Clock ticking on defense bill, government funding

Hill leaders are hoping the Senate will be able to imminently pass a major defense policy bill and a stopgap government funding bill to avert a shutdown at the end of the week — but timing for final passage of the two measures is unclear as lawmakers attempt to sort out last-minute issues.

​Hill leaders are hoping the Senate will be able to imminently pass a major defense policy bill and a stopgap government funding bill to avert a shutdown at the end of the week — but timing for final passage of the two measures is unclear as lawmakers attempt to sort out last-minute issues.