Ranking Member Stabenow Raises Concerns that the General Service Administration’s Transition Delay is Hurting Farmers, Families

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today raised concerns that the General Service Administration’s unprecedented delay in starting the transition is harming farmers and families. In a letter, Ranking Member Stabenow urged Emily Murphy, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, to take immediate action to recognize Vice President Joe Biden as President-elect and allow the transition to obtain the resources required under the law.

“While a smooth and well-prepared transition is always vital, we are now suffering through a pandemic that is raging across America, making the need for a well-informed and planned transition even more critical,” wrote Ranking Member Stabenow. “The delay in starting the transition has grave costs that could harm the farmers, families, and rural communities that rely on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).”

Ranking Member Stabenow raised strong concerns that the delay has prevented the transition team from gaining access to USDA information they need to support farmers, strengthen the food supply chain, provide food assistance to struggling families, and nominate officials to lead the Department.

“Your unprecedented refusal to recognize the President-elect is threatening to undermine the incoming Administration’s ability to serve the American people during this ongoing crisis,” wrote Ranking Member Stabenow. “It is critical that you recognize the will of the American people and facilitate a seamless transition.”