The purpose of the two-day hearings (Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas presiding) was to provide a forum to examine the whole range of rural economic problems and to educate members of the House and Senate as to the seriousness and need for comprehensive rural development programs. The proceedings contain remarks and prepared statements by the following witnesses: John C. White, deputy secretary of agriculture; Lester Anderson and Robert McNichols, National Association of Counties; John M. Ladd, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc.; Luther Tweeten, professor at Oklahoma State University; Congressman John B. Breckinridge of Kentucky and Frank G. Tsutras, Congressional Rural Caucus; Mary Walker, National Rural Center, Austin, Texas; Congresswoman Virginia Smith of Nebraska; Robert D. Partridge, National Rural Cooperative Association; David A. Witts, lawyer, Dallas, Texas; and Paul F. Noll, Housing Assistance Council, Inc. Recurrent themes are housing, loans, health, transportation, education, economic development, energy, water, and federal programs. (RS)