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A partial government shutdown loomed closer Thursday night after the House soundly defeated a scaled-down stopgap spending bill that included a debt-limit increase President-elect Donald Trump demanded, plus economic assistance for farmers.

The future of $31 billion in disaster relief and economic assistance for farmers was in doubt  night after Elon Musk and then, Donald Trump, threatened the political future of any Republicans who voted for the 1,500-page bill that contains the funding. The Senate cleared a water resources bill intended to increase funding for inland waterway projects.

A year-end stopgap spending bill released Tuesday would authorize year-round sales of E-15, while also returning biofuel credits to some small refineries that applied for but were not granted exemptions in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Congressional leaders unveiled a massive year-end bill Tuesday evening that would provide $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers, plus a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill and a provision allowing year-around use of E15.

Congressional leaders were nailing down the final details of a stopgap spending bill Monday night that was expected to include $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers, as well as a one-year farm bill extension, sources tell Agri-Pulse.

Over the weekend, farm groups quickly mobilized to demand congressional leaders end a partisan impasse and reach a deal on a package of economic assistance to include in year-end legislation.

Biofuel groups are expressed increasing concern about the lack of guidance from the Treasury Department for a clean fuel tax credit that is set to take effect Jan. 1, saying investment has already slowed due to the uncertainty.

President-elect Donald Trump is setting up a cabinet of unusually diverse views and backgrounds that together could have a far-reaching impact on the food and agriculture sectors. Farm groups will be counting on his pick to lead USDA, Brooke Rollins, to be an advocate for ag within an administration. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum could be a key ally on energy policy.

China is ending an export tax rebate for used cooking oil, a common feedstock for renewable diesel, in a move analysts say could spur higher prices and prompt U.S. biofuel producers to explore other oil sources.

Republicans are seeking input from biofuel stakeholders on what future tax policy should look like now that the GOP will have control in the White House and both chambers of Congress.