It’s crunch time in the Senate as the clock ticks down to the government shutdown deadline, with no clear resolution in sight. However, Senate Republicans are pinning their hopes on a strategy that might force the Democrats into a corner. Another failed vote on the GOP-led Continuing Resolution (CR) scheduled for Friday could, they believe, push the Democrats toward desperation and acceptance of a compromise.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed a calculated patience, stating on Thursday that if the vote does not pass, it would give Democrats the weekend to reconsider their position before another vote on Monday. Thune, indicating a potential openness to dialogue, mentioned that he had briefly spoken to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer since Monday and would consider further discussions depending on the outcomes of Friday's vote.

As tension mounts, Senate Democrats are set to convene for a caucus lunch to strategize just hours before the critical afternoon vote. This meeting could be pivotal in determining if there’s any wiggle room for negotiations or if they will stand firm against the GOP proposal.

Adding to the complexity of the negotiations is Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who has emerged as a key figure in these discussions. A seasoned appropriator and advocate for enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, Shaheen’s pragmatic approach to bipartisan talks might offer a glimmer of hope. Her past support for a Republican stopgap measure in March, along with her nuanced stance on current issues, positions her as a central player in the ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) voiced optimism about the Democrats yielding under pressure, which he believes would provide more time to forge a post-shutdown healthcare agreement. He warned, however, that prolonging the shutdown could drastically narrow the window for a constructive dialogue on healthcare reforms.

Amidst these negotiations, the GOP is also dealing with internal fallout over recent FDA actions. The approval of a new generic abortion pill has sparked intense criticism from conservative lawmakers, with Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Representatives Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) strongly opposing the decision. This controversy adds another layer of urgency and complexity to the discussions within Congress as they attempt to navigate through these tumultuous waters.

As the Senate gears up for another critical vote, all eyes are on the potential shifts in strategy and alliances that could either lead to a resolution or deepen the crisis. With strategic maneuvers on both sides of the aisle, the outcome of this shutdown showdown remains uncertain.