WASHINGTON —

Nearly a week into the government shutdown , gridlock in the Senate persists.

Dueling plans to fund the federal government once again failed on Monday evening. Ahead of those votes, President Donald Trump seemed to suggest that he would be open to a deal on health care tax credits that have been at the center of the shutdown fight.

"We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things,” Trump said. “I'm talking about good things with regard to health care.”

The president later clarified on social media that he is willing to discuss health policy after the government reopens, reiterating Republicans’ long-standing position.

Earlier Monday, Democratic leadership denied that they were in talks with the White House.

“Trump’s cla

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