At the same time, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has targeted the USDA’s “boots on the ground” through office closures and employee cuts, prompting concerns about the availability of services like loan administration and conservation and technical assistance for farmers.

“It’s a critical time of year for farmers and ranchers. They should be doing what they love—feeding our communities, not worrying about unpaid contracts,” Booker said. “This legislation will fix that by forcing USDA and the Trump Administration to hold up their end of the deal.”

“We thank Senator Booker and Congressman Vasquez for their leadership in forcing Secretary Rollins to honor USDA obligations,” said Joe Maxwell, president of Farm Action Fund, which brought together more than 300 organizations to sign a letter in support of the bill. “When farmers shake hands, it’s a deal. No less should be expected of our government or the Trump administration.”

In addition to enforcing the terms of contracts, the bill requires the USDA to provide Congress with written notice and justification at least 60 days ahead of closing any Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office, or Rural Development Service Center. Two weeks ago, AgDaily reported that the USDA listed nearly 60 FSA and NRCS offices on a list of lease terminations on DOGE’s website. Those offices are generally farmers’ first and only pathway to connect with USDA programs and services. Questions also remain as to how the agency will fulfill Trump’s order ending remote work if offices are shuttered.

So far, Republicans have refrained from calling attention to the pauses and cuts; when asked, they have said they support the USDA’s work so far. With the Republican Party in control in both the Senate and House, the bill has little chance of moving, although GOP lawmakers have been faced with angry farmers and USDA employees at town halls and public events in their districts. (Link to this post.)