FARM SAFE Act would keep disaster aid flowing to farmers during shutdowns
In committeeH.R. 5716Latest action
Sponsor: April McClain Delaney · Representative · MD
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: FARM SAFE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 5716 would require USDA disaster assistance programs for farmers and ranchers to keep operating during a .
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 5716, the FARM SAFE Act, would require USDA disaster assistance programs to continue operating during a federal caused by a lapse in funding. USDA employees who run those programs would be classified as essential workers, keeping them on the job instead of furloughed. Those employees could also not be laid off through a reduction in force while carrying out this work.
Who does it affect?
Farmers and ranchers nationwide who rely on federal disaster assistance after droughts, floods, wildfires, or other agricultural emergencies are the primary people affected. USDA employees who administer these disaster programs would also be directly affected, as they would be required to keep working .
Why does it matter?
Under current rules, a can delay or cut off disaster assistance at the same time farmers and ranchers are trying to recover from a major weather event. This bill would change that outcome by treating the relevant USDA programs and staff as exempt from standard shutdown furlough rules.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 8, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Dec 2, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.