USDA set to announce narrowed-down list for relocations

摘要

The Agriculture Department continues to move ahead with plans to relocate two research-related agencies awayfrom Washington, even as House Democrats try to put up roadblocks.Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said he expects to announce within days a narrowed-down list of potentialsites for the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Groups following theissue said they believe USDA may lock in the moves before lawmakers can pass any restrictions.At stake are several hundred jobs slated for a new location, as well as questions about how the two agenciesfulfill their science and research missions. Perdue has said the plan will save money and put employees closer tothe department's rural constituents. Critics say they've seen little evidence of cost savings and worry that movingresearchers far from USDA headquarters could diminish their role.