Cathy McMorris Rodgers

I hope that we can use today's conversation as an opportunity to listen and learn from our producers and growers about what they need as we head into the drafting of the 2023 Farm Bill.

In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congresswoman Hartzler worked with us to pass an amendment to set the minimum build-out speed for USDA-funded broadband programs.

Hungry kids don't learn. I know that, and that can extend to any other community on any other topic.

We already provide nearly $6 billion per year in locally led incentive-based conservation programs through title II of the farm bill.

Let me be clear. This isn't an ideological concern. I support efforts to expand and improve our conservation work.

It can be a business relevance because, as we are trying to forecast the supply that we are going to see from farms across the country based on biological systems that are affected by weather.

It is like an insurance policy. It is one of those things you invest in, and you know it is there if you really need it.

Thank you for sharing that information, I appreciate it.

The gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Baird, is recognized for 5 minutes.

Anytime that USDA can deliver food to individuals who need nutrition assistance, it is a benefit to everyone in the agricultural sector.

Thank you for the question, Congresswoman Brown.

I will continue to push for my bipartisan Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act of 2021 (H.R. 1861).

These critical anti-hunger nutrition programs work together alongside SNAP to tackle food insecurity from different angles.

This hearing is another in an ongoing series of hearings that we are hosting to review the 2018 Farm Bill and prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill.

These awards will support 134 projects in rural areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities in 46 states and Territories.

The Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, which provides over 800,000 low-income seniors with coupons each year.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, provided 2.2 billion pounds of USDA foods to emergency food providers.

I will work to ensure SNAP, in conjunction with other Federal nutrition programs, meets the needs of millions of Americans who struggle with food insecurity.

It is clear that hunger continues to be a pervasive issue in our nation.

Broad-based categorical eligibility has been proven to ease the benefits cliff that exist for recipients.

I introduced legislation, the Feed Hungry Veterans Act (H.R. 7272), to tackle this very issue.

Opportunities are needed to further test and evaluate innovative approaches to SNAP administrative functions.

We need to modify and expand the policies around access to SNAP benefits for college students and veterans with disabilities.

We should build upon and make permanent proven demonstration projects which streamline access to SNAP for vulnerable households.

It is critical that we preserve access to broad-based categorical eligibility and the alignment of services with programs such as TANF and the National School Lunch Program.