauber. "I commend Vice President Vance for referring both Walz and Ellison to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation. As the DOJ reviews the evidence, they must resign from office immediately.”

“The leaders and officials who are responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars have allowed fraud to plague our federally funded assistance programs and must be held accountable,” said Rep. Finstad. “It is absolutely unacceptable that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison were not only aware of the fraud running rampant throughout our state but also possessed the legal and procedural authority to prevent it, ignored and dismissed warnings from employees and whistleblowers, and still repeatedly failed to act. As a result of the inaction of our state’s so-called leaders, billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars were diverted to bad actors instead of helping Minnesotans in need."

Congresswoman Fischbach recently introduced the Federal Funds Whistleblower Protection Extension Act to protect taxpayer dollars by expanding federal whistleblower protections to state and local government employees. This legislation protects whistleblowers who report corruption and strictly prohibits government officials from retaliating.

The introduction of this bill followed a House Oversight Committee hearing that Representative Fischbach waived onto, where it was confirmed by Minnesota State Representatives that there are currently no criminal penalties for government officials who retaliate against those who speak out against funding mismanagement.

Fischbach continued, "It is more apparent now than ever that we need criminal penalties for state officials who punish whistleblowers. If Walz and Ellison had listened to these individuals from the start, billions of taxpayer dollars could have gone to the most vulnerable Minnesotans. Walz and Ellison should resign immediately, and if they are found guilty of knowingly retaliating against whistleblowers, they should face jail time."

Read the full letter to Walz & Ellison here.

Finstad Leads Minnesota Congressional Republicans in Letter Urging Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison to Resign After House Oversight Fraud Report

Wed, 161 Jun 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) led Minnesota Congressional Republicans in sending a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison urging them to resign following the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s recent report on the committee’s investigation into Minnesota’s fraud scandals. The report, “The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Tim Walz and Keith Ellison Fueled Minnesota’s Fraud Explosion,” exposed how Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, and other senior Minnesota state officials had been aware of the widespread fraud in federally funded social programs for years, and failed to address it.

“The leaders and officials who are responsible for safeguarding taxpayer dollars have allowed fraud to plague our federally funded assistance programs and must be held accountable,” said Rep. Finstad. “It is absolutely unacceptable that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison were not only aware of the fraud running rampant throughout our state but also possessed the legal and procedural authority to prevent it, ignored and dismissed warnings from employees and whistleblowers, and still repeatedly failed to act.”

Finstad continued, “As a result of the inaction of our state’s so-called leaders, billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars were diverted to bad actors instead of helping Minnesotans in need. My fellow Minnesota Congressional Republicans and I are calling on Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison to resign and will work to restore confidence and public trust in our federally funded assistance programs.”

“If these allegations are true, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison should leave office in handcuffs. At the very least, they should resign from office in disgrace. Public officials need to be held accountable for allowing billions of taxpayer dollars to be stolen from Minnesotan and American taxpayers. We’ve had enough,” said Rep. Tom Emmer.

“The House Oversight Committee’s report strips away any doubt that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison not only turned a blind eye to the fraud, they actively protected it. Since 2019, they have silenced and intimidated whistleblowers who tried to sound alarms. Their negligence has turned Minnesota into a playground for criminals. If Walz & Ellison have any respect left for the Minnesotans they betrayed, they will resign immediately,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach.

“The House Oversight Committee’s bombshell report concludes that Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison knew about the rampant fraud in Minnesota since 2019 and failed to act, allowing billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen. Their inaction seriously betrayed the trust of Minnesota’s taxpayers. I commend Vice President Vance for referring both Walz and Ellison to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation. As the DOJ reviews the evidence, they must resign from office immediately,” said Rep. Pete Stauber.

