I want to be very clear. Efficiency is not an excuse for exploitation, and what is happening right now is the exploitation of smaller independent producers for the benefit of the big four.

Thank you, Chairman Stevens, and thank you for our witnesses for joining us today to share your expertise--expert testimony on Small Business Innovation and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

one of the great aspects of SBIR and STTR programs are the ability to spark innovation in middle America not just on the coast.

If America wants to maintain its competitive edge in the technologies of the future, we must make sure federal investments in R&D are made across the country, not just in Silicon Valley.

With the programs set to expire at the end of September, we have to--work to do to ensure that we can continue to make these investments in small businesses that can propel American innovation moving forward.

SBIR and STTR are the Federal Government's largest source of early stage technology development and commercializing funding for small businesses.

I mean here is American made Iowa, Midwest biofuels, and crickets, nothing, zero in the budget.

And frankly that is because of the Trump tax cuts that happened. I think that is a fair statement.

But in essence it is $4 trillion then because you are putting in this line item.

Standards sometimes fly under the radar. But they are foundational to U.S. industry and manufacturing.

Despite the strong bipartisan support of these efforts, competitiveness legislation is currently stalled because Democratic leadership in the House and Senate has piled on partisan provisions.

We cannot allow China to dominate the international standards for technology of tomorrow.

I hope that we can continue to build on our friendship and work together to deliver on the important matters before this Subcommittee.

A partisan 'super bill' is not the way to get this important legislation done.

We must ensure that the United States is a leader in producing semiconductors to bolster our national security.

Funding the CHIPS Act should be a top priority for Congress.

Well, I just want to thank each one of our expert witnesses. I mean, you've provided incredible testimony and insightful thoughts on these issues.

Right. I agree 100 percent. Thank you.

I think this is a multiagency, you know, opportunity to work together to support, you know, the universities to be able to help more students across the country, yes.

I am truly grateful to Ranking Member Lucas for asking me to serve in this role.

In Iowa the livestock industry has a great story to tell when it comes to sustainability.

Cattle ranchers have reduced emissions per pound of beef by more than 40 percent.

Dairy farms in the U.S. have the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of all our global competitors.

I thank my friend from Florida for yielding. China will stop at nothing to try and surpass the United States as the world's greatest superpower, and we have the tools at our disposal to counter this growing threat of the Chinese Communist…

Making sure Americans are fed remains a shared and critical goal for this Committee, I think for most people in Congress.