October Newsletter

November 7, 2025

Dear Friend,

After more than 40 days of needless hardship on the American people, enough Senate Democrats joined Republicans in voting to reopen the government.

The House just passed the final version of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, which responsibly ends the shutdown. It implements our original clean, non-partisan funding extension that the House passed on September 19, while also delivering three full-year appropriations bills.

The completely avoidable shutdown achieved nothing but pain and uncertainty for Americans, only to end up right where we started. My team and I are working on legislation to make it more difficult to shut down the government. Perhaps when the shutdown starts impacting lawmakers personally, we can avoid this madness in the future. I sure hope so.

Included in this newsletter are the latest updates and highlights from D.C. and district work over the past month. I always appreciate hearing from you, so please reach out anytime to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns.

My Best,

Julie Fedorchak
Member of Congress

We’ve heard from North Dakotans who are concerned about the cost of health care, and I hear you. Contrary to what some believe, Members of Congress pay for their own health care and buy insurance through the marketplace. The Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable, and Republicans are working on a slate of reforms to this program.

Below are some key facts about the temporary enhanced premium tax credits established during COVID that are set to expire January 1, 2026:

First, the original Affordable Care Act tax credits are not going away. Americans who qualify under the Affordable Care Act will continue to receive assistance. What Congress is debating are the temporary Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that expire on January 1, 2026. Congressional Democrats created this temporary program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and set the expiration date currently in place.
These tax credits extend eligibility to people beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty level and were intended as a temporary program to encourage people to buy insurance coverage during COVID.
Democrats created the program and set the expiration deadline themselves, underscoring the intention to make it temporary, not permanent. Making the program permanent will cost American taxpayers more than $350 billion over the next 10 years, all the while doing nothing to alter the rising costs of health care.

The Joint Economic Committee just released a study on the enhanced premium tax credits. Instead of lowering costs, these subsidies have turned into a blank check for insurance companies and a bad deal for taxpayers. Here are key takeaways from the report:

Spending has doubled. What was supposed to be a short-term fix has become a massive ongoing expense. Federal spending on these subsidies has more than doubled since 2021, which is far more than projected.
Insurers get the biggest benefit. For every $1 that lowers people’s premiums, $2 go to insurance companies or get wasted. The subsidies remove pressure to compete on price, letting insurers quietly raise rates.
Millions of “phantom” enrollees. Since 2021, the number of people who don’t file a single medical claim in a year has nearly quadrupled. This is now 35% of all enrollees. Insurers still get paid through these subsidies, even when no care is used.
Real premiums are hidden. Insurers have raised premiums by 31% since 2021, while taxpayers now cover more of the bill. Health care hasn’t gotten cheaper since these tax credits were enacted.

We should all be asking, if the Affordable Care Act was working as intended, would we need these enhanced tax credits? The answer is clear. The Affordable Care Act has made health care much more UNAFFORDABLE.

The question today is, where do we go from here? First, we need a reasonable off-ramp for this “temporary” program. Second, we must focus on long-term solutions that actually make health care more affordable for working families—not just expand government subsidies that go directly to insurance companies. This is a top priority for House Republicans.

ICYMI: Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, recently sat down with Breitbart News to discuss how Republicans are leading efforts to lower health care premium costs. It’s worth a read!

Office hours and Fedorchak Forums are a great way to connect with North Dakotans, answer questions, and discuss key legislative priorities. Thank you to every North Dakotan who takes the time to join a Fedorchak Forum or meet during office hours, regardless of whether we agree or disagree on issues.

This week, we held our seventh statewide Fedorchak Forum. In honor of Veterans Day, this discussion focused on North Dakota’s veterans and military families. These conversations are an important way for me to hear directly from those who’ve served our nation, answer questions, and discuss how federal policies affect your lives. Thank you to the 2,000+ North Dakotans who participated! We will announce the date for the December Fedorchak Forum soon.

Mobile office hours:

My team is also conducting statewide mobile office hours to help North Dakotans with federal programs and hear directly from communities across our state.

Bowman, Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Amidon, Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Lakota, Thursday, November 20th, 2025

From veterans’ benefits and Social Security to IRS or passport issues, my team is here to help cut through red tape and get results. Our goal is to solve problems and make sure the federal government works for the people who fund it.

