With an abbreviated congressional schedule this week due to the funeral of former President George H. W. Bush, earlier today Congress passed a two-week extension of government funding to prevent a partial government shutdown from occurring on Dec. 7.

The deal will fund the government through Dec. 21, which gives Congress time to continue negotiations on funding and other issues, including extending the NFIP. A two-week extension of the NFIP through Dec. 21 is included in the overall government funding extension.

Efforts to further extend the NFIP are largely tied to the government funding extension. If there is a government shutdown later this month, it could impact the NFIP.

Members may log in to view a one-page document from the Big “I” that outlines resources available to you in the event of a lapse in NFIP authority. The Big “I” will continue to advocate for Congress to extend the NFIP into 2019 without a lapse.

Meanwhile, this week’s abbreviated congressional schedule also delayed consideration of the Farm Bill until next week at the earliest.

After months of debate, a consensus on a final Farm Bill has emerged, and the Big “I” is cautiously optimistic that Congress will take up the Farm Bill before recessing for the year. Compromise bill language is expected to be released early next week. If Congress does not consider the Farm Bill before the end of 2018, new legislation will have to be introduced in 2019.

Jennifer Webb is Big “I” federal government affairs counsel.