Bill > HR5716

This bill, known as the FARM SAFE Act (Federal Agricultural Relief Maintained during Shutdowns And Federal Emergencies Act), aims to ensure that critical agricultural disaster assistance programs continue to operate during government shutdowns. Specifically, the bill mandates that employees of the Department of Agriculture who are necessary to carry out agricultural disaster assistance programs will be considered "excepted employees" during a lapse in appropriations, meaning they are required to work and cannot be removed from their positions through reduction in force. The bill defines agricultural disaster assistance programs broadly, including programs under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978, the Agricultural Act of 2014, and any other congressional act that provides disaster assistance as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. This legislation is designed to protect farmers and agricultural businesses by ensuring that vital support and relief programs remain functional even when the federal government experiences a funding interruption, thus providing stability and continuity during potential emergency situations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5716/all-info