It is an indication--and I want to close on this note--on what we can do in this incredible country of ours when we work together on a bipartisan basis.

I find that, to be honest with you, offensive.

I will not support any farm bill that guts the nutrition safety net for millions of Americans.

I think it is critical that we hear directly from farmers when systems that are supposed to empower them aren't working the way that they should be.

Second, Congress should include in any upcoming legislation three key strengthen SNAP bills.

I believe it is a moral obligation of leading nations to provide assistance to countries in need, and there are certainly many people who need help.

Quite frankly, I think that is offensive. It robs people of choice, and it robs people of dignity.

the majority of people who are eligible to work who are on SNAP actually do work.

We are going to have to look at other resources with the Commodity Credit Corporation and others to provide funding to optimize American farmers and ranchers.

the USDA's Economic Research Service put out a report in March predicting an up to five percent increase in food prices this year.

I think, while we have not discussed it too much this morning, tapping into the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust is one step that could have an immediate impact.

Hungry people can't wait. Taking these actions now can help avert a severe 'hunger cliff' and promote food security and economic equity during COVID-19 and beyond.

the average SNAP benefit before all of these adjustments was about $1.40 per person per meal.

How ambitious we are about empowering farmers, especially those who are new to agriculture or have historically not had a seat at the table, will be a key measure of whether the next farm bill is a success.

I feel like local food economies are the most resilient food economies.

The past 2 years have made it clear that our global integrated food system has some cracks.

What I care about is making it easier for people to access fruits and vegetables, and that is exactly what programs through GusNIP do.

SNAP is an important program that deserves our support.

The past 2 years have made clear that our globally integrated food system has some cracks.

We have already seen the disruption of global grain and fertilizer markets.

I've been known to say that food security is national security and that linkage has never seemed stronger that it is today.

I am asking you what the current status is and how soon we think we can get that kind of support to our pork producers.

Even last fall, Representative Plaskett and I sent a bipartisan letter that was signed by 37 Members of the Committee.

I look forward to starting that process with our Members and with you, Mr. Secretary.

We need greater certainty and supply chain resiliency for both producers and consumers.