February Legislative Recap

Dear Friend,

It’s been a busy month in Washington.

My colleagues and I have worked hard to confirm President Trump’s cabinet and advance the policies the American people voted for.

I introduced several important bills this February that prioritize Nebraska. These measures aim to support nursing homes and rural hospitals, as well as help working families. I also continued work to strengthen our national security and protect the Department of Defense’s access to critical spectrum airwaves.

Read more about my work for you below:

One thing Americans agree on is that no one should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for their family. Whether an employee is caring for a newborn, nursing an aging parent, or recovering after surgery, they deserve time to tend to themselves or their loved ones without risking the income they need to survive.

That’s why I spearheaded our nation’s first-ever federal family leave policy in 2017 with Senator Angus King (I-Maine). But our policy is about to expire. This month, I reintroduced our bill to make this policy permanent, and I spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for our paid family leave legislation.

You can read more about my paid family and medical leave bill here.

Rural Health Care

Rural community hospitals are often overlooked in policy decisions. This month, I reintroduced legislation to help these essential facilities remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs.

Along with rural hospitals, nursing homes—especially in rural communities—are at risk due to a federal rule still in place from the Biden era. Across America, 1.3 million people live in nursing homes, including nearly 10,000 Nebraskans. Nursing homes are vital in all communities to help seniors thrive.

This month, I reintroduced my Protecting Rural Seniors' Access to Care Act and spoke about it on the Senate floor. This legislation would block the Biden administration’s harmful rule from taking full effect. It would also establish an advisory panel on the nursing home workforce including members from rural and underserved areas.

You can read more about my bill here.

Disaster Relief

In times of crisis, Nebraskans need relief—not additional burdens. The Emergency Conservation Program’s (ECP) distribution system often fails to deliver the support it was designed for, which is why I reintroduced legislation to reform it. My bill would offer producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an increased, up-front cost-share.

You can read more about my bill providing disaster relief here.

Celebrating Nebraska

During World War II, North Platte became a sanctuary for soldiers passing through Nebraska. A host of patriotic Nebraskans volunteered to give our own service members a taste of home and hope at the North Platte Canteen. To honor the individuals and communities who volunteered, I led my colleagues, alongside U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03), in reintroducing the North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act.

The Senate has been in session day and night, week in and week out, working to confirm President Trump’s Cabinet nominees.

This past month, I personally engaged with:

Stephen Feinberg, nominee for Deputy Secretary of Defense, on the Department of Defense’s role in shaping spectrum policy.
Michael Kratsios, nominee for Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), on emerging technologies and the Department of Defense’s advanced testing capabilities to support a more balanced nationwide spectrum strategy.
Mark Meador, nominee for Federal Trade Commissioner, on his plan to effectively use agency resources to uphold the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) mission, if confirmed.
John Phelan, nominee for Secretary of the Navy, on his commitment to ensure that the Department of Defense complies with existing requirements to continue funding of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N).

In addition to nomination hearings, I questioned experts on the national security risks of auctioning off critical U.S. spectrum waves currently utilized by the Department of Defense to protect Americans. I also questioned experts on the strategic importance of maintaining a strong U.S. presence in the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap.

As part of its relentless climate agenda, the Biden administration imposed rules and regulations that would force Americans to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) at a breakneck pace. But our current transportation infrastructure was not designed for the challenges that EVs pose, and we have more of them on the road than ever.

This month, I reintroduced legislation that would even the playing field and require EVs to pay their fair share for the upkeep of America’s infrastructure.

Read more about my bill here.

In late January, I also pushed for better vehicle safety by introducing the SHE Drives Act. My bill would require the use of female crash test dummies to strengthen safety procedures for both men and women. I was glad to see the Senate Commerce Committee advance this legislation this month.

Strong leadership is key to improving our transportation infrastructure. I questioned Steven Bradbury, nominee for Deputy Secretary of Transportation, on his commitment to supporting rural America, the Essential Air Service (EAS), and his plans to ensure that all state Departments of Transportation receive clear, consistent guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Another serious issue in the transportation industry is freight fraud. I questioned expert witnesses on the importance of my legislation that gives the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) authority to enforce penalties against unauthorized brokers.

I’m continuing to push in the fight for year-round, nationwide E15 sales. This month, I reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. My legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution that would end years of patchwork regulations.

After I introduced my bill, this month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took further action to allow for the sale of E15 ahead of the 2025 summer driving season. This was a major win for producers and consumers alike!

One highlight of the month on the Agriculture Committee was welcoming my fellow Nebraskan and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein to testify during a committee hearing. I look forward to continuing my advocacy for our farmers and ranchers in the months to come.

