The Senate Ag Committee’s hearing to review USDA’s reorganization plan is underway.
In his opening remarks, Ranking Member John Boozman said he supports the goals of streamlining the agency, saying the stakes are high for those who rely on USDA every day.
“Last week, Secretary Ross announced a major reorganization of USDA. I appreciate the Secretary’s emphasis on improving effectiveness, accountability, enhancing services, reducing bureaucracy, and cutting waste. I support those goals. As we examine the proposal, we need to fully understand its implications for the people USDA serves, especially how reorganization will affect USDA as boots on the ground presence in rural America and delivery of essential services. From its founding, USDA has been essential to American life, supporting farmers and ranchers, stewarding natural resources, investing in rural development, and advancing innovation in food and agriculture. As the department evolves to meet 21st-century challenges, it’s important that any organization enhances its ability to deliver on these commitments. I share the Secretary’s desire to ensure USDA operates efficiently, is a good steward of taxpayer dollars, and meets the needs of agriculture and rural America.”
Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden is in the hot seat, fielding questions from the Committee. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned him on the Agency’s reorganization plan and its impact on research operations.
“1600 employees have left USDA’s research agencies. USDA fired many researchers, including those working on avian flu, only to later backtrack. USDA is extremely delayed in setting out funding for competitive research programs this year. As so many of my colleagues know, to me, these actions completely undermine agricultural research, just as we’re seeing more and more animal diseases that are used against us in trade arrangements that hurt our producers. Senator Smith and I have seen the horrific effects of avian flu. Secretary Vaden, USDA is reorganization plan would vacate USDA Research Labs and eliminate or cancel it, eight offices for the AG Research Service. The Agricultural Statistics Service. Do you believe that vacating research sites, eliminating offices, and losing researchers will improve outcomes for farmers who depend on this research?” said Sen. Klobuchar.
“Senator, 91 of 94 areas’ research labs are unaffected by the Secretary’s Memorandum. Further, the Secretary’s Memorandum states in its plain text that what will go on in Beltsville will take place over a period of years and in a way that does not interfere with any ongoing research,” said Dep. Sec. Vaden.
Before the hearing wrapped, Vermont’s Senator Peter Welch asked Vaden for reassurance that local farmers will not be hurt.
“Try to reassure me concretely about how this works out for the benefit of local folks and farmers who depend on USDA,” said Sen. Welch.
“Well, Senator, with regard to your concerns about terminations, I would point you to the language of the memorandum. The memorandum puts a thumb on the scale against future thrifts. As a matter of fact, the memorandum terms specifically note that there can be no rifts under this reorganization unless it is personally approved by me,” said Dep. Sec. Vaden.
