The federal government shutdown enters its second week, with no clear resolution in sight. The House remains closed, and the Senate is deadlocked after a series of failed votes on a plan to reopen government operations. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening to mass fire federal workers and withhold back pay.

Health care dispute at the core

The deadlock centers on federal health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Congress temporarily increased these subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting enrollment to a record 24 million. Those enhanced payments are set to expire at the end of the year.

While Trump signaled willingness to discuss health care subsidies with Democrats, he insisted the government must reopen first. House Speaker Mike Johns

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