Lawmakers budge, ushering in government shutdown's potential 'end of the beginning'

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." – Winston ChurchillIt’s not an agreement. Just a plan.But the political ice which has frozen lawmakers and closed the government for 37 days is softening.Just barely.THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO WHERE WE STAND WITH A POTENTIAL BREAK IN THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN"There seems to be some indication of a thaw," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.Let’s face it:Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are skittish about the shutdown. They’re agonizing about aviation. There’s increasing worry