Stacey Plaskett

The farm bill also expanded USDA's authority to crack down on bad actors attempting to undermine consumer confidence through fraudulent organic imports.

As the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the NOP, we have a responsibility to ensure that USDA is fulfilling its commitment to organic producers.

Our producers depend on strong consumer confidence and clear standards to ensure the longevity of their business.

It is imperative that Congress and USDA continue to work together to support farmers, ranchers, and consumers who seek out the organic seal.

I just want to close my portion of this by stating that, when it came to a notion of democracy, Chairman Cummings, in his speeches, insistently invoked it, and not in the inert way that elected officials tend to do. He spoke of democracy…

I thank Mr. Evans, as one gentleman from a great American city paying tribute to another man from a great American city, as native sons. I thank him for those kind words and for the fight that we are all continuing to undertake on behalf…

I thank the gentlewoman for those words. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans), representing Philadelphia.

I thank the gentlewoman for her words. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), who, like Elijah Cummings, came to Congress first in a special election. I am happy to call her my classmate.

I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his reflections on our colleague, Elijah Cummings. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond), former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, a good friend and colleague.

I thank the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), my colleague, for his support of the Congressional Black Caucus, and working with me in ensuring that the voices of Black America are heard here in the Congress. At this time, I yield to…

We are doing your job better if we assist these areas to mitigate the damages

Why isn't FEMA using this authority to advance funding for recovery projects in the Virgin Islands?

We just need more of them.

I do, of course, have to be concerned with the Virgin Islands, where September 2017 was the hurricane.

At a time of continued farm stress, it should be USDA's top priority to support research efforts that directly benefit farmers.

I believe that this Subcommittee, and the full House Agriculture Committee, understands the value of trusted science.

Their message was clear--farmers and ranchers benefit from investments in public agriculture research and strong extension services.

Strong investments in public agriculture research have historically allowed our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities to remain competitive and increase their overall productivity.

Our farmers and ranchers deserve better, and so do the valued career public servants who left their positions within ERS and NIFA for other opportunities.

I can honestly say, I was disappointed in his response and failure to outline a clear, robust plan for how these agencies would prevent gaps in services.

I believe that this Subcommittee and the full House Agriculture Committee understands the value of trusted science.

He was really a mentor for me.

He worked across the aisle with individuals that people were flabbergasted at.

He always operated with fairness, was always very thoughtful in his deliberations.

He was a gentleman. He was an angel among many of us.