Granger Remarks on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration FY 21 Full Committee Markup

Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.

I want to thank Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Bishop for his hard work on this bill.

I also want to recognize the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Mr. Fortenberry.

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us the importance of programs funded by this subcommittee. For example, I am glad we were able to help children continue to have access to the meals they rely on while their schools were closed over the past several months.

Support for our farmers and ranchers has been a lifeline during this crisis after many years of economic challenges.

We also expanded internet coverage into rural areas and continue to do so with this fiscal year 2021 bill.

This bill also ensures we have safe and effective drugs, including those that are imported.

We have realized we must do more to bring the manufacturing of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals back to the United States. Far too much of this supply chain is based overseas.

Mr. Chairman, I hope this is an issue we can continue to work on together.

While there are many areas where we agree, I am concerned about several controversial riders in this bill - a few of which may be poison pills.

The bill contains provisions that would permanently prevent the Administration from implementing reforms. The bill also addresses several policies that are best addressed in authorizing legislation, not through our appropriations process.

We must work together on appropriations bills that meet agreed upon spending levels and avoid controversial legislative language. This is the only way to get bills through the House and the Senate and signed into law.

In closing, I would like to recognize and thank our staff for their hard work on this bill.

Madam Chair, I yield back.