Senators agreed to shift $55 million in funds within the U.S. Department of Agriculture on March 20 to avert the layoff of all U.S. meat inspectors this summer due to federal budget cuts.
On a voice vote, the Senate adopted the amendment as part of a government-wide funding bill. Leaders then sent the bill for passage in the House, which is expected to vote on March 22.
"If it gets passed, we will apply it," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. Otherwise, he said, there was no way to avoid furloughs of all inspectors for a total of 11 days.
