Abigail Spanberger

If farmers are to be part of solving climate challenges, they need to rely on proven science, accurate data, and standardization.

I am very excited that that program is, in part, based on the Butcher Block Act (H.R. 4140), which I co-led alongside Dusty Johnson.

FACA supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act, a bill that provides an important tool to incentivize investments in climate-smart technologies.

These challenges in rural communities... have ranged from broadband infrastructure challenges to supply chain bottlenecks.

It is so exciting to be here today with our friend and former colleague and Under Secretary for Rural Development.

We look forward to working with you to find ways to make these programs work for young, beginning, and BIPOC farmers.

These programs are critical for combating climate change and improving access to land.

We thank the Honorable David Scott, Glenn `GT' Thompson, Abigail Spanberger, and Doug LaMalfa for holding this hearing to discuss impacts of and opportunities for improving farm bill conservation programs.

There is real great value in seeing all of the benefits of these incredible programs.

Our farmers and producers are the original conservationists, and they are the climate heroes.

I could not agree with him more. And certainly, I have heard from producers in my district the challenge that they sometimes feel like they are positioned to seem like, to use Mr. DesJarlais' term, climate criminals.

All of these programs deliver on-the-ground resources that help us mitigate and adapt to climate change, and benefit our producers.

This legislation passed the Senate last year on a vote of 92 to 8, and it is long past time for the House to follow suit and do right by our farmers, rural America, and our planet.

I appreciate Congress's continued support for NRCS and our work to invest in voluntary conservation on working lands.

Farmers are the original conservationists, and there is so much we can learn from our growers and producers on how to combat the climate crisis.

This hearing presents an opportunity for us to discuss what is working and what can work better as we look ahead to the 2023 Farm Bill.

It is clear that SNAP works, and it works for our entire economy, from farmer to consumer.

SNAP helps families afford food while also boosting economic recovery.

And Congress must rise to meet these demands.

I have long been concerned about China's growing influence as a leading supplier of 5G technology.

I am a strong believer that the United States must ensure that we have the domestic production capacity to ramp up production of necessary medical countermeasures in the event of shortages or emergencies.

I would also really like to thank my colleague, Republican Tom Rice of South Carolina, for recognizing the value of this legislation to our communities, to industries in our districts, and certainly to our farmers and producers across the…

I will be introducing legislation, bipartisan legislation today to expand the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program to include electric vehicle supply equipment as an eligible expense for farmers and agribusinesses that apply for that…

The U.S. must really step up to the plate through some targeted public investments.

I do hope that in the future, Mr. Chairman, we can talk about how the international community can support cities and leaders like Mayor Trzaskowski as they are working to fight those threats that exist.