Hearings to examine the nomination of Glen Smith, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

2025-11-05

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

Glen Smith's nomination to be Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA was considered by the committee, highlighting his extensive experience in agriculture and finance to tackle critical challenges facing rural America [ 00:19:39 ] . Senators across the aisle expressed broad support for his nomination, underscoring the vital role of rural development in national prosperity [ 00:19:40 ] .

Themes

Rural Development Challenges and Priorities

Rural communities are grappling with severe issues, including the closure of nearly 200 rural hospitals, difficulties in achieving home ownership due to low housing stock and rising prices, and a lack of access to high-speed broadband and clean drinking water [ 00:20:10-00:20:18 ] . Mr. Smith identified his priorities as fostering robust rural economies through value-added agricultural products, enhancing rural connectivity, and addressing the availability and affordability of housing . He emphasized that successful agriculture significantly contributes to rural prosperity and that USDA Rural Development's numerous programs support businesses, cooperatives, and entrepreneurial endeavors . Furthermore, rural development plays a crucial role in ensuring quality of life by supporting essential infrastructure like water treatment, hospitals, and fire stations .

Biofuels and Value-Added Agriculture

The importance of supporting ethanol and other biofuels was a key discussion point, seen as vital for strengthening rural economies, boosting demand for agricultural products, and expanding domestic markets [ 00:25:30-00:26:30 ]

Citation requires full transcript

Sign in to continue

Sign in
. Mr. Smith shared his firsthand observation of how ethanol plants have significantly enhanced local economies by creating jobs and increasing wealth . He committed to prioritizing improvements to the BioPreferred program and working with Congress to expand bio-based markets and federal procurement of these products . This support is aimed at reducing reliance on exports and fostering domestic demand for agricultural commodities .

Rural Connectivity (Broadband)

Access to high-speed broadband is recognized as essential for enabling remote work, supporting educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses in rural areas, allowing them to compete globally . Mr. Smith drew a parallel between the current challenge of rural broadband access and the New Deal's successful electrification efforts in rural regions . Senators raised concerns about the fragmentation and duplication among existing broadband programs and advocated for streamlining efforts to effectively target unserved and underserved areas . Mr. Smith committed to prioritizing high-speed internet access that is comparable to urban areas and improving USDA's IT capabilities to enhance program delivery and customer experience .

Rural Housing and Childcare

A significant shortage of affordable housing in rural communities profoundly affects vulnerable populations, including elders, individuals on fixed incomes, and low-wage workers . Mr. Smith emphasized the need for transparent and efficient housing programs, intelligent long-term investments, and the reduction of regulatory burdens that inflate construction costs . He affirmed that the Rural Housing Service should remain under the USDA to leverage its established footprint and expertise in rural areas . Additionally, childcare was highlighted as a critical necessity due to the prevalence of two-income families, with Mr. Smith expressing strong support for expanding childcare centers and initiatives .

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure

Concerns were voiced regarding the vulnerability of critical rural infrastructure, such as water systems and utility structures, to cyber threats from hostile actors . Mr. Smith expressed that this issue "scares the bejeebus" out of him and committed to ensuring that all rural development programs, including loans, grants, and guarantees, integrate adequate cybersecurity measures . He also stressed the importance of improving USDA RD's IT capabilities for the successful operation of programs and enhancing the overall customer experience .

Staffing and Program Implementation

Senators raised concerns about significant staff reductions in USDA regional offices, particularly in Vermont, which have hindered the delivery of essential services to farmers . Mr. Smith pledged to investigate these staffing issues and gather objective data to inform potential solutions . He also committed to looking into delays in the distribution of disaster assistance funds for states impacted by natural calamities .

Tone of the Meeting

The overall tone of the meeting was positive and supportive, with members of the committee expressing congratulations and confidence in Mr. Smith's qualifications and willingness to serve [ 00:19:40 ] . There was a bipartisan understanding and emphasis on the severe challenges facing rural America and the crucial role Mr. Smith's position would play in addressing them [ 00:19:56 ] . Senators actively engaged by posing specific questions and seeking commitments on key policy areas, which Mr. Smith generally affirmed, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and shared goals for rural development .

