Abigail Spanberger

The absolute least we can do for them as a nation is make sure that they get the help they need in a timely manner.

Today, I urge my colleagues and the Committee to do the right thing by bringing forward the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act.

Thank you, Chairman Bost.

I am proud of the progress that we have made. There is more to do, but we are on our way to connecting 100 percent of Virginia's families, small businesses, farms, and students.

But I know that we are on this, like, trajectory towards making the strides that need to be made.

I am really proud to say that our Commonwealth, because of investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan, Virginia is really within reach of this goal.

I have been passionate about this issue since I first arrived in Congress in 2019, because I represent communities that have really experienced the divide.

I am running out of time, but I just want to say thank you all for being here.

So I would say that coordination needs to happen at a much stronger level, not just at the Federal level, but also down into the state and the local level, and back up to the Federal level, so that we all are working to take whatever that…

Just a few years ago the idea of universal broadband accessibility in Virginia seemed really far off, but now I am really proud to say that our Commonwealth, because of investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American…

Last month, the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee heard from NRCS Chief Cosby that one barrier to NRCS hiring is that too many job applicants apply to the agency without the required coursework in soils.

Thank you for contacting us following the June 14, 2023 hearing on 'A Review of Title VII: University Perspectives on Research and Extension Programs.'

Thank you for holding today's hearing titled: 'A Review of Title VII: University Perspectives on Research and Extension Programs.'

And with my remaining time, I just want to talk about kind of the connection between what is happening at your universities...

And, Dr. Grant, the--certainly Virginia Tech is well known within the Commonwealth for its agriculture programs...

I have heard from livestock producers across Virginia's Seventh District about the challenges they face because of limitations in the livestock processing industry due to some workforce shortages.

Thank you, Chairman Baird and Ranking Member Spanberger, for this opportunity to testify.

I am proud to welcome our next witness, Dr. Alan Grant, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Public investment in agricultural research is critical to the success of American agriculture.

I am glad to have a great representative of our Commonwealth join us here today.

I refuse to accept senseless changes to SNAP that would harm our nation's servicemembers, veterans, and any other vulnerable Americans.

It is unacceptable that military families struggle to put food on the table in the richest, most powerful country in the world.

If any of my colleagues want to join some of us in raising that to a $14 level, I welcome them to do so.

The answer to the question--though, Ms. Brown, given your specialty and expertise was probably misdirected at you--is 4.3 years.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for being with us.