Julie’s Journal: Recap from Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak's state work period
Bismarck, ND – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) spent this week engaging with North Dakotans across the state, participating in a variety of events, site visits, and roundtable discussions. Top of mind in all the discussions: how to make our communities safer, our businesses and healthcare systems stronger, our farmers more resilient, and our energy systems more reliable and sustainable. Check out these photos recapping her week:
Chairwoman Janet Alkire and tribal council members welcomed Julie and her team to Standing Rock on Monday. They learned a lot about the immediate needs and long-term goals of tribal leaders to improve the health, safety, and prosperity of tribal members. It was the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
At the North Dakota Chamber Legislative Social, Julie caught up with local business leaders and talked about cutting red tape, lowering taxes, and making Washington more accountable. She’s advocating for common-sense policies that help North Dakota’s small businesses grow and help keep our economy strong.
A large group of Bismarck-Mandan Chamber members joined Julie for a business town hall. Medicaid reform, DOGE, changes to the federal Department of Education, border security, immigration reform, the budget, and energy policy were just a few of the topics covered. Workforce challenges and labor shortages are ever present. HELP WANTED to solve that problem!
The Biden administration's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) flat out ignored state experts when developing their new management plan for North Dakota. This includes input from the head of Mineral Resources and the Public Service Commission. BLM produced a North Dakota resource management plan that will effectively prevent our natural resources from being developed for the people who own them: the American citizens. Thanks to leaders like Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Nathan Anderson, Director of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, North Dakota is fighting back. With demand for affordable, reliable energy at record highs, we should be unleashing energy production—not shutting it down.
Camp Grafton is a jewel on the banks of Devils Lake. At this site, men and women of the North Dakota National Guard train in everything from bridge building to carpentry and cutting-edge UAS and counter-UAS operations. Thanks to the dynamic leadership of Adjutant General Mitchell Johnson and his team, North Dakota soldiers play a critical role in our state and national defense. After spending time with our National Guard members, Julie wondered, is it too late for her to sign up?
North Dakota elections are a model for the nation. Common sense laws and strong leaders like Secretary of State Michael Howe, who follows in the footsteps of SOS legend Al Jaeger, are a big reason why. Case in point, Secretary Howe started the conversation by offering to take LESS money from the federal government in the future.
Members of AARP North Dakota pitched federal legislation to provide tax credits to caregivers to support in-home care for the elderly. Having seen the benefits of family caregiving and home-based care for her own parents, Julie pledged to look into the legislation more closely.
North Dakota’s dairy industry runs on hard work. Julie visited VanBedaf Dairy Farm and Cows & Co Creamery in Carrington to see the 24/7 dedication that brings high-quality dairy to our tables—including some of the best gelato and gouda you’ll ever taste! From expanding market access to fair trade policies, Julie is advocating for policies that help North Dakota’s agricultural producers continue doing what they do best.
A strong community starts with safe neighborhoods, good jobs, and opportunities for future generations. That’s exactly what Chairperson Lonna Jackson-Street and the leaders of Spirit Lake Nation are working toward every day. Julie appreciated the chance to discuss their priorities—economic development, housing, healthcare, and public safety—and how to work together to make meaningful progress.
In Jamestown, Julie spent time with North Dakota’s future leaders, innovators, and problem solvers at Head Start. She read Just Another Morning, one of her kids’ favorites. From being the class meteorologist to class electrician, these young minds are already thinking big!
Julie joined the North Dakota Corn Growers Association at the Carrington Ag Research Center to discuss the challenges and opportunities farmers face entering into a new season. They talked about the importance of a five-year farm bill that supports North Dakota agriculture, as well as her recent meeting with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where she advocated for trade policies that help generate new markets and erase inequities.
Great things are happening in Devils Lake—a unified healthcare system, school improvements, and tourism growth with expanded facilities on the lake! Mayor Jim Moe and City Administrator Spencer Halvorson are problem solvers and people of action. Julie is excited to work with them on new opportunities to strengthen their community.
Julie was honored to join the ND National Guard Roughrider Conference. Whether it’s securing funding, modernizing training, or supporting families, Julie is ready to stand up for those who stand up for North Dakota and our nation.
ICYMI: Julie is hosting a Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, March 26th at 6:30 pm CT (5:30 pm MT), where she will hear directly from North Dakotans like you! CLICK HERE to sign up and participate.