A new stopgap spending bill that would reopen the government includes a one-year extension of farm bill programs that were left out of a budget reconciliation bill earlier in the year.
The continuing resolution, which would keep the government funded through Jan. 30, also would suspend the permanent agricultural laws that are left on the books to prod Congress to continue reauthorizing commodity programs.
The CR also would extend the Grain Standards Act until Jan. 30. The law authorizes USDA to carry out official inspection and weighing services.
The Senate voted 60-40 Sunday night to advance the legislation.
Cut through the clutter! We deliver the news you need to stay informed about farm, food and rural issues. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse here.
The One Big Beautiful Bill enacted in July increased funding for commodity programs, crop insurance, foreign market promotion and other programs but left the Conservation Reserve Program and some smaller programs without new authorization.
The CR also would reverse any firings of federal employees that the Trump administration has carried out since the government partially closed at the beginning of fiscal 2026 on Oct. 1 and prohibit RIFs while the CR is in effect.
In addition to the CR, congressional appropriators also released House-Senate agreements on three FY26 spending bills, including the measure to fund USDA and FDA.
The bill would provide $26.65 billion for FY26 discretionary programs that are funded through annual appropriations bills as opposed to laws like the farm bill.
For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.
