Senate Dems see dangers in Fish and Wildlife Service staff cuts

The agency, the lawmakers warn, is "losing the capacity to manage America's wildlife refuges and struggling to even keep them open."

, and Administrator

2025 December 19 . 2:39 PM

1 min read

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Senate Dems see dangers in Fish and Wildlife Service staff cuts

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over a severe staffing shortage at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On Thursday, 20 senators, led by Adam Schiff of California, demanded urgent action to address the crisis. They warned that the agency is struggling to manage wildlife refuges and keep them open to the public.

The senators have given Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik a deadline of January 2. By that date, they must submit a detailed plan to Congress outlining solutions to the staffing crisis. Nesvik, who took over as director on August 18, 2025, now faces pressure to resolve the issue.

The shortage stems from policies under the Trump administration. According to lawmakers, voluntary exit incentives, early retirement programmes, and other measures pushed experienced staff out of the agency. As a result, the service has lost critical capacity to oversee refuges and maintain operations. Sen. Schiff and his colleagues described the situation as a 'crisis' that threatens conservation efforts. They stressed the need for immediate answers and a clear strategy to restore staffing levels.

The Fish and Wildlife Service now has until the new year to respond. Without intervention, the agency risks further declines in its ability to protect wildlife and public lands. Lawmakers are waiting for concrete steps to reverse the staffing losses.