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Republican and Democrat working together to ensure no American, rural or urban, is left behind.

By Ryan McAlpin

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) speak at Center Forward’s Agriculture Summit on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Center Forward’s third annual Agriculture Summit concluded with a bipartisan panel on rural development and advanced technology in farming. Leading the discussion were Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), two prominent advocates for rural communities in Congress.

The panel began with a discussion on the Revitalizing Rural Communities Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation championed by the Congressmen. This legislation aims to create economic opportunities and strengthen rural communities by extending the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. The program’s extension is expected to boost community development and job creation in rural Iowa, North Carolina, and across the country.

Access to resources is crucial for success but is not always readily available. For years, Congress has worked to expand broadband access, but many communities still face challenges in terms of connectivity. Congressman Davis addressed the obstacles hindering the closure of these gaps, while Congressman Nunn discussed the collaborative efforts required between Congress, the Administration, states, and local communities to ensure all Americans have reliable broadband access.

The panel concluded with a discussion on how to support farmers amidst the ongoing technological advancements. Rapid progress in precision agriculture, automation, and artificial intelligence is transforming farming practices, and Congress plays a vital role in supporting farmers’ ability to remain competitive as they adapt to these new technologies.

As Congress continues its work on the 2026 Farm Bill, Rep. Davis and Rep. Nunn offer a pathway forward for a bipartisan solution, ensuring that no American is left behind.