Final showdown looms

Lawmakers in Japan are set for a final showdown over a key package of security bills. Members of an Upper House committee are due to hold a final debate on the draft legislation.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ruling camp want the committee to move quickly to a vote. But opposition lawmakers are vowing to do everything they can to stop that from happening.

Some tried to block the chairperson from calling the committee. Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to attend the question-and-answer session. He's hoping there'll be a vote soon after that. The legislation would expand the role of Japan's Self-Defense Forces abroad. It would allow personnel to use force to defend countries that are closely related to Japan. Earlier in the day, the leaders of 3 minor opposition parties said they'd support the bills.