Senate Republicans and Democrats said Jan. 4 talks to raise budget caps and avert a government shutdown remain productive and ongoing, but cautioned that the road to a final compromise remains long. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said during a weekly press briefing that congressional leaders had a "good meeting" yesterday with Democrats and White House officials, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) described the talks as "positive and productive." "Nobody wants to shut the government down on...