Background:

In December 2025, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform launched an investigation into fraud plaguing Minnesota’s social services programs that Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison failed to halt despite repeated warnings.
The Committee’s investigation found that senior officials in Minnesota state government, including Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison, were aware of widespread fraud in federally funded social services programs for years, possessed the legal and procedural authority to stop payments and ban fraudulent providers from participating in these programs, but repeatedly failed to act.
As a result, billions of American taxpayer dollars were potentially paid to fraudulent actors. These fraudulently obtained funds likely funded international terrorist networks among other bad actors, while vulnerable populations were harmed and whistleblowers were ignored, sidelined, and retaliated against.
Governor Walz failed to protect taxpayer-funded programs, allowing fraudsters to steal an estimated $9 billion in public funds—an amount that may ultimately prove even higher.
These funds were intended to feed children, support autistic individuals, provide housing for low-income and disabled Americans, and deliver health care to vulnerable Medicaid recipients.
To date, federal prosecutors have charged nearly 100 individuals – 85 of whom are of Somali descent – in connection with these schemes, and dozens have already been convicted.
Many of these individuals never should have been here in the first place, abusing our immigration system with the sole purpose of harming and deceiving American citizens.
On February 25th, CMS announced they were halting $259 million in Medicaid dollars to the state.
An audit was conducted during the fourth quarter of the federal fiscal year which ended in September. The audit found $234.8 million in unsupported or possibly fraudulent Medicaid claims and $15.4 million in claims involving individuals lacking a satisfactory immigration status.

Original Post

Rep. Fischbach Cosponsors Resolution to Bring Awareness to Agriculture Workers' Mental Health

Fri, 149 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) joined over twenty of her colleagues on a resolution to recognize the mental health crisis facing America's agricultural producers and workforce. According to the National Rural Health Association, the suicide rate among farmers is 3.5 times higher than the general population. This bill would designate May 29th of this year as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day," recognizing the unique pressures faced by farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers across the country and raising awareness about the resources available to those in need.

"Our farmers, producers, and agriculture workers carry a heavy burden every day to fuel, feed, and clothe our nation. The stress of volatile markets, unpredictable weather, and grueling hours is real, but no one in our ag communities should have to carry it alone," said Rep. Fischbach. "It's time to break the silence, end the stigma, and ensure our rural communities have the mental health resources and support they deserve."

Earlier this Congress, Representative Fischbach used her position on the Ways and Means Committee to play an instrumental role in developing and passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included text to permanently double the death tax exemption. Before the doubling of this exemption, too many farmers suffered from the mental and emotional toll that came with paying the death tax on inherited farmland. Protecting the mental health of farmers means ensuring they Don't lose their generational family farms to the tax collector. Because of Rep. Fischbach's work, thousands of fam families will no longer face that hardship.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Talks CPFs in Ruthton

Thu, 148 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN -- Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach met with Ruthton City Officials to review a $750,000 Community Project Funding grant she secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations for their water tower replacement project. This critical federal funding serves as the first step in Ruthton's broader, three-year plan to completely overhaul its aging drinking water and sewer systems. City leaders outlined their plan to connect to Rural Water, which will eliminate the need to upgrade the local water treatment facility and reduce overall project costs by approximately $5 million. Rep. Fischbach reiterated that small towns should not be left behind due to limited administrative staff and pledged her office's continued assistance in helping local officials navigate and secure federal grant dollars.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Visits Hank's Foods in Pipestone

Thu, 148 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach stopped by Hank’s Foods in Pipestone to meet with owner Tim and discuss the staffing shortages and operational challenges impacting independent grocers across the district. In addition to highlighting Hank's strong community involvement, including hosting neighborhood parking-lot cookouts, the conversation centered on the thin margins rural grocers face when competing with large corporations for staffing talent. Rep. Fischbach emphasized that she is pushing for common-sense workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and legislation to protect local employers from bureaucratic overreach, providing long-term economic stability for small, local businesses.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Meets with USDA FSA in Slayton

Wed, 147 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN -- Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach met with staff at the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to discuss regional agricultural programs and support for multi-generational family farms. Staff highlighted that Minnesota leads the nation in Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SECD) payments and shared updates on a pilot program to improve and streamline acreage reporting. Rep. Fischbach discussed the critical need for expanded training and resources to help area farmers navigate complex FSA applications and payment programs, reaffirming her commitment to cutting bureaucratic red tape for Western Minnesota’s agricultural community.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Visits Windom

