Charles Koch-Funded, Anti-Tax Groups Harden GOP Shutdown Stance

Influential conservative groups with deep pockets are pushing Republicans to demand steep concessions from Democrats in exchange for extending health care subsidies, a move that risks prolonging a US government shutdown now in its 20th day.

Activists on the right, including a powerful political advocacy group funded by billionaire Charles Koch, are running ads and holding meetings to pressure Republicans to stave off Democrats’ demands. If they must negotiate, some of the groups argue, Republicans should at least leverage any health care talks to score political wins on abortion and other priorities resisted by Democrats.

Their push comes as ...