Congress Agrees on Disaster Aid and Farm Support in Budget Deal

Just before the holidays, Congress passed a temporary spending bill. This bill keeps the government running until March 14 and includes over $100 billion in emergency aid for natural disasters. These disasters include Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The bill also provides $10 billion to help farmers facing tough times due to low prices and high costs. The bill is a stopgap measure. It delays final spending decisions until the new Congress and President-elect Donald Trump take over. This isn't the first short-term bill this fall. Congress has struggled to pass the usual dozen annual spending bills on time. House Speaker Mike Johnson said, "We must help those in need. " Farm income is expected to drop again this year, after a big fall last year. Johnson hinted at more farm aid in the next Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the deal, saying it avoids cuts and supports Democratic priorities like child care and job training.

The largest chunk of disaster aid, $29 billion, goes to FEMA. This helps with cleanup, infrastructure repair, and assistance to survivors. Farmers get $21 billion for crop and livestock losses. Another $8 billion is for highway and bridge repairs in over 40 states. The Department of Housing and Urban Development gets $12 billion for community recovery. Low-interest loans for rebuilding also get funding. Senator Patty Murray called the bill a strong, bipartisan effort. Congress will vote just before the shutdown deadline. The bill includes health care extensions and rules on drug costs. It also has provisions to counter China's tech ambitions and funds to rebuild a bridge in Baltimore.

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