Jerry Moran

We have never been officially notified of a shortfall to begin with.

We will continue to press Rural Development for more clarity, because we believe they have the authority to do what needs to be done.

Thank you, Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Merkley, and members of this subcommittee for inviting me to testify today at your hearing on the Importance of Rural Development.

I do not know of any piece of legislation or Federal program that has been more helpful and enriched the lives of so many as the Rural Development Act.

We are from the government. We are here to help you.

We, certainly, would like that information. Obviously, the appropriation bill requires that information be provided.

What I am looking for is that there is an assurance that at a higher level within the administration that the position that Rural Utility Services is in and will be in as a result of decisions at the FCC related to Universal Service Fund…

If there is a problem within the agency, we need to know that.

I would say, Madam Secretary, that one of the primary interests in my running for public office was a belief in rural America and desire to see that it prospers.

Fifteen percent of the proposed area of service is the requirement for the loan?

We want to make certain that the money the taxpayers provide you is well-spent.

We are interested in reviewing and reprioritizing based upon what the needs are of FDA.

In the world I come from in Kansas, the rumor of food disease or animal-borne diseases causes dramatic consequences to farmers, to ranchers.

The ability to enforce those standards is going to, in large part, rely on the certification of those who are importing food

What does that mean the importer is most likely to do to be able to sign that certification?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing. It is timely and I am very interested to hear from our witnesses.

I have been an advocate of lifting the economic embargo against Cuba for the past 15 years.

That is what I want to hear.

Let me talk just a moment about the appropriations process.

The word 'audit' has a different meaning than the word 'inspect.' Is that true?

To my knowledge, the only time I've ever been rude, and this was unintentional, was to Joe Glauber.

So it is your understanding that what the goal is is dietary and nutritional guidelines, nothing more or broader.

I have now read that, and it talks about nutritional and dietary information.

I look forward to working with Senator Merkley and other members of the subcommittee to identify those priorities and make the most effective and efficient decisions on behalf of American taxpayers.

I also recognize that successful implementation does not come without a cost.