A federal judge has blocked parts of USDA’s reorganization plan, including certain office closures and employee relocations. A U.S. District Judge ruled the USDA likely violated congressional spending restrictions. The order affects several agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Rural Development and Farm Production and Conservation. USDA can still make changes within the Washington, D.C., area. The restrictions remain in place through December 11 unless Congress extends them. USDA could appeal the ruling.
