December 17, 2025

Dear John:

Last week, Congress remained focused on delivering on the promises we made to you. We passed the National Defense Authorization Act to ensure that America remains the strongest nation on earth and that our security is never compromised.

We also took decisive steps to boost economic growth and cut burdensome regulations with the INVEST Act and the PERMIT Act.

National Defense Authorization Act

The House passed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support $900 billion in national defense programs. I voted to support this legislation to:

Fully fund the Department of Homeland Security's border security efforts.
Increase pay and family separation allowance for deployed service members.
Bring jobs to the US by growing our domestic defense manufacturing.
Restore the lethality of our forces and follow through on the peace through strength agenda.

I also want to call out the cost savings for taxpayers in this legislation since it decreases spending by:

Eliminating $40.5 million in DEI programs and $1.6 billion in climate-related change spending
Retiring $1.2 billion in obsolete aircrafts and ships
Reducing $6.8 billion in burdensome Pentagon bureaucracy
Cutting $5.5 billion in consulting and servicing contracts and $3.7 billion in inefficient defense programs

Service Academy Nominations

I had the privilege of nominating ten students from Congressional District 7 to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, NY.

If these students are accepted, upon their graduation from the academy, the cadets will earn a Bachelor of Science degree and will have become commissioned officers in the U.S. military. The students would also serve a minimum of five years in active-duty service to our country.

Thank you to all the students who applied, and I wish everyone the best of luck in their service to the nation.

Reducing Red Tape Across Industries

Last week, the House passed, with my support, the INVEST Act and the PERMIT Act. The INVEST Act makes it easier and more affordable for small businesses to access the capital they need to grow, and strengthens U.S. markets, enabling companies to expand and hire locally. Additionally, the PERMIT Act strengthens the process for permit seekers and holders, while clarifying standards for permitting agencies. Both bills reduce rep tape, streamlining permitting, and expanding access to capital.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

I cosponsored the SNAP Transparency and Oversight Act. This critical piece of legislation is focused on strengthening the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and ensuring that resources are directed to those who genuinely need them. This bill would require states to provide the USDA with beneficiary-level data, case file information, and other program-related records upon request. By establishing clear requirements for transparency, this bill will help eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste, allowing us to redirect funds and maximize the benefit of SNAP services for our communities. I believe this is a necessary step to ensure accountability and build public trust in this program.

Federal Reserve Rate Cuts

On December 10th, the Federal Reserve announced it would be cutting interest rates by 0.25%. This move is an important step towards helping small businesses and farmers access more affordable financing and lower borrowing costs. It also helps move infrastructure projects forward, makes it easier to manage medical bills, take out home loans, or invest in our communities.

What matters most to you?

Thank you for reading!

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!

Sincerely,

Michelle Fischbach

Member of Congress

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