To meet one-on-one with a member of my staff, please sign up using this link. Meetings will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and my team will contact you directly to confirm your appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome and will be seen as time allows after confirmed appointments are completed.

Java with Julie:

And if you're in D.C. next week, we'd love to have you join Java with Julie Thursday, November 20, from 8:30-9:00am! Every week the House is in session, North Dakotans visiting our nation’s capital are invited to stop by our office for a cup of coffee with our team. Follow our social media channels and website for scheduling updates.

U.S.-China Trade Deal Update:

President Trump recently announced a significant trade agreement with China that restores large-scale agricultural exports, including the purchase of up to 25 million metric tons of American soybeans each year.

This is great news for our tireless farmers—not only the immediate purchases but also the long-term commitment that we know President Trump will enforce. This strong deal delivers real results for North Dakota producers by reopening key markets, creating opportunities for growth, and strengthening America’s position as a global leader in agriculture.

Highlights of the agreement include:

China will resume major U.S. soybean purchases, beginning with 12 million metric tons this year and increasing to 25 million annually over the next three years.
The U.S. will reduce total tariffs on Chinese goods from 57 percent to 47 percent.
China will suspend export licensing restrictions for at least one year, a key development for U.S. defense, auto, and semiconductor industries.
China will purchase U.S. energy, including Alaskan oil and gas.
China will take measures to curb fentanyl trafficking.

ICYMI: Earlier this year, North Dakota farmers raised concerns about the lack of export contracts for soybeans being harvested this fall. While expanding foreign markets and requesting additional assistance through bridge payment programs have been top of mind for short-term solutions, this trade deal will create long-term certainty for American ag exports.

EPA announcement for North Dakota:

North Dakota has long shown that responsible environmental stewardship and strong energy development go hand in hand. I joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Governor Kelly Armstrong to announce the final approval of North Dakota’s Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) permit program last week. North Dakota is one of only four states in the nation with this authority!

This decision empowers our state—not Washington bureaucrats—to manage coal ash responsibly and strengthen our energy independence. North Dakota has safely managed CCR for more than 40 years, and this approval reinforces what we already know: state experts are best suited to manage state resources.

During the shutdown, my team was hard at work on our legislative priorities. Here is a summary of recent actions I’ve taken and bills I’m supporting to advance North Dakota interests:

Putting American beef producers first: North Dakota cattle ranchers have raised serious concerns following reports that the U.S. may soon import beef from Argentina to lower beef prices. I led a letter with seven of my House Republican colleagues asking President Trump for clarity on his administration’s plans and urging him to give U.S. producers the first opportunity to meet increasing domestic demand. Click here to read more in Fox News.

Immediate relief for soybean farmers: North Dakota farmers are experiencing market disruptions due to China’s unfair trade practices. Prior to the trade deal with China, I sent a letter to President Trump requesting he create a bridge payment program to provide liquidity and certainty for farmers as they enter the next crop year.
Protecting our rail supply chain from overreach: Ambitious state climate regulations, like those pushed by California, are driving up shipping costs and disrupting freight that moves through key ports. The LOCOMOTIVES Act reins in this overreach and keeps trains moving efficiently so goods can reach markets nationwide.
Clear information for seniors choosing Medicare: Seniors deserve straightforward choices when deciding what health coverage works best for their lifestyle and budget. The Apples to Apples Comparison Act will require Medicare to provide accurate data for seniors deciding between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Fee-for-Service (FFS) so seniors can make their health care decisions with transparency.
Honoring President Trump’s peace through strength agenda: President Trump has brokered historic peace agreements in some of the world’s toughest conflicts. The Donald J. Trump Congressional Gold Medal Act will recognize his work negotiating a landmark deal between Israel and Palestine and advancing lasting peace in the Middle East.
Safer routes for kids to get to school: No family should have to worry about their child's safety on their way to school. The Kids on the Go Act lowers the cost for states to hire full-time Safe Routes to School coordinators who play an important role in developing and maintaining safe infrastructure, education programs, and community engagement efforts for children’s safety.

In Bismarck, health care leaders gathered for a roundtable discussion on how the Rural Health Transformation Fund established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act can strengthen care in North Dakota’s small towns. North Dakota’s forward-looking approach and collaboration among our hospitals, clinics, and state agencies for the application should serve as a model for the entire country.

