“Facing a standoff in the Senate, the top Democrats and Republicans on Congress’ military panels are working on a backup plan to ensure that they complete a far-reaching defense policy bill before year’s end,” the AP reports.

“The Senate and the House have only one legislative week to work out their differences before the House adjourns for the year on Dec. 13. A version of the bill remains stalled in the Senate, caught up in a dispute over amendments.”