Venable partner John Cooney was quoted in an April 5, 2011 Defense News article discussing military operations in the event of a government shutdown as they relate to the Feed and Forage Act of 1861.
Cooney said that the Act was created during the Civil War for soldiers operating in the western U.S. who had no idea whether a spending bill had been passed in Washington, but need to resupply their ammunition, food and other necessary provisions.
According to the article, "under a government shutdown, operations that 'protect life and property' are allowed to continue and it is implied that agencies can keep buying what they need to support those activities." Cooney commented that the Feed and Forage Act makes it explicit. "It's a backup plan just to make absolutely sure," he said.
Cooney said that the Act was created during the Civil War for soldiers operating in the western U.S. who had no idea whether a spending bill had been passed in Washington, but need to resupply their ammunition, food and other necessary provisions.
According to the article, "under a government shutdown, operations that 'protect life and property' are allowed to continue and it is implied that agencies can keep buying what they need to support those activities." Cooney commented that the Feed and Forage Act makes it explicit. "It's a backup plan just to make absolutely sure," he said.