Rep. Jackson Introduces JUST Act to Strengthen Civil Rights Protections for Farmers
The JUST Act of 2025 is currently sitting in the House Committee on Agriculture. No action has been taken on this bill since June 2025, which means it has been stalled for over one year. The committee must review the bill before it can move forward, but most bills do not receive a vote at this stage.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Reintroduced
Reintroduced from H.R. 6527 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 6527 (118th) →Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
JUST Act of 2025
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