Hoyer Statement on USDA Agency Relocation

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the finalists for the proposed relocation of USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA):

"I am extremely disappointed that none of the sites designated as finalists for the relocation of the USDA's Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture are within the National Capital Region. I strongly disagree with Secretary Perdue's decision to relocate the facility outside of the Washington region. The relocation will disrupt the important work carried out by the ERS and NIFA and undermine morale, and hundreds of federal employees in the Fifth District and throughout the region will be impacted by the proposed relocation. I will continue to urge the Department of Agriculture to rethink the relocation decision."

In September, Congressman Hoyer and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) asked the USDA Inspector General to investigate the proposed relocation. In December, Congressman Hoyer joined with Democrats in introducing legislation to block the proposed relocation. Last month, Congressman Hoyer and Congresswoman Norton wrote to the House Appropriations Committee urging Members to prohibit the USDA from using funds to carry out the proposed relocation.