Chairman Boozman Highlights Importance of Rural Development at Nomination Hearing

WASHINGTON -U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) emphasized USDA's critical role in improving the quality of life in rural America during a hearing to consider the nomination of Glen Smith to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.

The following is Chairman Boozman's statement as prepared for delivery:

"Good afternoon. It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. I thank my colleagues for joining us. Today we will consider the nomination of Mr. Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA.

"Mr. Smith, congratulations on your nomination. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

I also want to extend a warm welcome to your wife Fauzan and lovely family joining you here today.

"Mr. Smith, when speaking with you, it is clear you understand the challenges facing rural America. Your experiences as a young farmer in the 1980s operating a family farm and serving on the board of the Farm Credit Administration, among other roles, will be critical for you to draw on as you make decisions that will have bearing on rural communities amid an extremely challenging farm economy.

"Your nomination comes at a crucial time for American agriculture and the broader rural economy.

"Members on this panel are all too familiar with the grave challenges facing the agriculture sector. While rural communities widely vary, many of them share the serious issues that Rural Development is uniquely equipped to tackle.

"Within the past 15 years, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or ended inpatient services. Homeownership has become more difficult to attain due to low housing stock and rising prices. Millions of Americans living in rural areas still don't have access to high-speed broadband or even clean drinking water and adequate sanitation.

"If confirmed, you will be charged with the critical mission of improving the economy and quality of life in rural America through three agencies: the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

"In my own home state of Arkansas, I have seen first-hand the success of USDA's core Rural Development Programs that have improved access to infrastructure necessary to provide clean drinking water, reliable and affordable electricity, high-speed broadband, quality healthcare and safe and affordable housing.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that many of RD's programs are lifesaving and generate tremendous results for the investment. I'm looking forward to the conversation today and hearing your thoughts not only on how Rural Development will continue to be a resource for Americans living in rural communities, but also ways we can work together to streamline programs, ensuring they reach the communities and individuals who need them most.

"Again, congratulations on your nomination.

"I now turn to Ranking Member Klobuchar for her opening statement."