This year's package could cost as much as $20 billion, nearly double the $12 billion from last year.

And at first glance, it appears that farmers will be better compensated by the new plan - a sign that the administration doesn't see an immediate resolution for the trade crisis - though it still is cold comfort for farmers in the American heartland who have been hammered not only by China's tariffs, but by record flooding in the Midwest and five years of falling agricultural commodity prices.

Rates currently under discussion include $2 per bushel for soybeans, 63 cents per bushel for wheat and 4 cents per bushel for corn growers to compensate them for their losses (whether the White House truly intends to distribute as aid to struggling countries remains to be seen). Though the final details of the plan are subject to change.