Summary
Senate Democrats are asking for health care subsidies to be extended to help end the U.S. government shutdown. Some Republicans support extending these subsidies, but many want to make changes or reduce them. The ongoing disagreement involves President Trump and Congress, and has led to federal workers not getting paid.
Key Facts
- The Senate is holding a meeting to discuss the government shutdown and health care subsidies.
- Democrats want to extend subsidies for health insurance plans to reopen the U.S. government.
- Some Republicans agree on extending subsidies, but want reforms; others oppose them.
- Higher subsidies started in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce insurance costs.
- 24 million people are enrolled in healthcare plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), partly due to subsidies.
- President Trump and some Republicans view ending the shutdown as a priority before discussing subsidies.
- Talks are ongoing, but no compromise has been reached as the shutdown continues past a week.
