Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins laid out her plan to reorganize USDA last week, but many say they were caught off guard by the announcement. Now, lawmakers want answers.
Happening at 11:00 AM Eastern, the Senate Ag Committee will get to question Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden, the sole witness for the hearing. Senators John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar both said the consolidation plan came as a surprise. In a statement shortly after Rollins’ announcement, Senator Boozman said the best way to serve the U.S. ag community is by working together.
Secretary Rollins plans to close several USDA buildings in Washington, D.C., including one with more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Employees at those facilities would be split among five regional hubs across the United States.
Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar was one of the first to call for a congressional hearing, warning the reorganization would set U.S. agriculture back.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
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