Government shutdown talks show movement after 35 days

Let’s start by tempering expectations. There is no agreement or progress to end the government paralysis. Certainly no bipartisan pact on ObamaCare subsidies.

But the wheels are definitely turning for the first time in more than a month on Capitol Hill toward the end of the government shutdown.

Senate Republicans are working with some Democrats to amend the House-passed Band-Aid spending bill to fund the government. The new date would likely renew all funding through the end of January. But this is currently part of the negotiations.

This would be a simple expense bill, with nothing on health care or supplements.

MORE THAN A MONTH AFTER THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND NO END IN SIGHT – BUT FORECASTS GROW

With the voting matrix on the previous 14 test votes, Republicans would need 5 additional senators united with Democrats to vote yes in order to break a filibuster and get 60 votes. It could happen Thursday or later this week.

But what is the parliamentary elixir that pushes a group of Democrats to vote yes?

A specific date when they will process the ObamaCare subsidies? A deal on unfinished spending bills?

There is still no agreement to end the government paralysis. (J. Scott Applewhite, AP file/photo)

That’s the key. And that’s the only thing that will unlock this stopping Rubik’s Cube.

If the Senate approves it, the bill would then be sent back to the House. The House could potentially vote for the first time since September 19.

Presumably, the House would then align with the Senate.

It could happen this weekend.

THE STOP SEEN FROM THE PULPITUS: A STOP ON A WING AND A PRAYER

Fox learns that it is possible that some House Democrats will vote yes, which goes against the uncompromising wishes of Democratic leaders. Especially if there’s nothing in the ironclad legislation as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is calling for.

In short, some Democratic senators might actually antagonize House liberals. This is exactly what happened with the shutdown issue in March.

Additionally, Democrats could come away with very little upside to show for it – despite their resistance to the shutdown.

Some Democrats could walk away — going against leadership if there is nothing in the ironclad legislation, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is demanding. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

I can’t begin to emphasize the level of nervousness many Democrats — especially moderates — and some Republicans have about the shutdown.

There are serious concerns about SNAP benefits, aviation safety, damage to the economy, unemployed workers, people without wages.

Choose your poison.

SNAP, economic damage, aviation safety and more top a growing list of concerns as the shutdown continues. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Today was the first time since the start of the lockdown that the legislative wheels started to move – in 35 days.

But no one really knows how to unlock that cutoff box – short of a crisis.

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It’s a question of mathematics. Always. And they may not yet have the right combination to solve the riddle.