WASHINGTON (WCAX) - The clock continues to tick on the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. After 37 days, people in our region continue to feel the impact of the shutdown, from food stamps to heating to fuel benefits, and now on the airline industry.

So how close are lawmakers to a deal?

Many of you have asked why Democrats won’t sign onto a continuing resolution known as a “clean CR,” which is a temporary funding bill to keep the government operating.

But some in the Democratic caucus, including Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, fear agreeing to any short-term deal means they will lose leverage in their fight over health care subsidies.

“For the first time that anyone can remember, Republicans have said it is our way or the highway,” said Sanders, I-Vermont.

“Republic

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