Continuation of agricultural disaster assistance programs during lapses in appropriations

(a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during a lapse in appropriations described in subsection (a), any employee of the Department of Agriculture necessary to carry out an agricultural disaster assistance program— (1) shall be treated as an excepted employee under section 1341 of title 31, United States Code, who is required to perform work during such lapse in appropriations, notwithstanding section 1342 of such title; and (2) may not be removed under a reduction in force. (b) Agricultural disaster assistance program defined In this section, the term agricultural disaster assistance program means— (1) a program under title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.); (2) a program under section 1501 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081); and (3) a program authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress under which the Secretary of Agriculture provides disaster assistance, as determined by the Secretary.