Summary

Treats certain USDA staff who run agricultural disaster-assistance programs as excepted employees during government funding lapses, requiring them to work through shutdowns and protecting them from removal in a reduction-in-force. It defines which programs qualify and gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to identify programs covered.

• Designates certain USDA staff who run agricultural disaster-assistance programs as excepted employees during funding lapses, requiring them to work.
• Protects those employees from removal under reduction-in-force actions while carrying out covered disaster-assistance work during a lapse.
• Specifically covers programs under Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 and section 1501 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, plus other statutorily authorized disaster programs as determined by the Secretary.
• Applies only during lapses in appropriations (government shutdowns); it does not change program funding levels or create new spending.
• Gives the Secretary of Agriculture authority to identify additional disaster-assistance programs that qualify under the definition.
• Focuses on operational continuity for disaster assistance—payments, loans, and services—during shutdowns to reduce delays for affected farmers and communities.
• Does not impose new appropriations or alter benefit eligibility; it addresses employee status and personnel protection only.