As the government shutdown approaches a record-breaking duration, divisions within the Democratic Party have become increasingly visible. With the stalemate now entering its fifth week, the pressure is mounting on Democrats to find a resolution before the shutdown surpasses the 35-day record by Tuesday night.

Despite a unified front at the onset of the shutdown, a significant number of Democratic senators are now engaging in earnest discussions aimed at concluding the impasse. These talks are crucial as Senate Republicans, bolstered by their leadership, express confidence in passing a funding patch to reopen government agencies by week's end. However, achieving this requires swaying at least five additional Democratic votes.

The internal discord among Democrats centers on the negotiations' direction and the concessions they are willing to make. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a proactive participant in bipartisan discussions since the shutdown's inception, expressed optimism about reaching a resolution soon. "We’re having lots of active conversations," Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) echoed, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap.

However, the fatigue from the prolonged shutdown is palpable, impacting various sectors, including air travel and food aid. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the party's second-in-command, acknowledged the growing weariness and hinted at a cautiously optimistic outlook from his bipartisan discussions. Yet, he emphasized that significant issues, particularly concerning health care, remain unresolved.

The core of the Democratic resistance lies in the protection of the Affordable Care Act's insurance subsidies, set to expire at year's end. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump and Republican leaders for their inaction, especially as ACA enrollees face potential premium spikes. "It was a bitter, stressful weekend for millions of Americans," Schumer remarked, pointing out the administration's apparent disregard for the unfolding health care crisis.

Amid these complex negotiations, some Senate Democrats are attempting to persuade their House counterparts on a possible compromise to end the shutdown. However, many House Democrats remain steadfast, demanding a definitive legislative solution to extend the ACA subsidies, rather than settling for a mere promise of a Senate vote—a solution they fear may ultimately fail.

In the Senate, bipartisanship efforts continue as members like Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) actively participate in discussions that focus not only on temporary funding but also on long-term appropriations and health care provisions. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed hope of revising and passing a stopgap bill back to the House by the end of the week, despite existing divisions within his own party and the looming deadline pressures.

As the negotiations progress, the stakes remain high with the potential impacts of the shutdown reverberating across the country. The resolution hinges on the Democrats' ability to unify their approach and negotiate terms that adhere to their core legislative priorities, particularly concerning health care. With both sides feeling the urgency, the coming days are critical in determining whether the shutdown will end in compromise or continue into record-setting territory.

Calen Razor and Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.