Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Safeguard Farmers’ Privacy and Protect USDA Data

Congresswoman McClain Delaney Introduces Legislation to Safeguard Farmers’ Privacy and Protect USDA Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Protecting Agricultural Borrower Information Act, which would prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Americans’ most sensitive financial information under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including databases managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA) and John Larson (D-CT) are co-leading the effort.

The legislation is in response to last month’s reports of a DOGE employee gaining high-level access to the USDA’s National Payment System, raising serious concerns about potential fraud, identity theft and further misuse of sensitive personal information. Immediately following this breach, Congresswoman McClain Delaney led 12 of her colleagues in sending a letter to USDA and FSA leadership to verify these reports and urge the immediate protection of sensitive information from DOGE interference and third-party access.

“When a farmer applies for a loan or disaster aid, they’re not just filling out paperwork—they’re entrusting the federal government with their family’s livelihood,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “That trust must be honored. This legislation is about protecting privacy, ensuring accountability and keeping our agricultural producers secure. We must defend the privacy we’ve promised countless rural communities, in Maryland and across the country.”

More than 90 percent of U.S. producers receive some sort of USDA support through disaster relief, federal loans and other forms of FSA assistance. During that process, applicants are required to disclose their financial and operational data, under the belief that their personal information would be handled only by trained, accountable USDA staff—not outside employees operating with little oversight or in partnership with third party entities.

The Protecting Agricultural Borrower Information Act would:

 

• Prohibit DOGE from accessing USDA databases containing farmers’ financial, operational, or personal data;
• Reaffirm USDA’s responsibility to safeguard sensitive information; and,
• Help restore confidence for farmers and ranchers who rely on federal programs to weather market shifts, natural disasters, and rising costs.

Co-sponsors include Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD).

“American farmers already have concerns about sharing their personal information with the federal government, let alone an unaccountable, 'special' government agency like ‘DOGE,’” said Rep. Larson. “Just last week, we found out that ‘DOGE’ copied private data at Social Security to an unsecure server, and who knows what they will do with access to our farmers’ confidential loan data. We cannot let Elon Musk’s unqualified proteges get their hands on these financial records. I am proud to join with Rep. McClain Delaney to safeguard our local growers' financial data from a dangerous ‘DOGE’ data breach. ”

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.