Why it matters
Congress must act to avoid a partial government shutdown, and decisions on defense funding and legislation could affect federal agencies, military programs and contractors. The extent of any changes to defense spending remains uncertain.
What happens next
Lawmakers face a December 11 government-funding deadline, according to Military.com. The current Congress is scheduled to hand over power when newly elected members take office in January.
Whether Congress passes a funding measure by December 11
Whether lawmakers advance defense legislation or spending before the handover