As it Stands, CR Would Not Prevent USDA Furloughs

Even with Congress poised to pass a continuing resolution that would give agencies flexibility to address spending priorities - congressional, agency and union officials say furloughs are still likely. USDA spokesperson Courtney Rowe says more than 92-hundred meat inspectors will still be forced to take 11 unpaid days starting in July and spread out through the end of the fiscal year. She says the 53-million dollars in sequester cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service - which spends 87-percent of its budget on personnel - would not be offset by new flexibility.

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