Stabenow Seeks USDA Relocation Details

Senator Debbie Stabenow wants the Trump Administration to explain its plans to fill jobs for Department of Agriculture agencies moving to the Kansas City metro area. Last week, Stabenow sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue seeking more information on how the move will delay operations at the Economic Research Service and National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Stabenow, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, points out that more than 75 percent of reassigned employees opted not to relocate, on top of already high vacancy rates, adding the relocation “has left these agencies with little ability to do their important work.” Stabenow says, “It is clear that the lack of capacity is affecting Farm Bill implementation.” Stabenow raised several questions about the impact of staffing shortages and requested a thorough explanation of how the department plans to fill its job capacity for both NIFA and ERS. Stabenow requested the information be delivered to her by October 11, 2019.