Cole Remarks at Budget Hearing on U.S. Department of Agriculture

Thank you, Chairman Harris and Ranking Member Bishop, and thank you, Madam Secretary, for being with us today. For rural districts like the one I represent in southwest Oklahoma, agriculture is not just a line on a ledger, it’s a reflection of our past, present, and future. American agriculture feeds us, but it also roots families, economies, and the nation’s well-being. You have seen these principles firsthand as you have traveled the country meeting with farmers and ranchers. These hardworking men and women are a testament to resilience and the work it takes to ensure a safe and abundant food supply. I know your recent visit to Oklahoma was a powerful reminder of that, and we hope to welcome you back to the Sooner State soon.

With an eye toward ushering in a new golden age, the Trump Administration has consistently acknowledged that the strength of our farmers, ranchers, and producers is a key part of that success. To that end, I appreciate how quickly you implemented the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program to provide $10 billion to farmers suffering from high input costs and a stressed ag economy. My producers are now anxiously waiting for the additional $21 billion in ag disaster assistance to be implemented, which I’m sure we will discuss today. USDA’s watershed programs are also critically important to those I represent. In fact, Oklahoma has more watershed dams than any other state, with just over 2,100, and my district has the second most out of our congressional delegation. Grady County, in my district, has 153 watershed dams – the most in the state. As we discuss your FY26 budget request, I will be strongly advocating for these investments. I hope our conversations will illuminate the importance of these programs and reiterate the benefit and infrastructure support they bring to rural communities. 

Finally, Madam Secretary, I want to thank you for your commitment to tribes, in particular with supporting and improving the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). The last administration created an unnecessary trainwreck in Indian country. My own tribe was deeply impacted, and the challenges we faced echoed across many others, with no accountability for the food crisis they inflicted on our tribal communities. I’m glad the situation has drastically improved, and USDA has now fined the contracted food warehouse and is working on solutions to avoid this needless catastrophe again. Thank you for being here, Madam Secretary. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With that, I yield back.