News

Secretary Perdue calls government reopening announcement welcome news

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue calls the federal government reopening announcement welcome news.  

“It will bring thousands of our employees back to work and return us to our mission of providing our customers with the services they rely upon,” said Secretary Perdue, in a statement from the USDA. “I extend my sincere thanks to the thousands of USDA workers who stayed on the job during the shutdown to offer as many of our normal activities as we could.  The President has already signed legislation that guarantees backpay for all employees,” said Perdue, “and we will move forward on that as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, we will prepare for a smooth reestablishment of USDA functions.”

President Trump announced Friday afternoon that a deal had been reached to reopen the federal government for three weeks. It still has to be approved by Congress.

“There will now be sufficient time,” added Perdue, “for Congress to come to an agreement with the President on his pledge to protect our national security by securing our southern border with a reliable, effective barrier.”