House fails to advance defense spending bill as government shutdown looms

The House voted against beginning debate on its annual defense appropriations bill, failing to overcome a key procedural hurdle to advance the must-pass legislation through the lower chamber by the end of this week.

Lawmakers voted 212-214 to begin consideration of the $826 billion spending bill, falling short of the majority vote needed to kick-start debate on more than 180 amendments lawmakers are seeking to attach to the funding bill. The vote deals a blow to GOP leaders who hoped to get the legislation through the lower chamber by the end of this week with…