Wed, 147 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN -- Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach visited Windom Area Health to meet with leadership and medical staff to discuss their collaborative leadership model and regional outreach to communities like Fairmont, Trimont, Slayton, and Lakefield. The conversation focused on the need for rural families to have access to quality care and the hospital's recruitment of nursing staff and specialty physicians. Rep. Fischbach highlighted her work on the One Big Beautiful Bill, where, through her position on the Ways and Means Committee, she successfully established the Rural Health Transformation Program to authorize $50 billion to modernize rural medical networks nationwide. She also shared that for Fiscal Year 2026, she worked to secure $193 million in federal funding specifically to strengthen Greater Minnesota's healthcare workforce and ensure rural hospitals have the resources to keep their doors open.

While in Windom, the Congresswoman also visited the Ag Builders facility to discuss workforce shortages, particularly for qualified trade- and tech-trained employees, and detailed their partnerships with local schools alongside broader community barriers like housing and daycare. Rep. Fischbach used the visit to reinforce her commitment to pro-rural workforce development policies, like the newly established Workforce Pell Grants, which enable students to access accredited workforce programs for industries in need.

Rep. Fischbach Joins Letter Pressing for Action to Protect U.S. Sugar Producers from Unfair Foreign Trade Practices

Thu, 141 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) signed a letter in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to utilize a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. In the letter, the members call on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners, and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. This bipartisan and bicameral letter has support from over 110 members of Congress.

“The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year. We are gravely concerned about the surge in unfairly traded foreign sugar imports, which, along with higher input costs, are plunging the domestic industry into crisis and presenting an imminent threat to the industry’s long-term viability,” wrote the members of Congress.

“U.S. sugar policy is a necessary response to a global playing field where foreign countries routinely sell sugar at well below the world cost of production… In the past 10 years, 14 percent of our nation’s beet sugar processing facilities and 12 percent of our domestic cane sugar mills and refineries have closed, including the complete loss of sugarbeet farming in California (2025) and sugarcane farming in Hawaii (2016) and Texas (2024). Absent action to protect the domestic sugar industry from discriminatory foreign trade practices, these continued revenue losses will only mount, threatening the future existence of domestic U.S. sugar production. We strongly urge you to investigate these unfair trading practices that disadvantage our domestic sugar industry and take decisive action as appropriate.”

The full letter is available here.

The following organizations are among those who have endorsed the letter: American Crystal Sugar Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Southern-Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, US Beet Sugar Association, and US Sugar.

Michelle Fischbach is the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach's congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Rep. Fischbach Announces the 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners from MN's 7th District

Wed, 140 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Fischbach's office once again participated in the Congressional Art Competition. The office received over 40 submissions from students across the Seventh Congressional District.

"I am encouraged to see the number of talented students we have in the Seventh Congressional District," said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach. "Congratulations to Kira for winning first place with her piece, 'Geese in Harmony.' Her art piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Congratulations to Griffin, Kerstyn, and Margo on their second-place and honorable-mention awards, which will be displayed in my D.C. and district offices. I appreciate each student taking the time to work on their art and submitting it to the competition. Thank you to the art teachers and school administrators who work to assist the students and encourage them in their creative ventures."

First Place: "Geese in Harmony" by Kira Gurley from Redwood Valley High School will hang in the U.S. Capitol.

Second Place: "Trout" by Griffin DeGroot from Central Minnesota Christian School will be displayed in Congresswoman Fischbach's office in Washington, D.C.

Honorable Mention: "Emerald Jade Green" by Kerstyn Lindsey from Ada-Borup-West High School will be displayed in the Congresswoman's district office.

Honorable Mention: "Left Behind" by Margo Klassen from Community Christian School will be displayed in the Congresswoman's district office.

