I am honored to be here today and humbled by President Biden's nomination and Secretary Vilsack's support of me to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development.

During your time in the House you committed a big part of your time in this particular area.

We need to make sure that these are prioritized and they are moving. We are in a drought, people need help.

I think they are incredibly important.

It is an honor and a pleasure to meet with all of you again.

Yesterday at the United Nations, President Biden pledged a new era of relentless American diplomacy.

If confirmed, I will continue to work closely with our international organization partners on the ground and the Costa Rican Government to build capacity and provide protection.

The U.S. Government works with Costa Rica closely on a number of shared security concerns, including narcotics trafficking.

This ambassadorship matters. New Zealand and Samoa are leading on many important issues and are important partners in the fight against the climate crisis.

Increasing the ability of underserved communities to use our public lands is absolutely a critical focus of this Administration.

it is an honor and pleasure to meet with all of you again.

I support a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region where democracies can thrive, with strong institutions, responsible actors, and close security, economic, and people-to-people ties.

The advice and consent role of the United States Senate is one of the most important roles granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Robust economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific is a key part of the Biden-Harris administration's effort to Build Back Better.

As Secretary Blinken has said, China is the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to seriously challenge the stable and open international system.

Tom has devoted his entire life to my state, to serving the people of New Mexico and to serving this great nation.

Tom showed all of us how to act with decency and integrity, how to stay true to your principles but also how to find common ground.

My family raised me to understand that our communities are stronger when workers are protected and empowered.