Cole Remarks at FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Harris, and thank you to Ranking Member Bishop, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the Committee for being with us today.

As we continue our markup schedule for Fiscal Year 2026, I’m reminded that America’s farmers and ranchers were already hard at work before we entered this room. Sunup to sundown is nothing new for our producers – it’s a way of life. And it’s a powerful reminder that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our great nation.

In my home state of Oklahoma and across the country, the men and women who’ve worked the land for generations, raised livestock, and brought food to tables around the world deserve not just our gratitude – but our full support.

Today’s bill supports President Trump’s farmer-first agenda by recognizing the essential role of agriculture and rural communities in America’s future. It continues targeted investments in agricultural research, rural broadband, and animal and plant health – each of which strengthens America’s future and economic growth. 

Importantly, this legislation also takes action to preserve and protect U.S. farmland. It includes critical provisions to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land – which is a serious concern in my district and nationwide. 

It also directs resources toward securing our food supply and ensuring the safety of medical drugs and devices.

This bill meets every vital objective while cutting wasteful spending and making sure hard-earned taxpayer dollars are used where they’re needed most.

Each provision in this bill helps to feed, fuel, heal, and connect the American people.

I thank Chairman Harris and Ranking Member Bishop, as well as the majority and minority staff, for their hard work on this measure, and I look forward to consideration and support of this bill.

With that, I yield back.