USDA Calls Employees Back To Work To Help Farmers Amid Shutdown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will temporarily reopen almost half of its Farm Service Agency offices to provide certain services as the partial government shutdown wears on.

The USDA said in a press release Wednesday it has recalled about 2,500 employees to open offices for three business days starting Thursday. Workers will be available to help process existing farm loans and tax documents, along with other limited services.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue said in a statement, "Until Congress sends President Trump an appropriations bill in the form that he will sign, we are doing our best to minimize the impact of the partial federal funding lapse on America's agricultural producers."

A spokesperson for the USDA told Politico employees called to work will be eligible for back pay under legislation President Donald Trump is expected to sign soon.