Rep. Fischbach Op-Ed: E-15 is Fueling America’s Future

Fri, 135 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

For too long, a common-sense solution to lower gas prices and support American energy independence has been tied up in red tape. Families and farmers in Western Minnesota and across the country have been subjected to frustrating, outdated, and unnecessary regulations. The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward cutting that tape by passing H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which included my language for permanent, nationwide, year-round E15.

I was proud to lead the efforts through my seat on the Rules Committee for this bipartisan bill, which will provide the certainty that our agriculture and energy sectors deserve. We are finally moving past the era of temporary fixes and toward a future of long-term stability.

Under outdated regulations from the 1990s, E15 fuel was effectively banned in many parts of the country, including Minnesota, during the summer months. This summer ban is a direct hit to the American pocketbook. It limits consumer choice and drives up prices at the pump right when families are hitting the road for summer travel. By applying the same standards to E15 that already apply to standard E10 gasoline, this legislation provides the permanence and predictability that growers and consumers deserve. No more waiting on short-term emergency waivers that create confusion rather than progress.

The benefits of year-round E15 are clear. First, it is a lower-cost fuel option. Opening the market year-round is a proven way to lower gas prices and provide relief for hardworking Americans during times of global energy volatility.

Second, our rural communities are the backbone of America. In Western Minnesota, our corn growers are massive supporters of the biofuel industry, and they deserve a fair and consistent market for their products. This legislation ensures steady, predictable demand year-round, giving farmers the confidence they need to plan for the future.

Third, ethanol is produced within American borders by American workers. Every gallon we blend is a gallon of oil we do not have to import from foreign countries. By leaning into domestic production, we are reinforcing our commitment to American-made energy.

The passage of HR 1346 in the House is a historic milestone, and I am proud to have helped deliver a permanent win for American drivers, American farmers, and American energy.

Rep. Fischbach Led the Effort to Pass Permanent, Year-Round E-15 on the House Floor

Thu, 134 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) led an effort to ensure that year-round, nationwide, permanent E15 was included in H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Last night, the House passed this historic legislation.

Currently, federal regulations restrict the sale of E-15 during the summer season. Rep. Fischbach’s efforts will remove these barriers, establish a consistent national standard, and eliminate the need for annual emergency waivers from the EPA.

"For too long, our farmers and producers have been at the mercy of outdated regulations and 'emergency' waivers," said Rep. Fischbach. "Western Minnesota's growers are essential to our nation's biofuel industry, and they have proven they are ready to provide a clean, American-made energy source. This bill will provide certainty for our rural economies, lower costs for families, and strengthen our national energy independence. I am incredibly proud to have supported this legislation and see it pass the House Floor."

Outside Support

“American families are asking for help, and today Rep. Fischbach delivered. The House’s approval of year-round E15 brings us one step closer to lowering prices at the pump in Minnesota and across the U.S.,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.?“We’re deeply grateful to biofuel champions like Congresswoman Fischbach for delivering lower gas prices to Minnesotans and for tirelessly working to secure this critical victory for year-round E15. We urge the Senate to take up this legislation right away—the sooner this bill reaches the President’s desk, the sooner we can deliver more savings to more Americans in every corner of the country.”

H.R. 1346 will provide long-term market certainty for corn growers and biofuel producers while offering American families a lower-cost option at the gas pump.

Michelle Fischbach is the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. Get updates from Rep. Fischbach's congressional office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Permanent year-round E15 legislation passes U.S. House

Wed, 133 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346—the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Passed on a 218-203 vote, the bipartisan bill allows for permanent year-round sales of E15 (Unleaded 88) while making reasonable reforms to the Renewable Fuel Standard’s small refinery exemption program.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is thrilled with today’s vote, which is a win for corn farmers, rural communities, and U.S. drivers and recognizes that in order to deliver these wins, there are still legislative steps to be taken before it becomes law.

The bill will ensure drivers have permanent, uninterrupted access to E15—a homegrown biofuel blend that reduces emissions and costs at the pump by 15 to 40 cents per gallon compared to E10 (regular unleaded). It also will bolster increase American energy independence and create additional opportunities for family farmers at a time of increasing economic uncertainty in farm country.

