The federal government shutdown stretched into day 37 Thursday, marking the longest in U.S. history. Talks of a potential bipartisan agreement are emerging among some senators, though the path forward remains unclear.

Some Democrats are advocating for a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits to end the shutdown, while others want the credits permanently extended as part of a broader deal to reopen the government. Many Republicans have said they will not consider those proposals unless Democrats first agree to reopen federal agencies.

However, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Conn., one of the lawmakers involved in negotiations, told Scripps News he is optimistic that discussions are heading in the right direction.

"The off ramp is for the president to get involved and to say to [House

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