Ag funding caught in battle over debt ceiling as government shutdown looms

A government shutdown looms over Washington after Republicans blocked a Democrat bill to raise the debt ceiling.

That measure was tied to the Budget Continuing Resolution, which would have kept the government running until December 3rd. The measure would have also provided hurricane relief and allowed the Department of Agriculture to waive some requirements for school meal programs.

Republicans say that they would have supported the resolution “if” the debt ceiling was kept in place.

If they cannot reach a deal by midnight Thursday, the government will shut down on Friday.

The pork industry is working with Congress to keep mandatory livestock reporting data in place, should that happen.