USDA Field Office Stability Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 18, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to preserve the physical presence and accessibility of USDA services in rural communities by restricting office closures and ensuring adequate staffing.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from closing or relocating most of its county and field offices, including those of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development. It mandates minimum staffing levels to ensure these offices remain open and accessible during standard business hours, with limited exceptions for offices within 20 miles of another in the same state or routine intra-county relocations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that maintaining local USDA offices is crucial for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities to access vital programs and technical assistance. They contend that closures disproportionately harm small and underserved producers who rely on in-person support, and that stable local presence ensures equitable access to federal resources.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might argue that such prohibitions limit the USDA's administrative flexibility to optimize resource allocation, potentially leading to inefficiencies or the maintenance of underutilized offices. They might suggest that consolidation could free up resources for other priorities or that modern digital services can replace some in-person interactions.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of USDA Field Offices
This provision directly forbids the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or moving any county or field office belonging to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, a Rural Development area, or any general USDA county service center. This aims to ensure a stable physical presence for USDA services in local communities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is vital for ensuring that rural communities, particularly small and underserved producers, retain convenient access to federal agricultural programs, technical support, and disaster assistance, which are often best delivered in person.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision could hinder the USDA's ability to adapt its physical footprint to changing demographics, technological advancements, or budgetary constraints, potentially leading to inefficient resource allocation or the maintenance of redundant facilities.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for local access to services against the administrative flexibility of the USDA to manage its physical infrastructure efficiently and adapt to evolving needs or budget realities.
Section 2(b)
Exceptions for Office Proximity and Routine Relocations
This section outlines specific situations where the prohibition on closure or relocation does not apply. The Secretary can close an office if another similar USDA office is within 20 miles (unless it's in a different state). Additionally, routine relocations of an office within the same county, typically due to lease changes, are permitted.
Section 2(c)
Mandate for Minimum Staffing and Accessibility
This provision requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure that Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development local service centers maintain sufficient staffing levels. The goal is to keep all these centers open and accessible to the public during standard business hours, preventing de facto closures through understaffing.