Lawmakers edge closer to deal on government funding

Lawmakers say they are edging closer to a deal to keep the government's lights on in nine days but are still trying to work out differences over disaster aid and potential add-ons to the bill.

There’s some optimism in the Capitol that bill text could arrive as soon as this weekend as the Dec. 20 shutdown deadline quickly approaches, but they’ve also been mum on many of the specifics as spending talks ramp up. 

Disaster aid has been one of the key holdups, as leaders are expected...