The USDA extended the public comment period for its controversial reorganization plan to September 30. Politico says that doubles the length of time provided for input on an initiative that has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans since it was unveiled last month.
The agency originally released the plan for public comment on July 24 for a period of 30 days. A department webpage that earlier listed the deadline as August 31 now says September 30.
A USDA spokesperson said the additional days in the comment period are to ensure everyone who wants to submit feedback can do so. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle criticized USDA over its rollout of the plan, which calls for relocating much of its Washington-area workforce to five regional hubs across the country.
Senate Democrats sent a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to extend the comment period by at least 60 days.