Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 11/15/21

CONGRESS UPDATE: All eyes are on the House this week as Democrats struggle to pass their $2 trillion climate and social spending package and send it over to the Senate before the Thanksgiving recess. That means the chamber won’t turn to the spending bill until at least December now, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told Democrats in a letter on Sunday.

White House National Economic Council Director Brian Deese and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, both said Sunday that they’re hopeful the House will pass the massive legislation this week. The White House was aiming for the bill to clear both chambers and be headed to the president’s desk by Thanksgiving, but here we are.

As MA has reported, the roughly $2 trillion bill would fund around $90 billion in ag-related programs, including historic investments in conservation, forestry and rural development. Once the House passes the legislation, the Senate is expected to amend the bill to get moderate Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on board.

Schumer told Senate Democrats it’s “likely” the chamber turns to the national defense reauthorization bill this week as it waits for the House to pass the reconciliation package. Senate teams are also working with the parliamentarian to ensure the bill meets Senate budget rules. Read more from POLITICO’s Burgess Everett.

So far, there’s no talk in the Senate of trimming any ag pieces. Manchin has indicated he might want to cut down the package even further, or even significantly delay it. We’re keeping our ears to the ground on that.