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.