Cole Remarks at FY27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup (As Prepared for Delivery)

Thank you, Chairman Harris, and thank you to Ranking Member Bishop, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. As we start today’s full committee markup, I am reminded that America’s farmers and ranchers were already in the fields long before we walked into this hearing room – planting, tending, and carrying the responsibility that keeps this country fed and moving forward.

Our Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill reflects that same focus – doing the work, meeting real needs, and delivering where it counts. 

The measure supports farmers, ranchers, and rural communities – and reinforces research to keep the United States competitive. It invests in food safety through important inspection resources and ensuring American agriculture is protected from foreign pests and diseases. And we make sure “Buy American” isn’t just a slogan through policies prioritizing products produced right here at home. 

This bill centers on the health and well-being of Americans. It strengthens rural development, protects nutrition access, and upholds the reliability of essential food and medical systems. It also takes further steps to safeguard American interests by strengthening guardrails of foreign purchases over agricultural purchases – and enhancing oversight of overseas drug manufacturing. Protecting our land and ensuring greater security across the supply chains we depend on are common-sense priorities we can all support.

Further, it shifts the focus from spending more to spending smart – eliminating inefficiencies, ending Biden-era regulation, and holding every dollar to a higher standard. This measure is rooted in the people it serves – America’s producers, consumers, and communities. When we strengthen agriculture and protect public health, we ensure the long-term prosperity our country depends on.

I thank Chairman Harris for his leadership and work in drafting this vital legislation – and I appreciate the partnership of Ranking Member Bishop, as well as the majority and minority staff. I look forward to adding to our total of bills reported out of the full committee – and urge support for today’s measure. With that, I yield back.