Washington Roundup – April 2025

By: Lowell Randal

Trump Administration Considers Additional Workforce Reductions and Agency Restructuring

The Trump Administration has directed agencies to evaluate additional reductions in the federal workforce as well as cuts to programs. Many agencies have offered a second round of deferred resignations and deferred retirements. While final numbers are not yet available, it appears that a larger number of federal workers are electing to leave service as a result of the second round. In addition to the resignations/retirements, the administration has indicated that further reductions in force are likely. It has been reported that in preparation for fiscal year 2026 budgeting, the Office of Management and Budget will propose significant funding reductions to federal departments, including USDA. While details of administration proposals have not been publicly released, press reports indicate that USDA could face significant cuts to various agencies and programs. The administration is also considering the consolidation of mission areas and administrative functions, as well as relocation of some staff to new “hubs” around the country. The release date of the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2026 has not yet been announced and will be subject to Congressional action through the appropriations process.

FDA Announces Phase Out of Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Food Supply

On April 22nd, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply— part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.

The FDA is taking the following actions:

1. Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
2. Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
3. Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—from the food supply by the end of next year.
4. Authorizing four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.
5. Partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
6. Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.

In addition, FDA announced that it will work in partnership with the NIH Nutrition Regulatory Science and Research Program to enhance nutrition and food-related research to better inform regulatory decisions. This collaboration will strengthen the FDA’s ability to develop evidence-based food policies, to improve health and support the priorities of the Make America Healthy Again Commission.

Senator Ernst Introduces Food Security and Farm Protection Act to Counter Proposition 12

On April 8, 2025, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), alongside Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), introduced the Food Security and Farm Protection Act. This legislation aims to prevent states from imposing agricultural regulations beyond their jurisdictions, directly challenging California's Proposition 12. 

Proposition 12, instituted by the state of California, mandates specific space requirements for farm animals, affecting producers nationwide. Critics argue that it has devastated family farms, fueled market consolidation, and increased food costs. Senator Ernst emphasized the urgency of addressing Proposition 12's implications, stating that it poses a threat to pork producers, elevates costs for farmers and consumers, and jeopardizes national food security.

Similar legislation was introduced last Congress and will be actively under consideration as Congress works to advance the next Farm Bill.

USDA Weighs Farmer Assistance as Tariff Policy Evolves

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively considering new relief measures for American farmers as the deepening trade war with China threatens to impact the agricultural economy. The potential move comes amid the escalation of tariffs between the US and China. Other reciprocal tariffs are in a 90 day pause with bilateral negotiations ongoing. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed in a recent interview that the administration is evaluating the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), a government-run program designed to stabilize farm income and commodity prices, to support farmers impacted by the rapidly escalating tariffs. Secretary Rollins emphasized that no final decisions have been made, and the administration remains hopeful that its trade strategy will ultimately yield long-term gains for the agricultural sector. During Trump’s first term, a similar standoff with China resulted in $28 billion in direct payments to farmers.

The Trump administration is also exploring additional measures, such as creating new tax credits for U.S. exporters, as part of a broader effort to offset retaliatory trade barriers imposed by other countries. Rollins has announced upcoming trips to Vietnam, the UK, and Japan to negotiate potential tariff exemptions or trade deals aimed at easing the pressure.