As the government shutdown drags on, negotiations on the appropriations bills have taken a backseat. Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller are joined by Punchbowl News’ Samantha Handler to learn what has been going on behind the scenes. How far apart are the House and Senate? Why have defense hawks gone quiet? And is a deal even possible or are we headed for another CR?

Hosts: Brendan Buck and Annalyse Keller

Guest: Samantha Handler, Punchbowl News

Audio Producer: Benji Englander

Video Producer: Regina Anderson

Articles Discussed:

AP: Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during government shutdown

Punchbowl News: Thune skeptical of ‘rifle-shot’ bills

NBC News: Largest federal workers union calls for an end to the shutdown, putting pressure on Democrats

Punchbowl News: Washington begins to confront the funding unthinkable

Roll Call: Appropriations chairman bullish on full-year spending bills after shutdown

Boston Globe: Susan Collins has reached one of the most powerful positions in Washington. It could hardly come at a worse time.