WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson had originally expected to release the text of a short-term funding bill over the weekend. Then he expected it on Monday. Now he expects it on Tuesday.

Less than four days before the government shutdown, Johnson, R-La., negotiated. and congressional leaders continue to discuss a bipartisan stopgap bill to keep the money flowing through 2025.

“We’re almost there,” Johnson told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday. “We’re expecting a text today.”

He said the legislation will keep the government open through March 14 and includes disaster relief and $10 billion in support for farmers. He said he expected to adhere to the 72-hour rule between publication of the text and a vote, which would shorten the deadline to midnight Friday to avoid a shutdown. Johnson said he was working to get a majority of Republicans to vote for it.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that “negotiations between the two parties on a funding deal will continue.”

“There continues to be good progress, but appropriators are still working to finalize an agreement,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “Obviously we are approaching the December 20 deadline, so time is of the essence for Republicans to reach an agreement with us that we can act on quickly.”

The last-minute negotiations and uncertainty over some provisions, including a health care measure that would overhaul the laws surrounding pharmacy benefit managers (or PBMs), have sparked criticism from some House conservatives.

“That’s not the way to do things,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said. tweeted.

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., called the new legislation “a total dumpster fire” and said he was “extremely frustrated” with Johnson.

“I think it’s garbage,” Burlison told reporters. “That’s why I ran for Congress, to try to stop this. And unfortunately it’s happening again… I’m disappointed. I think he can do better. He can communicate better. The fact that we didn’t see the language today and are scheduled to vote on it this week is unacceptable.”

Asked if that made him shy away from supporting Johnson as speaker next month, Burlison replied: “I won’t say.”

Johnson, who is seeking re-election as speaker on Jan. 3 with an even smaller Republican majority, said he wasn’t worried about it.

“I’m not worried about the speaker election,” Johnson told reporters. “We rule. Everyone knows we have difficult circumstances. We are doing our best under these circumstances.”

The funding expires on Dec. 20, when the House and Senate hope to adjourn negotiations for the Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s holidays.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said the chamber plans to pass a bill to “fund the government” and ensure “we take care of disasters and our farmers here in America.”

“We still have a lot to do the rest of this week, but we are all looking forward to returning to our families and enjoying a great Christmas as we prepare for a very busy and productive New Year,” Scalise told reporters on Tuesday alongside Johnson.