"I appreciate this committee's focus on improving forecasting the effects of severe weather events this Congress."
"It was certainly a tragedy that I know too well personally."
"Farmers and ranchers face the constant threat of damaged equipment and lost crops due to severe weather."
"Weather prediction is something that affects the constituents of every Member up here."
"I'm proud to say the Science Committee acted decisively last Congress by passing the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act."
"The Weather Act was the first authorizing legislation to address weather forecasting in 25 years."
"Space weather is a term many people have not often heard of."
"When I consider the importance of space weather research to Kansans, I think about the potential negative impacts solar activity can have on our farmers and ranchers."
"Thank you, Chairwoman Fletcher, for holding this important hearing today on the topic of space weather."
"Accurate weather forecasting is another concern for our farmers."
"The agriculture sector is usually among the first of industry who adapt new and innovative technologies."
"I've seen firsthand the improvements in productivity and crop yields for our farmers and ranchers who utilize these techniques."