“Passing year-round E15 is exactly the right step to reduce costs for families and create meaningful market opportunities for farmers,” MCGA President Wes Beck said in a statement. “We appreciate the House of Representatives taking this common-sense action and are extremely grateful for our champions for their tireless advocacy on this issue. We look forward to working with the Senate to secure the bill’s passage.”

Beck noted that all eight members of Minnesota’s House delegation voted in favor of the bill. In particular, he thanked House Majority Whip Emmer for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of family farmers. He also thanked Representative Fischbach for her leadership in the House Rules Committee and her advocacy as part of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council.

Additionally, he thanked Representative Finstad for his continued advocacy and support of E15 as a member of the council and the House Ag Committee. He also thanked Representative Angie Craig, the ranking member on the Ag Committee, for her current and past leadership on E15. Representatives Fischbach, Finstad, and Craig were original sponsors of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.

About E15

E15 is a biofuel blend containing up to 15% ethanol by volume. Typically marketed at the pump as Unleaded 88—a nod to its 88 octane rating—the fuel is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in cars, trucks, and SUVs 2001 and newer.

First offered for sale in Minnesota in 2013, E15 saves consumers money at the pump while reducing emissions compared to regular unleaded. Currently, it can be found at more than 550 Minnesota fuel stations. The latest state data shows that, on average, E15 costs 12 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded—though many fuel stations have even bigger price spreads.

Unfortunately, an outdated federal law currently bans the sale of E15 in most of the U.S. during the summer months. (The fuel can be sold during the summer in Minnesota and six other midwestern states.) The summertime restriction has nothing to do with the safety or quality of E15 as a fuel; it’s simply a relic of Clean Air Act provisions that were enacted in 1990, which was over two decades before E15 was even available to consumers.

You can learn more about E15 and find a station offering the fuel near you at mnfuels.com.

Original Article

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Tours Lake Henry Implement

Fri, 128 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach toured Lake Henry Implement to discuss workforce challenges and opportunities. The equipment industry is fighting for funding opportunities to ensure it has skilled employees. Rep. Fischbach supported programs like Career and Technical Education funding, Workforce Pell grants, and student loan repayment programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB).

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Tours Bushmills Ethanol in Atwater

Fri, 128 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach toured the Bushmills Ethanol facility and met with staff to discuss the need for permanent, year-round E15 and the challenges and opportunities around the tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The Congresswoman has been a champion in pushing for year-round E15 legislation, which she got passed in the House, proudly supported the OBBB, and will continue fighting for legislation that supports Western Minnesota’s ethanol industry.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Stops Around Willmar

Thu, 127 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach met with Fueling Minnesota to discuss funding for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The Congresswoman has been working closely with the USDA on the release of these funds. Following this meeting, Rep. Fischbach announced she has secured over $1 million in HBIIP funding across the district to expand biofuel infrastructure.

Her staff also attended and read a statement from her at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new hangar and crew space at the Life Link III base in Willmar. The Congresswoman was instrumental in securing federal appropriations for this project and serves as an advocate for expanding rural emergency services across the district.

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach Visits Dawson to Talk Ag, Housing, & Childcare

Thu, 127 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach visited Dawson while touring the district. She stopped at Ag Processing Inc to meet with staff to discuss her support for clear execution guidelines for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. The Congresswoman voted for critical changes and extensions to 45Z in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and has continued to press the US Treasury for implementation guidance.

She also visited Trails End Duplexes to meet with members of the Economic Development Authority about their use of state grant opportunities and potential federal grant opportunities for future projects. The Congresswoman has previously used her position on the Ways & Means Committee to secure tax relief programs for rural housing, including the expanded Qualified Opportunity Zone program and establishing the New Markets Tax Credit as a permanent program.

The Congresswoman also stopped at the Little Eagles Childcare and Dawson-Boyd Blackjack Babies & Little Jacks Child Care facilities to discuss challenges with staffing shortages and rising operational costs. Rep. Fischbach recently signed a letter requesting funding for the Child Care & Development Block Grant and the Head Start Program. While at the Dawson-Boyd School, she also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on demonstration of how students are learning about precision agriculture.

