The Latest: Conservative expects short-term spending to pass

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the budget battle in Congress (all times local):

5:50 p.m.

The leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus is predicting the House will approve a short-term spending measure averting a government shutdown over the weekend.

Wednesday's comment by North Carolina Republican Rep. Mark Meadows is the latest indication of an easing confrontation over the bill. House leaders have planned a vote for Thursday on the measure, and the Senate is poised to vote as well.

Members of the hard-right Freedom Caucus have been pressing leaders for budget curbs and an effort to quickly approve a full-year defense bill.