USDA Field Office Stability Act

Key Points

• This bill stops the Department of Agriculture from closing or moving local offices that help farmers and rural residents. It covers offices that handle farm loans, land conservation programs, and rural development projects.
• The government would only be allowed to close or move an office if there is another one within 20 miles in the same state. They can also move an office within the same county if they need to update a building lease.
• The policy requires these local centers to have enough staff to stay open during normal business hours. This ensures people in rural areas can get help in person instead of having to use a website or phone line.
• This plan aims to protect access to government services for people in rural communities. It prevents people from having to drive long distances to reach the nearest government office if their local one shuts down.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.