Good morning, and welcome to all who are watching the hearing today. I would like to start by extending a warm welcome and return to my friend and our witness today, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

A key function of our House Agriculture Committee is to conduct oversight and ensure that the Executive branch is implementing Congressionally authorized programs as intended. Today, I hope to hear critical updates on the implementation pandemic relief programs, including the American Rescue Plan, and the status of disaster assistance, as well as updates on the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.

With that, I yield to the Ranking Member for any opening remarks he may have.