Sen. Gary Peters Questions Ag Secretary Rollins on Budget Cuts to Research and Staffing

PAUSE Act and Domestic Violence Survivors

• 💡 Senator Peters highlighted the PAUSE Act, legislation he authored, which establishes a grant program for domestic violence survivors with companion animals.
• ⚠️ Research indicates that up to 84% of women in shelters reported threats or abuse related to pets, with nearly half staying longer due to fear for their animals.
• 🤝 Secretary Rollins expressed willingness to have a longer conversation about the PAUSE Act, acknowledging it as the first time hearing of it and appreciating Peters' leadership.

Impact of Staff Reductions on APHIS

• 📌 Peters raised concerns about the PAUSE Act and its funding, a priority he has long championed.
• 📉 He expressed alarm over reports of over 1300 APHIS employees accepting deferred resignation options, questioning how the agency will meet its responsibilities.
• 📊 Secretary Rollins stated that while nearly 15% of employees accepted the program, it is manageable, with APHIS, wildland firefighting, and FSA offices prioritized for rehiring and realignment.

Agricultural Research Funding and Competitiveness

• 📈 Public investment in agricultural research has decreased since 2002, while competitors like China have surged, surpassing US investment.
• 🔬 Peters expressed frustration over the President's budget calling for hefty cuts in research funding, emphasizing the critical importance of food security to national security.
• 💰 Secretary Rollins clarified that the proposed cut to research funding is a 7% reduction (from $2.1 billion to $1.9 billion) within the discretionary budget, primarily targeting outdated facilities, and assured that high-priority research would not be compromised.