Congressional Reactions to USDA Reorganization

Members of Congress have mixed reactions to the Trump Administration’s planned reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Policymakers representing states and districts that stand to gain jobs from the relocation of USDA staff in Washington, DC to five hub offices in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City have been vocal about their support for the plan.

Senator Mike Lee (R–UT) celebrated the move to decentralize USDA operations, stating: “The people making decisions about how our forests are managed and our food is grown shouldn’t be distant bureaucrats,” and lauding the relocation to Salt Lake City as “a big win for Utah’s farmers and ranchers.” Senator Todd Young (R–IN) welcomed the shift of services into Indianapolis, calling the changes “very exciting news for Hoosiers.”

Despite some praise from potential beneficiaries, there’s clear, bipartisan frustration coming out of both chambers – largely stemming from a perceived lack of engagement by the administration to solicit feedback from Congress. Though House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-PA) has said he’ll be supportive of “whatever [USDA] move[s] ahead with,” he thinks there’s a benefit to having subject matter experts in DC to assist lawmakers and has expressed doubt about whether the hub offices are actually closer to farmers.

House Ag Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) has been a sharp critic of the plan, calling it short-sighted based on prior USDA moves, noting, “To expect different results for the rest of USDA is foolish and naïve.” She also objected to the lack of congressional consultation.

Concerns about the failure to seek input from Congress on the reorganization have been even louder in the Senate. Just days after the Secretarial Memo outlining the plan was published, the Senate Agriculture Committee convened a hearing to question USDA Deputy Stephen Vaden regarding specifics of the administration’s plan. Committee Chairman John Boozman (R–AR) expressed disappointment at being left in the dark and signaled that additional hearings may be scheduled. Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) echoed concerns about a lack of congressional input and offered blunt criticisms of the reorganization, calling it “half-baked.” Even Senator Deb Fischer (R–NE), while generally supportive of the idea, criticized Nebraska’s exclusion from the hub selection and the lack of engagement with Congress.

But not all feedback from Senate Ag was pointed. Committee member Michael Bennet (D-CO) was supportive in principle, noting he has long advocated for moving government closer to rural producers, noting “Philosophically, that’s where I’ve been.” – a sentiment that Colorado Governor Jared Polis also echoed. At the same time, it’s difficult to imagine the squarely blue state policymakers voicing support for the move if their state wasn’t positioned to gain jobs during a time when federal positions are largely on the chopping block.

The swift criticism prompted the USDA to open a public comment period to solicit feedback on the reorganization, encouraging Congress and even USDA employees to provide input. Regardless of Congress’s thoughts on the proposed reorganization of USDA, the administration generally seems intent on moving forward with the plan. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins even referred to the plan as “95 percent baked.” In any case, stakeholders should submit their priorities to safeguard USDA resources by August 26^th.