Standing Rock’s new chairman Steve Sitting Bear has a strong agenda to help his people address challenges like housing, crime, and health while seizing new economic opportunities to be more prosperous and independent.

Green Bison Soy Processing in Spiritwood is driving a powerful partnership between agriculture and energy. This first-of-its-kind facility crushes up to a quarter of North Dakota’s annual soybean crop. Their facility is a shining example of how local innovation strengthens our economy and fuels America’s energy independence—which is why maintaining strong federal support for biofuels is essential.

In Jamestown, the Anne Carlsen Center is providing life-changing care for nearly 3,000 North Dakotans with developmental disabilities, autism, and complex medical needs. Their work shows why a strong and sustainable Medicaid program must continue supporting the people it was created to serve. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act enacts commonsense reforms to strengthen and sustain Medicaid for generations to come.

In Fargo, 701x is turning smart ag innovation into helpful tools for ranchers. Their team is building advanced ear tags that track cattle health and movement in real time. With a growing manufacturing operation and smart automation, North Dakota is leading the future of precision livestock management—and expanding rural broadband through the CABLE Act will help ranchers put this technology to work.

The Jamestown Regional Medical Center is a lifeline for families across the region. Their strong focus on workforce development keeps care close to home, while new technology and AI tools are helping reduce administrative burdens for rural providers.

Missouri River Energy Services and local public power leaders in Valley City are working to keep electricity reliable and affordable while tackling transmission challenges and the need for smart permitting reform. Their leadership strengthens America’s electric grid and keeps North Dakota at the forefront of practical energy solutions.

The 119th Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard is setting the standard for excellence. They recently met their recruitment goals for the first time in 20 years! Their work in ISR and MQ-9 operations provide around-the-clock mission support in defending our homeland and deterring China right from Fargo.

Farmers shared long-standing concerns about federal Fish and Wildlife easements in the Prairie Pothole Region. They noted that perpetual easements often extend beyond wetland boundaries which significantly limits flexibility for land management, road work and drainage. I introduced the Landowner Easement Rights Act to help fix this.

At the North Dakota Department of Commerce, leaders discussed the state's growing potential for AI and data center development. Future legislative discussions on site prep programs will help strengthen North Dakota’s competitiveness and expand investment opportunities.

North Dakota Soybean Growers shared insights on market trends and the global importance of soybean exports. China plays a dominant role in processing and utilizing soybeans, and as trade stabilizes, the U.S. needs to stay the course on strengthening markets and supporting our producers.

In Bismarck, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and North Dakota Trade Office Director Drew Combs discussed the state of agricultural programs, trade, easements, and the conservation forage program.

Members of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association shared updates on market conditions, supply chain challenges, and long-term sustainability in agriculture. North Dakota farmers continue to express strong support for the Landowner Easement Rights Act and are eager to see it advance to a vote on the House floor soon.

In Bismarck, Sanford Health leaders provided an overview of health care reimbursement and the rising costs of providing care in North Dakota. The discussion focused on the challenges of maintaining sustainable margins and making sure providers are fairly compensated for the care they deliver.

Cattle ranchers, market experts, and ag leaders met at Black Leg Ranch to discuss solutions for meeting increased demand for American beef. North Dakota ranchers are problem solvers. They’re innovating every day to raise safe, high-quality beef and keep food on America’s tables despite droughts, high costs, and market uncertainty. They are ready to supply Americans with quality, healthy beef for their families and just need consistent, commonsense policies that let them do what they do best.

“As we said from the beginning, the people's government cannot be held hostage to further anyone's political agenda. That was never right, and shutting down the government never produces anything. It never has if you study history. And so, here we are.” - House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)

“The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. It's the Democrats’ law of the land. It is nothing but unaffordable. It has raised prices over its life for the average American family by 80 percent in health care. [...] The fact that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle say that the entire health care system would be at risk if we let these expire is a condemnation of the Affordable Care Act.” - House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN)

P.S. For more frequent updates, please sign up for my press releases, and subscribe here for my monthly newsletter. The next Fedorchak Forum will be held soon, sign up to receive information here.