The embargo also comes at a cost for Americans, because before the embargo, Cuba was the ninth largest export market for U.S. farm products.

This Congress we have an enormous responsibility of reauthorizing the farm bill, a farm bill that will support our farmers, and keep families fed.

A significant barrier to nutritious food is cost. However, a stable agricultural market can also keep food prices stable.

I think one of the things that I am particularly interested in looking at... is navigating these programs, modernizing the way people access these programs...

To open the farm bill for reckless partisan politics is offensive to the contemplative work that we conduct in this Committee.

I am thrilled to have heard for the first time in this Committee that we have a nutrition hearing planned.

As we move into farm bill negotiations, it is vital that we remember how important trade is for our producers.

We should be revisiting our policies that push people out of their home countries when they want to stay at home.

At the end of the day, the Cuban economy...bears significant responsibility for what is happening there.

As an educator, I know for certain that predictable and sustained investments in our public schools do in fact lead to better student outcomes.

It is not fair that only wealthy parents should be able to decide where they send their schools, and I think the answer to that is to make all of our public schools the best that they can be.

As of September 2023, 16,500 jobs have been created in Connecticut since President Biden took office.

I couldn't agree more. And I think especially as we are emerging from this pandemic and we have seen so many shifts, 5 years would be an appropriate time to reevaluate the Thrifty Food Plan.

Connecticut's unemployment rate is currently 4 percent as of February 2023.

So blue State shutdowns did not stifle the economy.

We appreciate your consideration of the immense positive impact SNAP has on the lives of millions of Americans as well as its beneficial impact on the national economy and our nation's long-term financial sustainability.

A person seeking asylum is not here illegally. They are following U.S. law as it is written.

Small farms account for 89 percent of the farms in the United States and 93 percent of the farms in my district in Connecticut.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission... has not been fully authorized in over 10 years.

somebody has to advocate for the little guy.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the agency tasked with overseeing this activity, has not been fully authorized in over 10 years.

we are intentional in the way that we legislate to make sure that the impact is felt across the whole agricultural sector.

I appreciated the way that he used his time in today's hearing.

Ensuring that Congress properly funds, supports, and oversees USDA operations so that the Department operates effectively... is critical to maintaining the American food supply.

I appreciate you both taking the time to be here and offer your expertise.