Washington Weekly is IDFA’s update curating policy news from the nation’s capital. This week, efforts to curtail farmers’ government subsidies in the farm bill fell short; a preliminary North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) conclusion may occur before the midterm elections; and Republicans want to use the thriving U.S. economy as their ride to victory in the midterm elections.

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Efforts by Unlikely Coalition Fail to Reform Subsidies for Farmers in Farm Bill

Environmentalists, libertarians and free-marketers hoped to combine forces to reduce subsidies for wealthy farmers, but those efforts fell short as both chambers of Congress and political parties focused on other issues. Disputes over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and a sluggish agricultural economy were reasons given to avoid reworking farm subsidies. More details here.

Mexico, US May Be Heading Toward NAFTA Deal Before Midterms

Discussions between the United States and Mexico have been ongoing, with some breakthroughs occurring last week, coincidentally on the anniversary of the first round of NAFTA renegotiation talks. Any agreement would be preliminary, and a final deal must also include Canada. Read the details here.

The US Economy Is Booming. Is That Enough for Republicans to Win the Midterms?

Some may argue that the average voter casts his or her ballot with a wallet in mind. However, the economy is not the dominant issue on the 2018 campaign trail. Read what pollsters for both Democrats and Republicans have to say here.