H.R.3685 - Just USDA Standards and Transparency Act of 2025; JUST Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3685, the Just USDA Standards and Transparency Act of 2025 (JUST Act of 2025), aims to enhance civil rights accountability and enforcement within the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill mandates corrective action for USDA employees found to have engaged in discriminatory or retaliatory actions. It also establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights and an Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson.
Expected Effects
The bill seeks to improve the handling of civil rights complaints within the USDA and ensure equitable access to USDA programs and services. This will likely lead to increased oversight and accountability for USDA employees regarding civil rights compliance. It may also streamline the complaint process for individuals and entities interacting with the USDA.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accountability for USDA employees who violate civil rights.
- Enhanced accessibility and fairness in USDA programs for applicants and participants.
- Improved handling and resolution of civil rights complaints through the establishment of the Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson.
- Greater transparency in the USDA's civil rights enforcement efforts.
- Provides equitable relief to those who have faced discrimination.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative burden within the USDA.
- Possible delays in program implementation due to increased oversight and compliance requirements.
- Risk of frivolous complaints overwhelming the system.
- Potential for political influence in the appointment of the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights and the Ombudsperson.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the new Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of equal protection under the law, as it seeks to ensure that all individuals have fair and equitable access to USDA programs and services. This aligns with the 5th and 14th Amendments, which guarantee due process and equal protection. The creation of the Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson can be seen as an effort to provide a mechanism for redress of grievances, supporting the First Amendment right to petition the government.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).