Born on May 30, 1976, in New Ulm, Minnesota, Michelle Fischbach has built a career deeply rooted in public service and agriculture. She graduated from St. James High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Before her tenure in Congress, Fischbach served as a farmer, agriculture consultant, and a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2008. She also held the position of Minnesota state director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development from 2017 to 2021.

Fischbach was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election to fill the vacancy created by the death of Congressman Jim Hagedorn. She has since been reelected to serve in the 117th and 118th Congresses, bringing her legislative experience to a national stage.

Legislative Contributions

In Congress, Fischbach is a member of several key committees, including the Agriculture Committee, the Armed Services Committee, and the Small Business Committee. These roles reflect her strong advocacy for agricultural interests and small businesses, vital components of her constituency in Minnesota.

Fischbach has sponsored and co-sponsored a range of legislation, notably focusing on health care, agriculture, and economic development. Among her significant legislative efforts is the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (H.R. 171), which seeks to classify fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I controlled substance in hopes of curbing trafficking and abuse. The bill is currently referred to the Subcommittee on Health, highlighting her involvement in addressing the opioid crisis.

Additionally, she has engaged in efforts to enhance food security and agricultural resilience through various bills, including the Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act (H.R. 1991), aiming to improve credit access for farmers. Her commitment to combatting climate change and environmental issues is evident from her co-sponsorship of the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act (H.R. 1604), designed to bolster cybersecurity for agricultural entities.

Fischbach has also shown interest in controlling government's regulatory impacts on the agricultural sector, as evidenced by her involvement with legislation like the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act (H.R. 2398), promoting rural healthcare solutions.

Political Leanings

As a member of the Republican Party, Fischbach's legislative agenda is characterized by a focus on agricultural interests, healthcare reform, and small business support. Her sponsorship of the Defund Planned Parenthood Act and the Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act indicates a consistent alignment with conservative values, particularly concerning healthcare funding and abortion issues. In terms of economic policy, her support for tax reforms, such as the Death Tax Repeal Act, reflects her inclination towards reducing taxes and regulatory burdens, promoting a pro-business environment.

On foreign policy matters, Fischbach has participated in discussions surrounding sanctions and national security, suggesting a balanced yet firm approach towards international relations, particularly concerning Iran.

Personal Life

Beyond her political life, Fischbach maintains close ties to her agricultural roots, which significantly shapes her policy priorities. Although specific details about her family or personal business endeavors are less publicized, her background as a farmer, coupled with her professional experience in agriculture consultancy, underscores her lifelong commitment to the agricultural community of Minnesota.

Through her legislative work, Fischbach continues to advocate for her constituents, aiming to influence policies that align with her values and the needs of the communities she serves.