Steny H. Hoyer
04/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2026 14:37
Maryland Delegation Members Statement on USDA Attempting to Move Forward with Closure of Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on the USDA announcing the advancement of the agency's unlawful restructuring plan, which includes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George's County:
"Based in Prince George's County for over a century, BARC has a proud history of supporting American farmers' efforts to put food on our tables. Recognizing its importance to our agricultural sector and our economy, Federal Team Maryland fought to make it clear in law - passed on a bipartisan basis by the House and Senate - that this facility must be kept open and upgraded so that it can continue its important work. In attempting to shutter the facility, the USDA is breaking the law. We will not stand idly by as they try to do so. Let us be clear: closing this critical facility will do nothing to improve efficiency - it will only end up wasting taxpayer dollars while jeopardizing the success of farmers across the country. We remain committed to seeing that USDA follows the law and keeps BARC operational as we intended."
"Based in Prince George's County for over a century, BARC has a proud history of supporting American farmers' efforts to put food on our tables. Recognizing its importance to our agricultural sector and our economy, Federal Team Maryland fought to make it clear in law - passed on a bipartisan basis by the House and Senate - that this facility must be kept open and upgraded so that it can continue its important work. In attempting to shutter the facility, the USDA is breaking the law. We will not stand idly by as they try to do so. Let us be clear: closing this critical facility will do nothing to improve efficiency - it will only end up wasting taxpayer dollars while jeopardizing the success of farmers across the country. We remain committed to seeing that USDA follows the law and keeps BARC operational as we intended."
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