To all our USDA teammates,

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to pause, reflect and give thanks. Throughout history, many cultural rituals and celebrations marked seasonal harvests across the globe. Almost 400 years ago, thanks in large part to the Wampanoag Tribe sharing local and traditional North American agricultural knowledge with European settlers through their generosity and trade, our forebears held what many now consider to be the first Thanksgiving. In 1789, George Washington declared the first National Day of Thanksgiving. And during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition and urged us to remember our “fruitful fields and healthful skies.” Today, we express our gratitude for the bounty of blessings we enjoy as many gather to spend time with family and friends. In want or in plenty, in times of challenge or times of calm, we always have reasons to be thankful.

In this season of gratitude, we want to say how thankful we are to you—all USDA employees who work tirelessly to create an unprecedented, lasting difference in the lives of the people we serve. You answer the call to public service and make a tremendous difference in the lives of the American people. No matter the challenges or circumstances, we acknowledge your commitment to public service and your contributions to keep families and communities safe, healthy and fed.

Thanksgiving is a time to express appreciation for the individuals who have enriched your life over the past year. To show our appreciation and give you some extra time with those you love, we are pleased to authorize a two-hour early release for employees on Wednesday, November 23rd.

• Employees should code their timesheet using “66 – Admin/Excused Absence” (WebTA) or “TC-66 Other Leave” (Paycheck8).
• Employees who are required to work on Wednesday, November 23rd, due to mission critical needs will code their timesheet as normal, “01—Regular Base Pay.” 
• If employees are unable to participate in the early departure on Wednesday, November 23rd, because their supervisor has directed them to continue working due to mission critical needs, or if Wednesday is a non-workday, or if the employee is on preapproved paid leave on Wednesday; then the employee may use the two hours on a different day. Employees must work directly with their supervisor to identify another day within the current pay period, or within the next two pay periods (Dec. 4 to Dec. 31) to use the two-hour time off authorization. The two hours does not need to be used on the same day, but it must be used by December 31st. Leave may only be charged during an employee’s scheduled tour of duty. Employees in a continuous period of non-pay status may not be placed in a pay status solely to receive two hours of administrative leave for an early release.

Thank you again for your hard work in support of the mission of USDA. Wishing everyone a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack
Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh

See this and other Secretary announcements on OneUSDA.