Grassley Welcomes Iowan Nominated for Senior USDA Rural Development Role

Grassley Welcomes Iowan Nominated for Senior USDA Rural Development Role

Senator urges support for biofuels, improved USDA financing operations

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a Senate Agriculture Committee member, questioned Glen Smith of Atlantic, Iowa about the need to support ethanol and biofuels and to improve loan functions at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support family farmers.

Grassley also discussed the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, which drives economic growth in rural communities where access to financing for improvements and new projects is difficult.

Smith is nominated to serve as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA.

VIDEO

On the importance of Iowa values:

I'm glad your roots are deep in rural America because you've been in this town long enough to know that this city is an island surrounded by reality. And, I'm glad to have some of your common sense, been here for a few years.

On the need to improve loan functions at USDA:

You have spoken a little bit about your work on the farm credit system. I know you know the importance of federal loan programs, and I think of rural hospitals as an example in this area. But I'm not asking you just about rural hospitals.

How will you use your experience at the Farm Credit Administration to improve loan functions at the USDA?

On support for ethanol:

So, you have an ethanol plant in your backyard. I do as well. Iowa is home to [more than] 40 of these plants. We're a national leader in biofuels.

Ethanol demand increases corn demand, supporting farmers. Do you agree that supporting ethanol - now, I know you can't make decisions in this area. It's mostly in the [jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency]. But you can sure be an advocate.

Do you agree that supporting ethanol and other biofuels in turn supports rural communities and that we should expand domestic production, use and export markets for ethanol?

On proactive support for biofuels:

...[S]peaking up for rural development is very important ... don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out.

This town is kind of ignorant about biofuels and ethanol. Maybe people in this room aren't, because this is an Agricultural Committee room. But, just remember that, when you hear people pronounce ethanol "ee-thanol," you're talking to somebody that doesn't know much about the program.

On critical programs for Iowa's Rural Electric Cooperatives:

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) ... is a critical tool for Iowa's Rural Electric Cooperatives. These loans and grants drive economic growth in rural communities that would otherwise not have access to financing for improvements and new projects.

Will you work with my office and appropriators to ensure the [Renewable Energy Credits] are supported through the REDLG program, [Rural Energy For America Program] and similar programs?

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