Source: MEATINGPLACE, 2/15/19

In the final version of the bill drawn up to keep the government operating after Friday, legislators included language that would prevent USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue from moving the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture out of the Washington, D.C., area.

According to the bill, Congress wants USDA to provide more information on the proposed move, which has been opposed by several scientific and research organizations.

“In submitting the fiscal year 2020 budget justification, [USDA] is directed to include all cost estimates for the proposed move of the two agencies, as well as a detailed analysis of any research benefits of their relocation,” the bill said. “There is an expectation that this process will be followed in the future for any other potential proposed agency relocations by the Department.”

The bill also calls for “an indefinite delay in the proposed transfer of ERS to the Office of the Chief Economist,” a move that some in the ag industries think would politicize the agency’s economic research. “Insufficient information and justification relating to the reorganization and relocation make moving forward on these proposals premature at this time,” the document said.

Both the House and Senate on Thursday approved the compromise legislation to avoid another shutdown of the federal government. The president has indicated he will sign the bill, which does not meet his full border wall funding demand, and instead declare a national emergency on the southern border.

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