The federal government remains shut down until Congress can find a way to pass a Continuing Resolution to fund its operations. Those government functions that are considered “non-essential” are currently furloughed.
- The Department of Agriculture website is down. The National Organic Program has furloughed all employees. Food safety inspections are continuing.
- If a budget is not in place by 5 p.m. Eastern time this Thursday, October 10, the Fall 2013 National Organic Standards Board meeting in Louisville, KY, will be canceled.
- Each Congressional office makes its own determinations regarding what staff are “essential” and “non-essential.” It is possible that some conversations regarding conferencing a Farm Bill may continue during a shutdown, but an official conference is unlikely until Congress has passed a CR funding the government.
If you have any questions, contact Marni Karlin, OTA’s Director of Legislative and Legal Affairs.
No comments yet.