JUST Act of 2025
Rep. Jackson Introduces JUST Act to Strengthen Civil Rights Protections for Farmers
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
USDA employees who administer programs to farmers and ranchers would face stronger accountability for civil rights violations, including possible removal, suspension without pay, reduction in grade or pay, or letters of reprimand. The bill creates new enforcement mechanisms and an independent legal office dedicated solely to investigating complaints, increasing the likelihood that misconduct is identified and addressed.
“may include disciplinary actions, including-- (A) removal from Federal service; (B) suspension without pay; (C) any reduction in grade or pay; and (D) a letter of reprimand”
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articlesJackson says law needed to combat USDA discrimination
Rep. Jonathan Jackson introduced the JUST Act to strengthen civil rights accountability at the USDA. The bill requires employees be held accountable for discriminatory actions, including pay reduction and removal, and establishes two federal offices to address civil rights concerns.
Farm Bill Delayed Amid Coalition Divide
The 2026 Farm Bill proposal includes provisions inspired by H.R. 3685 (the JUST Act), such as creating an Office of the Ombudsman to assist producers in the civil rights review process and requiring the USDA to bear the burden of proof for National Appeals Division hearings.
USDA Ends Consideration of Race, Gender in Many Farm Programs
The USDA announced it will no longer apply race- or sex-based criteria in decision-making for loans and programs. This policy reversal, part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI policies, has intensified the debate over civil rights enforcement and employee accountability within the agency.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
JUST Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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