The White House and leading lawmakers came to an agreement Monday about how to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, likely speeding the end of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Backers were optimistic that they could this week attach the amendment to a broader defense funding bill expected to pass this year.

The bill wouldn't immediately repeal the Clinton-era policy. Rather, it would take effect as soon as a Pentagon review is complete and the president signs off on the military's recommendations for how to undertake the change in policy.

President Barack Obama and Pentagon leaders have already said they were committed to ending the policy and allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces. But in order to lift the ban, Congress must act as well. If the proposed legislation becomes law, the change can occur once the review is finished.

Gay rights activists have been frustrated with the pace of the repeal effort and lack of progress on other items on their agenda, and they cheered Monday's development as a big step forward.

"We are on the brink of historic action to both strengthen our military and respect the service of lesbian and gay troops," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign.