The role of voluntary conservation programs in our country's history provides additional context as to why they are necessary today.

I look forward to working with Ranking Member Doug LaMalfa, and I thank him for his leadership on the Subcommittee.

I represent a diverse swath of central Virginia, from the Richmond suburbs to the fields of Nottoway County in the south, to the rural communities of Culpeper County in the north.

I'm pleased to be here today for our first Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee hearing.

These voluntary programs that provide support to farmers, while at the same time protecting our natural resources, are absolutely critical.

I thank Congressman LaMalfa. I thank all the Members of the Committee for being here today.

Today, this Subcommittee will be addressing USDA farm bill conservation programs.

We should also recommit to working together to offer alternatives to Chinese investments.

We have talked a lot today about 5G technology... we are facing challenges with companies that have close ties to the Chinese Government such as Huawei.

I will be submitting another question to you because I was particularly struck by your comment that there is a bipartisan consensus related to China within Washington.

empowering U.S. ally populations to stand up against foreign subversion would be the most effective weapon against Chinese and Russian influence.