What's the primary Democratic demand that led to the shutdown stalemate?

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Democrats insisted on extending enhanced ACA premium subsidies through 2026 in any continuing resolution. Republicans refused unless Democrats accepted deeper Medicaid work requirements. The standoff wasn't about total spending—both sides accepted similar top-line numbers. It was about WHO gets benefits. Democrats prioritized ACA marketplace enrollees (middle-class, disproportionately white-collar). Republicans wanted Medicaid cuts (lower-income, disproportionately Black and Latino). The shutdown exposed how party coalitions dictate budget priorities more than fiscal philosophy.

What's the primary Democratic demand that led to the shutdown stalemate?

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