Deb Fischer

Deb Fischer. Deborah Strobel Fischer is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Nebraska since 2013. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the Nebraska Legislature, representing the state's 43rd legislative district. Fischer is known as a pragmatic conservative with a focus on agriculture, national defense, and rural development.

Early life and education

Deborah Strobel was born on March 1, 1951, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was raised on a ranch in Cherry County, an experience that deeply influenced her perspectives on land management and agricultural policy. She attended University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education. During her time at the university, she was involved with the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Her early career included work as a substitute teacher and managing the family's commercial cattle ranch in Valentine, Nebraska.

Political career

Fischer's political career began at the local level, serving on the Valentine Rural High School board of education. She was first elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2004, representing the sprawling 43rd district in the state's Sandhills region. In the Nebraska Unicameral, she chaired the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee and served on the Revenue Committee and the Executive Board of the Legislative Council. She gained attention for her work on legislation related to state highways and broadband access in rural areas. In 2012, she won the Republican primary in an upset over the Attorney General and the State Treasurer, before defeating former Governor and Secretary of Agriculture in the general election.

U.S. Senate tenure

Fischer was sworn into the United States Senate on January 3, 2013. She currently serves as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee and is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. She also sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Rules Committee. Key legislative accomplishments include the passage of the Fischer Amendment to the Water Resources Development Act and her co-sponsorship of the Modern Fish Act. She has been a consistent advocate for Offutt Air Force Base and U.S. Strategic Command. Fischer was re-elected decisively in 2018 and again in 2024.

Political positions

Fischer is a conservative Republican who generally votes in line with her party's leadership. She has a lifetime approval rating from the American Conservative Union and support from the National Rifle Association. She is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has opposed most gun control measures. On fiscal issues, she supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and advocates for a balanced budget amendment. Regarding social policy, she is pro-life, having co-sponsored legislation like the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. On foreign policy, she is considered a hawk, supporting increased defense spending and a strong stance against China and Russia. She has broken with her party on certain issues, such as advocating for the renewal of the Export-Import Bank of the United States and supporting some infrastructure investment bills.

Personal life

Fischer has been married to Bruce Fischer since 1972. Together, they operate a ranch in Cherry County, where they raise commercial cattle. The couple has three adult sons and several grandchildren. Her family's deep roots in Nebraska's ranching community are a central part of her public identity. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and enjoys outdoor activities. Fischer is a member of the United Methodist Church.

Category:1951 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from Nebraska Category:Republican Party United States senators