I’m writing to express my strong opposition to Secretary Rollins’ plan to reorganize the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This plan would relocate the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) out of the DC metro area, eliminate two regional FNS offices, and relocate the remaining regional offices—concentrating them in certain areas of the country while leaving others underserved.

FNS implements the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), one of the most effective public health programs in our country. The proposed changes would cause severe disruptions to WIC operations.

This announcement will lead to loss of experienced public servants at FNS who do the vital work that enables WIC to help families put healthy food on the table.

WIC has enjoyed bipartisan support for its fifty-year history. It has been a cornerstone of US efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve infant and maternal health outcomes. Thanks to FNS support, WIC navigated through the 2022 infant formula recall, ensuring that families could obtain the formula and breastfeeding support they needed to feed their young children. Disruptions to FNS will significantly impact WIC’s ability to continue serving families and providing vital nutrition for low-income families at nutritional risk.

Congress has a key oversight role in major departmental reorganizations such as these. I urge you to oppose USDA’s reorganization plan.

Sincerely,