Top Senate negotiators are privately warning that talks about a spending deal are way behind schedule.
Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) ā the top two Senate appropriators ā told colleagues they're worried spending talks have taken a back seat to reconciliation planning, sources tell us.
Talks between the House and Senate over a spending deal only recently began.
Why it matters: Without significant progress, the GOP trifecta will need another spending stopgap or a much-despised omnibus spending package.
The current spending deal expires on March 14.
Worst-case scenario: A shutdown when Republicans control the whole government.
The bottom line:The House and Senate need to bridge a $30-plus billion gap in their spending wishes. They aren't close.
