At the center of shutdown fight, health care is one of the most intractable issues in Congress

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Democrats demand health care subsidy extensions to reopen the shuttered government as millions face premium increases starting in 2026.

Republicans are split between extending pandemic-era ACA subsidies and using the shutdown fight to roll back Obamacare entirely.

With 24 million enrolled in ACA plans, both parties face pressure from constituents who could see doubled premiums.

WASHINGTON — Democrats believe health care is an issue that resonates with a majority of Americans as they demand an extension of subsidies for their votes to reopen the shuttered U.S. government. But it is also one of the most intractable issues in Congress — and a real compromise is unlikely to be easy,