Shutdown deadline is a week away. Does Congress have a deal?

Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated Congress would finalize the terms of the stopgap bill ahead of the government shutdown deadline on Friday.

Johnson said a draft of the bill would be released Sunday, but the weekend passed and Congress still hasn’t released the text of the continuing resolution. When asked for an update, Johnson told reporters Monday they are “very close” and expected to put out a draft “within like an hour.” But the text never arrived.

What’s the issue? Some Republican lawmakers are pushing to add about $10 billion in disaster relief for American farmers and ranchers to help communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Democrats hope to take advantage of the situation by making their own set of demands in exchange for the farm bill’s smooth passage.

If Johnson attaches the farm bill to the CR, he would have to navigate the requests made by Democrats. Because of the razor-thin margin in the House and a Senate still controlled by Democrats, Johnson has to tred carefully to avoid a shutdown.

Plus, Republicans plan to put their trifecta to good use next year by focusing on key issues like taxes, energy and the border, all the while reducing spending — and the speaker is tasked with protecting the GOP’s 2025 priorities while ending the year on a high note by avoiding the shutdown.

What’s the deal with the farm bill?

House Agriculture Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., told reporters Monday morning that the economic relief for farmers is a “must have.” Thompson and others are expected to oppose the CR without this funding for rural America.

Thompson and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry ranking member John Boozman, R-Ark., issued a statement, saying that they “are deeply disappointed” to see the congressional leadership failing to help the American farmers, who have lost $30 billion this year.

Democrats pinned it back on the GOP, saying they proposed $5.31 billion in economic relief to farmers. But, as Politico reported, Boozman wants “tens of billions” in aid, a lot more than what the Democrats are offering. Republican leadership also turned down the proposal to incorporate about $14 billion in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act into the relief bill for farmers. Johnson may attempt to repeal the IRA under President-elect Donald Trump, which would explain the rejection.

“The coming onslaught of farm foreclosures and retirement sales is on the Republican Leadership,” said outgoing Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture ranking member David Scott, D-Ga., said in a statement Saturday afternoon.

Democrats also make asks

The stopgap is one of the final packages Congress will pass this year, creating high stakes for Democrats who are also advocating for last-minute changes. According to Punchbowl News, their asks include about $2 billion for the rebuilding of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and funding to build museums that honor women and Hispanics in Washington, D.C.

The reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which gives convicted criminals a chance to return to and participate in their communities, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which offers aid to sub-Saharan Africa, are also on the list.

The CR was expected to include other policy reforms, and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, was among the ones voicing their concerns against these additions.

“Call me crazy, but we should reduce the deficit and not pass stupid policies,” he said in a post on X, referencing E15 and PBM-related bills.

One piece of legislation would allow gas stations to sell E15, a blend of gasoline and ethanol, the other would overhaul pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen between consumers and insurers who negotiate the drug prices. Both bills have bipartisan support, but it’s unclear if they will be a part of the final CR.