Minneapolis Review

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, has voiced concerns regarding a proposed reorganization plan by the Trump Administration for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Senator Klobuchar expressed apprehension about the potential impact on USDA's ability to provide essential services. She highlighted that "a reorganization of this scale will impact USDA’s ability to provide critical services to Americans and undermine the Agency’s trusted expertise that farmers and families count on."

The senator questioned whether the administration considered the effects on research and services for farmers and rural communities. Her statement noted, "I have serious doubts that the Administration adequately considered the impact of this move on research and on services for farmers and rural Americans." This comes after significant job losses within USDA over recent months.

Klobuchar called for accountability from USDA, urging it to present its case before Congress. She emphasized that such changes should not be implemented without consulting key agricultural senators: "This half-baked proposal – submitted with no consultation with leading Agricultural Senators – will set us back."

Senator Klobuchar stressed an immediate need for a hearing to prevent further adverse consequences: "We must have an immediate hearing before more damage is done."