HOUSE VOTE TONIGHT? The House and Senate are back in session this week and the race is on to pass annual funding for the Pentagon before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. House lawmakers could take a crucial step this evening with a vote to go to conference on a $675 billion defense spending bill. The Senate could also move to begin negotiations when it returns this afternoon from the long holiday weekend.

Both chambers have passed their versions of the legislation, but lawmakers must still form a conference committee to negotiate a final bill that provides the money for ships, aircraft and troops. Both the House and Senate must also still hold votes on the conference report before sending it to President Trump for his signature.