Democrats believe health care is an issue that resonates with a majority of Americans as they demand an extension of subsidies in exchange for their votes to reopen the shuttered U.S. government. But it's also one of the most intractable issues in Congress and a real compromise is unlikely to be easy. There are some Republicans who want to extend the higher subsidies, which were first put in place in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many GOP lawmakers are firmly opposed to any extension. With both sides digging in, the shutdown could go on for some time and leave federal workers without their regular paychecks. And the White House is now suggesting that they may block back pay if the government reopens.

Conservative lawmakers are heading to the White House to discuss President Donald Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts bill. Many are criticizing the legislation as straying from the party's fiscal goals. But Trump and House Republican leaders are determined to get it over the finish line and say the time for changes is over. House Republican leaders want a Wednesday vote on Trump's bill, just one day after it cleared the Senate. The bill would extend and make permanent various individual and business tax breaks Republicans passed in Trump's first term, plus temporarily add new tax breaks, such as no income taxes on tips and overtime.

Conservatives have blocked President Donald Trump's big tax breaks and spending cuts bill. House Republicans failed Friday to push it out of the Budget Committee. Four GOP conservatives initially voted against it, demanding further cuts to Medicaid and green energy tax breaks. A fifth switched his vote in a procedural step so it could be reconsidered later and says he's confident they'll "get this done." Tallying a whopping 1,116 pages, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is teetering at a critical moment. At the same time, lawmakers from high-tax states including New York are demanding a deeper local tax deduction. Democrats call the package "bad economics." The Budget Committee plans to try again Sunday.

House Republicans have narrowly approved their budget framework. The 216-214 tally was a turnaround for Speaker Mike Johnson after abruptly postponing Wednesday's vote. Johnson worked into the night to satisfy conservative lawmakers who refused to support the plan. He and Senate Majority Leader John Thune assured conservatives they were on track seeking at least $1.5 trillion in cuts. President Donald Trump had admonished the holdouts to "stop grandstanding." The bill is central to President Donald Trump's agenda of tax breaks, spending cuts and mass deportations. There are still more votes ahead as lawmakers draft a final package in the weeks to come.

Republican Mike Johnson has barely won reelection to the House speakership on dramatic first-round voting. He pushed past GOP holdout and got a boost from President-elect Donald Trump. Upon taking the gavel, Johnson vowed to slash the size and scope of the federal government. It all brought an ominous start to the new Congress. Johnson's weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival as speaker but Trump's ambitious agenda. Tax cuts and mass deportations are all at stake as Republicans sweep to power in Washington. A flop by Johnson could have thrown Monday's congressional certification of Trump's 2024 election victory into turmoil without a House speaker.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans vaulted Rep. Elise Stefanik into the ranks of House leadership Friday, electing an ardent Donald Trump defender …