Washington Weekly is IDFA’s update curating policy news from the nation’s capital. This week, talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) may move to New York; farm bill conferees prepare for the current farm bill’s expiration on Sept. 30; Republican members of Congress seek to delay controversial policy decisions until after the midterm elections; and President Trump signs three of 12 spending bills to needed to fund the government.
Informal NAFTA Talks Likely at United Nations Summit
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada told reporters on Sunday that there will “very likely” be informal NAFTA discussions at United Nations (U.N.) meetings in New York City this week but would not disclose any formal plans. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland held talks last week and made little progress. Read more here.
Farm Bill Set to Expire Next Week
Farm bill negotiations are still ongoing, but congressional agricultural leaders remain far apart on issues such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With these differences comes the possibility of an extension of the current farm bill. Both Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., argue that if an extension is required, Congress would still have until December of this year to get it done. Read more here.
Republicans Plow Through Midterms, Battle Later
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., are working to push some political battles, such the farm bill set to expire next week, until after the midterm elections. Read more here.
Trump Signs First Spending Bill for FY 2019 into Law
Trump signed the first FY 2019 appropriations spending bill on Friday. The bill contains three of the 12 funding bills Congress needs to pass to fund the federal government and covers expenses for military construction, veterans’ affairs and the legislative branch. Congress is expected to complete work on a second spending package this week that includes a continuing resolution funding the government through Dec. 7. Read more here.