Bill to impose fees on electric vehicles touted at Senate hearing

Sen. Deb Fischer speaks on the push for year-round E15 legislation, natural disaster relief

Bill reintroduced to allow year-round, nationwide E15 sales

Fischer, Smith renew Canteen Congressional Gold Medal push in new Congress

Senators Look for Way Forward on Spectrum Impasse

No More Free Rides: EVs Must Pay Their Fair Share into the Highway Trust Fund

Fischer, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help America’s Working Families

Fischer Reintroduces EV Legislation to Ensure Fairness on the Roads

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Rural Seniors’ Access to Care

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support Rural Hospitals

Fischer Questions Experts on National Security Risks and U.S. Spectrum Policy

Fischer Reintroduces Legislation to Support America’s Energy Independence

	Every human life deserves to be cherished and protected—including the lives of unborn children. I had a great time at the Nebraska Walk for Life, and I’m proud of all who came out to stand up for the right to life.
I met with my friend Aaron Hanson, Douglas County’s Sheriff. His hard work keeping our communities safe creates a better Nebraska!
	I had a great conversation with MENTOR and had the pleasure of meeting some of their incredible mentors!
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative builds stronger communities through education. Their dedication gives Nebraska children a head start in life!
	I met with President Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee, Steve Feinberg. We discussed the munitions crises, critical programs that must be accelerated, and ways to make the DOD more effective.
I met with Dr. Andrews, the director of Nebraska ESPCoR, to explore ways the program could drive more STEM innovation at universities and colleges throughout the entire state.
	I had a great discussion with the Nebraska Rural Water Association on ways to better support our small public water systems.
I met with Vicki Kramer, Director of Nebraska’s Department of Transportation, to discuss Nebraska’s needs to ensure a robust transportation system.
	My good friends Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman and Saline County Sheriff Alan Moore stopped by my office. We had a great conversation on the latest law enforcement issues facing Nebraska counties, including drug trafficking and organized crime.
I had a discussion with Paul Dongilli, President and CEO of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, about providing relief to the long-term care hospital (LTCH) industry.
	I had a great meeting with Nebraska Corn Growers Association! We discussed the FARM bill and the future of agriculture under President Trump.
The Health Center Association of Nebraska honored me with the Distinguished Community Health Care Advocate award. I had a great conversation on how to keep supporting these essential centers and their invaluable services!
	I met with Nebraska representatives from Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to explore ways our tribal schools can strengthen workforce development and build a brighter future for tribal members.
Nebraska is home to one of the largest Czech populations in the country and shares a unique partnership between Czechia and the Nebraska National Guard. I met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss Czech-U.S. collaboration in defense, technology, and trade.
	As a proud alum, I always enjoy meeting with the latest class of the Nebraska LEAD Program during their trip to Washington. We had a great roundtable discussion about two of my top priorities: agriculture and national security. Nebraska’s future is in great hands with these leaders at the helm.
American Medical Association gives rural Nebraskans the high-quality care they deserve. They stopped by for a conversation to explore ways we can continue to support doctors in the Senate.
	I had a great conversation with the Nebraskans from the NFIB about the impact of taxes on small businesses in Nebraska.
I met with Dr. Troy Meink, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Air Force. We discussed his top priorities and the challenges he anticipates the Air Force and Space Force will face in the upcoming years.
	Keep America Beautiful works to end littering, improve recycling, and keep our country in pristine condition! I had a great time meeting with organization directors from four different Nebraska communities.
Habitat for Humanity gives families a place to call home. I was proud to hear Habitat Omaha was the top producing Habitat affiliate last year! I met with their team to discuss how my work in the Senate can help expand the supply of starter homes nationwide.
	I met with the Nebraska Rural Health Association and the Nebraska Hospital Association to discuss how to continue supporting health care for our rural communities.
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Nebraska Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. I enjoyed chatting with these young Nebraskans!
	Cargill employs over 4,000 Nebraskans. I met with Cargill’s Ag and Trading Enterprise Leader, Roger Watchorn, to discuss how to better support the biofuel industry in the Senate and hear updates on their investments in Nebraska.
Our farmers are vital to the ag industry, yet many generational farming families are facing tough market conditions. I met with the American Sugarbeet Growers Association to discuss ways to ensure that our producers have the necessary safety nets to thrive.
	Senator Pete Ricketts and I had a great chat with the Nebraska American Legion about their 2025 priorities and improving services for veterans.
DAV assists Nebraska veterans in obtaining the benefits they’ve earned, as well as providing critical transportation to medical appointments. It is always a pleasure meeting with them!
	I had a great meeting with AIPAC to discuss how we can continue to support our ally Israel.
UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) supports ag research, education and extension. I met with them to discuss avenues for funding and support.