Sen Dem Sees "Glimmer of Hope" in Budget Negotiations

A top Senate Democrat indicated Wednesday morning that a deal could be reached with House Republicans ahead of a government shutdown Friday.

Democratic Policy Chair Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., told NBC's Today Show, "There is a glimmer of hope," and that may be the reason that a second meeting between members of Congress and the president has not yet been scheduled Wednesday.

"The talks proceeded with the House Republicans and Senate Democrats late last night," Schumer said. "Some progress was made, and the fact that the president hasn't yet called that meeting at the White House is an indication that maybe there's a chance to avoid this shutdown."

Additionally, a White House aide tells Fox there are "signs of progress" in budget talks, in an apparent attempt to give Hill leaders some space and work out a deal.

Senate Dems and House Republicans met with President Obama Tuesday, but issues like pulling funding for Planned Parenthood kept them at a deadlock. President Obama made a surprise visit to the White House press briefing after the meeting, telling reporters, "I want a meeting [Wednesday] here at the White House. I will invite the same folks that we invited [Tuesday]. And if that doesn't work we'll invite them again the day after that. And I will have my entire team available to work through the details of getting a deal."

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said at this time no meeting is scheduled, which means Washington could be closer to a deal. Or it just could mean it's tricky to get everyone's schedules lined up.