Sanford Bishop: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time, and I rise in support of H.R. 7608. As chairman of the Agriculture…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time, and I rise in support of H.R. 7608. As chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am pleased to highlight the national priorities that are funded in the division that is covered in this bill. First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our distinguished ranking member, Mr. Fortenberry. I hope he is not getting too embarrassed by my endless thanks and praise, but it is really genuine. Drafting legislation can be complicated, but we have been able to maintain an open line of communication, and I am proud of our bipartisan relationship. We have produced a good work product that makes important investments that will improve the life of every American. Our fiscal year 2021 allocation is almost $24 billion, 2 percent above the fiscal year 2020 and more than $4.1 billion above the budget request. The bill provides $3.2 billion for rural development initiatives to fund critical infrastructure, such as water and wastewater systems, and rural housing needs. The bill also funds the ReConnect Program at $990 million, which is an increase of $435 million, or 78 percent. I am extremely proud of the investments that we make to close the digital divide. The coronavirus pandemic has made everyone aware of just how important it is for students and workers to be connected to the internet, and our bill reflects that.…”