Bobby Rush: “Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for holding this hearing today on what you have called the Ratepayer Protection…”

I am extremely interested in member cooperatives, and I am looking forward to ways to expand ag co-ops to urban areas.

I am continually concerned about the impact of any new costs on our nation's farmers and, specifically, the energy costs as it relates to minority farmers and consumers.

I urge the members of this Select Committee to co-sponsor this important legislation and hope to see it passed before the end of the 117th Congress.

I certainly want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this outstanding hearing this morning.