USDA Field Office Stability Act

This bill, known as the USDA Field Office Stability Act, aims to prevent the closure or relocation of critical agricultural service points. It specifically prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or moving county or field offices of the Natural Resources Conservation Service , the Farm Service Agency , Rural Development areas, or any Department of Agriculture county service center. There are specific exceptions to this prohibition. The restrictions do not apply if an office is located within 20 miles of another similar office, unless that other office is in a different state. Additionally, the bill permits the relocation of an office within the same county if it is part of routine leasing operations. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture maintain minimum staffing levels at these local service centers. This ensures that all Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development centers remain open and accessible to the public during standard business hours, preserving vital services for rural communities.