WASHINGTON – Legislators have successfully negotiated a bipartisan agreement to temporarily prevent a significant government shutdown, ensuring the government’s operation until at least mid-March and enhancing disaster relief following this year’s hurricanes that impacted the Southeast.

Funding from the government is scheduled to expire at midnight on Friday. If Congress fails to pass the funding extension, thousands of federal workers may face furloughs and vital services could be delayed or halted.

The proposed legislation extends funding through March 14, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to have a say in the final agreement, especially since Republicans will hold the majority in both Congressional chambers next year.

This agreement allocates $100 billion for disaster relief for cleaning up after hurricanes Helene and Milton, among other emergencies. Additionally, it includes $10 billion in support for farmers and ranchers, as well as a one-year extension of the farm bill, which is essential for U.S. agricultural policies, including nutrition assistance programs like SNAP.

The legislation will also implement significant reforms to the pharmaceutical benefit manager (PBM) sector and introduce various healthcare measures aimed at lowering prescription drug costs.

However, before lawmakers can head off for their holiday breaks, they need to vote on this agreement. This news comes as House Republicans express dissatisfaction with both the negotiation process and the terms of the proposed funding extension, known as a continuing resolution.

House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana stated on Tuesday that the bill was initially meant to only keep the government running until the new year. However, leaders shifted their strategy to offer assistance to farmers and communities impacted by the severe hurricanes this past fall.

Some conservative members of the House, who are frustrated by Congress consistently delaying funding decisions, have remained opposed to this latest initiative.

“I believe this approach is misguided,” commented Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., particularly since the upcoming Department of Government Efficiency, which will be led by Trump’s allies Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, plans to implement spending cuts next year. “I would be surprised if the continuing resolution receives support from the majority of Republicans.”

Ogles also mentioned that there’s considerable “discontent and frustration” surrounding Johnson’s method of handling this funding deal, but he is uncertain if this will lead to actual challenges in January.

A vote to confirm the next House speaker is scheduled for next month. While Johnson has the support of most Republicans in the House, a group of GOP dissidents played a significant role in removing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 after he collaborated with Democrats to avert a government shutdown at that time.

The deal unveiled on Tuesday also left some moderate Republicans, such as GOP Rep. Mike Lawler from New York, feeling uneasy. Lawler, who represents a district that Biden won in 2020, expressed concern about being excluded from the negotiation process and believes the deal contains an excessive number of added provisions, according to reports from Punchbowl News.

While it seems challenging to gather support for this latest funding extension, it’s important to consider what happens in March when this deal ends. House Republicans will likely have an even tighter majority, as they will be addressing the vacancies resulting from Trump’s previous appointments of several House members to his Cabinet.

Numerous Republicans have voiced their concerns, arguing this could hinder Trump’s agenda during his initial 100 days in office. They have suggested that this three-month extension is merely a way to sidestep tensions regarding Johnson’s leadership, given his commitment not to propose significant year-end spending packages, often referred to as “Christmas trees,” which utilize lawmakers’ desire to leave Washington to secure funding for various favored initiatives.

Johnson countered on Tuesday, asserting that the bill is “not a Christmas tree,” but instead addresses issues that were “beyond our control,” such as the impacts of natural disasters.

Both Senate Democrats and Republicans are eager to finalize their pending spending bills by year’s end.

“All of our funding decisions have significant effects on real individuals, our economy, and our national security,” said Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington. “Hence, it is disappointing that once again we find ourselves at the last moment, merely prolonging the inevitable with another continuing resolution instead of ensuring our bills are enacted to address the needs of our nation.”