In typical Congressional fashion, major issues will be dealt with in the closing days of session this week. Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating until Dec. 16.
The House and Senate leadership continued to work over the weekend on a fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill. Indications are the funding issues have been settled but work continues on the policy riders. There are a number of policy issues that agriculture is watching closely — country-of-origin labeling, Waters of the U.S. and GMO labeling. The leadership would like to introduce the omnibus on Monday and have it clear both chambers and on the President’s desk by Dec. 16.
Also, negotiations on a package of tax extenders continued over the weekend. If an agreement is not reached, a likely two-year extension will take place to cover tax years 2015 and 2016.
