First, I would like to thank you, Chairman Johnson, for working together to convene today’s subcommittee hearing – the first hearing of this Congress focused on USDA Rural Development and Energy programs. And I would like to thank our distinguished witnesses, representing a broad range of rural development stakeholders. We have an impressive panel of witnesses before us, and I look forward to hearing your perspectives.

We spent the beginning of this Congress focused on digital assets, and I am elated that we are now having a hearing on rural development and energy issues, since this is actually included in the farm bill. Today’s hearing is an important opportunity for Members of this Subcommittee to evaluate the effectiveness of Rural Development programs that impact the livelihoods of our rural neighbors. As USDA’s Rural Development Agency is the only federal agency whose sole focus is to serve rural communities, it is imperative we provide them with the necessary tools and resources to ensure rural communities have access to the same quality of life and services enjoyed by those elsewhere.

The Farm Bill is an opportunity to address ongoing and pervasive issues rural communities face everyday – from lack of access to affordable and quality healthcare, economic development opportunities, to crumbling or nonexistent infrastructure that ensures access to clean drinking water. As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the impact on families when they lack adequate and sufficient resources like reliable and affordable childcare, which is exacerbated in rural communities due to fewer options and greater traveling distances. That’s why I joined my colleagues in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral bill that prioritizes childcare in existing Rural Development programs.

Additionally, representing the district that includes the richest agriculture county east of the Rocky Mountains and the largest agriculture-producing county in Colorado, I know the importance of investing in the bio-economy, which relies on our farmers and ranchers. The Energy Title of the Farm Bill does just that, but available funding for these programs has decreased in recent farm bills.

From electric and water programs to economic development, technical assistance, and energy programs, today’s diverse set of panelists brings valuable knowledge and insight on how Rural Development programs work on the ground and more importantly, how they can be improved to better serve rural communities. This knowledge and insight will be fundamental as we move forward with reauthorizing the Farm Bill.

Again, to our panelists, thank you for accepting our invitation to speak before us today. I value the experience and insight you bring, and I look forward to hearing your testimony.