What Susan Collins is saying about her negotiations to end the federal shutdown

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is discussing a compromise with colleagues that would involve the Republican-led Congress agreeing to talks around extending Affordable Care Act tax credits if the government shutdown ends.

The informal talks among Collins and other lawmakers whom her office declined to identify Tuesday come after Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked a Republican-backed plan to fund the government through Nov. 21. The senator’s office shared few details about the talks, and it is unclear whether enough Democrats will be moved by the idea.

The shutdown that affects Maine and its federal workers began Oct. The chief sticking point for Democrats has been that Republicans have refused to include in their bill an extension of the health insurance tax credits that ex