...exploring in an effort to improve and/or increase their services to these underserved communities. [The prepared statement of Chairman Flake can be found in the appendix.] Mr. Roth, I recognize you for your opening statement at this time. Mr. ROTH. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,...

...fund. I am pleased to welcome this morning those who are our witnesses for this subcommittee hearing. [The prepared statement of Chairman Flake can be found in the appendix.] Chairman FLAKE. Our member, Maurice Hinchey from New York, is here and we would ask at this time if...

...like to have opening remarks from the ranking member of this subcommittee, Mr. Toby Roth of Wisconsin. [The prepared statement of Chairman Flake can be found in the appendix.] Mr. ROTH. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And let me be brief. I commend you, first of all, for...

...to welcome those who are our witnesses, who have come to share with us in this particular hearing. [The prepared statement of Chairman Flake can be found in the appendix.] We have before us Newburgh, New York, Mayor Audrey Carey, the first black woman mayor in New York State....

...this morning to share with us in this hearing. I am looking forward to you sharing with all of us. [The prepared statement of Chairman Flake can be found in the appendix.] Chairman FLAKE. Monsignor, I suppose we can take you first, unless you have a feeling that the first...

...to my colleague, Ms. Velazquez, for any comments she may wish to make. [Mr. Talent's statement may be found in the appendix.] Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning. Thank you for holding this hearing. I know how important this issue is for rural America. One of the...

...opening statement of our ranking member, who I am pleased to recognize now. [Mr. Talent's statement may be found in the appendix.] Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome everyone. I am gratified that we have come together today in this responsible and timely fashion...

...yield to Ms. Velazquez for any opening remarks she would care to make. [Mr. Talent's statement may be found in the appendix.] Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning to everyone, all of the witnesses. Thank you for being here. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for today's...

...yield to Ms. Velazquez for any opening remarks she would care to make. [Mr. Talent's statement may be found in the appendix.] Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning to everyone, all of the witnesses. Thank you for being here. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for today's...

...friend and colleague, the Ranking Democratic member, Ms. Velazquez. [Chairman Manzullo's statement may be found in the appendix.] Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning. This hearing comes at a very opportune time. Yesterday we heard the President speak about ways to help...