In brief
As the U.S. government remains closed for the seventh day, Democrats are advocating for health care subsidies as leverage for reopening while Republicans are divided on the future of the Affordable Care Act. Some GOP lawmakers show willingness to negotiate extensions, while others remain staunchly against them, leading to a complicated legislative standoff.
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the U.S. government shutdown continues, healthcare emerges as a central issue, with Democrats demanding an extension of health care subsidies as a condition for their votes to reopen the government. The situation is exacerbated by rising insurance premiums affecting millions dependent on the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
