Senate Majority Leader John Thune has laid out a new proposal in hopes of ending the prolonged government shutdown now stretching into its 38th day. Despite adding incentives such as full-year funding for veterans programs and food aid, the offer has yet to sway the Democrats, who are demanding more substantive negotiations on healthcare subsidies.

Thune’s plan involves replacing the House-passed stopgap bill with a new funding patch likely to last until January. “It’s what they asked for,” Thune remarked on Thursday. However, Democratic senators, fresh from significant election victories, appear unyielding. They are set to block the procedural vote scheduled for Friday, maintaining pressure on Republicans to present a more favorable deal.

Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, once considered a potential swing vote, confirmed her decision to vote against the proposal, criticizing Thune for his lack of genuine engagement. “Leader Thune isn’t doing himself any favors by not coming to the table,” she stated.

The Democratic caucus remains outwardly unified after a series of strategy meetings, though underlying tensions simmer between those eager to end the shutdown and a progressive faction adamant about not conceding without a deal on healthcare. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont vocally supports the latter group, emphasizing the need for Republicans to acknowledge the demand for affordable healthcare. "They've got to stand up, and they've got to fight," Sanders asserted.

Despite these divisions, some Democrats believe the progressive stance lacks a clear endgame, leading to prolonged suffering for those most affected by the shutdown. "In the meantime, it’s the families who can afford it the least that are increasingly getting walloped by the shutdown,” a Senate Democratic aide noted, reflecting a sentiment for urgency.

Progress has been made towards a three-bill package to fund certain federal agencies through September, with discussions also focusing on rehiring thousands of federal workers laid off during the shutdown. However, no new Republican offer on healthcare has emerged, and GOP leaders insist the government must reopen before such issues are addressed.

As the Senate adjourned on Thursday, uncertainty loomed over Friday's vote, with Thune unable to confirm the specifics of what would be proposed. The Senate will reconvene at noon, with the vote's timing still undecided. If the vote fails, the path forward remains unclear, with the possibility of extending Senate sessions over the weekend or breaking for the scheduled Veterans Day recess.

Senators like Chris Coons of Delaware remain hopeful for a resolution, expressing a desire to "find a way through this over the weekend." However, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota shared a less optimistic view, citing a lack of organized efforts that are yielding positive results.

As discussions continue, the fate of the shutdown and the millions affected hangs in balance, with both sides searching for a breakthrough amidst political standoffs and strategic calculations.