WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains is holding a hearing titled “Empowering Rural America Through Investment in Innovation.”

Subcommittee Chairman Jake Ellzey’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today’s hearing, “Empowering Rural America Through Investment in Innovation.”

I want to say thanks to all of our witnesses for traveling to be here today and for taking the time to share your expertise with the Subcommittee.

As the demand for AI accelerates, America’s digital infrastructure is rapidly expanding into rural communities. This infrastructure consists of data centers being built far beyond traditional tech hubs, with many investments being made in rural areas, including my district. Our rural communities and small businesses are at the center of America’s AI-driven growth.

Texas is leading the charge in data center development because of our pro-growth, pro-energy, low regulatory environment that has minimized the hinderance of red-tape. We’ve placed  a strong focus on developing the workforce for high-paying, new-collar jobs and data companies have recognized those benefits

The economic ripple effect from data centers can reinvigorate rural communities by creating high-paying trade careers and supporting long-term economic activity in rural small businesses. For every direct job created at a data center, up to seven jobs are supported in the surrounding community.

Small businesses are supplying, maintaining, and supporting these facilities. From construction to infrastructure upgrades, data centers open doors for Main Street entrepreneurs and trade workers to be part of the next generation of technological advances.

Meeting the workforce needs of data centers across the country will take a whole-of-community approach to attract and train the skilled workers needed to succeed. Many of our military veterans who return to civilian life already possess the skills desired in this industry. 

As a veteran myself, I was proud to co-lead the bill that made the Boots to Business training program permanent alongside Chairman Williams, and Representatives McGarvey and Schneider. Through this effort, our returning service members can be trained to fully utilize their military skills in entrepreneurship opportunities, including those offered by the data center industry. This bill was passed in the FY25 NDAA and will continue to be a vital tool in meeting our workforce needs. 

Building out this workforce is a crucial step in securing America’s energy dominance and supporting our National Security. At the same time, industry leaders, local partners, and educational institutions are already stepping up with investments in advanced energy solutions that not only strengthen local infrastructure, but keep us competitive in the AI race with China.

I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses about how data centers can support local communities, strengthen the small business ecosystem, and help build a new middle class in rural areas across the country.

###