The House Appropriations Committee held its first hearing of the year in Washington, D.C., focusing on oversight within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The hearing was led by Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD). Testimony was received from members of the USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), including Inspector General John Walk, Associate Inspector General for Investigations Nicole Gardner, and Acting Assistant Inspector General for Audit Yarisis Rivera-Rojas.
The committee examined issues such as fraudulent and improper payments within USDA programs, national security risks related to agricultural smuggling and foreign ownership of farmland, vulnerabilities in agricultural data systems, and food safety threats. These topics align with ongoing priorities under President Trump’s administration to address waste, fraud, and abuse in federal agencies.
Chairman Harris opened the hearing by stating: "This Administration has made it a top priority to root out waste, fraud, and abuse across the entire federal government, and OIG plays a critical role in these efforts... If states are found to be willfully neglecting their duty to address SNAP payment errors, they must be held accountable."
Members of Congress questioned OIG officials on several key issues. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) asked about improper payments in emergency conservation programs. He said: "The farm service agencies' emergency conservation program plays a critical role in restoring farmland affected by natural disasters and is essential that these funds are properly administered so producers can continue feeding our communities. Recently, [the OIG] found that the program had an improper payment rate of over 45% in 2024 and recommended that the USDA and FSA update policies and procedures to identify the root causes of these inaccuracies. To your knowledge, has any progress been made in addressing these issues and ensuring these funds are awarded properly?" Ms. Rivera-Rojas assured lawmakers that reducing improper payments remains a high priority for OIG.
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) raised concerns about biohazard smuggling by Chinese nationals into Michigan. He said: "Your office is investigating instances of biological hazards being smuggled into the United States. Two Chinese students, researchers, were caught doing so in my home state of Michigan. I'm wondering if you could comment on what resources that law enforcement [and] the department need to fully ensure that Chinese-backed biological smuggling rings are stopped at the border..." Mr. Walk responded that law enforcement agencies are collaborating with USDA on this issue.
Food safety was also discussed by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), who referenced outbreaks like avian influenza: "I have concerns that this could be a more detrimental issue... Could you tell us your insights into plans or operations around investigating and identifying fraudulent imports that are coming into this country?" Mr. Walk noted ongoing efforts to form partnerships with relevant agencies.
Broadband access for rural communities was addressed by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA): "Access to broadband... is essential for the prosperity of rural communities... nearly 60% of U.S. farmers and ranchers do not believe they have adequate internet connectivity." Both Mr. Walk and Ms. Rivera-Rojas confirmed audits are underway regarding broadband funding distribution.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) focused on SNAP benefit theft: "The stealing of SNAP benefits has definitely been on the rise... recent estimates show [SNAP stealing] could be in the neighborhood of about $12 billion per year..." Mr. Walk stated combating SNAP fraud is a major focus for OIG investigations.
National security risks tied to foreign data access were raised by Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL): "We have a tremendous amount of data from farmers that's being shared specifically with China through ... acquisitions..." Mr. Walk agreed there is more work needed regarding technology-related threats from foreign actors.
Testimony from this session will inform appropriators as they draft future funding legislation aimed at strengthening food supply systems—a core function handled annually through spending bills prepared by the House Committee on Appropriations (official website). This committee is responsible for drafting twelve annual bills allocating federal funds across government operations (official website) while also providing guidance for community project funding requests (official website). The current chairman is Tom Cole (official website), who serves as only the 43rd person to hold this position (official website).
The Appropriations Committee's influence extends beyond funding decisions; it shapes policy through legislation such as continuing appropriations acts (official website). Members include both Republicans like Harold Rogers and Democrats such as Steny Hoyer (official website).
