Cole Remarks at Joint Oversight Hearing on Severe Food Distribution Shortages in Tribal and Elderly Communities

Good morning and thank you to Chairman Harris, Chairman Thompson, Chairman Finstad, and each of the ranking members. This is a dire issue that has evoked bipartisan and bicameral concern in Congress.  I appreciate your work on this matter.

I sit at this dais in my role as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, but my voice echoes with those at the table before us.

As a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I am resolute in my commitment to ensuring Tribes across our nation are heard, and we are here today making certain that happens.

The USDA is charged with providing critical food assistance to tribal members and vulnerable senior citizens. It has failed in this duty.

For months, people have been left without the food and resources they rely on.  Missed and delayed deliveries, empty shelves, and bare warehouses have become commonplace. These are all dire consequences at the result of decisions made by the USDA, which have left communities hungry. Further, the department has neglected to implement a permanent fix or establish a timeline for effective operations to resume. The short-term solutions proposed by the USDA are not sufficient and put additional burdens on Tribes.

I’m extremely disturbed by these failures, which as we have learned were clearly preventable.  The USDA knew there were concerns and opposition when they announced their decision to utilize a single contractor. Nevertheless, they did it anyway, causing the situation at hand. It’s more than a mistake—it’s negligence. Tribal consultation is not only a requirement, but a duty of the agency and should be taken seriously. It’s critical that this crisis is resolved quickly and that changes are made to the contracting process to ensure nothing like this happens again.

I have no doubt today’s testimony will emphasize needed action to rectify food shortages and the importance of upholding our nation’s trust and treaty obligations. I think we’ll also hear that in the wake of this crisis, tribal leaders and community members have stepped in to help and try to fill the gaps where possible. That sense of unity and care is to be commended during this incredibly difficult time.  And I am pleased that there is bipartisan and bicameral concern to address the situation.

To our tribes and seniors, Congress hears you, sees you, and is acting on both sides of the issue and in both chambers to ensure accountability. To the USDA, there is no acceptable excuse, and these disruptions need to be fixed immediately.

I am grateful to our witnesses for their time today, and especially welcome our Tribal leaders and representatives, including my fellow Oklahoman, Ms. Marty Wafford. Your assessments and testimony will be critical as we work to resolve this crisis and ensure nutrition is reaching those in need.