Influential conservative groups with deep pockets are pushing Republicans to demand steep concessions from Democrats in exchange for extending health care subsidies, a move that risks prolonging a U.S. government shutdown now in its 20th day.

Activists on the right, including the billionaire Koch family’s political arm, are running ads and holding meetings to pressure Republicans to stave off Democrats’ demands. If they must negotiate, these groups argue, Republicans should at least leverage any health care talks to score political wins on abortion and other priorities resisted by Democrats.

Their push comes as congressional Republicans are divided over how to handle the expiring Obamacare premium subsidies at the center of the shutdown fight. Democrats have insisted they will not reopen

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