Retiring Republican backers create hurdles for defense work in December

Donald Trump: Donald Trump serves as the President of the United States. His administration's foreign policy decisions are shaping legislative priorities around defense and international aid. In this news, actions tied to his team are cited as contributing to delays in congressional defense work during the lame-duck period. Briana Reilly: Briana Reilly is a defense policy reporter at Punchbowl News who covers military and national security issues. She previously reported on defense and emerging technologies at CQ Roll Call and Inside Defense. She is co-authoring coverage of congressional challenges in advancing defense measures. Anthony Adragna: Anthony Adragna is a congressional defense reporter at Punchbowl News who previously covered Congress, energy, and national security at POLITICO. He focuses on Hill activity including defense policy and appropriations. He is reporting the latest on political hurdles affecting defense legislation. Legislation: Congress is confronting mounting obstacles to completing defense authorization and spending bills in the final weeks of the year. Foreign Policy: Bipartisan members of Congress are expressing opposition to recent administration moves related to Russia policy and Ukraine support.