Without a corresponding increase in top line, affordability will continue to decrease as the cost of construction projects continues to rise.

I have to say that, overall, VA performed admirably throughout the crisis, and deserves praise and recognition for that.

Your experience as an astronaut and legislator makes you an ideal advocate for NASA's priorities.

across the country, the school year is winding down, and students will be on summer break. We know that when school is out, many students who receive free and reduced-price meals throughout the school year are not getting the nutrition…

What concerns me is that these parameters were changed in the American Rescue Plan.

I am sure you know, last Congress, we came together in a bipartisan manner and passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

Good. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

I have heard from constituents and colleagues that Treasury has not been able to provide details about how and where the money is being spent.

That was, I think, a real boost and as you know, it's just a classic example of, you know, your leadership.

Again, thank you for being here, and taking time to speak with us.

Given the critical importance of contract towers to Rural America's smaller airports, what steps are DOT and FAA taking?

I hope OGC can assist USDA in releasing nearly $2 billion in financial relief to contract poultry and livestock producers.

I remain concerned the Administration may force the establishment of a bank through the CCC that would intervene in markets for environmental offsets.

I remain opposed to any effort to shoehorn the establishment and operation of a 'carbon bank' into the CCC authority.

If confirmed, do you commit to supporting the National Ag Law Center at the University of Arkansas, during your tenure, and will you commit to executing a fresh MOU to allow this collaborative program, which was so successful, between this…

I believe this is an important topic that warrants review by the Committee, and I urge the Committee to plan, as soon as possible, to have a hearing.

You are a good lawyer.

It is important USDA has a General Counsel who can be relied upon by Congress and the agriculture community to provide sound, practical, and candid legal guidance to the Department.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and again, we are very grateful for your willingness to serve.

We must ensure foresters and landowners are able to operate with certainty, predictability, and transparency.

Thank you, Chairwoman Stabenow, for your interest and commitment in continuing this important conversation focusing on the forestry sector.

Any raise in the capital gains tax is going to go hard against family forest landowners.

Active forest management, including prescribed fire and mechanical treatments, is critical to decreasing the frequency and scope of these events and protecting the overall health of our forests.

This legislation is a critical step toward addressing the physician shortage in our country.

The good news is we have an abundance of the world's greatest carbon sequestration machines--trees.