Dear USDA colleagues,  

As many of you are aware, annual funding for government agencies, including USDA, expires at the end of Dec. 20th, 2024. There is still time for the Congress to avoid a lapse in appropriations, and we may see progress on this matter today. 

However, with the budget expiration on the horizon, we must be prudent and prepare for all contingencies, including the possibility that a lapse could occur. As shared in communications earlier this year and late 2023 when we were in similar circumstances, a lapse would mean that certain government activities would cease due to a lack of appropriated funding. USDA has updated our contingency plans for executing an orderly shutdown of those activities that would cease with a lapse in appropriations. During a lapse, designated, pre-notified employees of the Department would be temporarily furloughed, unless otherwise excepted for work on activities specified by agency contingency plans. After the lapse ends, furloughed and excepted employees will receive retroactive pay for the furlough period as soon as possible. 

Employees will be notified of their respective statuses from their supervisors with support from the Office of Human Resource Management and agency Chief Human Capital Officers. For general questions, employees can visit this site U.S. Department of Agriculture Lapse in Funding Plans| USDA or call 833-ONE-USDA. Specific questions should go directly to supervisors. 

All this uncertainty is frustrating to say the least, and the possibility of temporarily going without a paycheck—even when back pay is guaranteed—is difficult for many, especially during the holiday season and on the cusp of a new year and new administration. It is our sincere hope that Congress will soon be able to pass a budget that gives our employees certainty in both your personal lives and in your work and allows us to carry out our mission on behalf of our many stakeholders. Thank you, as always, for your commitment and the remarkable work you do every day for USDA and the American people. 

Sincerely,  

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture  
Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
 

See this and other leadership announcements on OneUSDA.