Last week, I sat in on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing where Undersecretary Tom Dorr was questioned about rural development activities. In her opening comments Chairwoman DeLauro noted that the amount of funds requested for the RUS water and waste program was inadequate. She and others spoke of the significant backlog of requests for loans and grants. Congressman Farr praised the success of the Circuit Rider program and comments that perhaps every program with USDA should have a Circuit Rider type program.

During one of the recesses for floor votes, I had a chance to speak with Mr. Dorr, Mr. Andrews and several staff members from the subcommittee members. The collegial atmosphere among those participating struck me. 

Rural Development is an area in USDA where there is a very cooperative spirit. We all agree that more funds are needed but the common sense of purpose and focus is extraordinary. And their efforts have changed the lives of us that live in Rural America.

I live in a very rural area and all my utilities come from cooperatives financed by RUS. I am proud to be served by a rural electric cooperative, a rural telephone cooperative and a rural water district. Without them, life would not be the same for my family, children and grandchildren.

RUS or Farmers Home Administration in another era has always attracted people who care about Rural America. Dwight Calhoun, Glenn Bennett, Jim Schwartz and now Gary Morgan have directed the Water and Waste Program in RUS. These people have made dealing with them a pleasure because they all really cared about what they did. Last year, this program was recognized as the highest rated lending program in all of the U. S. government. We’ve known that for a long time.

People at the state and district levels of RUS are equally as dedicated and committed to their missions. These wonderful people have brought good people together with good water and changed the way we live.

Thank you for your service to Rural America! 

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