Farm groups are concerned about the Trump Administration’s consolidation plan and the impact it could have on the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The plan would rename the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Health and Public Welfare. That would include moving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program out of USDA to the new welfare department. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says that may have negative implications for passing farm bills.
He says taking nutrition programs out of USDA and moving them to other agencies could hurt the Department of Ag.
The administration’s plan would also move USDA’s rural housing program to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Wertish says if that plan goes forward it could lead to gutting of the USDA.
The administration’s proposal would require Congressional approval and Wertish says his group will weigh in on the process.
