Democrats Release Alternative to GOP Stopgap Funding Bill Amid Standoff

Democratic appropriations committee leaders released an alternative continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through Oct. 31. They say it is a short bridge to negotiate full-year spending while avoiding a lapse in services.  Their bill centers on two areas—health care and guardrails on executive spending. It would roll back health policy changes Democrats said will lead to coverage losses and higher costs, and it would make the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits permanent. Democrats say over 20 million people use those credits and warn premiums could rise if they expire. The proposal also extends a slate of near-term public-health and Medicare items through Oct. 31, including Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, the Special Diabetes Programs, and emergency-preparedness authorities....