Current government spending runs out Dec. 16, and talks on an omnibus spending bill seem to have stalled before Thanksgiving, CQ reported last week. If negotiators are not able to reach a deal in the next three weeks, Congress will be forced to pass another continuing resolution – either into the spring or perhaps for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Spending negotiations are sure to be more difficult in a divided Congress, when Republicans take control of the House in January.

Defense legislators also want to ensure the NDAA gets on the busy lame duck schedule. Before the holiday break, House and Senate negotiators were working on a compromise bill that could pass both chambers and get President Biden’s signature by the end of the year.

Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht