Judge Puts USDA Reorganization On Hold

A federal judge has ordered the Administration to halt key parts of its USDA reorganization, ruling the changes cannot proceed without congressional approval. Last week’s ruling blocks the Department from closing or eliminating offices and from relocating employees outside their local commuting areas, with some exceptions for the Washington D.C.-region.

The lawsuit was filed by federal employee unions, nonprofit groups, and local governments, arguing the plan violated congressional restrictions on how federal funds can be used. The proposed overhaul includes closing Forest Service regional offices, shuttering research facilities, and relocating employees nationwide.

Supporters of the ruling say it will help protect agricultural research, nutrition programs, rural communities, and wildfire response while the case proceeds.

“Congress told USDA in plain language that it could not close offices and uproot its workforce without permission. USDA did it anyway, so the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, and our partners took them to court. These forced moves were never about efficiency. They were about pushing experienced people out the door.” said Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees. “Today’s ruling keeps those workers on the job serving the American people, and AFGE and our allies will keep fighting for as long as it takes to make sure this administration follows the law.”

“Since this so-called realignment was announced, the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAM, AFL-CIO, our fellow federal unions, and partners across the country have fought tirelessly to stop the USDA from being dismantled,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “The agency’s mission, along with the critical services provided by NFFE-IAM members at the U.S. Forest Service, is far too critical to be damaged by the Trump Administration. This reckless and unlawful plan threatened that mission, and we are pleased to see the court agrees. NFFE and our partners will continue to stand up for the nonpartisan, dedicated USDA employees who keep our communities and public lands safe.”

Click Here to read last week’s court order.