Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. First, let me thank our witnesses for their time and attention. Your participation—in what is this Committee’s first, or at least more fulsome, attempt at publicly reviewing the pandemic and Congress’ response—is much appreciated. This pandemic has infiltrated our lives in every sense possible. Unfortunately, the brunt of it was borne on our communit... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good afternoon. I would like to thank the Chairman for holding today’s hearing and his flexibility due to the updated Floor schedule. The impact climate has on agriculture production and on our natural resources is an issue of great importance to all of us on the House Agriculture Committee. Working with us on a mutually agreeable time that provides for greater Me... Read more »
Washington, DC – Opening remarks, as prepared, of Committee on Agriculture Republican Leader Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) from today’s markup of the Committee majority’s budget reconciliation measure: “Mr. Chairman, it is with a measure of regret that we begin our tenure together marking up this reconciliation bill. The members of the Ag Committee have long prided ourselves on our bipartisanship. W... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning, and thank you Chair Plaskett for convening this hearing today. I am pleased to be celebrating such an important occasion. August 30th of this year marked the 130th anniversary of the enactment of the Morrill Act of 1890. Also known as the Second Morrill Act, this law led to the establishment of the 1890 land-grant universities, that today number 19 i... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning and thank you Chair Spanberger for holding today’s hearing to review the successes and challenges of the conservation programs in 2020. In January of this year, our subcommittee heard from NRCS Chief Lohr and FSA Administrator Fordyce regarding the implementation of the conservation programs included in the 2018 Farm Bill. Since that time, our country... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good afternoon everyone. Before we begin, I would like to recognize the life and legacy of Chairman Bob Smith. Bob Smith was a family man, a team roper, a cattle rancher, a banker, a contractor, and a legislator. He loved this institution and understood that working across the aisle was the best way to succeed. Bob was a politician’s politician, and many sought hi... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling today’s hearing to review on-farm energy production. I believe this hearing is timely given the current discussions taking place on the future of U.S. energy policy and the future of U.S. agriculture. Recently, the majority staff of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a report which details recommended congressio... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Madam Chair. When Secretary Perdue announced the creation of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, I was excited. This was a way to expeditiously assist producers—many of whom were plowing over crops or dumping milk because of supply chain disruptions—as well as consumers who found themselves in circumstances beyond their control, and in great need.... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses. We are especially fortunate to have you here representing production agriculture, knowing that spring is a busy time of year on the farm. I look forward to your comments about how trade has impacted your operations, and the opportunities you each see ahead in the future. American farmers and ranchers produce... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Secretary Perdue. We’re glad to have you with us today. We recognize you’ve got your hands full. Your hard work in implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, WHIP Plus disaster assistance, and the Market Facilitation Program has been and continues to be absolutely vital in helping our farmers and ranchers weather their seventh straight year... Read more »
