Salinas, CA Agricultural Scientist, Veteran to Join Rep. Lofgren for Joint Session of Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) – Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee – announced that a scientist recently fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musk from his work at the Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center in Salinas, CA run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will be her guest for President Donald Trump’s first address to a Joint Session of Congress since taking office in January.

While the guest will not be identified by name or photographed – because of possible retaliatory actions against his family and/or community members – information about his termination, in his own words, can be found here and below. His firing followed a recent positive performance review, which shows that information provided in the termination notice he received was false.

“One of the exercises we often do in Congress around Joint Addresses by presidents is amplify important stories or situations. This year, I am calling attention to the mass firings of federal employees by Donald Trump and Elon Musk from science, agricultural, and research agencies that put Americans and our national economy in danger,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “When I heard from this particular Salinas scientist and U.S. Air Force veteran, I knew I had to reach out to this public servant, see if I could share his letter and story, and invite him to DC, as his situation represents one of the many mindless firings by Trump and Musk that undermine our country’s science and innovation prowess. In this case, diminishing agricultural research capacity in ‘America’s Salad Bowl’ is unwise. Monterey County agriculture pumps more than $1.3 million into the local economy each hour of every day. USDA scientists, like my guest, conduct important research and development projects that boost American innovation and help keep food on our tables. The United States will no longer be the envy of the world if Co-Presidents Trump and Musk keep firing smart, capable public servants advancing America’s best interests.”

"Publicly funded agricultural research is essential for helping farmers—both organic and non-organic—adapt, innovate, and thrive. The recent layoffs at the USDA jeopardize critical work and disrupt long-term projects that enhance soil health, crop resilience, and rural economies. Research from the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) shows that every $1 invested in agricultural research yields $20 in economic returns, making it a smart investment in food security and farm viability. We support those who are sharing their experiences about how these layoffs impact the future of agricultural research. The Organic Farming Research Foundation remains dedicated to advocating for strong research funding to ensure all farmers have the tools they need to succeed,” said Brise Tencer, Executive Director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).

Rep. Lofgren’s guest sent her the letter here and copied below which, in part, explains his recent termination notice (with only personal identifying information removed from the original text):

February 16, 2025

Dear Representative Lofgren,

First, I want to say thank you for your email to your constituents about the abnormal situation this country finds itself in.

I, along with at least a half dozen of my colleagues (and friends) are recent casualties of the across-the-board terminations of probationary employees at the Sam Farr USDA-ARS Crop Improvement and Protection Center in Salinas. In my case and a couple of other cases, we found an email in our in boxes on Valentines Day received at 6:00PM the evening before stating that:

"The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment would be in the public interest. For this reason, the Agency informs you that the Agency is removing you from your position of [science technician] with the Agency and the federal civil service effective close of business February 13, 2025."

The ham-handed, shoot-from-the-hip, disrespectful and dishonest method used to affect my termination is the most unprofessional, and I feel unlawful abuse of the employer-employee relationship I have ever experienced in my long career as a scientist and manager.

My employment at the research station since April 2024 has been a joy up to this point. I received an excellent Performance Appraisal in September of 2024 which directly refutes the termination letter stating "based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest".

I am a Vietnam-era veteran with decades of corporate research and management experience. I sought out an employment opportunity in the new research station because I wanted to contribute this experience to the public sector. I started my career as a public servant in the United States Air Force (I volunteered, I wasn't drafted!) and my desire was to end my career as a public servant at the USDA.

I am not a combat hero, nor did I give my life or limb during my military service, but I am receiving veteran's disability for back and hearing problems suffered during my service. I have received nothing but the friendliest and most professional service from the VA and am extremely dismayed that many probationary employees at the VA are also suffering the same treatment I have received.

I seek your guidance on what I can do to see that this gross injustice does not go forward unchallenged and if possible, can be reversed so I can recover my position at the research station.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Respectfully,

[Redacted]

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