Republicans and Democrats battle over Obamacare subsidies amid shutdown

Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on what to do about Obamacare, with how to handle expiring subsidies being the main sticking point in talks to re-open the federal government. 

Back when former President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law in 2010, he promised it would “lower costs for families and for businesses and for the federal government, reducing our deficit by over $1T in the next two decades.” 

But, Republicans argue Obamacare has done the opposite, with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., telling FOX Business, “Look at how much this is all costing us. Obamacare was sold on a lie. The costs have skyrocketed.” 

FLASHBACK: TED CRUZ PREDICTS BALLOONING OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES NOW AT CENTER OF SHUTDOWN FIGHT

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds extending the expiring premiums would increase the deficit by roughly $350B through 2035, while the Washington Post reports that average Obamacare premiums are set to rise 30% next year. 

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It all comes as Republicans say they’re willing to negotiate the subsidies once the government reopens, but Senate Democrats are dug in.