Participants

Transcript

Today we will consider the nomination of Mr. Glenn Smith of Iowa   to be Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA.  Mr. Smith, congratulations on your nomination, and thank you for your willingness to serve, and also thank you to your family.  These are all family affairs to allow you to serve, so we want to extend a warm welcome to your wife, Fozan, and lovely family joining you here today.   Mr. Smith, when speaking with you, it's clear you understand the challenges facing rural America.  Your experiences as a young farmer in the 1980s operating a family farm and serving on the board of the Farm Credit Administration, among other roles, will be critical for you to draw on as you make decisions that will have bearing on rural communities and extremely challenging farm economy.   Your nomination comes at a crucial time for American agriculture and the broader rural economy.  Members on this panel are all too familiar with the grave challenges facing the agriculture sector.  While rural communities vary widely, many of them share the serious issues that rural development is uniquely equipped to tackle.   Within the past 15 years, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or ended inpatient services.  Home ownership has become more difficult to attain due to low housing stock and rising prices.  Millions of Americans living in rural areas still don't have access to high-speed broadband or even clean drinking water and adequate sanitation.  If confirmed, you will be charged with the critical mission of improving the economy and quality of life   in rural America through three agencies, the Rural Utility Service, the Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Business Cooperative Service.  In my own home state of Arkansas, I've seen firsthand the success of USDA's core rural development programs that improved access to infrastructure necessary to provide clean drinking water, reliable and affordable electricity,
high-speed broadband, quality healthcare, and safe, affordable housing.  It's not an exaggeration to say that many of RD's programs are lifesaving and generate tremendous results for the investment.  I'm looking forward to the conversation today and hearing your thoughts on not only how rural development will continue to be a resource for Americans living in rural communities, but also ways we can work together to streamline programs, ensuring they reach the communities and individuals   Who need them most?  Again, congratulations on your nomination.  Senator Klobuchar is going to join us in just a little bit.  So I think what we'll do is go ahead and ask you to start with your opening statement.  Oh, I'm sorry.  Go ahead.
Thank you, Mr.  Chair.  I got ahead of myself.  I was so excited.  We were so excited to hear from Mr. Smith.  Well, thank you, Chairman Bozeman, and to the ranking member, Klobuchar, when she arrives.  But it's a privilege to introduce a fellow Iowan, Mr. Glenn Smith, to this committee.  And I also want to warmly welcome his wife, Fosanne, and their family.   Special shout-out to Emma, who is entering into—you're in the seventh grade, correct, Emma?  Well, thank you for being here today.  It is always a family affair, and Glenn, you have such a wonderful family.  So welcome, everyone, to Washington, D.C.  I'm sorry?  He married up.  Oh, the honorable senator from Kansas said you married up.  So— We all did.   But I have had the very personal pleasure of knowing Glenn and his family for many, many, many years.  His hometown of Atlantic is just down the road from my home in Red Oak.  And today feels full circle for me because in this very same committee room eight years ago, I had the pleasure of introducing Glenn during his nomination to the Farm Credit Administration.   Since then, he has spent almost a decade helping strengthen the backbone of American agriculture, ensuring farmers and rural businesses have the credit and financial tools they need to succeed.  Now, President Trump has chosen him to serve as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, a role that impacts communities in every state.   As a fellow Iowa State graduate with a degree in agricultural business, Glenn built a career in agricultural real estate and appraisal, serving farmers and landowners all across southwest Iowa.  Glenn, Fozan, and their family also operate Smith Generation Farms, working approximately 2,000 acres of row crops.
With his experience, Glenn is exceptionally well-positioned to lead USDA's rural development mission.   I could not be more excited about his nomination and look forward to seeing the revitalization of our rural communities under his leadership.  So thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Sign up for free to see the full transcript

Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.

Sign up