On day 11 of the government shutdown, Washington has been mysteriously quiet—perhaps because they are finally entertaining plans of bringing it to an end.

Obama met with Republican Senators Friday morning. (republicanconference, Creative Commons)

A glimmer of hope came Thursday when House Republicans presented a plan proposing an extension of the debt ceiling until November 22nd, in exchange for a commitment from President Obama to engage in negotiations to lower the deficit.

SEE ALSO: House GOP Unveils Short-Term Debt Ceiling Extension

Obama met with a group of about 20 House GOP leaders to discuss the plan Thursday afternoon, The Washington Post reports. While the meeting was described as "good," an agreement was not reached.

"After a discussion about potential paths forward, no specific determination was made," the White House told reporters. "The President looks forward to making continued progress with members on both sides of the aisle."

Friday morning, however, talks continued and seem to be moving in a productive direction.

According to NBC News, Obama met with Republican Senators at the White House, while administrative staff worked with House GOP to work on an angreement.

While talks are still very much at a preliminary stage, sparring between opposing party leaders over who is to blame for the halt has been at a minimum over the past few days.

SEE ALSO: Obama To GOP: 'Your Ideological Crusade Is Hurting America'

As NBC points out:

"That few political leaders were speaking publicly could be taken as a sign that negotiations are reaching an especially serious stage."

Reach Executive Producer Francesca Bessey here; follow her here.