Lawmakers struggle to reach deal to avert government shutdown

By Aris Folley  | The Hill

Congressional negotiators are struggling to reach a deal to keep the government’s lights on past Dec. 20.

Text of a continuing resolution (CR) for a government funding package was expected Sunday ahead of the looming shutdown deadline.

But lawmakers failed to release the text, with economic assistance for farmers emerging as an apparent last-minute sticking point.

Key players had indicated this week that the forthcoming CR, which keeps the government funded at current levels, would also include another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, as both sides have struggled to agree on a longer-term plan. But lawmakers had also ramped up talks of potential add-ons to provide economic assistance for farmers as part of the broader funding plan.

READ THE FULL STORY AT THE HILL