Congress Nears Year-End Funding Agreement but is 'not quite there' as Shutdown Deadline Looms on Friday
Debates persist regarding agriculture aid and the possibility of additional amendments.
TroibNews 
Top lawmakers were engaged in negotiations late Monday night regarding the final details of a stopgap spending measure that is linked to a range of pressing priorities as the deadline for a federal government shutdown approaches this Friday.
With time running short, discussions between Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and their leadership teams are focused on finalizing a funding patch, which is expected to include several significant bills. This represents Congress' last effort before lawmakers are set to adjourn for the holidays. While the primary issues surrounding the funding patch have been addressed, disagreements remain over agricultural aid and various potential additions. Leaders are aiming to incorporate year-end priorities such as renewing expiring health programs and a bill that would restrict U.S. investments in China.
“We’re not quite there,” House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole said Monday evening. “Hopefully we’ll get it done, because I think everybody wants to get out of here on time. That’s the best thing working for us is time.”
Earlier in the day, hopes that a permitting deal could accompany the spending package fell through.
“Until the deal is final, you can't say for sure, because one change might restart certain negotiations,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Monday night.
Johnson expressed his intention to provide lawmakers with 72 hours to review the final text of the bill, which is forecasted to extend the funding deadline to March, allowing the incoming Trump administration to participate in discussions regarding the current fiscal year. Granting lawmakers a full three days to review the bill would likely delay House action until Thursday at the earliest, which could lead to a short funding lapse at midnight Friday if Senate leaders are unable to secure an agreement for expedited passage.
“Stay tuned,” Johnson said, just hours after indicating that the bill would be released shortly. “I think we are very close to the drafting process right now,” he told reporters Monday night.
Hill leaders have reportedly made preliminary progress on a compromise concerning major aspects of a one-year extension of the farm bill, according to three individuals familiar with the discussions. Policy disagreements held up negotiations over the weekend, and last-minute adjustments continued into Monday night. However, current plans include an additional $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, as requested by lawmakers from agriculture-centric districts.
Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democrat on the House Appropriations committee, stated that she was uncertain when the bill text would become available, “but like Christmas, it’s coming.”
“In this business — and you’ve heard this over and over again — nothing is agreed to until it is all agreed to. And that’s where we are now," DeLauro said. "Getting to the final push here to get it all done."
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations committee, remains optimistic about a quick resolution.
“I really want there to be a final agreement,” Collins told reporters, “and to get it posted tonight so that we avoid a government shutdown.”
Jasper Goodman and Eleanor Muller contributed to this report.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
With time running short, discussions between Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and their leadership teams are focused on finalizing a funding patch, which is expected to include several significant bills. This represents Congress' last effort before lawmakers are set to adjourn for the holidays. While the primary issues surrounding the funding patch have been addressed, disagreements remain over agricultural aid and various potential additions. Leaders are aiming to incorporate year-end priorities such as renewing expiring health programs and a bill that would restrict U.S. investments in China.
“We’re not quite there,” House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole said Monday evening. “Hopefully we’ll get it done, because I think everybody wants to get out of here on time. That’s the best thing working for us is time.”
Earlier in the day, hopes that a permitting deal could accompany the spending package fell through.
“Until the deal is final, you can't say for sure, because one change might restart certain negotiations,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Monday night.
Johnson expressed his intention to provide lawmakers with 72 hours to review the final text of the bill, which is forecasted to extend the funding deadline to March, allowing the incoming Trump administration to participate in discussions regarding the current fiscal year. Granting lawmakers a full three days to review the bill would likely delay House action until Thursday at the earliest, which could lead to a short funding lapse at midnight Friday if Senate leaders are unable to secure an agreement for expedited passage.
“Stay tuned,” Johnson said, just hours after indicating that the bill would be released shortly. “I think we are very close to the drafting process right now,” he told reporters Monday night.
Hill leaders have reportedly made preliminary progress on a compromise concerning major aspects of a one-year extension of the farm bill, according to three individuals familiar with the discussions. Policy disagreements held up negotiations over the weekend, and last-minute adjustments continued into Monday night. However, current plans include an additional $10 billion in economic aid for farmers, as requested by lawmakers from agriculture-centric districts.
Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democrat on the House Appropriations committee, stated that she was uncertain when the bill text would become available, “but like Christmas, it’s coming.”
“In this business — and you’ve heard this over and over again — nothing is agreed to until it is all agreed to. And that’s where we are now," DeLauro said. "Getting to the final push here to get it all done."
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations committee, remains optimistic about a quick resolution.
“I really want there to be a final agreement,” Collins told reporters, “and to get it posted tonight so that we avoid a government shutdown.”
Jasper Goodman and Eleanor Muller contributed to this report.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
