WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – Climate change, rural broadband and civil rights were among key topics as USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the House Appropriations Ag subcommittee this week.

Top Ag appropriations Republican Kay Granger of Texas wanted to know from Vilsack why billions in USDA broadband dollars the panel approved in recent years, hasn’t been spent yet.

While making sure upload and download speeds are increased in a way that makes sense with today’s needs, that Vilsack says also cover climate change—part of the Biden infrastructure and budget plans.

And on rooting out a climate of discrimination at USDA.

Vilsack also stressed anti-poverty efforts, farm productivity and resiliency amid the pandemic, and fighting food and nutritional insecurity…but was most excited about advancing his vision that “climate-smart” Ag will be the key idea to “completely change the economy in rural America.”