At the center of shutdown fight, healthcare is one of the most intractable issues in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats believe healthcare is an issue that resonates with a majority of Americans as they demand an extension of subsidies for their votes to reopen the shuttered U.S. government. But it is also one of the most intractable issues in Congress — and a real compromise is unlikely to be easy, or quick.

There are some Republicans in Congress who want to extend the higher subsidies, …