Greer: USTR will be firing ‘on all pistons’ if government shuts down

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will remain nearly “fully functioning” during a looming government shutdown as it continues trade talks and pursues new deals with countries in Asia, USTR Jamieson Greer said on Tuesday. Government funding is set to expire Tuesday night. Shutdowns lead to the furloughs of thousands of government employees, though those deemed essential to an agency’s core function can be exempted and continue working throughout a shutdown without pay. USTR’s new government shutdown contingency plan...