The reform deal is one of many parts of this year's annual defense spending bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, which also includes raises for service members and a boost to federal firefighter benefits. A deal to fund the rest of the government remains elusive. Congress is expected to pass a stop-gap measure this week in order to provide time for negotiations to continue.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, and political reporter Ximena Bustillo.*This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Juma Sei.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org). ***Connect:**Email the show at [email protected])Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group).Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter).Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)