I represent Northeast Iowa. I have 20 counties in my congressional district. Seventeen of my 20 counties are very rural.

We have some of the lowest Medicare reimbursement rates in the country which is something that we have been working on a lot to address and fix.

The shortage of healthcare providers has long been a factor in these closures, and at the Federal level, I know we need to take a multi-pronged approach to address these workforce shortages.

Just like my district, farmers and small businesses here are the backbone of the local and state economy.

It immediately made me think about a time I was back in Iowa and talking to one of our smaller Internet service providers...

Closing the digital divide is a top priority for me.

I am so excited to be here today in Gettysburg, and joined by my Ranking Member, Dr. Joyce.

Field hearings play a very important role in the work of our Committee.

I hope that today's discussion will highlight ways that the federal government can help improve connectivity.

The availability of high-speed broadband internet in rural America is critical to a vibrant, growing economy.

I am proud to serve on the Congressional Task Force on Rural Broadband, and I am working to ensure that investments in rural broadband are included in any comprehensive infrastructure package that passes through the House.