A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The JUST Act of 2025 aims to strengthen civil rights accountability and enforcement within the Department of Agriculture. It requires the Secretary to take corrective actions against employees found to have engaged in misconduct, such as discrimination or harassment. The bill establishes a new position for an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights to oversee compliance and a specialized Office of Legal Advisor. Additionally, it creates an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to assist program participants. The legislation also grants the Assistant Secretary authority to provide equitable relief for civil rights complaints. Finally, it shifts the burden of proof to the agency during certain National Appeals Division hearings.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +7
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers gain better protections and an ombudsperson to navigate civil rights issues.
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill enhances transparency through new oversight roles and mandatory annual reporting.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill improves due process by shifting the burden of proof to the agency in appeals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability for Misconduct: The bill requires the Secretary to take corrective actions, which can include disciplinary measures like removal or suspension, against employees who engage in discrimination, harassment, or failure to provide service receipts or information (Section 2).
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Stronger Civil Rights Oversight: By establishing the position of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights, the bill ensures a dedicated official responsible for ensuring compliance with civil rights laws across all Department agencies and programs (Section 3).
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Dedicated Legal Support for Civil Rights: The creation of an Office of Legal Advisor for Civil Rights provides a specific office to carry out fair and impartial investigations of civil rights complaints (Section 3).
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Expanded Relief for Participants: The Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights is granted the authority to grant equitable relief to participants who file civil rights program complaints (Section 4).
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Improved Assistance for Navigating Bureaucracy: The new Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson is designed to help producers and customers navigate the civil rights review process and increase awareness of the appeals process (Section 5).
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Fairer Legal Standards in Hearings: The bill changes the burden of proof so that the agency must prove by substantial evidence that an adverse decision was valid (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Disciplinary Risks for Employees: Department of Agriculture employees face potential disciplinary actions, including loss of pay, suspension, or removal from service, if found to have engaged in covered misconduct (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers gain better protections and an ombudsperson to navigate civil rights issues. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced civil rights enforcement provides more protection against discrimination. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced civil rights enforcement provides more protection against discrimination. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced civil rights enforcement provides more protection against discrimination. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Enhanced civil rights enforcement provides more protection against discrimination. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Improved civil rights protections benefit rural producers using USDA programs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill enhances transparency through new oversight roles and mandatory annual reporting. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill improves due process by shifting the burden of proof to the agency in appeals. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and centralizes civil rights enforcement within the USDA.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill enhances civil rights enforcement for USDA program participants, including rural producers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill strengthens enforcement against discrimination within USDA programs which can impact racial equity.
- 6/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Bennie ThompsonDemocrat · Mississippi
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan