The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“USDA REORGANIZATION” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S7777 on July 21, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
USDA REORGANIZATION
Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I rise today to talk briefly about the recent consolidation of administrative functions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recently announced by Secretary Dan Glickman.
In my contact with Secretary Glickman he has said that the changes are being aimed at the national headquarters and State offices, but that there will be no additional field office closings or cut in services as a result of this directive.
Secretary Glickman has also informed me that an outside study is being commissioned to assess the workload of parts of the agency, in light of current and anticipated program activity, and will report on recommendations on the county delivery systems.
The recent administrative convergence by the Secretary is an effort to make the USDA a more efficient and cost-effective agency. No doubt, to streamline the agency and improve efficiency, there is a need to eliminate any duplication of administrative services. However, there is also a need to maintain a vital local field staff with the necessary resources available to them so that they can deliver services to our producers.
As the USDA continues to make adjustments to its operations, I will continue to work with the Secretary and solicit feedback from our local Nebraska offices.
The Freedom to Farm Act of 1996, for better or worse, has brought us into a new era of our farm program. To some extent producers, Members of Congress, and USDA staff are entering unchartered waters. I will be diligent in my efforts in making sure the USDA, and Congress, is up to the navigational task.
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