Congress is facing a critical deadline to prevent a government shutdown, with President Donald Trump supporting a House GOP proposal to pass a continuing resolution that would fund departments and agencies through September 30, the end of fiscal year 2025.

The 99-page CR released by House Republicans includes a provision to extend Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services, which is crucial for rural areas. However, the CR does not authorize year-round sales for E15, which is a setback for the ethanol industry.

The bill would maintain funding for departments and programs at fiscal year 2024 levels, with some exceptions. There would be no new funding for Agriculture Research Service buildings and facilities, but a $500 million increase is allocated for the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition assistance program. Democrats argue that the CR also includes a small cut in conservation assistance.

Senate Democrats present a major obstacle for the CR, as they are seeking assurances that President Trump will adhere to appropriated funding levels, which are not guaranteed in this CR. The legislation would require support from at least seven Democrats to secure the 60 votes needed to pass the GOP-controlled Senate.

President Trump endorsed the CR, urging congressional Republicans to support it in order to avoid a government shutdown. However, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins has expressed reservations about the House GOP plan, suggesting that a short-term extension could give negotiators more time to finalize spending legislation for fiscal year 2025.

The CR has been keeping the government funded since December, and it is set to expire on Friday at midnight. The ethanol industry’s hopes for year-round E15 were dashed in December, but efforts to include it in the next funding bill continue.

In addition to the CR discussions, the Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on the farm economy, focusing on input from the banking and rural business sectors.

Several agriculture- and rural-related events are scheduled for the week in Washington and elsewhere, including the National Farmers Union annual meeting in Oklahoma City, the National Grain and Feed Association annual convention in Carlsbad, California, and the School Nutrition Association legislative action conference in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, the USDA will release the monthly Crop Production report and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. The House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee will hold a hearing on preventing improper payments and fraud, while the Senate Agriculture Committee will conduct a hearing on risk management, credit, and rural business views on the agricultural economy.

Wednesday will see the release of the Consumer Price Index by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On Thursday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will meet to consider the nomination of Martin Makary as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

For more news and updates on agriculture and rural issues, visit Agri-Pulse.com.

Overall, the government faces a critical deadline to prevent a shutdown, with discussions ongoing regarding funding levels, program allocations, and key provisions in the CR. The coming week will be crucial for negotiations and decision-making to ensure the smooth operation of government functions and services.