Rep. Davids’ amendment to rehire fired NBAF staff raises national-security and local-job concerns

Members pressed for rehiring and staffing protections at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas, after committee testimony and statements that the Trump administration had terminated a number of employees at the site.

Representative Sharice Davids said terminations had disrupted NBAF operations and jeopardized the facility’s mission to study high-risk animal diseases. "NBAF is the first biosafety level 4 facility focused on livestock and it is meant to protect American agriculture," Davids said, and warned that losing trained staff would undermine the facility’s launch and continuity. She offered an amendment that would require rehiring qualified personnel who had been terminated and provide the facility direct-hire authority to fill vacancies created by departures.

Why it matters: NBAF conducts research on high-consequence animal diseases with potential economic and public-health consequences. Members argued that workforce continuity is essential to maintaining operational security and preventing outbreaks from threatening producers and consumers.

Discussion vs. decision: Members debated whether the committee should direct rehiring or let the executive branch manage the facility’s staffing decisions. The sponsor withdrew the amendment rather than force a recorded vote; members requested further information from USDA and Department of Homeland Security on staffing decisions and impacts.

Ending: Committee leaders said they would continue oversight of staffing, and members representing Kansas and other agricultural states urged follow-up briefings and a tracking of hiring plans so NBAF could begin safe, scientifically rigorous operations.