Washington Weekly is IDFA’s update curating policy news from the nation’s capital. This week, the United States and Mexico agreed to a preliminary trade agreement; the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new trade-relief funding; the Senate passed another spending bill; and Arizona candidates pause campaigns to honor Sen. John McCain.

United States and Mexico Reach Preliminary Bilateral Agreement

The United States and Mexico on Monday reached a preliminary trade agreement. President Trump referred to the agreement as the “United States-Mexico Trade Agreement,” and said Canada could either become a part of this pact or the United States could have its own two-way agreement with Canada later. Any final pact still must be approved by Congress before it takes effect. Read more here.

USDA Funding to Lessen Impact of Trade Disruption, Aid Families in Need

USDA announced it has earmarked nearly $85 million in new funding to purchase pasteurized fluid milk and other dairy products as part of the nearly $12 billion allocated for U.S. farmers and food manufacturers that have been negatively affected by trade disruption this year. IDFA and the Milk Processor Education Program supported USDA’s efforts to provide additional benefits to people across the country who don’t have regular access to milk and dairy products, while helping to alleviate some of the financial difficulties facing farmers and companies that stem from lost export sales. Read more here.

Senate Approves Spending Bill Funding Domestic, Defense Programs

The Senate passed its third “minibus” spending package with bipartisan support last week. The package includes a year’s worth of funds for the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Education and Defense. Senate leadership agreed earlier this year to avoid including controversial proposals to the funding bill to assure smooth passage. Read more here.

Arizona Candidates Suspend Campaigns to Honor John McCain

Several Arizona primary candidates are pausing their campaigns for a couple of days in honor of the late John McCain, who died Saturday and will be laid to rest on Friday. It is unclear whether Sen. Jeff Flake’s potential successors will be taking a break from the campaign trail, as they vie for President Trump’s endorsement and are in a statistical dead heat just before the primary on Tuesday. Read the details here.