Collins Sees 'Progress' in Shutdown, Debt Ceiling Talks

Now back to the meeting rooms!

A bipartisan group of senators organized by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) met for two hours Monday morning, as talks intensified over ways to end the government shutdown and lift the debt ceiling three days before a deadline that could trigger a U.S. default.

After briefing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Monday morning, Collins said the group was making progress — but added that the focus must remain on discussions that are underway between McConnell and Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.).