Bipartisan group of senators, organized by Collins, meet to seek deal

A bipartisan group of senators organized by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) met for two hours Monday morning, as talks intensify in the Senate over ways to end the government shutdown and lift the debt ceiling.

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

"We continue to discuss the parameters of an agreement," she said. "But there really is a focus on the leadership right now."