MARCIA L. FUDGE WASHINGTON OFFICE 11TH DISTRICT OF OHIO U.S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2344 RAVBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON. DC 20515 comm-5E 0? Hf 1112 gambit glaring (202) 225-7032; (202) 225-1339 FAX CHAIR. SUBCOMMHTEE 0N NUTRITION, OVERSIGHT a. DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS 4 DISTRICT OFFICES (Home nf Elleprezmtattnea ON CONSERVATION e. FORESTRY 4? ma?hmgimt, EB (E 211515 WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OHIO 44128 COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION (215) 522.4900; (216) 522.4903 FAX CHAIR. SUBCOMMRTEE 0N ELECTIONS COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND LABOR 1225 LAWTON STREET 0N CIVIL RIGHTS HUMAN SERVICES AKRON. OHIO 44320 (330) 835-4753; (330) 835-4363 FAX ON HEALTH. EMPLOYMENT. LABOR PENSIONS E-MAIL: htlp:l/Iudge house gov May 14, 2019 Secretary Sonny Perdue U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue Washington DC. 20250 Dear Secretary Perdue: This letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is regarding Ms. Naomi Earp?s pending con?rmation for Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. I previously expressed reservations about her nomination during our April 4, 2019, meeting. However, with Ms. Earp?s con?rmation moving forward, I write to formally share my concerns and request additional information about current and future plans for improving civil rights enforcement at the Department. The Of?ce of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has an important responsibility. website outlines its mission is to ?provide leadership and direction for the fair equitable treatment of all USDA customers and employees while ensuring the delivery of quality programs and enforcement of civil rights. However, Ms. Earp?s over 20 years of federal service reportedly often fell short of this standard. A 2002 NAACP report suggested Ms. Earp fostered a culture of low morale, favoritism, and high senior staff turnover, while serving in various leadership positions in the federal government.1 The report was written in response to Ms. Earp?s then nomination for a top position at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The report detailed the organization was ?concerned about has been intricately and ?equently linked to situations involving patterns and practices of disparate treatment against minorities and others within the Federal government. This, along with similar reports allegedly linking her to workplace abuses and discriminatory practices, is deeply troubling, especially given the important role of the of?ce Ms. Earp is nominated to lead. Additionally, I understand as of January 28, 2019, Ms. Earp has been serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, pending her con?rmation. Your decision to appoint Ms. Earp to a senior level position that does not require Senate approval, while her con?rmation remained in pended status, raises questions. Nevertheless, to better understand Ms. Earp?s 1 Warren, L. (2002, March 20). A Special Report and Critique of Naomi Churchill-Earp, Esq: Nominee for the Position of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner. Retrieved ?'om t? PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER can)? current role and her plans for the of?ce moving forward, I ask that you provide the following information: 1. Details on the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. 2. An organizational chart showing who oversees the Deputy Assistant Secretary and which positions report to both the Deputy Assistant Secretary and the Assistant Secretary. 3. Details on all newly announced and/or implemented initiatives, policies, guidance or materials, as it relates to the Of?ce of Civil Rights, as of January 28, 2019. 4. The current number of complaints pending hearing or appeal before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including the number of pending EEO complaints exceeding the 180-day time limit for review and investigation. 5. A description of how Ms. Earp?s plans to address allegations of civil rights violations, including harassment and discrimination, within the Department currently and moving forward. 6. A description of how Ms. Earp plans to address allegations of civil rights violations within the Of?ce of Civil Rights currently and moving forward. We owe it to USDA employees to hold its leadership to the highest standard possible. I am committed to ensuring workers? civil rights are protected to the full extent and letter of the law I hope both you and Ms. Earp share my commitment. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Q72 zany/fa Marcia L. Fudge Member of Congress CC: The Honorable Pat Roberts, US. Senate The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, US. Senate