Government shutdown live updates as Trump heads back to Washington

For the first time in weeks, senators expressed cautious optimism on Wednesday about talks aimed at ending the shutdown. 

After Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Wednesday morning that talks among rank-and-file senators have “ticked up significantly,” saying a “higher level of conversation” is taking place at the member level, senators weighed in more freely with hints of optimism throughout the day. 

GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina suggested that the shutdown could end next week, telling reporters “I think it is coming to a close.” And a number of other senators spoke of improved talks, as key deadlines put pressure on both sides to reach a resolution to reopen the government. 

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, told reporters she’s more optimistic. She said there’s been a “significant uptick in bipartisan conversation,” reiterating what Thune said earlier in the day. Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, pointed to the impact of rising health insurance premiums, saying “obviously now people are starting to see the impact of these increases now that prices are coming out.”

While the question of reopening the government remains top of mind, senators are also considering broader funding, seeking an agreement on some full-year appropriations bills. And the conversations come as Republican leaders have made clear they won’t negotiate with Democrats, who have demanded an extension of health insurance tax credits, until the government is reopened. 

Thune reiterated to reporters Wednesday evening that “the conditions we’ve stated are the same ones,” saying Democrats must reopen the government before negotiating on health care.