I know the importance of investing in the bioeconomy, which relies on our farmers and ranchers.

Today's diverse set of panelists brings valuable knowledge and insight on how rural development programs work on the ground, and how they can be improved to better serve our rural communities.

As USDA's Rural Development agency is the only Federal agency with the sole focus of serving rural communities like the ones I represent, it is critical that we are providing these communities with the tools and resources they need to enjoy the same quality of life and services that enjoyed by families living elsewhere.

As I often say, rural America is essential America, and without our rural producers, America would wake up in the cold, dark, and hungry.

This rule changes the requirements for a person to be considered actively engaged in farming for the purpose of payment eligibility for certain Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) programs.

Error rate, fraud rate, to me, it all is dollars that aren't going to where we said we want them to go

we are all about giving folks and hand up, not just a handout

If we can put politics aside to have honest dialogue, promote pragmatic policymaking, and commit to good governance, we can move mountains for those in need.

Helping people reach a new rung on the ladder of opportunity.

I hope it will keep a principled approach.

The nutrition program in the farm bill shows the world how we as a nation take care of one another.