As our nation transitions toward a clean-energy future, there is no question that rural America has a critical role to play in leading this charge.

It will be crucial for the agencies administering these programs to communicate and coordinate so that the investments are effective and efficient.

We want to make sure that folks have an opportunity, no matter where they live and no matter where they are, to participate in farm bill programs.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing, the very first hearing dedicated specifically to addressing climate change in our Committee.

Never was the safety net more necessary than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have talked for many years, and I have been a proud Member of Mr. Clyburn's Rural Broadband Task Force.

For nearly 2 years, our country has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, not only the staggering death toll it has caused, but also the devastating impact that it has had on our economy.

I am also a co-lead of Congresswoman Alma Adams' coming legislation that seeks to combat college hunger by providing enrolled students with access to information about SNAP benefits.

The good news is provisions in the American Rescue Plan and the bipartisan infrastructure package... are starting to make a tremendous difference.

In May 2021, I joined 49 other Democratic Members of Congress in signing a letter calling for USDA to dedicate $300 million in relief funding for one on one business technical assistance for farms as well as food businesses.

Congress has been passing year-to-year riders in appropriations bills to allow low-fat flavored milk, but schools really need the predictability and certainty of knowing what the rules are going to be.