Klobuchar and Fischbach Receive Awards for Rural Community Support
Two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation have received national recognition for their efforts to support rural communities. Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was awarded the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award, the only member of Congress to receive this honor next year.
The award is given to leaders who show repeated support for the 42 million Americans who belong to electric cooperatives. NRECA credited Klobuchar with helping secure federal money for rural broadband and pushing to release home heating assistance for families. She also backed federal programs that finance rural power and internet upgrades.
Republican Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach received Growth Energy's Fueling Growth Award at the group's annual Biofuels Summit in Washington. Fischbach was recognized for her work on behalf of ethanol producers, corn growers, and rural communities. She used her seat on the House Rules Committee to help move a bill through the House that would allow year-round sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol.