TRANSCRIPT: Van Hollen Proposes Amendment to Block Trump USDA Reorganization Plan

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 agriculture funding bill to block the Trump Administration’s illegal and harmful USDA reorganization plan, proposed last week, that would shutter the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County, MD. Furthermore, the amendment requires that, prior to any reorganization, USDA must submit to Congress a benefit-cost analysis, conduct a public comment process, and report on how the proposed reorganization would impact USDA customer service and staff expertise.

You can watch the video of the Senator’s remarks here and read them below:

Mr. President. Colleagues, USDA has proposed a massive reorganization plan, having done absolutely no due diligence. They've not talked to families or to farmers or to rural communities about it. They've not backed up their estimates of cost savings. And they've not provided the information needed to ensure that this reorganization will not harm the critical work that USDA does.

 

This amendment directs USDA to take a step back and provide a transparent, informed, carefully considered plan for any such reorganization before implementing it. In other words, look and aim before you shoot.

 

It requires a vetted benefit-cost analysis and review of how this reorganization would impact USDA staff expertise and ability to provide customer service. It requires a public comment process, so our constituents and stakeholders can weigh in.

 

Once USDA takes those steps, Congress can assess the need for that reorganization in Fiscal Year 27.

 

I urge a yes vote on this amendment.

 

The Senator’s amendment failed by a vote of 42-53.