Rep. Subramanyam, Ranking Member Garcia Demand Answers on Forest Service Reorganization

May 14, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Robert Garcia CA-42), Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, are demanding answers from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) about its proposed reorganization. The reorganization would relocate the USFS from the National Capital Region to Salt Lake City, close research facilities in 31 states, and repurpose all nine regional offices. The members said, “The proposed reorganization is likely to undermine the Forest Service’s ability to steward our forests and grasslands and fight wildfires, while forcing hundreds of dedicated civil servants out of their jobs. We demand that USFS explain how it concluded this sweeping reorganization would improve the management of America’s forests and public lands and serve taxpayers’ interests.” The Trump Administration has already forced out over 9,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) workers and initiated a wider reorganization of USDA in which more than half of USDA employees will be forced to relocate or resign their positions. The proposed relocation of the Forest Service and the closure of research facilities could result in many more dedicated workers being forced out of federal service. It will harm the agency’s ability to perform essential services that keep Americans safe. The members continued, “A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of the 2019 relocation of two USDA offices and the 2020 relocation of the Bureau of Land Management out of Washington, D.C. found that these moves significantly reduced agency productivity, staffing levels, and the average years of experience among staff. The Administration’s plans to relocate USFS’ headquarters would directly affect 260 employees, forcing them to choose between leaving their jobs or uprooting their families and lives to move across the country. Prior relocations indicate that many employees will likely resign rather than move, resulting in a significant loss of expertise and harming the Forest Service’s ability to do its job.” The members have demanded that the Chief of the Forest Service, Tom Schultz, answer questions about how and why the Forest Service determined the reorganization was in the best interest of the American people. They also want information about his plans to retain employees who would rather not move to a different state and what the costs of the reorganization. The letter can be found HERE . Issues : Federal Workforce