We expect that this will be administered according to the intent of Congress, which our intent is to benefit the American farmer.

Well, Chief, I appreciate the due diligence with which you are pursuing this increased access.

Let us not let bureaucracy kill that. You have the authority. President Biden signed that into law.

With the IRA funding, I believe we must have a bipartisan, bicameral discussion on the best way to administer this funding.

The Endangered Species Act was drafted with the best of intentions, but it has simply failed to live up to its noble mission. Since the ESA was passed in 1973, only 3 percent of species protected by the law have recovered to the point…

I have serious concerns whether the Department can effectively and efficiently administer an unprecedented and uncoordinated increase in funding.

Conservation has always been a high priority for me.

We can't prioritize one natural resource concern over all others.

We must admit that some of the funding is unrealistic and would be better used by bringing it into the baseline.

The program seems mired now with administrative burdens that make it difficult for people to access.

I am also interested in hearing more about what producers do not want in the next farm bill, as time has taught us, even if well intended, more legislation and regulation is often not the answer.

Well, thank you very much. Good morning everyone, and thank you to Chairman Mann, Ranking Member Costa, for your great leadership.