No number and no deal yet

I was able to listen to part of Sen. Tom Harkin's teleconference this morning, and Harkin said there is still no budget number for the farm bill and no deal with the White House to proceed. It sounded as if something doesn't break loose soon, leaders in Congress - particularly Speaker Pelosi in the House - will have to determine whether to appoint a conference committee, produce a farm bill and then leave it up to President Bush to decide if he will veto it. Harkin, however, said there is supposed to be a budget number for the farm bill by tomorrow, though not necessarily with the White House blessing.