Both U.S. senators from Oregon shared optimism that their Republican counterparts are moving toward ending the government shutdown.

On Oct. 13, the 13th day of the federal government shutdown , Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, defended Democrats' role in the shutdown that both sides have blamed the other for, saying Democrats are fighting for health care.

Specifically, Democrats want to permanently extend tax credits that make it cheaper for middle class Americans to buy private health insurance before open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Republicans say they will not discuss health policy as part of a bill to reopen the government and can deal with the subsidies before they expire Dec. 31.

Locals shared their experience on what the end of that tax credit would mean for their

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