Lawmaker introduces resolution to move USDA to central Illinois
[April 29, 2025]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – An Illinois state legislator is pushing to move
the United States Department of Agriculture out of Washington D.C., and
into the heart of farm country.
State Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, has introduced House Resolution 177
urging President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress to begin the process
of relocating the USDA from Washington, D.C., to central Illinois.
Deering emphasized that crops don’t grow in a swamp, they grow in the
fertile plains of central Illinois. She added that it's time the
government relocated the USDA to a place where people are focused on
planting crops, not just pushing paper.
“Bloomington and Decatur are home to major agribusiness giants like
Archer-Daniels-Midland, Gromiant, Gromark and nearby universities such
as [Illinois State University] and [University of Illinois]. These areas
are hubs for agricultural innovation and some of the best producers in
the country,” said Deering.
Deering is the granddaughter of Dwayne Andreas, who helped build ADM
into an agribusiness giant.
According to Deering, the Strategic Withdrawal of Agencies for
Meaningful Placement (SWAMP) Act, originally introduced in Congress,
aims to move agencies out of the bureaucracy of Washington, D.C., and
into “the heartland, closer to the people they impact the most.”
HR 177, according to Deering, is a way to align Illinois with the
federal efforts. Deering said relocating the USDA to central Illinois
would cut costs for taxpayers.
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Illinois state Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur
Greg Bishop | The Center Square
“Certainly, we know that costs in central Illinois are lower than in
Washington, D.C., and we have a great opportunity to drive the economy
here. With a skilled workforce, lower housing costs and a great quality
of life,” said Deering. “Central Illinois is an ideal place.”
Deering addressed Republican concerns over the growing focus on welfare
programs in the farm bill.
“The farm bill has been a challenge for multiple years,” said Deering.
“The ag industry and the subsidies it seeks are closely tied to what the
other side wants in terms of welfare programs. Bringing the Department
of Agriculture to central Illinois would allow decision-makers to focus
more intensely on the farmers who drive the economy and quite literally
feed the world.”
Deering suggested moving the USDA to Illinois from Washington D.C. could
lead to a reduction in workforce because there’s a “skilled workforce”
in Illinois.
“That is something the president and Department of Government Efficiency
is working towards, streamlining our agencies, decreasing the bloat.
Many of my constituents here in Illinois are all for that,” said Deering. |
