Shutdown Continues Amid ACA Subsidy Standoff

The shutdown entered its sixth day with roughly 750,000 federal employees furloughed and many federal services disrupted as negotiations remained stalled. Democrats have made extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits the core condition for supporting a short-term funding patch, crystallizing the central issue in the stalemate. President Trump briefly signaled openness to negotiating on the subsidies but later said the government must reopen first and that he would only discuss credits after Democrats back a GOP funding plan. Polls show broad public opposition — a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll found about 70% oppose the shutdown and many blame Republicans — and most Americans do not support keeping the government closed over the credits as Nov. 1 open enrollment and year-end subsidy expirations approach. Some Republicans had been considering extensions, but congressional leaders dispute whether serious talks are underway and approval ratings for Congress have fallen.