Scott, Bonamici Scrutinize Harms and Cost of Proposed USDA Reorganization

Scott, Bonamici Scrutinize Harms and Cost of Proposed USDA Reorganization

This proposal occurs as families and farmers suffer critical food program disruptions because of failed Trump Administration policies.

WASHINGTON - Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), House Committee on Education and Workforce, raised concerns to Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Brooke Rollins regarding the agency's abrupt announcement to reorganize USDA. This follows harmful agency relocations under the first Trump Administration. This latest push occurs as families and farmers suffer critical food program disruptions because of failed Trump Administration policies.

"We are concerned that this abrupt announcement of the reorganization plan comes without full details or substantiation regarding how the reorganization would improve program operations and efficiency,"wrote the Members. "The process surrounding the reorganization plan has not been transparent, nor has the Department clearly articulated how it is handling input from farmers, community partners, anti-hunger advocates, and state and local officials."

The last major USDA staff relocation occurred in 2019 when the USDA relocated most staff positions at two of its research agencies from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City, Missouri. This relocation occurred amidst widespread concern from stakeholders. Ultimately, the relocation led to the departure of experienced staff, delays in grant processing, and fewer key reports, according to a 2022 government watchdog report.

To read the full letter, click here.

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