In the U.S., national security news can feel far away from daily life.

Distant wars, murky conflicts, diplomacy behind closed doors.

On our new show, Sources and Methods.

NPR reporters on the ground bring you stories of real people,

helping you understand why distant events matter here at home.

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Rylan Barton.

Vice President J.D. Vance is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown, saying they

want to provide free health care to unauthorized immigrants.

NPR's Mara Liason reports.

The two sides are still far apart as the shutdown heads closer to a second day.

Democrats say they won't vote to reopen the government unless the administration agrees

to extend Obamacare subsidies for low-income individuals.

Vice President Vance blames the Democrats.

If you look at the legislative text that they gave us,

they tried to turn on two separate provisions

that would give health care benefits to illegal aliens.

In fact, Obamacare subsidies or Medicaid or Medicare are only available

for those who do have legal status in the U.S.,

the exception is emergency rooms,

which treat everyone regardless of immigration status. Mara Liason, NPR News, the White House.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed. Others are expected to work without pay

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