Summary
Senator Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit the access of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to a database that manages payments and loans to farmers. Concerns have been raised that the access given to DOGE staffers, who have no agriculture background, could lead to privacy breaches and potential errors that might harm farmers.
Key Facts
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin wants DOGE's access to a USDA database controlling farmer payments and loans revoked.
- DOGE's access could breach farmers' privacy and risk affecting food security and farmland operations.
- The database, called the National Payment Service, handles financial details and payments for U.S. farmers.
- Jordan Wick, a DOGE staffer, has been granted unique high-level access to this sensitive system.
- This access allows Wick to view and alter financial information with little oversight.
- Concerns exist about possible mistakes by those unfamiliar with the USDA's complex systems.
- A recent issue flagged over 200 farmers' accounts due to incorrect birthdate entries.
- USDA has confirmed that DOGE staff are reviewing agricultural loans and payments, citing a drive for government efficiency.