Emmer, Minnesota Republican Delegation Urge Walz to Support Funding for Outdated IT Systems Used by Minnesota Counties

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Emmer (MN-06), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter urging Governor Tim Walz to provide funding to update Minnesota’s outdated systems for administering Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“Just a few years ago, Minnesota had an $18 billion budget surplus. Instead of investing that surplus back into our communities, Walz wasted every penny of it on free healthcare, free driver’s licenses, and free college for illegal aliens. Now, Minnesota is facing a deficit in the near future,” said Congressman Emmer. “Walz has numerous options at his disposal to secure funding to update these ancient systems–whether through state funds or federal grants–but he would rather see our tax dollars go to illegal aliens and programs that are rife with fraud than to the counties that desperately need our support.”

Background

The state of Minnesota delegates the responsibility of administering Medicaid and SNAP benefits to its counties and is one of approximately twelve states that do so. Currently, the systems used in Minnesota are decades old. For example, MAXIS, the system used for SNAP, was built in 1989.

There has been very little investment from the state to update the systems. There are multiple ways to acquire funding to update the systems, including state funding, federal matches, and federal grants. With the new requirements in the Working Families Tax Cut Act to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse in the programs, it is vital that counties are working on systems that are efficient and not prone to error.

The Working Families Tax Cut Act, which became law on July 4, 2025, included changes to both Medicaid and SNAP to root out fraud and strengthen the programs’ integrity. Changes include work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, Medicaid eligibility checks every six months, and penalizing states for high SNAP payment error rates.

You can read the letter sent to Governor Walz in its entirety here.

Original Article

House passes farm bill with provisions from Reps. Fischbach & Fedorchak

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives has passed a farm bill for the first time in eight years.

It expands access to credit and risk management tools, streamlines working lands conservation programs and protects interstate commerce for livestock producers.

The farm bill includes Republican Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach’s Investing In Rural America Act which restores and codifies farm credit institutions’ eligibility to finance essential rural facilities in partnership with local lenders and USDA’s Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program.

“I was proud to cast my vote for a bill that delivers for our farmers and rural communities,” Fischbach said. “This legislation provides the certainty our producers need to continue feeding and fueling the world.”

The bill includes North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak’s amendment directing the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of providing storage facility loans to producers for on-farm fertilizer storage.

“Our producers need certainty, not short-term extensions, and this bill delivers. It strengthens the farm safety net, locks in key improvements we’ve fought for, and gives farmers and ranchers the tools they need to manage risk, invest in their operations, and plan for the future,” Fedorchak said.

Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee and Democratic Minnesota Senate candidate Rep. Angie Craig, voted against the legislation.

“The so-called farm bill that passed the House today does nothing to resolve high input costs, lost markets, surging food prices or provide a single penny in economic assistance to struggling family farmers,” Craig said.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue said he’s disappointed the House failed to authorize permanent, year-round E-15 gasoline.

“Family farmers need strong, stable domestic demand. We have waited long enough. It’s time to get it done,” Perdue said.

A controversial part of the bill that protected pesticide companies like Bayer which has fought lawsuits alleging Roundup, which has the chemical glyphosate, causes cancer was removed.

The legislation now moves to the Senate.

Original Article

Rep. Fischbach's Office To Hold Mobile Office Hours in Browns Valley - May 15

Mon, 117 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Willmar, MN - Staff from the Office of Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach will be holding mobile office hours in Browns Valley at the Browns Valley Public Library (15 3rd St S.) on May 15, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The congressional staff will be available to answer constituent questions and take feedback on policy issues. The Congresswoman’s office will also be able to assist constituents with issues such as passport processing, veterans’ needs, tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and connect them with federal agencies like FEMA, FSA, and more.

For any questions regarding the mobile office hours, please call the Congresswoman’s office at (202) 225-2165. For more information on Congresswoman Fischbach and her service on behalf of Western Minnesota, please visit fischbach.house.gov.