Today, House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Ranking Member Don Davis (NC-01) delivered the following opening statement at a subcommittee hearing titled “USDA’s Rural Development: Delivering Vital Programs and Services to Rural America.” Watch the full hearing here.

[As prepared for delivery.]

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. It's truly an honor to be on this journey with you. 

And I must admit, as a mayor, growing up in Snow Hill, North Carolina, and eventually making my way to Congress, one of the things I had on mind in my mind was rule development.

And we realize the importance of rural development. 

Rural development is the heartbeat. It's the heartbeat of many communities across this nation, and especially in a district like the 1st Congressional District, 22 counties, 100 percent of the counties are rural. 

So, we're here for a really important reason today. And I think about the investments that are made.

And as these investments are made in rural America, it makes a huge difference. 

This past Saturday, this past Saturday, I showed up at Nashville Fire Department for the ribbon cutting of Fire Station Number 2. 

It could not have happened without rural development. 

The Community Facilities Program granted help for this fire station. 

The Community Facilities Program provides affordable funding to build and construct essential rural community facilities such as firehouses, police stations and community centers.

Another successful program, and that's really important to me, is the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. 

Oh, God, I can't tell you when I think about living in eastern North Carolina and broadband and the need to make important connections. 

So, these are just some of the programs I could continue on, you know, that are back in terms of Rural Business Development, Development Grants; these programs are essential.

So when we come together as a subcommittee to have meaningful conversations, these conversations are dire and critical as we talk about rural America. 

So, with that in mind, Mr. Chair, I look forward to having a wonderful Subcommittee meeting today, and I yield back.