The work of our diplomats is vital, and the dedication of our Nation's diplomatic security agents has protected not just our Nation's diplomats and embassies, but the very members of Congress in this room who have traveled abroad on congressional delegation trips.

The mission of this subcommittee is very important to me.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am committed to advancing a smart national security strategy.

Our diplomats are public servants. These Americans have demonstrated time and time again that they deserve our full support.

America's forests are a pillar of our country's prosperity, delivering very important environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Good morning, welcome and thank you all for joining us here today to discuss a very important topic--innovation in the wood products industry, and what it means for rural prosperity and forest health.

My home Commonwealth of Virginia understands this well. Across Virginia's 15 million acres of forested land, forest-related businesses contribute $17 billion annually to the state's economy and support more than 100,000 jobs.

With markets facing economic stagnation, the forest sector is looking to innovation to reinvigorate the industry--and the future is full of possibilities.

Yet, multiple factors complicate the health of the industry.

And, Mr. Klain, I would also like to thank you for your very specific 7-point plan and recommendations of things that we should see from a Federal perspective out of Washington to help with this and future, future viruses and future outbreaks.

I wanted my questions to be centered in their thoughts and shared experiences, because as we talk about anti-Semitism in Europe, the deepest impact of anti-Semitism facing my constituents are the threats, the crimes, and the fear that exists in Virginia.