Article snippet: Negotiations to avert a partial government shutdown are off to a painfully slow start. The gang of 17 lawmakers tasked with navigating the political minefield to any potential deal met for the first time this week, in a 77-minute meeting described by lawmakers as “friendly” and filled with “goodwill.” But there are a few signs a deal will be forthcoming as Congress heads into week two of the tight three-week time frame. Further complicating the talks is a back-and-forth between Speaker MORE, who is doubling down on his threat of declaring a national emergency to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Sen. MORE (R-Ala.), a member of the conference committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, said lawmakers still need to get down to “serious business” if they are going to get an agreement. Asked what “measurable progress” had been made since Congress passed the continuing resolution on Jan. 25, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history, Shelby paused. “Measurable?” he asked. “I don’t think you can measure it yet. I think it’s too early. At least we had the first meeting. We talked. It was benign. ... We’ve got to get serious and substantive.” Sen. MORE (D-Ill.), another member of the conference committee, said he that he was “realistic” about the funding negotiations, which he hoped would move past the “earliest stage” so lawmakers could begin debating funding offers. After the televised meeting on Wednesday, lawmakers say negotiations have been kicked... Link to the full article to read more