As the government shutdown aims to drag into a third week next week, both sides appear to be patiently waiting for the other to cave unless a deal can be reached.
Democratic Congresswoman Julie Johnson says they want to see Obamacare subsidies extended so premiums don't skyrocket in a few months.
"My phone has been ringing off the hook by our constituents," Congresswoman Johnson said. "Their healthcare is critically important and people are very concerned that they're going to lose it."
She says it affects over 100,000 people in her district alone.
"Texas is the largest state of folks that participate in the Affordable Care Act because we never expanded Medicaid," Congresswoman Johnson said. "So, it's the lifeline for so many people to have access to health insurance."
Republicans are willing to discuss the subsidies but they do not want the conversation to be used as a negotiating tactic over reopening the government.
The House passed a continuing resolution without extensions that the Senate has yet to get through.