Rep. Subramanyam demands justification for USDA relocation plan

The reorganization will close several USDA facilities in Washington, D.C., and move staff to new sites across the country.

Suhas Subramanyam / Wikipedia

Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam demanded detailed justification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its planned relocation of more than 2,500 employees from the National Capital Region.

Joined by Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia and government operations subcommittee ranking member Kweisi Mfume, Subramanyam sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins raising concerns over the July 24 reorganization announcement, which will close several USDA facilities in Washington, D.C., and move staff to new sites across the country.

Also Read: Rep. Subramanyam recovers $1M for constituents

The lawmakers emphasized USDA’s central role in supporting farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and safeguarding the nation’s food and natural resources.

“Given the Department’s lack of consultation with Congress to date regarding this reorganization plan, we are deeply concerned that this relocation… is being implemented without appropriate study of the costs and benefits to USDA or the American people,” the letter stated.

Citing Government Accountability Office findings from similar moves during President Trump’s first term, the lawmakers warned of reduced productivity, workforce losses, and multi-year recovery periods. They have requested all related cost-benefit analyses and communications with employees and stakeholders by Aug. 21.

Earlier this year, Subramanyam and Senator Chris Van Hollen introduced the COST of Relocations Act to require thorough analysis before any federal agency relocation. The letter was backed by multiple House Oversight Committee members and representatives from the National Capital Region.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has defended the reorganization, citing cost reductions, declining efficiency in underused Washington facilities, and the need to better align USDA operations with the communities it serves.

USDA officials project about $4 billion in savings, with 50–70 percent of Washington staff expected to accept new postings. The agency said no large-scale layoffs are planned, though “focused and limited reductions in force” may occur if needed.

Senator Amy Klobuchar cautioned that the overhaul could compromise services vital to farmers and rural communities and weaken programs such as civil rights enforcement, wildfire response, and food safety.

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