Bipartisan health care deal remains elusive in the Senate as parties dig in ahead of next week's vote

Washington — A bipartisan deal on health care remains elusive in the Senate with a key vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits set for next week.

"The conversations continue," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday. "I don't think at this point we have a clear path forward, I don't think the Democrats have a clear path forward — and they're the ones that are going to have to put forward their plan to get voted on next week."

A group of Senate Democrats last month secured a vote to address expiring Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits, which were at the heart of the government shutdown fight , as part of the deal to reopen the government . That vote is set to occur next week, when Democrats will have the opportunity to present the legislation of their choice.

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