Author: By Jordain Carney

Voting on any alternative to Democrats’ Obamacare extension is likely to highlight the divisions in the GOP.

The president injected more uncertainty last week, saying he doesn’t want to extend key insurance subsidies but understands it might be necessary.

There are no signs that informal bipartisan talks are anywhere close to ending what is now the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history.

“I’m not optimistic that we have the numbers at this stage of the game,” said a lawmaker involved in talks to reopen government.

The relationship between Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who have known each other for decades, has grown tense.

The government is set to shut down on Sept. 30.