(The Center Square) – As the ongoing government shutdown enters its third week, Republican leaders are reminding Democrats that by blocking the House-passed funding bill, they are also delaying progress on the very health care policies that they claim are at stake.

Democratic senators have blocked Republicans’ clean Continuing Resolution seven times now. The bill would only extend government funding for the next seven weeks, buying time for lawmakers to finish the regular annual appropriations process.

But Democrats argue that any funding agreement should include health care policy riders to prevent the pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare Premium Tax Credits from expiring in December.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Democrats are essentially shooting themselves in the foot by p

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