USDA's interpretation of budget law could set standard for other relocations, reorgs

Summary: The inspector general at the Agriculture Department said the agency doesn't the have budget authority to relocate employees at two of its research bureaus to Kansas City. The inspector general cited a provision in 2018 omnibus spending bill as a reason for the finding. That provision was supposed to prevent agencies from moving funds to reorganize, reprogram or relocate without first getting permission from Congress. But USDA said that provision is unconstitutional. Federal News Network's Nicole Ogrysko joined Federal Drive with Tom Temin to explain why USDA's legal opinion could serve as model for other agencies looking to reorganize or relocate.