Lawmakers from the Washington D.C. vicinity voice opposition to potential USDA relocations
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a representative for the 10th congressional district of Virginia, is spearheading a movement to scrutinize the USDA's relocation plan, which aims to move approximately 2,600 of its employees from Washington, D.C. to five new regional hubs across the country.
The plan, which originated during the first Trump administration, is part of a major departmental reorganization intended to bring USDA closer to the communities it serves, reduce operating costs, and improve geographic diversity and efficiency across the agency. However, the proposed relocation is causing dissatisfaction among Democratic members of Congress representing the DC metropolitan area, as well as a bipartisan group of representatives.
The offices have faced challenges in finding people with the necessary experience and communicating effectively with each other. The previous attempt to move USDA offices to Missouri was a complete disaster, leading many to question the justification for the current plan. The USDA's reason for the relocation is not clear, and it is not justified based on efficiency or fulfilling the mission.
The relocation is accompanied by closures of dozens of regional offices, including all National Forest Service and Agricultural Research Service locations, consolidations, and significant workforce reductions—approximately 15,000 employees left earlier in 2025 through voluntary separations. Potential implications for federal workers include disruptions and stress on the workforce, as many employees face relocation away from their current homes, creating morale challenges.
The financial cost to taxpayers is significant, estimated at about $150,000 per relocated employee. Rep. Subramanyam, along with Senator Van Hollen from Maryland, has a bill asking if the move is worth the cost to taxpayers. The White House has not responded to Rep. Subramanyam's inquiries regarding the relocation plan.
Critics argue the plan, developed with limited stakeholder input, might amount to dismantling or weakening key USDA functions due to staffing cuts and funding freezes, undermining effective service to less-represented regions such as the Northeast. Agriculture and nutrition advocates are concerned that the reorganization may weaken USDA’s ability to administer critical programs, potentially causing delays or cancellations of important research projects related to disease prevention, pollinator protection, and environmental resilience, with downstream effects on farmers and food security.
Rep. Subramanyam aims to diversify the local economy due to a high number of federal workers being under attack. He is working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop some of the agency moves. The USDA is currently accepting public comments on the reorganization through August 26, 2025, indicating that these plans remain subject to change based on stakeholder feedback.
In response to the relocation plan, Rep. Subramanyam is planning a job fair on August 15th at George Mason in Manassas to pair employers with federal workers leaving due to the relocation plan. The fair aims to help these workers find employment in the private sector, providing a safety net for those affected by the relocation.
The proposed USDA relocation plan is underway but not finalized; it intends to decentralize and consolidate staff outside the D.C. area to improve efficiency and cut costs, but it carries significant risks for workforce stability and the USDA’s program delivery capability, raising concern among employees and external stakeholders.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
- Moderate discussions scheduled between U.S. President Trump and India's Prime Minister Modi next month, according to recent reports.
