We are all singularly focused on a safe and healthy and vibrant food system as well as vibrant world communities.

Well, let's all keep thinking critically on the question, because, again, I think we are in a transformative moment in this regard.

This is the largest, by far, part of the USDA budget.

Let's talk about what that means.

Food is health. And to make those two things inextricably intertwined has to be the objective if we are providing a holistic public policy for well-being.

This is about food, food security, helping those in need, and sustaining one of the most productive aspects of American life.

Are we thinking critically about how to identify the gap and close the gap?

Let's do it in the middle of the country. Let's do it right here.

Clean and safe drinking water, as well as wastewater treatment, are critical parts of rural development.

First of all, I want to thank you for your leadership, sir. I do appreciate our friendship and our ability to think critically together and to collaborate.

This hearing today is about one thing, one thing only: Are our drugs safe?

The story you told is repeated across the country.

That is way too late, and we need this data much faster.

It seemed like you stumbled into the finding. That wasn't the initial charge of the research. Is that right?

How are we defining the gap? How are we closing the gap?

Any time you are dependent on a single country like we are with China, we are at risk.

I thought this was a great and insightful discussion today across the broad range of agricultural considerations and rural development considerations that are affecting America.

I commend you for bringing up this idea of what we call placemaking or this ecosystem of livability.

I truly believe farmers are the original stewards of the land, and I believe they have an important role to play in the climate change conversation.

So I think we need a simple set of statistics that is really definable around--forget the complexities.

I think we need to change that equation.

Yeah, we need rural broadband, and that is very important.

We are going to need this data sooner based upon the dictates of the previous law that is being implemented now.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And as we have worked together for so long, you know me well, yes, sir, I do have a few opening comments, but, first of all, let me commend you for your leadership and your opening remarks as well, they are…

the harder, more subjective aspects of livability and well-being are harder to put a number on