HR 5716119th CongressIn Committee

FARM SAFE Act

Introduced: Oct 8, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6] (D-Maryland)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The FARM SAFE Act would keep USDA’s agricultural disaster relief programs running during a federal government shutdown. It does this by labeling staff who are needed to administer these disaster programs as "excepted" employees (allowed to work during a lapse in appropriations) and prohibiting their removal through a reduction in force. The bill also defines which programs count as “agricultural disaster assistance programs,” tying them to specific existing laws and any Congress-approved disaster programs designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. In short, the bill aims to prevent disruption in disaster aid to farmers and ranchers when federal funding is temporarily unavailable.

Key Points

1Continuation during shutdowns: During a lapse in appropriations, employees necessary to carry out an agricultural disaster assistance program would be treated as excepted employees and would be required to work, even if other agencies are shut down.
2Protections for staff: Those employees may not be removed through a reduction in force while performing these duties during the lapse.
3Defined programs: “Agricultural disaster assistance programs” include programs under title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978; programs under section 1501 of the Agricultural Act of 2014; and any other disaster assistance programs authorized by an Act of Congress where the Secretary of Agriculture provides disaster aid.
4Scope of the protection: The continuation authority applies specifically to a lapse in appropriations as described in the bill, not to normal operations when funding is available.
5Title and purpose: The bill is titled the Federal Agricultural Relief Maintained during Shutdowns and Federal Emergencies Act (FARM SAFE Act), signaling its focus on maintaining disaster relief operations during emergencies and funding gaps.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers relying on disaster assistance programs, and USDA agencies responsible for administering those programs.Secondary group/area affected: Agricultural lenders and the broader rural economy that rely on timely disaster relief payments; state and local partners who coordinate disaster assistance.Additional impacts:- Administrative continuity during shutdowns could reduce delays in disaster aid disbursement and support to affected producers.- Potential concerns about funding validity and oversight, since the bill preserves operations during a lapse without new appropriations—clarity on funding sources and payment timing would still depend on existing law and the specifics of any shutdown scenario.- The bill creates a formal statutory path to protect program staff, which could influence how agencies staff disaster relief operations during crises.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 16, 2025