Farm Bill Set to Expire, U.S. Government Shutdown Looms
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Without congressional action today, the U.S. government may shutdown tonight, which would affect non-essential services of the government. In addition to budget woes, the 2008 Farm Bill extension is also set to expire by midnight. September 30 marks the end of the one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its procedures amid the growing anticipation of a shutdown. The shutdown would affect an estimated 100,000 people who work at the USDA. Food safety inspection will continue as an essential service. In an interview, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the department has to prepare for the likelihood of a possible shutdown.
If Congress doesn’t pass a new spending bill, the government will shutdown on Tuesday. The last time the U.S. government shutdown was under President Bill Clinton from Dec. 5, 1995 to Jan. 6, 1996.