ANCHOR: Well, the Rural Americans earn 25% less than their urban counterparts, even in areas with high rates of upward economic mobility. Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a report that finds 14% of the U.S. population is made up rural Americans. Lawmakers say these residents play an essential role in the overall economy, starting new businesses and supplying the country's food supply. The report reiterated the importance of expanding broadband access, the farm bill, and also strengthening Medicare as parts of rural America lag behind.

MH: Many rural communities are still recovering from the great recession, over a decade after it hit us. Millions of rural residents lack reliable access to broadband. The rural population is aging, is shrinking, and wages have been stagnant for far too long. We cannot ignore these challenges. We need to tackle them head-on.

CB: Federal investment in our rural communities and small towns are absolutely essential to allow our next generation of farmers and producers to succeed.