The main policy battle behind the U.S. government shutdown that started this week is over renewing COVID-era subsidies that made Obamacare more affordable, with Republicans countering that Democrats want to provide taxpayer-funded health care to undocumented immigrants.

Adding complications are disputes about breaking legislative precedent and the diminished position of congressional party leaders in the era of President Donald Trump. With Trump warning of imminent mass layoffs of federal workers if the legislative stalemate continues, here are the main issues as the shutdown heads into its third day Friday:

Affordable Care Act subsidies

Democrats say they won’t help pass a seven-week extension of spending levels for government agencies unless at least some of their health care demands

See Full Page