The US federal government has now been partially shut for 38 days, the longest in its history. Thousands of federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay, and key programs have been delayed.
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have proposed a plan, to reopen the government temporarily if Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are extended for one year. These credits help millions of Americans afford health insurance.
Republicans have rejected the offer, insisting that the government must reopen before any policy changes are considered. They argue Democrats are trying to attach healthcare changes to a short-term funding bill.
The standoff leaves millions of Americans and federal operations in uncertainty, as both parties continue negotiations over how and when to end the shutdown.
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