BILL FLORES COMMITIEEON MEMBER OF CONGRESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE 17TH DISTRICT, TEXAS SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT WHIP ~ongregg of tbe ~ntteb ~tateg SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENERGY 2228 RAYBURN House OFFICE BUILDING SUBCOMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT WASHINGTON, DC 20515 J!,)ouse of l1\epresentatlbe5 ANO CLIMATE CHANGE PHONE: (202) 225-6105 COMMITIEE ON THE BUDGET FAX: (202) 225-0350 m!11sbington, i.JDQJ: 20515-4317 http://Flores.House.gov July 19, 20 19 491 The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: I am writing to extend my support to Dr. Alex Thomasson as a candidate for appointment to the Federal Communications Commission's new task force on Reviewing Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States Dr. Thomasson is an internationally recognized expert with over 30 years of experience in improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture, including over 14 years at Texas A&M University where he is currently a professor and the Endowed Chair in Cotton Engineering in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. His research has made significant contributions to improving agricultural production and sustainability through precision agriculture, sensors, data analytics, and robotics In recent years Dr. Thomasson has been a leader on this topic. His recently published work focused on wireless connectivity for data collection and processing. Last year, Dr. Thomasson was invited to paiticipate in USDA's "Precision Agriculture and Broadband Roundtable" and provided valuable insight into the needs of precision agriculture. He also hosted the "Identifying Obstacles to Applying Big Data in Agriculture" conference which focused on the need for connectivity in agriculture. A clear subject matter expe1t, Dr. Thomasson would provide foresight and practical thinking on how the task force can best help realize the potential transformation in agriculture possible via expanded broadband access and the "internet of agriculture." In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Thomasson and I thank you for your consideration of this recommendation. Should you have any questions or need additional information please contact my office at 202-225-6105. With great respect, Bill Flores Member of Congress W ACO BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION AUSTIN/PFLUGERVILLE 400 AUSTIN AVENUE, SUITE 302 3000 BRIARCREST DRIVE, SUITE 406 14205 BURNET ROAD, SUITE 230 WACO, TX 76701 BRYAN, TX 77802 AUSTIN, TX 78728 PHONE: (254) 732- 0748 PHONE: (979) 703-4037 PHONE: (512) 373-3378 FAX: (254) 732- 1755 FAX: (979) 703-8845 FAX: (512) 373-351 1