Farm Services Agency (FSA) offices handle loans, disaster aid, and program payments that many farmers depend on through planting and harvest cycles. During government shutdowns, those offices have closed, leaving farmers without access to USDA payments and paperwork. This bill would classify FSA work as essential services protecting human life or property under the Antideficiency Act, meaning FSA staff would keep working and offices would stay open during any future shutdown. It is a narrow change aimed at the roughly 2,100 FSA county offices and the rural households that rely on them.
Average Household Impact
- Farm Services Agency continuity — FSA offices designated essential and kept open during government shutdowns
Congressional Summary
Bringing Assistance for Rural Needs During Shutdowns ActThis bill requires Farm Service Agency (FSA) officers and employees to continue to work during a government shutdown.As background, under an exception in the Antideficiency Act, an employee whose duties involve the safety of human life or the protection of property may be required to work during a government shutdown (i.e., lapse in appropriations).Under this bill, any services by an FSA officer or employee are deemed to be for an emergency involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. Thus, if a lapse in FSA appropriations occurs, FSA officers and employees may be required to continue working.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-11-10
- Date Added
- 2026-04-28
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